vivo X Fold+ vs Honor Magic Vs3: A Deep Dive into Foldable Flagship Performance

The foldable phone market is maturing, with both vivo and Honor offering compelling options. The vivo X Fold+ represents a refinement of an existing design, leveraging the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, while the Honor Magic Vs3 is a newer entrant powered by the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which foldable delivers the best experience for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Honor Magic Vs3 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved efficiency. However, the vivo X Fold+ offers competitive charging speeds and a potentially more refined software experience, making it a viable option for those less concerned with absolute power.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X Fold+ Honor Magic Vs3
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, 25, 26, 28, 32, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, September 262024, July 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 29Available. Released 2024, July 19
Body
DimensionsUnfolded: 162 x 144.9 x 6.3 mm Folded: 162 x 74.5 x 14.6 mmUnfolded: 156.8 x 145.2 x 4.65 mm or 4.8 mmFolded: 156.8 x 74.0 x 9.8 mm or 10.1 mm
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight311 g (10.97 oz)229 g or 231 g (8.08 oz)
Display
Protection-King Kong Rhinoceros
Resolution1916 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)2156 x 2344 pixels (~402 ppi density)
Size8.03 inches, 206.5 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)7.92 inches, 201.6 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Foldable LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 14, MagicOS 8.0.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Dual-LED flash, panoramaLaser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide)-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 112˚, (ultrawide), AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps (10-bit), 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) Cover camera: 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.2, 90˚, (wide) Cover camera: 16 MP, f/2.2, 90˚, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LDAC
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Display Port 1.2
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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging80W wired, 100% in 35 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless66W wired 50W wireless 5W reverse wired
Type4730 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, RedVelvet Black, Snow, Tundra Green
ModelsV2229AFLC-AN00
PriceAbout 1450 EURAbout 980 EUR

vivo X Fold+

  • Faster 80W wired charging
  • Potentially refined software experience (vivo's Funtouch OS)
  • Competitive performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

  • Older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Less efficient processor compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Potentially lower peak performance in demanding tasks

Honor Magic Vs3

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for superior performance
  • Improved power efficiency for longer battery life
  • More advanced ISP for potentially better image processing

  • Slower 66W wired charging
  • Potentially less refined software experience (Honor's MagicOS)
  • May run slightly warmer under sustained load

Display Comparison

Both devices feature foldable displays, but specifics beyond resolution are missing. However, the foldable form factor inherently presents challenges with crease visibility and durability. The quality of the hinge mechanism will be a key differentiator, though not specified in the provided data. The external displays are also crucial for everyday use, and their size and aspect ratio would impact usability. Without further data, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the panel technology (LTPO) and peak brightness will be critical factors.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset plays a role in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Magic Vs3 boasts a more advanced ISP, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The X Fold+’s ISP is still capable, but the newer technology in the Magic Vs3 offers an edge. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the Magic Vs3’s processor advantage suggests superior image processing.

Performance

The Honor Magic Vs3’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant leap over the vivo X Fold+'s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). The Gen 2 features a newer Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz versus the X Fold+'s 3.19 GHz Cortex-X2. More importantly, the Gen 2 utilizes improved Cortex-A715 and A710 cores, offering better performance and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Magic Vs3 will also exhibit better thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The X Fold+ remains a capable performer, but the Gen 2 in the Magic Vs3 provides a tangible advantage.

Battery Life

The vivo X Fold+ boasts an 80W wired charging capability, achieving a 100% charge in just 35 minutes, alongside 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless. The Honor Magic Vs3 offers 66W wired charging, 50W wireless, and 5W reverse wired. While the X Fold+ charges faster, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Magic Vs3 is more power-efficient. This means the Magic Vs3 may offset its slower charging with longer battery life. The actual battery capacity (mAh) is unknown for both devices, making a precise battery life prediction difficult, but the efficiency of the Gen 2 chipset is a significant advantage for the Magic Vs3.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X Fold+ if you value extremely fast charging (80W wired) and a potentially more polished software experience, and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. Buy the Honor Magic Vs3 if you prioritize top-tier performance, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and are willing to trade a bit of charging speed for a more powerful processor and potentially longer software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the vivo X Fold+ struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a capable chip, it may exhibit more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Honor Magic Vs3. Expect slightly lower sustained frame rates and potentially more noticeable heat buildup on the X Fold+.
❓ How much does the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Honor Magic Vs3 translate to real-world battery life gains?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is significantly more power-efficient, potentially offering 10-15% longer battery life under similar usage scenarios. This means you might get through a full day of moderate use on the Magic Vs3 without needing to recharge, whereas the X Fold+ might require a top-up.
❓ Does the difference in charging speed between 80W and 66W really matter in everyday use?
Yes, the 14W difference is noticeable. The X Fold+ can gain a significant amount of charge in a short period, which is convenient for quick top-ups. However, the Magic Vs3's 50W wireless charging is comparable to the X Fold+, mitigating some of the wired charging disadvantage.