HONOR set to revolutionise South Africa's smartphone market with Magic V5 launch
Tech powerhouse HONOR is set to shake up South Africa's smartphone market this October with the launch of its cutting-edge foldable device, the Magic V5.
At an exclusive media roundtable in Johannesburg, HONOR confirmed that its highly anticipated Magic V5 will be landing in South African stores soon, though the exact release date remains under wraps.
One of the standout features of the Magic V5 is its ultra-slim design. When folded, it measures just 8.8mm thick, making it the thinnest foldable phone in the world — even slimmer than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is 8.9mm. Despite being slightly heavier (217g vs. Samsung's 215g), the difference is hardly noticeable in daily use.
While both phones offer smooth 120Hz displays, the Magic V5's cover screen is brighter and easier to read outdoors. It also packs a larger 5820mAh battery with faster charging.
Camera-wise, HONOR includes three powerful lenses backed by AI, while Samsung offers a standout 200MP main sensor. In terms of durability, the Magic V5 boasts stronger water and dust resistance (IP58/IP59) and a reinforced hinge design.
Both phones run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, so performance is top-tier either way. But for those who value design, battery life, and durability, the Magic V5 might just have the edge.
Mark Lei, Managing Director of HONOR South Africa, said the company has seen impressive growth since launching locally in 2021.
'We've seen a 600% increase in sales since 2023, and our goal is to become the number one smartphone brand in South Africa by 2028.'
He further explained that the HONOR 400 and 400 Pro will introduce advanced AI-driven features designed to enhance user experience and connectivity. Among these is HONOR Share, a cutting-edge file-sharing function that mirrors the ease and speed of Apple's AirDrop.
However, what sets HONOR Share apart is its cross-platform capability; users will be able to transfer files not just between HONOR devices but also with Apple devices, marking a significant step toward greater interoperability in mobile technology. This move reflects HONOR's commitment to creating a more connected ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of South African consumers.
The tech giant remained tight-lipped about the official pricing of the Magic V5, but hinted that more details would likely be revealed as the launch date approaches. Consumers can expect the full pricing breakdown to be announced closer to its release in South Africa.
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