HONOR Magic V3 is the thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone with a superb triple rear camera

Earlier this year, we reviewed the HONOR Magic V2 foldable smartphone. We first spotted it on our good friend, Bobby Tonelli’s Instagram, where he spoke about how thin it was. In our review, we were impressed by its camera system, and particularly loved the black PU leather finish it came in. It’s no surprises then, that its successor, the Magic V3 has improved on all of its strengths — what’s surprising is how soon after the V2, this new version has launched.

While the HONOR Magic V2 was just 9.9mm thin when folded, the Magic V3 is incredibly even slimmer, at 9.2mm folded, and 4.35mm opened. It holds the title of the world’s thinnest foldable phone; but apart from being thin, how does its performance and camera system fare? Before we get into that, let’s take a look at the device:

Above: The HONOR Magic V3 in Silk Brown.

Above: The super thin HONOR Magic V3, which has a super steel hinge that is not just slim, but durable.

There’s no doubt the phone itself is gorgeous. The design is sleek, luxurious, and eye-catching. The Silk Brown, in particular, looks expensive with its leather-like finish, while the other colours of Mossy Green and Classic Black that the phone comes in, are equally classy in style.

Compared to its predecessor, the HONOR Magic V3 has several notable upgrades, including enhanced AI features powered by Google Cloud. Functions such as an AI Eraser for photos, and Face to Face Translation make this device a truly practical workhorse; plus add on an Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, IPX8 Waterproof rating, HONOR Notes and other AI-empowered Human-centric Eye-comfort Innovations, this is the foldable to beat.

Above: The HONOR Magic V3 camera system is housed within an octagon dome.

The camera system is housed within an octagon dome, which is sophisticated, and stands out from similar smartphones. The Triple Rear Camera comprises a 40MP Ultra Wide lens (f/2.2), a 50MP Wide Camera (F/1.6) and a 50MP Telephoto lens (f/3.0). We really like that the telephoto lens has been upgraded, and this is great for bringing faraway subjects closer, resulting in tighter portraits with a nicer framing and bokeh.

Above: portrait of the beautiful JUHI, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: The lovely SERAPHINA, shot on honor magic v3.

Shooting landscapes are also a breeze — with the phone folded or unfolded. At a recent event, we captured these shots from the Royal Marina Bay Penthouse at the Mandarin Oriental hotel:

Above: The cbd, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: Marina bay sands, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: when zoomed in, you can see the group of people at the top.

Above: another angle of Marina bay sands, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: Marina bay sands and artscience museum, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: a tighter shot of Marina bay sands, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: the singapore flyer, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: the cloud dome Glass greenhouse at gardens by the bay, shot on honor magic v3.

Everyday objects are also a quick snap away, with the phone folded, and held in one hand:

Above: bicycles, shot on honor magic v3.

Above: bag on chair, shot on honor magic v3.

The HONOR Magic V3 is the brand’s flagship, and is fitted with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, 12GB+512GB memory, and even a large 20MP front camera should you require to use it for video calls. It’s a suitable smartphone for both daily and business use.

Above: the large display of the honor magic v3 when unfolded.

Above: even being so slim, the honor magic v3 is fitted with an ultra-large third-generation honor silicon-carbon battery with a capacity of 5150mah.

And because it’s a foldable phone, you’ll enjoy its functionality when fully opened flat with a large display, or half folded to stand on a table. You’ll love that this foldable is pocketable, glamorous, and is a sharp shooter.

Above: the honor magic v3 standing half folded.
Pre-order period: 5th September to 11th September 2024
HONOR Magic V3 retails at $1,999. Customers who purchase HONOR Magic V3 during the pre-order period will receive the following premiums (worth $777):
— HONOR Watch 4
— HONOR SuperCharge Wireless Charger Stand
— 365-day Front and Back Replacement
Official sale: From 12 September
Customers who purchase HONOR Magic V3 from the official sale period will receive the following premiums (worth $608):
— HONOR SuperCharge Wireless Charger Stand
— 365-day Front and Back Replacement
PWP – purchase with purchase:
Furthermore, you get $100 off the HONOR Magic Pen at $59 (Usual price: $159).