Because of its ultra-thin and light body, the HONOR Magic V2 is a lot of people’s favorite in 2023. After all, people just hate phones that are too heavy and too thick. HONOR saw that people liked the V2 so much that they announced the Magic V2 RSR. Although it’s not the Magic V3, this PORSCHE DESIGN version here is a bit different compared to the regular one. So first let me introduce you guys to some of the upgrades.
Unboxing
One of the big upgrades is the accessories. Look at the box, it’s so big, which means there must be a lot of accessories. When you open the lid, in addition to the phone, there’s a stylus next to it. With that kind of price tag, it makes sense to give away a stylus I think. Underneath them are three boxes and a card pin.
Let’s start with the box in the center. Inside there is a very delicate case that is similar in design to the back cover of the phone. There is also a long case inside that is designed for the stylus. It’s also textured with vegan leather and the lid is magnetic, which really makes the stylus look like a fancy fountain pen.
The remaining two large boxes look as if they are identical, and in fact they are. Both are 66w chargers with USB A to C cables, the only difference is the type of plug they come with. Because this is the global version of the phone, they don’t know which type of socket is used in your region.
Some brands will give you two chargers even if you just buy one phone, while there are some brands that won’t give you even one charger. I think we all know which phone will be more favorable.
Design
Of course, the biggest change in the phone is the back cover design, which is made by the collaboration with PORSCHE. What do you think of this design? HONOR says its back cover is inspired by the sleek exteriors and durability of the Porsche 911. The camera module is also inspired by the precision and performance of Porsche cars. I do feel that this is better looking and more business-like than the regular version.
Whenever I mention the Magic V2, I have to bring up the incredible thickness and weight. Of course, the RSR version keeps that up, only 4g heavier than the regular version, but still lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
About that stylus in the box, to be honest, it’s the first time I’ve used a stylus on a HONOR foldable phone. I was shocked by its super low writing latency. If I didn’t take the shot in slow motion, I couldn’t even feel the latency. Previously, such a writing experience was only available on the iPad, and I’m glad that HONOR has done the same.
Anyway, for a foldable phone, the Magic V2 RSR made a great first impression. I have nothing to complain about.
Display
The Magic V2 RSR version has the same screen as the regular version, both the internal and external screens. However, if you purchase the RSR version, you will get an upgrade to the external screen protection glass.
This NanoCrystal Shield glass is ten times more drop and scratch-resistant than the regular Nanocrystal glass. Plus it can hovered so you can do what I do: shoot without a tripod, even with the screen underneath, without fear of getting scratched.
Camera
Speaking of the camera, HONOR has also put a lot of effort into the Magic V2. Let’s start with a feature unique to the RSR version: the watermark. How do you let people know you’ve got a new phone? Aside from putting the phone right in their faces, the other most direct way is to post a photo with a watermark on IG or Twitter. That way the world knows you bought a new foldable phone designed by Porsche.
Other than that feature, the hardware and software are just like the regular version. All three cameras perform well with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. Even at night, it retains superb detail. Is it because it has a strong sharpening algorithm? No. It doesn’t sharpen much and the hairs all look natural.
By the way, the macro feature of its ultra-wide camera is better than expected. I’m happy to use the macro mode to take such photos. For a foldable phone, the Magic V2 RSR is as good as many flagship phones. I’m still very pleased with the camera system.
The AI Motion Sensing Capture feature should also be one of the highlights of Magic V2. With AI, it can automatically help you capture some great moments when you forgot to press the shutter. I think this feature is very helpful for people who have pets or kids. You know, they are always not very cooperative with you when taking photos.
It doesn’t always capture the image you want, but it’s always good to have this feature as insurance. Compared to Live Photos, I prefer this solution for taking pictures of moving objects.
Foldable ecosystem
HONOR collaborated with Gameloft together to exclusively make the Asphalt 9: Legends compatible with the whole Magic V2 Series, including the special edition with PORSCHE DESIGN, which marks a significant milestone in the mobile gaming industry. HONOR Magic V2 Serie is the world’s first foldable phone to run this game at 120 FPS with a remastered gaming image quality. It’s another step that HONOR with its partner has made to build an open collaborative and innovative foldable ecosystem.
Conclusion
Obviously, the Magic V2 RSR version is designed for those who feel that the regular version isn’t special enough. It has a more premium design, more scratch-resistant protective glass, more personalized watermarks, and more accessories, such as two chargers and a stylus. I think the V2 RSR should be HONOR’s new Best Buy foldable phone until the Magic V3 comes.
