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Is Honor’s Magic V5 Better Than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7?
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Overview
What you might not know is the story behind it.
It started on October 25, 2014, when animator Jake Clark shared a comic on Tumblr. It showed a nervous character sweating over which button to press. The idea originated from the "Sweating Towel Guy" meme and a game character named Hank Nova. Soon, it took the internet by storm.
By 2015, the meme had gone viral on Imgur and Reddit, with one version showing the character repeatedly pressing the same button.
In 2020, artists gave it a fresh spin. It showed the character pressing both buttons proudly. The meme still nails that feeling of everyday indecision.
Why are we talking about this meme? With two foldable phones, the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the market in 2025, the decision has become tougher. While some of you might feel like Hank Nova, caught in a dilemma, we’re here to help.
So, which one is better? Read on to know!
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Do you remember the first mobile phone you owned? We have come a long way, haven't we?
From qwerty keypads to touchscreens, mobile phones have evolved into powerful, pocket-sized computers.
Today, we have foldables. Among all the foldable phones, the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 are leading the charge. The question arises, which one is better?
We’re here to break it down and help you decide. Let’s get into it.
Honor’s Magic V5
Honor’s latest Magic V5 is designed to challenge Samsung with style and substance. With a slimmer, lighter build than many traditional phones, it’s making waves in the premium foldable market. Although it officially launched in China in July, it is expected to launch in the US in August.
Key Features
In addition to being a sleek and premium foldable phone, the Honor Magic V5 offers several features. Below are the top five standout features:
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Build: At just 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm unfolded, the Magic V5 is slimmer than most foldable smartphones. It weighs only 217g, making it extremely portable without feeling fragile.
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Display: Both the 6.43-inch outer and 7.95-inch inner screens feature LTPO OLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 5000 nits, providing smooth visuals and excellent clarity even in bright sunlight.
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Camera: It features a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens. You get 3x optical zoom and strong portrait performance without overdoing the megapixels.
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Battery: The 5,820mAh battery supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, making it one of the most power-efficient foldables available.
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Performance: Running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles multitasking and AI features smoothly across all scenarios.
What’s Good
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Despite being ultra-slim, the phone feels solid and well-built, offering a confident grip and ease of use throughout the day.
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Heat stays under control during heavy use, whether you're multitasking or on long video calls.
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Daily tasks feel smoother with built-in YOYO AI, which helps with document reading, app shortcuts, and quick on-screen summaries.
What’s Not So Great
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The software still feels a step behind as MagicOS lacks the polish and deep AI integration that other foldables now offer.
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Some useful features are China-first, which may leave global users out at launch.
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The crease is still noticeable in certain lighting, which may bother users expecting a completely seamless display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung’s latest flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, refines its iconic book-style design while pushing the boundaries of durability and performance. It is thinner, lighter, and smarter, built for those who want a premium foldable with top-tier software support. Officially launched in July 2025, it is available globally across key markets.
Key Features
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 combines engineering precision with Samsung’s software expertise. Below are the top five standout features:
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Build: When folded, it’s just 8.9mm thick and weighs 215g. The frame is made of aluminum and is protected with Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2, along with a titanium layer beneath the inner screen, for added durability.
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Display: It features a 6.5-inch outer and 8-inch inner AMOLED display, both with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, providing smoother aspect ratios for a natural viewing experience.
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Camera: The Fold 7 features a 200MP main camera (shared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra), along with a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and 10MP cameras on both front screens.
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Battery: It houses a 4,400mAh battery with support for 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse charging. Samsung claims up to 24 hours of video playback.
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Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (AC variant), it offers slightly better thermal and battery optimizations, all running on Android 16 with One UI 8 and seven years of software updates.
What’s Good
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App continuity and multitasking are best-in-class. Dragging, resizing, and running three apps side by side feels smoother than on any other foldable.
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Samsung’s AI features are tightly integrated into everyday apps, with Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and smart multitasking tools working smoothly.
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Seven years of software updates provide long-term peace of mind, especially for users who don’t upgrade often.
What’s Not So Great
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It’s a premium device with a premium price, but key accessories, such as a case or charger, are still not included in the box.
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No S Pen support this year due to space constraints, which might disappoint long-time Fold fans.
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The 4,400mAh battery is average for a foldable this size and charges slower than many of its rivals.
Honor’s Magic V5 Vs. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7
Both the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 are packed with flagship-grade hardware and smart features, but they take different routes to get there. While Honor focuses on hardware upgrades, such as a larger battery and brighter display, Samsung leans into software refinement and long-term support. Here’s a side-by-side comparison between the Honor Magic V5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
| Metric | Honor Magic V5 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
| Weight | 217g | 215g |
| Display (Main) | 7.95” LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 5000 nits | 8.0” Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits |
| Cover Display | 6.43” OLED, 120Hz, Nanocrystal Glass 2.0, 5000 nits | 6.5” AMOLED, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite (AB variant) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (AC variant) |
| Camera (Rear) | 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 64MP (periscope telephoto, 3.5x) | 200MP (wide) + 10MP (3x telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Camera (Front) | 20MP (inner) + 20MP (cover) | 10MP (inner) + 10MP (cover) |
| Battery & Charging | 5820mAh, 66W wired, 50W wireless, 5W reverse | 4400mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse |
| Storage Options | Up to 1TB + 16GB RAM, UFS 4.0 | Up to 1TB + 16GB RAM, UFS 4.0 |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IPX8 rated (up to 2.5m water, no dust resistance) | IP48 rated (solid particles & 1.5m water for 30 mins) |
| Software & AI | Android 14, MagicOS 9 with YOYO AI features | Android 16, One UI 8 with Gemini AI + 7 years updates |
Final Verdict
The Honor Magic V5 features hardware upgrades, including a larger battery, brighter screen panels, and a versatile camera setup. This can be an excellent choice for those who want top-class specifications in a sleek, foldable form.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 focuses on software maturity, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and long-term support, providing smoother ownership and user experience.
So, is Honor’s foldable better than Samsung’s? It depends on what matters most to you, a hardware powerhouse or a software maestro?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes The Honor Magic V5 Stand Out Among Foldable Phones?
The Honor Magic V5 stands out for its larger battery, ultra-bright display, and versatile camera setup with a periscope lens. It’s built for users who prioritize powerful hardware in a slim design without compromising everyday usability.
How Is The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Different From The Honor Magic V5?
The Z Fold 7 focuses more on software, with better app support, deeper AI integration, and long-term updates. While it may offer slightly less in battery and camera hardware, it delivers a polished, reliable foldable experience overall.
Which Phone Is Better For Long-Term Use? Honor Magic V5 Or Z Fold 7?
If long-term updates and ecosystem stability matter most, the Z Fold 7 is better with seven years of software support. However, if you prefer better specs and hardware innovation, the Magic V5 makes a compelling case for the future.
Thu, Jul 17, 2025
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