Samsung Fold7 vs Honor Magic V5 — there’s one clear winner in the folding phones war

·22 min·2 clips

Adrian reveals why the Honor Magic V5 beats Samsung's Galaxy Fold 7 with better battery, thinner design, and stylus support.

Adrian Weckler and Maeve McTaggart from the Irish Independent compare the latest folding phones to traditional smartphones. The episode focuses on the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung's Galaxy Fold 7 and Flip 7 models. They explore whether these devices can appeal to mainstream users who typically buy iPhones or standard Samsung Galaxy phones. The Honor Magic V5 costs about €2,000 and folds out to an eight-inch display for multitasking or watching films. Samsung's Galaxy Fold 7 starts at over €2,200, making price a significant barrier for most consumers. Adrian states the Magic V5 is currently the best fold-out phone, with better battery life, faster charging, and a thinner, lighter design than Samsung's Fold 7. It also supports a stylus, a feature no longer available on the latest Galaxy Fold. The hinge on the Magic V5 is demonstrated to withstand pressure, like balancing a bag of potatoes on it while open. Samsung's Galaxy Flip 7 starts at €1,200 and folds into a compact square, appealing to those wanting a smaller phone. Its front screen is fully functional for texts and calls, and it uses its main cameras for advanced selfies when folded. Adrian notes the Flip 7's battery life is only okay and the flipping mechanism isn't as satisfyingly tactile as old flip phones. A surprising insight is that the folded Magic V5 now puts less pressure in a pocket than an iPhone 16 Pro Max due to its slim design. The software for multitasking on fold-out screens is still seen as a limitation, as most apps are designed for single-screen use. Adrian mentions a growing trend of people using phones without cases, as modern devices are built to withstand damage. He references a scene from "The Matrix" with a satisfying flip phone mechanism, noting no current phone replicates that visceral feel. Maeve points out that for many younger users, camera quality is a primary deciding factor, which may still favor traditional flagship phones. She shares an anecdote about her younger sister rejecting a phone because it couldn't take a specific 0.5x ultra-wide selfie. The conversation reveals that foldable phones still lack the intuitive, satisfying flip action of early 2000s models like the Motorola Razr. Adrian suggests Samsung could market the Flip 7 to runners or gym-goers who want a smaller, lighter device to carry. He concludes that until foldable phone prices drop to match standard flagships, they will remain a niche product. The episode's tone is conversational and review-focused, blending hands-on product testing with broader market analysis. The style is educational but informal, featuring direct comparisons and personal anecdotes from the hosts. This episode is ideal for tech enthusiasts considering a foldable phone purchase and anyone curious about the current state of the market. Listeners solely interested in Apple's ecosystem or those content with traditional smartphone designs may find less relevance.

As heard by us

A clear-eyed take on foldables that weighs battery, durability, and price against the appeal of the format.

The episode treats foldable phones as a category that still has to earn its keep. Adrian Weckler makes a strong case for the Magic V5 as the better fold-out phone right now, mainly because of the battery, faster charging, slimmer build, lighter weight, and stylus support.

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Want the straightest answer on whether the Magic V5 is the fold-out phone worth your money?

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