There’s something brewing in the foldable phone scene and it’s not coming from Samsung this time. Honor, once under Huawei’s wing and now flexing its independence, is ready to make waves with two brand-new foldables. Enter the Magic V5 and the Magic V Flip. These aren’t just warmed-up leftovers from last year’s models, they’re Honor’s loud and clear message to Samsung: “We’re not playing around.”
Fresh whispers on Weibo suggest both phones could drop as early as late June or early July 2025. While the Magic V5 continues with the familiar book-style fold, it’s the V Flip that’s getting people talking, partly because it looks suspiciously like something we’ve already seen before.
What We Know So Far – Magic V5 & Magic V Flip
| Feature | Honor Magic V5 | Honor Magic V Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Launch | Late June–Early July 2025 | Late June–Early July 2025 |
| Form Factor | Book-style fold | Clamshell (flip-style) |
| Design Influence | Built on Honor’s Magic DNA | Heavily inspired by Galaxy Z Flip |
| Outer Display | Bigger, brighter expected | Squarish display with edgy corners |
| Anticipated Upgrades | Camera, hinge, speed boost | New texture, better cover screen |
| Target Audience | Pros, power users | Youthful, trend-driven buyers |
| Pricing Strategy | Likely cheaper than Samsung | Aim: Undercut Galaxy Z Flip |
| Leak Source | @FixedFocus on Weibo | @FixedFocus on Weibo |
| Reference | GSMArena Honor News | |
Inspired… or Just a Bit Too Familiar?
It’s no secret, the Magic V Flip bears more than a passing resemblance to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip. From the square cover display to the no-nonsense boxy shape, it’s got a déjà vu vibe. So, is Honor paying tribute, or just straight-up copying the blueprint?
Insider @FixedFocus claims the resemblance is very much intentional. The renders show a sharp-edged, ruler-perfect design, less curvy, more geometric. It’s a pretty dramatic shift from Honor’s previous love affair with bold colors and playful styling. Now, it looks like they’re chasing the sleek, mature aesthetic. Think business suit, not neon sneakers.
“Honor seems to be redefining its foldables—shifting from flashy to functional,” says Ethan Wong, a mobile tech analyst at TechInsights Asia. “They’re going for serious usability, clean lines, and everyday reliability over shock factor.”
The Bigger Shift: Foldables Are Growing Up
Here’s the real twist: Honor’s not just making shinier phones, they’re maturing their whole approach. Borrowing cues from Huawei’s premium flair and Samsung’s mass-market experience, this new lineup could signal a turning point. Remember the first Magic V Flip? Flashy, fun, and full of personality. This year’s version? Much more restrained and purposeful.
It fits the broader trend too. Foldables aren’t just futuristic toys anymore, they’re becoming practical devices. Better hinges, longer battery life, tougher screens, manufacturers are finally listening to what users actually want.
But still, the elephant in the room: if it looks like a Samsung, why not just buy the Samsung?
Price Is the Wild Card
Here’s where things could get spicy. If Honor plays the pricing card right, coming in well below Samsung, they could easily shake up markets like Kenya, India, or Southeast Asia. A foldable phone under Kshs 100,000 (roughly USD 700)? That’s the kind of offer many buyers won’t pass up.
“In regions where budgets matter, people want the most bang for their buck,” says Arnold Ashihundu, editor at techmagazine.co.ke/. “If Honor can pack flagship power into a mid-range price tag, even the Samsung-like look won’t be a dealbreaker.”
Final Thoughts: Trendsetter or Just Another Face?
With the Magic V5 and V Flip launch around the corner, Honor isn’t just dropping devices, they’re making a statement. The real challenge? Balancing inspiration with innovation. Too close to Samsung and they risk being called copycats. But if they deliver on quality, usability, and price? They might just carve out their own lane.
Bottom line, if you’ve been waiting for a stylish, solid, and (hopefully) budget-friendly foldable, keep your eyes peeled this June. Honor’s foldable game might be about to level up.
