In the fast-paced world of tech, the excitement around new devices is always palpable, and 2025 is no exception. With the buzz surrounding the recently announced Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the highly anticipated Honor Magic V5, everyone is eager to see how these two foldables stack up against each other. While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is already making its way into the hands of eager customers, the Magic V5 is still waiting to make its grand entrance. So, let’s dive into this thrilling showdown!
First off, the Honor Magic V5 is creating quite a stir as one of the thinnest foldables on the market. Depending on who you ask, some might even argue it’s the thinnest. Honor claims that the “Ivory White” variant measures just 8.8mm thick, which is a tad slimmer than its other color options, like the “Dawn Gold” that we have on hand at 9.0mm. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t quite as sleek; it’s slightly thicker than its predecessor. However, that added thickness is cleverly masked by a reduction in width, giving it a different feel. When you hold these two devices side by side, the differences in size are immediately obvious. The Magic V5 is compact, taking up minimal vertical space, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a more robust profile.
Now, let’s talk aesthetics. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold sports a refined camera bump that is sleeker than the Magic V5’s hefty camera array. Interestingly, if you measure from the back of the camera bump to the front display, the Pixel actually edges out as thinner. The Magic V5’s camera protrudes about 60% of its 9.0mm thickness, which adds some bulk to its back. Nonetheless, in practical use, this might not make a huge difference, especially when you consider how third-party cases might alter the feel of either phone.
When it comes to the displays, the Honor Magic V5 has a slightly more appealing approach with its open design and matte bezels. The rounded bezels prevent the display from touching itself when folded, giving it a polished look that’s more visually appealing compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s glossy flat bezels. Both devices boast redesigned hinges, and it’s worth noting that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has transitioned to a gearless hinge, which allows for that slimmer width with less material. Meanwhile, the Magic V5 manages to keep its hinge low-profile without any issues.
Visually, both phones convey distinct personalities. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold leans towards a professional vibe, while Honor’s Magic V5 embraces a more flamboyant aesthetic, complete with a textured camera bump and some quirky design elements that might remind you of video game motifs. It’s clear that both manufacturers are putting their best foot forward this year.
Under the hood, the competition heats up even more. The Magic V5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and comes with a hearty 16GB of RAM, promising a performance that can handle just about anything. On the flip side, Google has equipped the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with its new Tensor G5 chipset. Although it may not be a gaming powerhouse, it’s designed for efficiency and seamless operation, tailored for the Pixel experience.
One area where the Magic V5 shines is in wireless charging. It boasts a max charging rate of 50W, keeping it ahead of many competitors. In contrast, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold embraces the new Qi2 standard, featuring magnets on the back similar to Apple’s MagSafe tech. This opens up a world of accessories, allowing users to enjoy the convenience of wireless charging without the need for a bulky case. However, the Magic V5’s robust 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery is quite impressive, especially compared to the Pixel’s 5,015mAh battery, which is an upgrade from the previous model.
When it comes to software, there’s a slight divide. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on Android 16, designed with the device in mind, while the Magic V5 operates on MagicOS 9.0.1, based on Android 15. This presents a minor setback for the Magic V5, as users might find the base Android experience smoother than MagicOS. Plus, Google’s Gemini features will debut on the Pixel series, while the Magic V5 is expected to adopt its own AI integrations.
As we stand here in 2025, both devices are still making their way to the public— the Magic V5 is currently available only in China, while European markets will soon get their chance. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is up for pre-order, with shipping anticipated to start around October 4. For now, we’re left with hardware impressions, and it’s safe to say that the Magic V5 is a joy to hold, though its camera bar can be a bit cumbersome. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, while thicker, has a more subdued aesthetic, making it less playful but still quite pocket-friendly.
Ultimately, the “winner” of this face-off may boil down to software preference. Both devices have their strengths, and the Magic V5 is still not widely released outside China, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is poised to hit various markets, including the US. Historically, Pixel devices have offered a smoother user experience, but the hardware in both phones presents exciting possibilities. Whether you’re leaning towards the sleek design of the Magic V5 or the professional look of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for foldable technology!
