Foldable Phone Flagship Falls Short on Software

Honor's Magic V6 foldable smartphone, released in July 2026, offers a premium user experience with its exceptionally thin design and impressive two-day battery life, rivaling top-tier slab phones. It features a vibrant internal OLED display suitable for media consumption and multitasking, alongside a functional cover screen that performs like a standard flagship device when closed.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, delivering top-tier performance. However, users must switch from the default 'balanced' battery mode to 'performance' to unlock its full potential, which can impact battery longevity and increase heat.

Running MagicOS 10, based on Android 16, the software is noted for its aesthetic appeal and customization options, including advanced split-screen functionality. Despite Honor's commitment to seven years of updates for European devices, the operating system suffers from unpolished elements, such as a non-functional AI button and bugs affecting app compatibility and display layouts.

The Magic V6 is priced at an introductory £1,500, with a planned increase to £2,000 in August 2026, positioning it against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While its hardware is commendable, the software shortcomings prevent it from being a clear upgrade over its predecessor or a definitive leader in the competitive foldable market.