Review of the Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR
Our Verdict
The Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR is remarkable in terms of design and display, and would easily beat its foldable competition in a smartphone beauty pageant. However, the lack of an IP rating is a serious concern on a device as expensive as this, and HONOR still has a way to go to catch up with some of the big names when it comes to onboard software.
- Elegant design and form factor
- Best display on a foldable
- Stellar performance
- Improved cameras
- No IP rating
- Expensive
- Slightly outdated chipset and software
Recent years have seen a resurgence of foldable phones thanks to the use of folding technology by major players like Samsung, OnePlus, and Google Pixel to produce high-end flagship models. The Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR is HONOR's third folding phone. The Chinese tech company partnered with the maker of some of the best supercars in the world to enhance the already luxurious design of an already impressive smartphone.
Although HONOR's second try at a foldable phone, the Magic VS, received positive reviews from many, there were certain areas where the company could improve for the follow-up, such as the software, the mediocre cameras, and the absence of an IP rating. Has this breakaway brand's third foldable addressed the problems with its second model? Is it more of the same, instead? That's a complex solution, as you'll see below.
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Cost and accessibility
If you want to get yourself a HONOR Magic V2 RSR, you better be ready to take a serious financial blow since the limited edition phone is allegedly above $2000; the firm has not yet disclosed the exact price or release date. Given that it's a limited edition phone and that most folding phones cost about $2000, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise. It's crucial to note, however, that apart from some more storage, the additional cost you're paying here is mostly cosmetic.
There is only one colorway available for the Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR, and that is Agate Grey. This finish is the same as many famous Porsche vehicles, such as the historic 911. Although it has a magnificent metallic appearance, not everyone may like it.
Specifications
Features
The most recent version of MagicOS 7.2, or basically Honor's customized version of Android 13, is used by the Magic V2 RSR. If you're interested in software, you should be aware that Magic0S 7.2 is a bit out of date since Android 14, the most recent operating system, will be released in October 2024. It's not that obvious for most things, thankfully, but it's one of the few ways this phone lags a little.
You will get four years of Android software updates and five years of security updates with the Magic V2 RSR. I wouldn't have raised an eyebrow if you had given me those figures this time last year, but in the twelve months that have passed, companies like Google and Samsung have improved and are now giving up to seven years of support, which makes HONOR's offering seem a bit dated. Naturally, if you're the kind to buy a $2000 flagship, you probably also plan to acquire something even newer within a year or two. However, if that's not the case, four years of Android updates may make you reconsider investing that kind of money.
The hardware is excellent, and you definitely get your money's worth, even if the software might need some improvement. The Magic V2 RSR has an incredible 1TB of internal storage in addition to 16GB of RAM. This capacity translates to amazing speed and enough storage for downloading large mobile games, leaving plenty of room for other programs, images, and other data.
I can't finish this part without noting the additional goodies that come with this limited edition Porsche Design version, even though it's not a software feature. Along with covers for the phone and pen, there are two charging plugs, two charger cords, and a stylus. Even though you should kind of anticipate it given the price, the whole package seems like something you see celebrities picking up at award ceremonies. Still, it's a wonderful touch.
Design
The smartphone HONOR Magic V2 RSR is very beautiful. It's the world's thinnest foldable, and if this evaluation were based just on appearances, it would get an easy 10/10. I haven't used every foldable on the market, but of the ones I have, this one is the most modern and elegant as well because of HONOR's partnership with Porsche.
Even though the V2 RSR's ability to fold up is one of its main selling points, the way it feels when closed is as amazing. When folded, most folding phones are heavy, but the V2 RSR's very thin design makes it seem like a standard smartphone—albeit one that is nonetheless luxurious. There is no discernible difference in thickness between it and my iPhone 13.
A few friends and family members observed in shock when I opened the phone during testing, acting as if I had just created fire. It's easy for a hardware journalist to overlook how specialized folding phones are and how intriguing the idea is to certain people. With the Magic V2 RSR, you can see an even more thrilling show as what looks like a simple brick phone transforms into a little tablet.
It is a pleasure to use in addition to having a fantastic appearance both open and closed. As long as you've previously used both a tablet and a smartphone, the construction ensures that you won't need to spend much time getting acclimated to the feel. This form factor is something that both Google Pixel and Samsung should be aware of, since it's one area where the HONOR foldable excels far above the competition.
However, there is a major drawback to the HONOR Magic V2's design. There isn't an official IP rating for it. Although folding phones often have lower IP ratings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open at least do. Even if the design is stunning, it might be unsettling to have a $2000+ gadget in your pocket since you never know when a drop of water can break it. After all, mobile phones are portable, and in my experience, the fact that they aren't dust- or waterproof-proof discourages me from using my phone outside in the open.
Show
The Magic V2 RSR's display, a foldable 120Hz LTPO OLED panel that pops with color and can reach a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits, is its main draw. It seems large because, as of this writing, it is among the largest interior displays available on a book-style folding device. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits and the same LTPO OLED technology as the inner folding display, the front screen is also no slouch.
This foldable display is a selling point that lives up to its billing and is the feature that seems most like it's worth the asking price, whether you're watching video content, playing a game, or editing in something like Canva (which, by the way, feels wonderful with the screen open). I've never been a fan of using a phone to watch movies. Nevertheless, it clearly outperforms any brick-style device for viewing due to the screen's size and the LTPO OLED display's quality.
For folding smartphones, crease visibility is crucial, and the Magic V2 RSR is among the finest in this area. The crease is almost imperceptible if you hold the phone open and flat in front of you, but it becomes more noticeable if you twist it in your hands and hold it at an angle toward the light, holding it like a Game Boy Advance without a backlight. Thankfully, there's not much of a need to hold it that way, so the most of the time you don't even notice the crease and it seems more like a little tablet than a smartphone.
Camera
With a triple camera setup that includes a 50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, and 20 MP telephoto, the Magic V2 RSR is impressive. You anticipate amazing photos from this phone's camera, and for the most part, you get what you pay for. As usual, I've tested the main camera's capabilities using an image of my dog Floyd as a model. Although I can't speak for him, I'm rather happy with the outcome.
The picture above demonstrates how well the Magic V2 RSR's main camera can discern between various shades of black. It also catches the orange color of his brown eyes at an excellent degree of exposure under ideal lighting circumstances. I have mostly nothing but nice things to say about the setup on the brand's most recent product, even if some reviews encountered issues with the HONOR Magic VS. Using this phone's cameras should be enjoyable if you want your colors to be vibrant.
Sadly, the camera's performance suffers in low light conditions and its 10x zoom function is a touch murky. These little problems are not fatal, since many other foldable flagship smartphones claim to be able to accomplish both yet suffer in the same manner. It is noteworthy to mention, nevertheless, that for casual smartphone photographers, a non-folding flagship such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro would still be a little superior option.
Battery
Considering how tiny the phone is, HONOR's ability to fit a 5,000mAh battery inside the Magic V2 RSR is impressive. For those who are unaware, a 5,000mAh battery may last you at least a day, assuming you don't use it constantly or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. The battery drains more quickly while the phone is open, as it does with most foldables, but you can maintain the percentage by keeping it folded for regular tasks like making calls or snapping photos.Although wireless charging would be useful, the speed of cable charging makes it not quite a deal breaker. If you have the whole official kit, you can recharge the V2 RSR in less than an hour. This means that even if you only need a little additional power before you leave the home, you can get up to 20% in less than 15 minutes.