Honor Magic V vs Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: A Deep Dive into Foldable Flagships

The foldable phone market is maturing, and the Honor Magic V and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 represent two distinct approaches to the form factor. The Magic V, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, offers a more established foldable experience, while the Mix Fold 3 leverages the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for a performance boost and introduces faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which foldable best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers noticeably faster performance and improved efficiency, while the inclusion of 67W wired and 50W wireless charging provides significantly more versatile power options. While the Honor Magic V remains a capable device, it's outpaced in key areas.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic V Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, January 102023, August 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 18Available. Released 2023, August 14
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back or aramid fiber back, aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 160.4 x 141.1 x 6.7 mmFolded: 160.4 x 72.7 x 14.3 mmUnfolded: 161.2 x 143.3 x 5.3 mm Folded: 161.2 x 73.5 x 10.9 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight288 g / 293 g (10.16 oz)255 g or 259 g (8.99 oz)
Display
Resolution1984 x 2272 pixels (~381 ppi density)1916 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)
Size7.9 inches, 200.5 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)8.03 inches, 206.5 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz, HDR10+Foldable LTPO OLED+, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
 Cover display: OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 6.45 inches, 1080 x 2560 pixels, 431 ppi-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740
OSAndroid 12, Magic UI 6Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 75mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.2x optical zoom 10 MP, f/2.9, 115mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Single42 MP, f/2.4, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF 50 MP, f/2.0, 20mm (wide), PDAF 50 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚, (ultrawide)-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960/1920fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single42 MP, f/2.4, (wide)20 MP, f/2.3, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 0.8µm Cover camera: 20 MP, f/2.3, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band (tri-band after future SW update)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 15 min 5W reverse wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 40 min 50W wireless, 100% in 55 min
TypeLi-Po 4750 mAhLi-Po 4800 mAh
Misc
ColorsTitanium Silver, Black, Burnt OrangeBlack, Gold
ModelsMGI-AN002308CPXD0C
PriceAbout 1400 EURAbout 1150 EUR

Honor Magic V

  • Potentially more refined foldable software experience (based on Honor's history)
  • 66W fast wired charging is still respectable
  • Established foldable design

  • Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset limits performance
  • Limited charging options (no wireless)
  • Display brightness likely lower than the competition

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers superior performance and efficiency
  • 67W wired and 50W wireless charging offer versatility
  • High peak display brightness (1277 nits) for excellent visibility

  • Software may require further optimization for the foldable form factor
  • Potentially higher price point
  • Larger size may be less pocketable

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 boasts a peak brightness of 1277 nits, a significant advantage over the Honor Magic V (brightness data unavailable). This translates to better outdoor visibility. Both devices utilize foldable OLED panels, but the Mix Fold 3’s higher brightness and likely more refined hinge mechanism contribute to a more premium viewing experience. The absence of detailed display specs for the Magic V makes a precise comparison of color accuracy and refresh rates difficult, but the Mix Fold 3’s brightness is a clear win.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications for both devices are limited. However, the Mix Fold 3’s camera system is likely to benefit from the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. Without specific sensor details for the Magic V, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities, but the Mix Fold 3’s chipset advantage provides a strong foundation for superior image processing. We can assume both devices will offer a versatile camera experience, but the Mix Fold 3 has the edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a substantial leap over the Honor Magic V’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm). The Gen 2 features a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.36 GHz, compared to the Gen 1’s 3.00 GHz Cortex-X2. This, coupled with improvements to the A715 and A510 cores, results in faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Mix Fold 3’s architecture is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. While both use a 4nm process, the Gen 2’s architectural enhancements are critical.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 offers a more comprehensive charging solution. While the Honor Magic V provides 66W wired charging (50% in 15 minutes), the Mix Fold 3 ups the ante with 67W wired (100% in 40 minutes) *and* 50W wireless charging (100% in 55 minutes). The Mix Fold 3’s endurance rating of 117 hours suggests efficient power management, despite potentially similar battery capacities. The addition of wireless charging is a significant convenience factor, making the Mix Fold 3 more adaptable to various charging scenarios.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor Magic V if you prioritize a more mature software experience tailored for foldables and are comfortable with slightly slower performance. It's a solid option for those new to the foldable form factor. Buy the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 if you demand the latest performance, faster charging speeds (both wired and wireless), and are willing to potentially navigate a slightly less refined software experience in exchange for cutting-edge hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Honor Magic V?
While both chipsets are 4nm, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is architecturally more efficient. This means it generates less heat for the same level of performance. The Mix Fold 3 is likely to maintain higher sustained performance during long gaming sessions with less thermal throttling than the Magic V.
❓ How does the hinge durability compare between the Honor Magic V and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, and are there any known issues with either device?
Detailed long-term hinge durability data is limited for both devices. However, Xiaomi has been refining its foldable hinge designs with each generation. The Mix Fold 3’s hinge appears robust, but real-world testing over an extended period is needed to confirm its longevity. The Magic V’s hinge is also well-regarded, but the newer design of the Mix Fold 3 suggests a potential advantage in durability.
❓ Is the 50W wireless charging on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 compatible with all Qi wireless chargers, or does it require a specific standard?
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 supports Qi wireless charging, but to achieve the full 50W charging speed, it's recommended to use a charger that supports the PD3.0 or Quick Charge 4+ standards. Standard Qi chargers will likely charge at a slower rate.