Foldables set a new standard for thin designs

A balanced look at two new foldables and how they stack up in design performance and everyday use.

Honor Magic V5 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold Redefine Foldable Flagship Tech

The Honor Magic V5 is pitched as one of the thinnest foldables with variants that differ by color. The 8.8mm Ivory White version is slimmer than other colors at 9.0mm. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold remains slightly thicker overall but is narrower in width which makes it feel like a different device in the hand. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also features a slimmer camera bump compared with the Magic V5. In hinges Google moves toward a gearless design while Honor keeps a low profile hinge. On power the Magic V5 packs a larger 5820mAh battery and 50W wireless charging but Pixel supports Qi2 with magnetic back charging and accessories. Chip choices differ: Magic V5 uses Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB RAM while Pixel relies on Google Tensor G5. Software varies with Magic V5 running MagicOS 9.0.1 on Android 15 and Pixel shipping with Android 16 and likely Gemini features. Availability differs by region with Magic V5 launching in China first and Europe soon while Pixel 10 Pro Fold is available for pre order and ships in early October. Both aim for strong displays and premium feel leaving real verdicts to hands on use and software experience.

These foldables reveal a market pushing style and stamina in equal measure. Ultra thin designs pull a premium yet raise questions about battery life and durability. Qi2 on the Pixel creates a practical angle by broadening accessory options and reducing the need for bulky cases. Still the Magic V5 counters with bigger battery capacity and fast wireless charging which matters to long days away from a charger. The real test will be how software and ecosystem services perform in daily life and whether the hardware choices translate into meaningful benefits for users. The timing of regional launches and the pace of software updates will also shape how quickly buyers move from curiosity to commitment.

Highlights

The road from launch to everyday use will reveal which path into the foldable future feels best