Samsung's next-generation Galaxy Z Fold is expected to be unveiled before the end of this month. Going by previous reports and leaks, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will bring minor improvements. Apart from a new chip and improved hinge, it might not bring any other significant improvements. On the other hand, Honor has brought an impressive list of features with its new foldable phone, showing Samsung how to make a foldable phone in terms of hardware specifications.
Honor Magic V2 decimates Galaxy Z Fold 5 in specifications
The Honor Magic V2 was announced (via @IceUniverse) in China today. It uses the same higher-clocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that was exclusive to Samsung for the first half of the year. Even the base version of the Magic V2 has 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the higher-end version has 16GB and 512GB storage. The 256GB version is priced at CNY 8,999 (around $1,251), while the 512GB version costs CNY 9,999 (around $1,390).
It has a 6.43-inch OLED screen with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and up to 2,500 nits of peak brightness. On the inside, it has a 7.92-inch foldable OLED screen with a 2,156 x 2,344 pixels resolution, a 120Hz variable refresh rate, HDR10, and 1,600 nits peak brightness. The outer screen is not as narrow as Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold phones, so it will be better for typing. The inner screen has an almost invisible crease. Both screens also support an active stylus, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which only works with the S Pen on its inner screen.
The phone has a titanium alloy hinge and a magnesium alloy frame. It is exceptionally light and thin as well, weighing just 231g and measuring 9.9mm thin when folded. It is substantially lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and even lighter than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, it lacks the IPX8 rating that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 have. So, water resistance is still a no-go.
The Honor Magic V2 has a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera with OIS, and a 20MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS. All the rear cameras can record 4K 60fps videos, while the 16MP front-facing camera can go up to 4K 30fps videos. Other features include stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, dual-band GPS, IR port, and USB 3.2 Type-C port.
It has a side-mounted fingerprint reader, a 5,000mAh battery, 66W fast charging, wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. Overall, the Honor Magic V2 has brighter screens, a less visible crease, better camera sensors, more RAM and storage, a bigger battery, and faster charging than the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 5 specifications. It is even cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (expected pricing). The only area where Samsung wins is software design, experience, and support.
Samsung needs to wake up and take notice
Samsung needs to buck up and improve its hardware by a huge margin if it wants to be clearly ahead of Chinese competitors like Honor, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi in the foldable phone segment. It has been the number one foldable phone brand and has had a massive head start in the segment, but it can't rest on its laurels anymore.
