2025’s Top Foldable Phones: Honor Magic V5 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 vs Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Foldable smartphones have evolved from experimental gadgets to mature, compelling alternatives to traditional flagships. As we enter 2025, three devices stand out as the best options for different types of users: the Honor Magic V5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Each represents a distinct approach to the foldable form factor, with unique strengths that cater to specific priorities. This isn’t a competition with one clear winner-it’s about finding the right tool for your needs.

After extensive testing and real-world use, we’ve identified what makes each of these foldables special. Whether you prioritize media consumption, productivity, or ecosystem integration, one of these devices will likely be your perfect match. Let’s dive into the details that matter most.

Honor Magic V5: The Value Champion for Media Lovers

Honor has delivered what might be the most impressive engineering achievement in the foldable space with the Magic V5. This device sets new standards for thinness and lightness without compromising on core functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Magic V5’s most noticeable feature is its remarkably slim profile. When folded, it feels more like a conventional smartphone than any foldable we’ve tested. The hinge mechanism has been refined to eliminate the dreaded “table wobble” that plagues many foldables when placed on flat surfaces. This might seem like a minor detail, but it makes a significant difference in daily use, especially when typing or watching content with the device resting on a table.

At just 229 grams, the Magic V5 is noticeably lighter than its competitors, making extended one-handed use more comfortable. The matte finish provides excellent grip while resisting fingerprints-a practical choice that enhances the premium feel.

Performance and Battery Life

Honor’s silicon carbon battery technology represents a genuine breakthrough. The Magic V5 consistently delivers 8-10 hours of screen-on time, even with heavy use of both displays. This is particularly impressive given the device’s thin profile. The combination of efficient hardware and intelligent software optimization means you can confidently use this foldable throughout a full day without battery anxiety.

Performance is smooth and responsive across both productivity tasks and media consumption. While it may not have the absolute highest benchmark scores, real-world usage feels fluid and lag-free. The external display is perfect for quick interactions, while the internal screen provides an immersive experience for videos, reading, and gaming.

Camera Considerations

The camera system is where the Magic V5 makes some compromises to achieve its other advantages. In good lighting conditions, photos are vibrant and detailed, capturing colors accurately. However, consistency can be an issue-some shots turn out beautifully while others lack the polish you’d expect from a flagship device.

Low-light performance is adequate but doesn’t match the best traditional flagships. For most users who prioritize media consumption over photography, this trade-off makes sense. The Magic V5 captures perfectly good photos for social media and memories, but professional photographers might want to look elsewhere.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: The Productivity Powerhouse

Samsung’s latest iteration of its flagship foldable represents the most significant redesign since the original Galaxy Fold. The Z Fold7 feels like a device that has truly matured, addressing previous generations’ weaknesses while enhancing its strengths.

Redesigned Form Factor

The most immediately noticeable change is the Z Fold7’s wider aspect ratio when unfolded. This creates a more natural tablet experience that’s better suited for productivity tasks. The device is also thinner than its predecessor, though it still exhibits some table wobble due to the camera bump.

Samsung has refined the hinge to be smoother and more durable, with improved dust resistance. The crease is less visible than ever, though still present if you look for it. In daily use, you quickly forget about it as you engage with the expansive display.

Software Excellence

Where Samsung truly shines is in software optimization for the foldable form factor. The Z Fold7 offers the best multitasking experience available on any mobile device. You can run three apps simultaneously with intuitive resizing and switching. App continuity-moving an app from the cover screen to the main display-works seamlessly.

Productivity features like the taskbar, enhanced drag-and-drop between apps, and optimized versions of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace apps make this a legitimate laptop replacement for many tasks. The S Pen support (sold separately) adds another layer of functionality for note-taking and creative work.

Camera and Overall Refinement

Samsung has brought its flagship camera technology to the Z Fold7. The triple-camera system delivers consistent, high-quality results across various lighting conditions. Low-light performance is particularly impressive, with night mode producing clean, detailed images without excessive processing.

The overall package feels premium and well-considered. From the haptic feedback to the speaker quality, every element has been tuned to create a cohesive experience. Battery life is solid, though it doesn’t match the Magic V5’s endurance. Fast charging helps mitigate this, providing a quick boost when needed.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Android Purist’s Choice

Google’s approach to foldables emphasizes software purity and ecosystem integration over radical hardware innovation. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold feels familiar to Pixel users while offering the unique benefits of the foldable form factor.

Software Experience

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs the cleanest version of Android available on a foldable. Google’s software optimizations make the transition between screen sizes feel natural and intuitive. Features like split-screen multitasking work smoothly, though they’re not as advanced as Samsung’s implementation.

Pixel-exclusive features like Call Screen, Now Playing, and Magic Eraser are all present and work exactly as they do on traditional Pixel devices. The integration with Google services is seamless, making this an excellent choice for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.

Hardware Considerations

From a design perspective, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold shows minimal changes from its predecessor. The bezels are noticeable compared to the competition, though this does provide more grip area when holding the device unfolded. The hinge feels solid and reliable, with a satisfying snap when opening and closing.

Google’s Pixelsnap magnetic charging system is a standout feature. The strong magnets ensure accessories stay securely attached, and the charging alignment is perfect every time. This ecosystem of compatible accessories adds significant value for users who appreciate the convenience of magnetic attachment.

Performance and Camera

Performance is consistently reliable, with Google’s Tensor chip handling everyday tasks with ease. The camera system delivers the excellent computational photography that Pixel devices are known for. Photos have that distinctive Pixel look-natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and impressive detail preservation.

While the hardware might not be the most innovative, the overall experience is polished and dependable. For users who value consistency and software excellence over cutting-edge hardware, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers exactly what it promises.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Who Should Choose Which Foldable?

Choosing between these excellent devices comes down to your specific needs and priorities:

Choose the Honor Magic V5 if:

• You prioritize media consumption and want the best screen experience
• Battery life is your top concern
• You want the most portable foldable option
• Value for money matters to you
• You can accept some camera inconsistency

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 if:

• Productivity is your main focus
• You want the best multitasking capabilities
• Camera quality is non-negotiable
• You appreciate premium build and materials
• You’re willing to pay for top-tier innovation

Choose the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if:

• You value a pure Android experience
• Ecosystem integration matters (Google services)
• You want reliable, consistent performance
• Magnetic accessories appeal to you
• You prefer software excellence over hardware innovation

Final Verdict

After testing all three devices extensively, we believe the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 represents the most complete foldable experience available in 2025. Its combination of refined hardware, exceptional software optimization, and flagship-level camera performance creates a device that truly justifies the foldable form factor.

That said, this doesn’t diminish the achievements of the Honor Magic V5 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The Magic V5 offers incredible value and engineering innovation, particularly in battery technology and thinness. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers the cleanest software experience and excellent ecosystem integration.

The bottom line: All three of these foldables are excellent choices that represent the maturity of the category. Your decision should be based on which strengths align with your personal needs. For media consumption and value, choose the Magic V5. For productivity and innovation, choose the Z Fold7. For Android purity and ecosystem integration, choose the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Foldable smartphones have finally reached the point where they’re not just interesting novelties-they’re legitimate alternatives to traditional flagships. Whichever device you choose, you’ll be getting a capable, innovative smartphone that offers unique advantages over conventional designs.