Honor’s latest foldable, the Honor Magic V5, has stormed into the European market with an explosive debut that is already reshaping the competitive landscape for premium smartphones. The device, which was first introduced in China earlier this summer before its international launch on August 28, has quickly become one of the hottest gadgets across Western Europe. Early sales data reveal a sharp surge in consumer demand, with Honor confirming that sales in the first week alone were 75% higher than those of its predecessor, the Magic V3. 
That’s a striking leap, and one that puts clear pressure on the dominant players – Samsung and Apple – who now face a formidable rival in the foldable space.
According to Honor, both online retail platforms and physical channel partners have seen significantly elevated demand for the Magic V5 since its debut. This momentum builds on a trajectory set last year, when Honor became the fastest-growing foldable phone maker in Europe, tripling its book-type foldable market share to 34%, as reported by Counterpoint Research. With the V5’s combination of ultra-thin design, durability, and AI innovation, the company is now aiming not just to carve out space but to dominate the foldable conversation.
Adam Cao, President of HONOR Western Europe, emphasized the significance of these results: “The HONOR Magic V5, with industry-leading slimness and revolutionary AI features, is truly a game changer. We are delighted to see that customers across Western Europe are excited to get their hands on our latest foldable smartphone.” He also highlighted that the numbers underscore a growing market appetite for AI-powered foldables, pointing to a wider consumer shift toward devices that merge futuristic design with intelligent software.
From a hardware perspective, the Magic V5 is more than just a thin showpiece. Despite its slimness, it carries an IP58 and IP59 rating, ensuring resistance to both dust and water – key for longevity in everyday use. It’s powered by a 5,820 mAh silicon-carbon battery that provides endurance without sacrificing weight. The phone also debuts the AI Falcon Camera System, which includes a standout 64 MP Ultra Sensing Periscope Telephoto lens, putting advanced imaging firmly at the core of the device. Add in a 7.95-inch inner display and a 6.43-inch cover screen – both supporting stylus input – and you have a foldable built for both productivity and entertainment. The Multi-Flex mode, allowing up to three apps to run simultaneously, positions the Magic V5 as a tool not just for casual users but for professionals seeking efficiency on the go.
Of course, this innovation comes at a price: £1,699.99 in the UK and €1,999 in Europe for the 16GB + 512GB variant. While premium, the cost is in line with other high-end foldables, and early sales figures suggest that consumers are willing to invest in cutting-edge features. The device clearly appeals to users looking for a balance between sleek aesthetics, practical durability, and next-gen AI integration.
These results also highlight a broader industry trend: foldables are no longer niche curiosities but increasingly mainstream products. Samsung, with its Galaxy Z Fold 7, continues to lead in global recognition, but Honor’s rapid momentum in Europe indicates that the market is diversifying and becoming far more competitive. Meanwhile, Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, though rumors persist about a potential unveiling in the near future. Should Apple enter the market, the competition will become even fiercer, but for now, Honor is seizing the moment.
The enthusiasm for foldables signals that consumers are ready for smartphones that combine technological innovation with form factors that genuinely feel futuristic. Devices like the Magic V5 are not only making foldables practical but also desirable. With strong early traction and a compelling hardware-software package, Honor has made it clear that it intends to shape the future of the European foldable market – and perhaps beyond.
Alongside this excitement in the foldable world, fans of mobile history have something else to look forward to. This fall, the beautifully illustrated book “Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips” will be released, celebrating two decades of standout devices. Covering more than 20 legendary models that defined eras and shaped how we live today, it promises to be a must-have for phone enthusiasts. Much like the Magic V5, it reminds us how quickly technology evolves and how the devices in our hands reflect broader cultural shifts.