Engadget review: Honor Magic V6 hardware impresses but software flaws hold back ultra-premium foldable
A detailed assessment by Engadget highlights the device’s mechanical durability and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance, while criticising UI design and camera processing as significant drawbacks for an ultra-premium flagship.
Engadget has published a comprehensive review of the Honor Magic V6, describing the foldable smartphone as a "mechanical marvel" that showcases impressive engineering but is ultimately undermined by software deficiencies. The publication notes that Honor launched the device in March 2026, just eight months after its predecessor, the Magic V5, in a bid to maintain its claim to being the world’s thinnest foldable. While the hardware design is praised for its rigidity and thinness, the review argues that this focus on millimetres detracts from the overall user experience, which is marred by a lack of polish in the operating system.
The device features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 15GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, delivering performance described as swift and stable for gaming and multitasking. To achieve its slim profile, Honor redesigned internal components including the antenna, speaker chamber, and USB-C housing. The handset also boasts IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, with cover glass claimed to be 33 percent more impact-resistant than the previous model. The international version is equipped with a 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery, which Engadget’s video rundown test recorded lasting 30 hours and 12 minutes on the primary display.
A notable aspect of the Magic V6 is its integration with Apple’s ecosystem, a feature highlighted as a key selling point for the ultra-premium device. The review details the ability to pair AirPods with native controls and utilise macOS file management via the Honor Workstation app. Users can also employ the foldable as a secondary display for Mac devices with minimal lag. Engadget noted that managing files on the Magic V6 from a Mac was reportedly easier than managing an iPhone, citing the fussy nature of Apple’s AirDrop system as a contrast to Honor’s implementation.
Despite the hardware strengths, the review criticises MagicOS 10, based on Android 16, for significant design flaws and a lack of refinement. The publication points to mismatched fonts, wasted negative space, and awkward text wrapping as evidence of poor UI design. These issues are described as vexing for an ultra-premium flagship, with the reviewer suggesting that Honor should focus on polishing existing features rather than adding new ones. The software experience is characterised as neither beautiful nor comprehensive enough to distract from its rough edges, particularly when multitasking on the primary display.
Camera performance also drew criticism, with the 50MP primary lens and 64MP 3x optical zoom failing to match the processing quality of competitors like the Pixel 10. Engadget highlighted harsh lines in portrait mode and poor results from digital zoom, which can crop images up to 100x using AI. While the battery life and durability are lauded as standout features, the review concludes that the device is "achingly short of greatness" due to software issues that would be forgivable in cheaper handsets but are unacceptable at this price point.
