Amid fierce competition in the Chinese smartphone market, Honor has unveiled the Magic V2, the world’s thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone. Priced from 8,999 yuan ($1,256), the device boasts eight world records, highlighting advancements in portability, AI, and technological innovation.
The Magic V2’s groundbreaking features include a 0.18mm ultra-thin high-silicon cell chip that enhances battery performance while supporting its slim design. Constructed with a 0.014mm ultra-fine braided aerospace fiber, the phone ensures durability without adding extra weight. With an assembly accuracy of 0.003mm, the device guarantees exceptional structural stability.
When folded, the Magic V2 is just 8.8mm thick and weighs between 217 and 222 grams, depending on the color model. It houses a battery with 25 percent silicon content—the highest in the industry—and a capacity of 6,100mAh, the largest among foldable smartphones. The hinge is crafted from 2,300MPa high-strength steel, contributing to its robust yet lightweight design.
Honor’s CEO George Zhao emphasized that the Magic V2 is the company’s first flagship phone since shifting to an AI-centric hardware strategy. The phone’s Yoyo AI assistant can generate presentations from articles and manage ride-hailing across multiple apps, automatically selecting the fastest option. Honor has also announced a partnership with Alibaba to expand Yoyo’s functionality in productivity, transportation, and shopping.
The launch comes as China’s foldable smartphone market experiences significant growth this year. According to IDC data, 2.84 million units were shipped in the first quarter, a 53.1 percent increase year-on-year. However, competition remains intense, with Huawei leading the domestic foldable market with a 76.6 percent share and Honor in second place at 9.1 percent.
As part of a broader strategic plan, Honor has pledged $10 billion over five years for AI development to become an AI device ecosystem company. A 1-billion-parameter industrial model at its factory simulated 125,000 assembly options to optimize the Magic V2’s hinge design.
While foldable phones still represent a small segment of the overall global smartphone market, the Magic V2’s record-breaking features, AI capabilities, large battery, and ultra-thin profile will test its competitiveness against established players like Samsung in the coming months.
