Honor Magic V5 vs. vivo X Fold3 Pro: A Deep Dive into Foldable Flagships

The foldable market is heating up, with the Honor Magic V5 and vivo X Fold3 Pro representing the pinnacle of Android innovation. While both devices aim to deliver a premium foldable experience, they take distinctly different approaches to performance, display technology, and charging speed. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which foldable best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing display quality and rapid charging, the vivo X Fold3 Pro emerges as the winner. Its significantly brighter display and 100W charging offer a tangible advantage. However, the Honor Magic V5’s endurance and unique chipset architecture make it a compelling choice for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic V5 vivo X Fold3 Pro
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, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, July 022024, March 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, July 02Available. Released 2024, April 23
Body
Build-Carbon fiber hinge
DimensionsUnfolded: 156.8 x 145.9 x 4.1 mm or 4.2 mmFolded: 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm or 9.0 mmUnfolded: 160 x 142.4 x 5.2 mmFolded: 160 x 72.6 x 11.2 mm
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g or 222 g (7.65 oz)236 g (8.32 oz)
Display
ProtectionHonor Super Armored Inner Screen, Mohs level 4-
Resolution2172 x 2352 pixels (~403 ppi density)2200 x 2480 pixels (~413 ppi density)
Size7.95 inches, 203.2 cm2 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio)8.03 inches, 206.5 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 5000 nits (peak)Foldable LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 830Adreno 750
OSAndroid 15, upgradable to Android 16, MagicOS 10, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15, Funtouch 15 (International), OriginOS 4 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Dual-LED flash, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.5, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF (15cm - ∞), OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps (10-bit), 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) Cover camera: 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) Cover camera: 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC (market/region dependent)
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Display Port 1.2USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual band (INT), tri-band (CN), Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerDual screen fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired 50W wireless 5W reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 31 min 50W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Si/C Li-Ion 5820 mAh - International model· Si/C Li-Ion 6100 mAh - China modelSi/C Li-Ion 5700 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Ivory White, Dawn Gold, Reddish BrownCelestial Black, White, Lunar White
ModelsMBH-N49, MHG-AN00, MBH-AN10V2330
Price€ 1,429.00 / $ 149.00 / £ 1,396.63$ 1,999.00
EU LABEL
Battery49:48h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (70 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Honor Magic V5

  • Longer projected battery lifespan (1200 cycles)
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite’s 3nm process for potential efficiency
  • Strong sustained performance potential

  • Slower wired charging (66W)
  • Lower peak display brightness

vivo X Fold3 Pro

  • Incredibly fast 100W wired charging (31 min full charge)
  • Significantly brighter display (2129 nits)
  • Slightly better active use battery score

  • Potentially lower battery lifespan (fewer charge cycles)
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) may run warmer under sustained load

Display Comparison

The vivo X Fold3 Pro boasts a substantial advantage in display brightness, reaching a measured 2129 nits compared to the Honor Magic V5’s 1296 nits. This difference translates to significantly improved visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize foldable OLED panels, the higher peak brightness of the vivo is a clear win for outdoor users. Details regarding refresh rate and panel type (LTPO) are missing, but both are expected to offer adaptive refresh rates for power efficiency. The Honor Magic V5’s display, while excellent, simply can’t match the sheer brilliance of the vivo.

Camera Comparison

Unfortunately, detailed camera specifications are absent. However, given the flagship positioning of both devices, we can expect high-quality camera systems. The focus should be on sensor size and image processing. Without specific details, it’s difficult to declare a winner. Both brands have a history of strong computational photography, so image quality will likely be excellent in various conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS and lens apertures prevents a deeper analysis.

Performance

The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo X Fold3 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), a proven performer, while the Honor Magic V5 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm). The 3nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Elite *should* offer better power efficiency and thermal headroom, but the Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz provides a strong counterpoint. The Honor’s CPU configuration (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) suggests a focus on sustained multi-core performance. The vivo’s CPU (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) is more traditional. Real-world performance will depend on thermal management, but the Honor’s architecture hints at a potential edge in demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The vivo X Fold3 Pro’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 31 minutes. This is significantly faster than the Honor Magic V5’s 66W charging. While the Honor Magic V5 boasts a longer projected battery lifespan with 1200 charge cycles, the vivo’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity. The Honor Magic V5’s 49:48h endurance score and 12:20h active use score are respectable, but the vivo X Fold3 Pro’s 13:26h active use score suggests slightly better real-world battery performance. The inclusion of 50W wireless charging on both devices and reverse wired/wireless charging on both adds to their versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor Magic V5 if you prioritize long-term battery health and sustained performance under heavy load, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite and impressive 1200 charge cycles. Buy the vivo X Fold3 Pro if you value a stunningly bright display for outdoor visibility and the convenience of incredibly fast 100W wired charging, making it ideal for users constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Honor Magic V5 exhibit throttling under prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 3nm process *should* mitigate throttling, the effectiveness depends heavily on Honor’s thermal design. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s architecture suggests it’s well-equipped for sustained performance, but real-world testing is needed to confirm its thermal management capabilities. The larger surface area of a foldable may help dissipate heat compared to smaller phones.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the vivo X Fold3 Pro impact long-term battery health?
While 100W charging is incredibly fast, it can generate more heat than slower charging methods. vivo likely employs sophisticated charging algorithms to minimize heat and protect battery health. However, the Honor Magic V5’s 1200 charge cycle rating suggests a longer projected lifespan, even if it takes longer to charge.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 833-nit difference in peak brightness is significant, especially outdoors. The vivo X Fold3 Pro’s display will be much easier to see in direct sunlight, while the Honor Magic V5’s display may appear washed out in the same conditions. This is a key advantage for users who frequently use their phones outdoors.