Honor Magic V6 Review: Small changes, big impact

Jonathan Morris

Honor Magic V6

£1999.99 (before discounts)
Honor Magic V6
9.5

Features

 9.6/10

Performance

 9.8/10

Camera

 8.9/10

Value

 9.5/10

Pros

  • Even more durable than the V5
  • Battery life takes phone to another level for all-day confidence, regardless of use and abuse
  • Exceptional purchase offers and peace-of-mind with screen replacement insurance
  • Can be rapid charged from modern USB-PD compliant chargers, not just Honor SuperCharge adapters

Cons

  • Bundled protective case only fits to rear half of the phone (get a third-party one)
  • Camera mostly unchanged from Magic V5

With Apple entering the foldable scene, everyone is talking about them again. Honor’s current flagship folder, the Magic V6, costs almost half as much by comparison – but does that make it a worthy buy?

Introduction

A close-up of a person's hand holding a red smartphone with a circular camera module and the brand name 'HONOR' on the back, set against a green grass background.

While many people don’t switch from Android to iOS and back meaning the Duo isn’t really going to impact the world of Android based foldables, the Magic V6 released earlier this year is significantly cheaper than Apple’s new iPhone Duo, as well as the latest line-up from Samsung.

If you are happy to swing both ways (that’s Android and iOS for clarification), does the Magic V6 still make sense?

This isn’t a full review. You can see my review of the Magic V5 which is very similar in many ways, as well as my Magic V6 hands-on from the start of this year which shows the key changes on the new model.

As a quick summary; the Magic V6 comes with a bigger outer display, smaller form-factor, (current) flagship SoC, a bigger battery (6,660mAh) and 80W wired charging and 66W wireless charging. The hinge mechanism is also strengthened.

Are these changes enough to warrant an upgrade from the V5?

Of course not, but the larger battery will certainly be a valid reason to consider an upgrade from an older model like the V3 or V2 models.

Plus, if you’re not yet the owner of a foldable at all, the V6 is probably sufficiently superior to the V5 to make it worthwhile purchasing over the slightly older model – especially with a series of offers and discounts that can bring down the retail price by £700 or more.

A close-up of a person's hand holding two smartphones side by side, showing their slim profiles and ports, set against a green background.

Design & Build

So, as stated above, the changes over the Magic V5 aren’t huge, and the size and weight is almost identical. The V5 wasn’t thick, but the V6 has become thinner still (the thinnest model being the white model). The weight is slightly up, but there’s a stronger hinge and the display has a less visible crease.

At the back, a slightly different design within the camera array is about the only way you’ll notice the difference with earlier models.

The display has a smaller bezel that allows the screen size to increase from 6.43-inches to 6.52-inches. There’s a slight increase in screen resolution too, and the outer screen peaks at 5,000 nits of brightness.

A sleek red smartphone lying flat on a polka-dotted surface, with a round black wireless charger placed on top.

I was not in a position to test the V6, or any other foldable, to destruction but the days of handling them with kid gloves is long over, and the feel of the V6 and even the V5 and V3 before it, makes you feel safe to use as a normal phone. Using the supplied protective cover is a must in my view, or indeed a third-party case that protects the front display too, but as long as you’re not attempting to use the phone at the beach (fine grains of sand caught on the inner-display when folded is not likely to end well) there are almost no other scenarios where I’d feel uncomfortable using it.

Indeed as somewhat of a convert to foldables in the last few years, having initially felt they were too fragile to use daily, I had no issues with the phone at all. This included being taken up mountains in Switzerland, using on a sun lounger near a lake, and being used to take photos in all weathers.

A stylish smartphone with a red textured back and a large black screen, placed on green grass.

I’ve also had the misfortune of dropping the phone without the phone even picking up a dent (but, remember the case folks) and none of the Magic V-series devices I’ve reviewed have ever had any issues with either the inner or outer displays. Should I consider myself lucky? Well, no, as I honestly don’t think there’s any reason to fear – but should the worst happen, Honor is offering a free screen replacement for 24 months.

That’s really, really good. Honor is no doubt doing this because it doesn’t anticipate lots of problems, but it gives you that peace of mind that’s so essential when dropping a lot of money on a phone.

Close-up of a smartphone camera module with multiple lenses, displayed on a textured red surface.

Camera

The camera setup is mostly unchanged (so, read the Magic V5 review for more information), but with the new phone comes a newer chipset that speeds up operation and, yes, Honor is offering to enhance photos using AI. It can be turned off, but when enabled you can take photos at up to 100x zoom which can appear full of detail – even if some of that detail is generative and not exactly as seen.

There is always going to be a lot of controversy about the use of AI in photography, and if you’re totally against it then disable it, but for most people who want to share photos with friends and family, or posting on social media, is it really a big deal? The jury isn’t going to come to a verdict any time soon, but while I prefer not to use AI in my professional work – I have less concern about letting it tidy up my day-to-day photos.

The photos posted below have been taken with AI enhancement enabled, as well as HDR mode.

Camera samples

View the Google Photos Open Gallery
This gallery will be constantly updated over time with my own content – plus yours if you wish to contribute!

You can add your own Honor Magic V6 photos and video to share with everyone!

A calico cat walking on a cobblestone path, with a mix of orange, black, and white fur.
A group of five performers playing drums on stage, with vibrant visual lights in the background and an audience in the foreground capturing the performance on their phones.
A dimly lit art installation featuring several tall sculptures casting long shadows against a concrete wall.
Two sun loungers with a canopy set on a grassy slope, in front of a chalet with flower baskets and beverage barrels.
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by steep cliffs and mountainous terrain, featuring clear blue water and lush greenery, with people relaxing on the shore.
A small abstract sculpture displayed in a glass case on a white pedestal, illuminated in a dark room with textured metal walls.
A panoramic view of a rural landscape featuring rolling hills, fields, and a farm surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A quaint church illuminated at night, surrounded by trees and mountains under a dark blue sky.
A scenic view of a river flowing between wooden houses, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
People exploring a stony shoreline by a turquoise lake, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and lush greenery.
View of a mountain landscape at dusk, with a ski lift structure in the foreground and parked cars in a lot.
View of the River Thames featuring the Shard skyscraper and Southwark Bridge, with modern buildings and construction cranes in the background.
Two young men sitting in a train compartment, looking out a large window at a scenic view of a lake and mountains.
Scenic view of a mountain village with wooden houses amidst lush greenery and towering mountains in the background.
View of the Shard and surrounding buildings along the River Thames in London, under a cloudy evening sky.
View of the River Thames with The Shard skyscraper in the background, flanked by modern buildings and construction cranes, under a partly cloudy sky.
A view of St. Paul's Cathedral from a street, surrounded by modern and historic buildings, with pedestrians walking and traffic lights in the foreground.
A serene lake landscape featuring two boats on calm water, surrounded by mountains and vibrant greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
A busy bar scene at an event, featuring a bartender preparing drinks, various bottles and cans on display, and guests enjoying the atmosphere.
A bowl of yogurt topped with blueberries and granola, accompanied by a mug of coffee, placed on a table with a view of greenery.
A paraglider soaring above majestic mountains with lush forests in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a hillside village with traditional Swiss wooden chalets, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, with a stone tower in the background.
View of the River Thames with multiple boats, including a small vessel named Triton, and the iconic Tower Bridge in the background.
A charming wooden chalet-style hotel illuminated at night, featuring balconies and greenery in front.
View of the River Thames with several boats in the foreground, featuring Tower Bridge illuminated in the background against a cloudy sky.
A vibrant wall display featuring smartphones and rectangular shapes in various shades of pink and purple, showcasing silhouettes on screens against a pink background.
A paraglider soaring above a rugged mountain landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A vintage wooden television set displaying an animated scene featuring a girl in a yellow dress, with the text 'Everyone is gone' visible on the screen. The TV is positioned on a white pedestal against a floral wallpaper backdrop.
A directional signpost displaying various hiking routes and estimated times to different destinations in the mountains, alongside a board of outdoor guidelines.
A view of The Shard towering over modern buildings along the River Thames, with a mix of glass and brick architecture under a cloudy sky.
A blue small electric car parked in a driveway, showing its rear with a circular '20' sticker on the back, alongside a garage door and greenery.
A view of St Paul's Cathedral with its iconic dome, partially surrounded by historical and modern buildings under a cloudy sky.
A tall, slender bronze sculpture of a human figure with outstretched arms, set against a dimly lit background.
Scenic view of a lush green valley with mountains in the background, dotted with traditional wooden houses under a clear blue sky.
A person sitting on a bench in a picturesque street with historical buildings and a no parking sign, under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque chalet at dusk, surrounded by mountains and trees, with warm lights illuminating the entrance and a ski lift in the background.
A vibrant street scene with shops and outdoor seating, featuring people walking, a delivery van, and colourful flower displays along the buildings.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape featuring pine trees, grassy slopes, and a ski lift ascending the hill, with a small wooden cabin nestled among the trees.
A railway view showing multiple tracks, signals, and a train approaching in a mountainous area, with overcast weather and construction barriers present.
Three bronze sculptures of elongated human figures displayed on a light surface against a textured concrete wall.
A singer performing on stage in front of a visually dynamic backdrop of swirling lights and patterns, with an audience capturing the moment on their phones.
A view of a cable car station in Wengen, Switzerland, with a cable car approaching, surrounded by mountains and greenery.
A vibrant event setup featuring a bar area with staff preparing drinks, illuminated by dramatic lighting. In the background, a large screen displays the words 'Sydney Unwrapped Night' alongside a cityscape.
Scenic view of a mountain backdrop with a quaint wooden house and lush greenery in the foreground, set along a quiet road.
View of the River Thames with a boat passing, featuring Tower Bridge in the background and The Shard skyscraper on the right, under a partly cloudy sky.
Sunset view over a marina filled with boats, with a historical building and trees in the background.
A view of the River Thames in London, featuring modern skyscrapers, a bridge, and boats on the water under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of a Tower Bridge tower with pointed roof and ornate details against a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a tranquil turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. Two people stand at the water's edge, while others swim in the distance. The shoreline is rocky, with a few people relaxing on the ground.
A train station platform with a modern train at rest, surrounded by mountainous scenery under a clear blue sky.
View of modern skyscrapers alongside the River Thames, featuring the Millennium Bridge in the foreground and a cloudy sky.
Interior view of the Tate Modern art museum in London, showcasing a spacious hall with high ceilings, large windows, and visitors exploring the area.
An artistic installation of various wooden speaker boxes arranged in a layered formation, with visible speaker grilles and some illuminated elements, set against a concrete wall backdrop.
A view of Tower Bridge illuminated at dusk, with a boat docked by the riverside and modern buildings along the Thames River.
Close-up of a red smartphone with a textured back, showcasing the brand name 'HONOR' and its camera lens, resting on a polka dot surface.

Final Verdict

This isn’t my normal level of in-depth review because I don’t feel it’s necessary when the changes over the Magic V5 are relatively slight.

For manufacturers like Honor and Samsung, the foldables market has now matured to the point where the changes year-on-year are relatively slight. It’s to be expected at this phone. Apple is of course beginning its adventure in the world of foldables, and will likely make a number of changes next year or the year after to learn from the passport-sized form factor, and to see what software features work and don’t work.

I would expect some of the features from the Apple Duo (such as the transition effect that lit up social media, even though when you open the phone up you really don’t look at the screen when doing so) will move to Android – and the Magic V6 and earlier models will get them in future updates – and it’s also quite likely that Honor will release its own passport-shaped foldable, perhaps as early as the start of next year.

The newer Qualcomm chipset in the V6 is fast, but it was equally performant on the V5 with last year’s chip. If you’ll be doing image and video editing on device, every speed gain is a benefit but for most people we’ve long hit the limit of what is needed for a buttery-smooth user experience.

A close-up view of a smartphone case in red leather, featuring a gold ring holder attached to the back, with the camera lens partially visible.

With the next-gen chipset switching to a 2nm process there could be a sizeable jump in performance with the Magic V7, but you will not find this phone slow or sluggish at any point. It functions perfectly well used open or shut, doesn’t require reboots to restore performance that degrades over time, and the biggest benefit that you can notice is the improved battery life.

The Magic V3 and V5 were all-day phones, but the Magic V6 makes it even more usable for a busy day and gives you an even greater margin for those exceptional days, like when you have a lot of work to get done or, more likely, you want to consume more media or take photos and video.

When it comes to recharging, the phone has full support for USB-PD (Power Delivery) so you don’t need to purchase a dedicated Honor or Huawei SuperCharge adapter (both will work, of course, if you already own some). As long as the third-party power adapter is compliant with industry standards, you can get the full 80W from multiple alternative chargers, including large power banks or portable power stations from reputable brands like INUI, Anker and Ugreen.

With 16GB of RAM and ample 512GB of storage, the chip shortage issues did bring a price increase but, thankfully, not a cut back in specification over the outgoing model.

Screenshot showing the 'About phone' section for JOMO Magic V6, highlighting specifications such as MagicOS 11, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 6660 mAh battery, and display resolutions.

At the time of writing this review, Honor begun rolling out MagicOS 11 (based on Android 17) and some of the new features include:

  • Upgraded Liquid Glass design
  • New Transparency Mode
  • Fluid light effects
  • Music lock screen
  • Faster app-launch speed and page transition responsiveness
  • Gallery interface refresh (including pin albums to top, photo grouping, and multiple grid-views)
  • Notification and Control Centre upgrades (store history of notifications, freely adjust size of tiles etc)
  • Automatically pick best Wi-Fi in areas with multiple hotspots
  • Support for two pairs of Bluetooth earphones at once
  • Capture live photos during video recording without interrupting recording
  • MagicRing Control Centre now Honor Connect device centre with new features, including connecting a Mac to phone hotspot with a single tap

Honor Magic V6 & Magic V5 Key Specifications

Honor Magic V6Honor Magic V5
Size/WeightUnfolded: 156.7 x 145.6 x 4.0mm (white) or 4.1mm (black, gold, red)
Folded: 156.7 x 74.5 x 8.7mm (white) or 9.0mm (black, gold, red)
219g (white) or 224g (black, gold, red)		Unfolded: 156.8 x 145.9 x 4.1mm (white) or 4.2mm (other colours)
Folded: 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.8mm (white) or 9.0mm (other colour)
217-222g (white + other colours)
Screen Outer display:
6.52-inch AMOLED (1-120Hz)
10-Bit colour (1.07bn colours) with 5000 nits peak brightness
1080 x 2420 pixels
Circadian Night Display Technology with 4320Hz PWM Dimming

Inner display:
7.95-inch AMOLED (1-120Hz)
10-Bit colour (1.07bn colours) with 5000 nits peak brightness
2172×2352 pixels
Circadian Night Display Technology with 4320Hz PWM Dimming		Outer display:
6.43-inch AMOLED (1-120Hz)
10-Bit colour (1.07bn colours) with 5000 nits peak brightness
1060 x 2376 pixels
Circadian Night Display Technology with 4320Hz PWM Dimming

Inner display:
7.95-inch AMOLED (1-120Hz)
10-Bit colour (1.07bn colours) with 5000 nits peak brightness
2172×2353 pixels
Circadian Night Display Technology with 4320Hz PWM Dimming
AudioStereo SoundStereo Sound
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
RAM16GB (+ Honor RAM Turbo)16GB (+ Honor RAM Turbo)
Storage512GB512GB
Camera (selfie)20MP for each screen20MP for each screen
Camera (rear)Primary: 50-megapixel f/1.6 PDAF+OIS
Ultra-wide: 50-megapixel f/2.2 AF
Telephoto: 64-megapixel periscope camera (3x optical) f/2.5
4K Video recording Max 60fps
CIPA 6.5-stop Image Stabilisation		Primary: 50-megapixel f/1.6 PDAF+OIS
Ultra-wide: 50-megapixel f/2.0 AF
Telephoto: 64-megapixel periscope camera (3x optical) f/2.5
4K Video recording Max 60fps
ConnectivityTri-band Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Bluetooth 6.0
5G NR (SA & NSA) Sub 6
4G+ with VoLTE, ViLTE and VoWiFi
NFC
USB-C 3.1, USB On-the-Go & DisplayPort 1.2
RF Enhanced Chip (HONOR C1+)		Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Bluetooth 6.0
5G NR (SA & NSA) Sub 6
4G+ with VoLTE, ViLTE and VoWiFi
NFC
USB-C 3.1, USB On-the-Go & DisplayPort 1.2
RF Enhanced Chip (HONOR C1+)
Battery6,660mAh
80W fast-charging (SuperCharge protocol) wired [Not included with the device as standard, but may be included as part of a bundle offer]
66W wireless-charging with suitably compatible Huawei/Honor wireless charger, otherwise standard Qi speeds apply
USB-PD Support		5,820mAh
66W fast-charging (SuperCharge protocol) wired [Not included with the device as standard, but may be included as part of a bundle offer]
50W wireless-charging with suitably compatible Huawei/Honor wireless charger, otherwise standard Qi speeds apply
USB-PD Support
OtherMagic OS 10 (Android 16) from new with seven years of OS and security updates
Fingerprint sensor on power button + face unlock
Factory fitted screen protectors
Dual SIM (Dual Standby) + eSIM		MagicOS 9 (Android 15) from new with seven years of OS and security updates
Fingerprint sensor on power button + face unlock
Factory fitted screen protectors
Dual SIM (Dual Standby) + eSIM
A red HONOR smartphone with a circular camera module is placed on green grass.

Honor Magic V6 Pricing and Availability

Promotional image for the HONOR Magic V6 5G smartphone, showcasing its design against an autumn landscape. Price displayed is £1299.99, featuring offers like a £500 early bird voucher and trade-in discounts.

At the time of publishing, the Honor Magic V6 can be purchased for £1299.99, complete with two years of screen protection (one repair), and a bundle of free gifts (which vary, so check online to see what’s available right now). To get the discount off the SRP of £1999.99 you will need to redeem a voucher and also trade-in another phone.

Colours available: Gold, Red, White & Black.

Further information can be found on the Honor Store.

More information

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