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With so many Android smartphones on the market these days, it hard to find a device that truly stands out. Of course, the phone you buy has to fit your priorities. For me, that usually means I’m looking for something with a clean software layer and a great camera experience, but with so many options these days, there’s somethign for everyone.
You can buy a gaming phone with RGB lighting and an fan for active cooling, or you could pick up a mid-range phone with a focus on value and performance. But if you want to go all out, Honro is hoping you’ll take a look at the new Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design — a device that combines the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone with design cueues includneced by one of my favorit automitive brands.
Specifications
- Cover Dislay: 6.43 inches, 120Hz, 1060 x 2376 pixels
- Internal Display: 7.92 inches, 120Hz, 2156 x 2344 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB
- Android 13
- Rear Cameras: 50MP (primary), 20MP 2.5x telephoto), 50MP (ultrawide)
- Selfie Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5,000 mAh silicor carbon
- Charging: 66W wired
Price
I typically leave the price of the phone for the end of my reviews, but I think this is one of the few reviews that needs some additional context at the onset.
The disparity in price between the regular Honor Magic V2 and the Porsche Design RSR version presents a curious case for introspection. While both phones boast the same core hardware, primarily the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, impressive LTPO OLED displays, and a capable triple-camera system, the Porsche Design variant carries a hefty €1000 premium.
That’s right, the Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR will set you back a cool €2699
Ultimately, the choice between the two is a dance between appreciating cutting-edge technology at a competitive price point and indulging in the exclusivity and prestige associated with a well-recognized luxury brand.
Design
The Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design isn’t just a phone; it’s a love letter to the iconic Porsche 911. Every detail whispers of the legendary sports car, from the phone’s form to its materials.
Turn it over, and you’ll find the spirit of the 911 etched in the phone’s back. Unlike its standard counterpart, the Porsche Design version boasts a sleek, fiberglass back panel, reminiscent of the lightweight and aerodynamic materials used in the car’s construction. This not only evokes the 911’s heritage but also contributes to the phone’s comfortable weight and feel.
But the homage goes beyond materials. Look closer, and you’ll see the signature Porsche flyline, a subtle yet powerful design element that runs the length of the phone’s back. Just like the iconic curve that defines the 911’s silhouette, the flyline on the phone adds a touch elegance, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.
The asymetrical glass camera module sports a titanium frame, giving it a sporty look, unlike the standard rectangular shape Hnor featured on the original.
It’s a phone that exudes sophistication without being ostentatious, a reflection of the 911’s ability to blend power with understated style.
In essence, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design is more than just a phone; it’s a conversation starter, a way to showcase your appreciation for the timeless design and legacy of the Porsche 911, all condensed into a powerful and innovative mobile device.
Like the original, this phone is incredibly light and thin, thanks to the magnezium alloy frame and hinge. When closed, the device is only 9.9mm thick and the 234 grams could easily fool you into thinking that your holding a traditinoal smartphone rather than a foldable.
The only drawback in the design and build quality comes down to the omission of an official IP rating. This isn’t too uncommon for a foldable smartphone, but we have started to see it from Samsung and a few other players i nthe segment since foldable devices need as much protection as possible form the elements if you want them to survice more than a year or two.
Unboxing experience
The phone’s packaging is well-curated and caters to the phone’s premium positioning. The inclusion of a Porsche Design case, two chargers, two cables, a stylus, and its dedicated case paints a picture of a complete and luxurious package, potentially justifying the phone’s higher price point for those who value such extras.
It’s a bit unusual since most phones don’t even come with one these days, but Honor is assuming that show who buy this phone will be traveling from the UK to Europe on a regualr basis.
The incredibly thin stitched leather case which matches the austhetics of the phone’s deisgn. Unlike a lot of cases that come pre-packaged with phones these days, this is the only one that I’ve actually used on a daily basis. Since the phone is already so thin, you really don’t notice the extra bulk, but I also want to make sure I keep the Honor Magic V2 RSR in prestine condition for as long as possible.
Software
While the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design boasts impressive hardware and a luxurious design, the software experience falls short of expectations, raising concerns for such a high-priced phone.
One major issue is that the phone runs on Magic OS 7.2 based on Android 13, placing it behind the current Android 14 offered by many competitors. Although Honor promises an upgrade to Android 14, this utilizes one of its three major OS updates, leaving it with less future-proofing compared to other flagships.
Beyond the outdated version, there’s simply a lack of polish in Magic OS compared to competing options like Google’s Pixel UI or Samsung’s One UI.
Adding to the concerns, Magic OS 7.2 still bears a strong resemblance to Huawei’s EMUI. Even the tutorial for using on-screen navigation gestures is stil la one-for-one copy from Huawei, as is the unintuitive pinch gesture on the homescreen to change the wallpaper or add widgets. The worst functional issue I have with the UI is that you can’t swipe down on the homescreen to acces notifications. Instead, you have to reach all the way to the top of the screen, making it a big hassle for a large phone like this. The rest of my complains are purely superficial, but I think that’s somethign that needs to be addressed since the overall look of Honor’s software skin still feel like it’s from 2018.
Compared to Samsung and OnePlus, the software experience on the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design presents a significant disadvantage. The outdated version, lack of polish, and similarity to Huawei’s software could be dealbreakers for users who prioritize a smooth, intuitive, and future-proof software experience.
Cameras
If you’re looking for a good all-around camera phone, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design seems to deliver competent performance with its versatile camera system and decent image quality. However, for users who prioritize exceptional camera capabilities, this phone might not be the top contender, especially considering the hefty price tag.
When you’re paying nearly $3,000 for a smartphone, you deserve a camera system that can compete with the likes of the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The phone boasts a versatile camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 20MP telephoto sensor with up to 2.5x optical and 10x digital zoom. This allows for some flexability in capturing shots, but being limited to just 2.5x zoom is unacceptable these days when we have foldable smartphones that offfer up to 5x zoom.
The final results are adequate for the average user, with the 16MP selfie camera performing noticeably worse than the rear cameras. If you don’t like the overly saturated color tone of the default settings, there are plenty of pre-set color filters to choose from that may deliver better results for you.
Final Thoughts
While the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design boasts a luxurious design, cutting-edge display, and powerful specs, its staggering price tag of 2700 euro raises significant questions for value-conscious buyers. This hefty cost puts it in a different league compared to the OnePlus Open, which offers similar flagship-level features at a significantly lower price point.
For me, the main issue comes down to the software experience. That could all change in the coming months as Honor pushed out Magic OS 8.0 to this and other devices in its lineup, but I honestly wasn’t that impressed with the new build that I tested on the global variant of the Honor Magic 6 Pro.
Therefore, unless you specifically value the Porsche Design branding, unique foldable form factor, and are comfortable with the high price tag, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design might not be the most practical choice. The OnePlus Open, or even other high-end non-foldable phones, could offer better value for most users. However, if the unique features and luxury elements are highly desired, then the final decision should be based on individual priorities and budget considerations.
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