Honor Magic V Flip 2 Review: A Foldable with Flair

The limited edition Honor Magic V Flip 2 Jimmy Choo Edition is the second generation of Honor’s clamshell foldable and the brand’s second collaboration with luxury fashion icon Jimmy Choo. Like the first edition, this version features a signature blend of fashion and technology, this time with a new color scheme and refined detailing. Once again, the spotlight is on Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat OBE, the designer whose name is synonymous with luxury and statement pieces. Just like a signature pair of Jimmy Choo heels, this phone leans into sparkle and presence. Its shimmering back panel, custom-designed case, and exclusive user interface give it a distinctly high-fashion character.

But there is more here than just looks. The Magic V Flip 2 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a 200MP main camera, a 6.82-inch foldable display, a 4-inch cover screen, a 5,500 mAh battery, 50W wireless charging, and IP58 and IP59 ratings. Instead of just dressing up the hardware, Honor has given Magic V Flip 2 a distinct personality, pairing style with real flagship substance. How do these design and hardware choices hold up in practice? Let’s take a closer look at the Magic V Flip 2 Limited Edition.

Designer: Honor

Aesthetics

The Honor Magic V Flip 2 is a phone that dares you to be noticed. The Jimmy Choo version, in particular, has a back panel featuring a smooth gradient that fades from deep blue to soft white, overlaid with a fine stardust-inspired shimmer that catches and reflects light with every movement. This sparkle creates a shifting pattern of reflections, giving the phone a dynamic, almost jewelry-like quality.

The camera system is arranged vertically in the top right corner of the cover display. On the opposite edge of the frame, the volume rocker and power button, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner,  are positioned in a standard configuration. A small LED flash is located in the upper right corner of the back panel. Because of this placement, it is not usable when the phone is propped open in an L-shape, which is something to keep in mind for low-light selfies.

The side frame is finished in a matte icy blue. A geometric pattern wraps around the hinge, accompanied by the signature of “Prof. Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat OBE.” The branding is prominent but still feels integrated into the overall look. The Honor logo, by contrast, is barely noticeable at first glance and blends seamlessly into the finish. It is a quiet detail that lets the design take center stage.

The included case continues the theme of sparkle but introduces its own variation. It mirrors the phone’s blue-to-white gradient, though the finish leans more toward a true glitter effect, with finer flecks that catch and reflect light as the case moves. The design is not just for show. Metal rings are built into the side of the bottom half of the case, allowing a strap or charm to be attached for added convenience or personalization. The upper right corner of the top half of the case is also slightly raised to provide extra protection for the camera module when the phone is set down on a surface.

If a sparkling clamshell flip phone is not your cup of tea, Honor also offers other finishes in the Magic V Flip 2 lineup. The purple and white variant features an elegant swirl pattern, while a solid grey option delivers a more understated, classic look. With these choices, the series caters to a wide range of personal styles, making it easy for anyone to find a version that suits their taste.

Ergonomics

The Magic V Flip 2 measures 67.1 x 75.6 x 6.9 mm when unfolded and 86.2 x 75.6 x 15.5 mm when folded. It weighs 204 grams. In the hand, it feels compact and solid when closed, but noticeably top-heavy when opened. The weight distribution is not perfectly balanced, which becomes more apparent during extended use.

The overall shape is boxy, with flat edges and a structured frame. While this adds to the visual identity, it can feel a bit rigid compared to more rounded designs. The hinge is sturdy and smooth, with just enough resistance to feel controlled and reliable.

The crease on the inner display is nearly invisible, both visually and to the touch. This helps the unfolded screen feel more like a standard slab phone. However, the bezel around the main display is slightly raised, and there were occasional moments when a finger would catch on the edge during swipes or gestures. It is a minor issue, but one that is noticeable in daily use.

When folded, the device is thick but still reasonably compact for a foldable. It does not disappear in the pocket, but its size is reasonable, especially considering the size of the main display and battery. The rounded corners also help reduce bulk in the hand and pocket.

Performance

Underneath its glamorous exterior, the Honor Magic V Flip 2 Jimmy Choo Edition packs a serious technological punch. It includes both a 4-inch cover display and a 6.82-inch main OLED display, each with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO support. Honor claims the inner display reaches a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, while the cover display tops out at 3,600 nits. Whether you are streaming videos, browsing social media, or editing photos, the visuals are consistently crisp. The high refresh rate keeps interactions smooth, making every swipe and scroll feel immediate and responsive.

Under the hood, the V Flip 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. The Jimmy Choo edition comes exclusively in the 1TB configuration. There is no sense of lag or hesitation during use. You do not feel like you are sacrificing performance for the sake of the foldable form factor.

The Magic V Flip 2 runs on MagicOS 9 based on Android 15. The cover screen layout is divided into two sections. About two-thirds of the space is dedicated to running apps, while the remaining third is reserved for widgets. This layout keeps key information accessible while still allowing users to interact meaningfully with apps.

Popular apps like YouTube, Instagram, X, and Google Maps run directly on the external display. You can check directions, browse feeds, reply to messages, or control music without opening the phone. According to Honor, nearly 99 percent of apps are compatible with the cover screen in the Chinese market, though availability and behavior may vary by region.

The Magic V Flip 2 features a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, an f/1.9 aperture, and support for both optical and electronic image stabilization. It captures sharp and detailed images with a wide dynamic range in various lighting conditions. Colors are vivid by default, which might be too saturated for users who prefer a more natural rendering. To offer flexibility, Honor includes three color profiles: Natural, Vibrant, and Authentic.

The main camera supports up to 30x digital zoom. Image quality remains solid up to about 3x, but results at higher zoom levels depend on lighting. Beyond that point, you will start to notice more aggressive image processing, especially in textures and fine details. Even so, the photos remain usable for casual sharing.

The main sensor is paired with a 50MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. It delivers good color consistency and captures wide shots effectively, though some softness and edge distortion can appear, particularly in low light or high-contrast scenes.

Video recording is also solid. The Magic V Flip 2 supports video at up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS using both the main and ultra-wide cameras. The front-facing camera supports 4K at 30 FPS. Footage looks sharp with good exposure in daylight. Audio performance is solid as well. The built-in microphone captures clear and natural sound, making it a reliable option for casual vlogging or video calls.

The battery is another standout feature of the Magic V Flip 2. It uses a 5,500 mAh silicon-carbon battery, which is currently the largest capacity available in a flip-style foldable. In real-world use, the phone easily lasts a full day, even with camera usage, multitasking, and high screen brightness. Battery anxiety is not an issue here.

Charging performance is equally impressive. The device supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Whether you are plugged in or using a charging pad, top-ups are fast and convenient. The phone also supports 7.5W reverse charging, letting you power up smaller accessories like earbuds or another phone in a pinch.

Sustainability

Honor does not make any explicit claims about sustainability or environmentally conscious material choices in the Magic V Flip 2 Jimmy Choo Edition. There is no mention of recycled or sustainable materials. For users who prioritize eco-conscious design, this may feel like a missed opportunity.

That said, the inclusion of both IP58 and IP59 ratings is a positive step. These certifications mean the device is protected against dust and water. Greater durability helps extend the phone’s lifespan, which can reduce the likelihood of early replacement. While there is still room for improvement, this added resilience contributes to more responsible long-term use.

Value

The Honor Magic V Flip 2 lineup starts at CNY 5,999, which is about $825 USD, making it competitively priced among foldable phones in China. The Jimmy Choo Limited Edition takes things further, retailing at CNY 7,499 or approximately $1,030 USD. This premium reflects not just the hardware, but also the exclusivity of the collaboration, the unique finish, and the themed accessories and user interface.

For buyers in China, the higher price highlights the appeal of exclusivity and style. The Jimmy Choo Edition is for users who treat their smartphone as both a tech device and a personal fashion statement. Outside China, the phone is harder to obtain, and the process of importing brings added costs and complications. For collectors or anyone who wants a distinctive and luxurious design, it offers something special, though the value proposition depends on how much those extras matter to you.

Verdict

The Honor Magic V Flip 2 Jimmy Choo Edition is for those who want their phone to do more than just function. This is a device that turns heads and stands out in a crowd. It brings together high fashion and powerful hardware in a way that feels both playful and luxurious.

While the phone delivers strong performance and a unique design, it might not be for everyone. The weight distribution and boxy shape take some getting used to, and availability is limited outside China. The lack of sustainability features is also worth noting for eco-conscious buyers.

For users in China who want a phone that feels like a fashion accessory, this edition offers something rare. It is a bold choice for anyone who values individuality and enjoys the spotlight. For everyone else, the Magic V Flip 2 Jimmy Choo Edition is a beautiful example of what happens when technology meets high design.

The post Honor Magic V Flip 2 Review: A Foldable with Flair first appeared on Yanko Design.