Comparing the Honor’s Magic V6 Folding Phone with Samsung and Motorola: A Closer Look at the Latest Technology

Honor is making a statement in the world of folding phones, with the Honor Magic V5 setting a high standard for what a premium foldable device should offer.

The brand has been gaining traction and interest in 2025, and this momentum continued with the launch of the Honor Magic V6 at Mobile World Congress 2026.

The introduction of the Magic V6 just hours before the Motorola Razr Fold hints at the increasing competition Samsung will face in the foldable phone market this year.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Honor phone at the event in Barcelona to see how it compares to its mainstream competitors.

Distinguishing Features of the Magic V6 compared to the Magic V5

The Honor Magic V6 bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Magic V5 from 2025. Both devices share a similar aesthetic, featuring gold frames and a noticeable camera housing. The image shows the Honor Magic V6 in a vibrant red finish, but it will also be available in more conventional colors upon release.

When it comes to specifications, the Magic V6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, offering a performance boost over the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The most significant upgrade, however, lies in the battery department. Equipped with a new Blade Battery containing higher silicon content, the new folding phone boasts an impressive 6,660mAh capacity.

This capacity surpasses that of most other folding phones, further solidifying Honor’s position in the market. Additionally, the device retains the title of the “world’s thinnest” phone while enhancing its capabilities.

Design Comparison with Samsung and Motorola

Chris Hall / Foundry

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 currently reigns as the top folding phone, with Motorola aiming to challenge that position with its own offering. In contrast, Honor presents a distinct design approach. It boasts the slimmest profile at 4.1mm and 9.0mm when folded, albeit with slight variations based on color. The device also offers IP69 protection and weighs 224g, with different finishes affecting the weight.

On the other hand, Samsung measures 4.2mm when unfolded and 8.9mm when closed. The design of the Samsung device features squared-off edges, aligning with the Galaxy S26 family aesthetics and presenting a sleek appearance. The device is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance and weighs only 215g.

Motorola’s device weighs 243g, making it heavier than its counterparts, and measures 4.7mm when open and 10.04mm when closed. It stands out as a larger device overall, reflecting the design language of the Motorola lineup. The device carries an IP49 rating, offering water resistance but less protection against dust.

Personal preferences come into play when evaluating these designs. While Samsung’s design is often considered the most appealing, Motorola’s design exudes confidence. Honor’s thin profile may be attractive to some, but its design may come off as overly ornate. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preferences between industrial aesthetics and decorative flair.

Power Comparison Among Folding Phones

Chris Hall / Foundry

Honor leaves no stone unturned in terms of power, boasting the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as the most potent folding phone processor. Following closely behind is Motorola, utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a slightly lower version that falls short of the peak performance offered by the Honor device.

Meanwhile, Samsung opts for the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a choice influenced by timing. It is anticipated that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 9 will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Despite minor differences, all these phones deliver a flagship-level experience, with nuanced distinctions in real-world performance.

Notable specifications include Samsung’s standard offering of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, while Motorola provides 16GB RAM and 512GB storage for the same price, offering better value. Honor matches these specifications, but the exact pricing remains undisclosed, with an estimated starting price around £1,799 before discounts.

Battery and Charging Capabilities of the Honor Magic V6

Chris Hall / Foundry

The Honor Magic V6 is equipped with a substantial 6,660mAh battery, supported by 80W wired and 66W wireless charging. It’s important to note that these values may vary on the global model compared to the Chinese version.

Motorola also impresses with its battery performance. During a preview of the Razr Edge just before the start of MWC, Motorola claimed to have the largest battery and fastest charging capabilities, only to be outdone by Honor later that same day.

Both Honor and Motorola surpass Samsung in terms of battery capacity and charging speeds. Samsung’s device features a 4,400mAh battery, 25W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging. Samsung’s approach prioritizes battery longevity, as fast charging and high-capacity batteries may impact long-term product lifespan.

Display Comparison of the Honor Magic V6 with Competitors

Chris Hall / Foundry

The Honor Magic V6 features a 7.95-inch internal display and a 6.52-inch external display. The internal display boasts a resolution of 2352×2172 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits. On the other hand, the external display offers a resolution of 2420×1080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits.

Comparatively, Samsung’s main display measures 8 inches with a resolution of 2184×1968 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The external display is 6.5 inches, featuring a resolution of 2520×1080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

Motorola differentiates itself by offering an 8.1-inch folding display and a 6.6-inch external display, slightly larger than other models. The main display features a