Honor Skips ‘Magic V4’ Due to Tetraphobia, Leaps Straight to Magic V5 Foldable

Foldable smartphones continue to push the boundaries of design and engineering, and Honor is preparing its next big move. The Chinese tech giant, known for its sleek and innovative devices, is reportedly bypassing the “Magic V4” name entirely—jumping straight to the Honor Magic V5 in a nod to cultural superstitions.

The decision follows a long-standing trend among Asian manufacturers avoiding the number four, which is considered unlucky in Chinese culture due to its phonetic similarity to the word for “death.” Instead of releasing a Magic V4, Honor will reportedly debut the Magic V5 later this year, continuing its rivalry with competitors like Oppo, Samsung, and Huawei in the rapidly evolving foldable market.

Why Honor is Skipping the ‘V4’ Name

Tetraphobia—the aversion to the number four—is deeply rooted in East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Many smartphone brands, including Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus, have historically skipped the “4” in product naming conventions to avoid potential consumer hesitation.

• Oppo went from the Find N3 to the Find N5 for its foldable series.
• OnePlus famously jumped from the OnePlus 3 to the OnePlus 5.
• Samsung has also adjusted naming schemes in certain markets to accommodate cultural preferences.

Honor’s decision to skip the Magic V4 and proceed directly to the Magic V5 aligns with this tradition. While Western markets may not place the same significance on the number, Honor’s primary customer base includes regions where such superstitions influence purchasing behavior.

What to Expect from the Honor Magic V5

Though official details remain scarce, leaks and industry whispers suggest the Magic V5 will push the limits of foldable smartphone design.

1. Ultra-Thin Form Factor

The Magic V3, launched in 2024, was already one of the thinnest foldables on the market. The Magic V5 is expected to further refine this design, potentially challenging Oppo’s Find N5 for the title of “world’s thinnest book-style foldable.”

Li Kun, Honor’s Product Manager, confirmed that the Magic V5 will arrive in late May or early June, suggesting an imminent launch. If the trend continues, the device could feature:

• A hinge mechanism with even fewer visible creases.
• Lighter materials to improve portability.
• Enhanced durability to address common foldable pain points.

2. Upgraded Display & Performance

Foldable displays have come a long way, and Honor is expected to incorporate the latest advancements in the Magic V5, including:

• A higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz or more for both inner and outer screens).
• Improved brightness and color accuracy for HDR content.
• A more efficient chipset, likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or a custom Kirin processor for Chinese variants.

3. Camera & Battery Improvements

One of the biggest challenges for foldables is balancing slimness with camera quality and battery life. The Magic V5 could introduce:

• A multi-lens flagship camera system, possibly co-engineered with a major optics brand.
• Larger battery capacity with faster wired and wireless charging.
• AI-enhanced photography features, leveraging on-device machine learning for better low-light and zoom performance.

The Foldable Market Heats Up

Honor’s Magic V5 enters an increasingly competitive landscape where brands are racing to perfect foldable technology. Key rivals include:

• Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 (expected July 2024)
• Google’s Pixel Fold 2 (rumored for late 2024)
• Huawei’s Mate X5 (already skipping the “X4”)
• Oppo’s Find N5 (current holder of the “thinnest foldable” title)

Each of these devices brings unique innovations, from Samsung’s durability enhancements to Google’s AI-driven software optimizations. Honor’s strategy appears to focus on ultra-thin designs and aggressive pricing, making foldables more accessible to mainstream consumers.

Will Tetraphobia Affect Global Marketing?

While skipping the “V4” makes sense in China, Honor may need to adjust its branding for Western markets where the number four doesn’t carry the same stigma. Some possibilities include:

• Keeping the Magic V5 name globally for consistency.
• Using a different naming scheme in regions where tetraphobia isn’t a concern.
• Introducing a “Magic V Pro” or other variants to differentiate models.

Either way, the Magic V5 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing foldables of 2025—whether or not it technically should have been called the V4.

Final Thoughts: A Superstitious Leap Forward

Honor’s decision to skip the Magic V4 is more than just a quirky naming choice—it reflects the delicate balance global tech brands must strike between cultural sensitivity and cutting-edge innovation. With the Magic V5, Honor isn’t just avoiding an unlucky number; it’s positioning itself as a major player in the foldable revolution.

As we approach the expected May-June 2025 launch window, all eyes will be on whether the Magic V5 can dethrone rivals in thinness, performance, and value. One thing is certain: in the fast-moving world of foldables, superstition and technology make for an fascinating combination.