Honor Magic V6 foldable gets IP69 rating, tougher hinge, and striking red color ahead of MWC debut

Honor is preparing to launch its latest flagship foldable, the Magic V6, at Mobile World Congress on March 1, and the company has revealed several key durability enhancements that set it apart from competitors. The most notable upgrade is the IP69 rating, which represents the highest level of dust protection available for consumer devices.

While many foldables on the market carry an IPX8 rating for water resistance, the Magic V6's IP69 designation means it achieves complete dust-tight protection. To understand the significance, the IP rating system uses two digits: the first indicates dust protection (6 being the highest) and the second indicates water resistance. Most competing foldables only achieve a "5" for dust protection, meaning some dust may enter but won't damage the device. The Magic V6's "6" rating ensures absolutely no dust ingress.

Honor is also introducing what it calls Advanced Display Protection, which combines high wear resistance with a reinforced inner screen that supports ultra-thin glass (UTG). The company claims to have achieved an industry-leading reflection rate of just 1.5% through low-reflectivity coatings, potentially improving outdoor visibility significantly.

The hinge mechanism has received substantial upgrades as well. Honor is using its Super Steel Hinge, constructed from the strongest commercially available steel to ensure top-tier structural integrity. To demonstrate this durability, Honor sent British YouTuber Joe Weller to Thailand to test the hinge by using the Magic V6 to attach himself to a zipline - not just carrying it in his pocket, but actually relying on the phone as part of the safety equipment.

Design-wise, Honor is introducing a striking new color option for the V6: a bold red finish with gold accents. This marks a departure from the more conservative color palettes typically seen in premium foldables and gives the device a distinctive, eye-catching appearance.

The Magic V6 launch will be part of a broader product showcase at MWC, where Honor will also debut the MagicPad 4 tablet, MagicBook Pro 14 laptop, and what the company is calling a "Robot Phone." Additionally, Honor plans to demonstrate a humanoid robot at the event, suggesting the company is expanding beyond traditional mobile devices into robotics.

While full specifications remain under wraps until the March 1 event, these durability enhancements position the Magic V6 as one of the most robust foldables on the market. The combination of IP69 dust protection, reinforced display technology, and an exceptionally strong hinge could address some of the primary concerns consumers have about foldable devices - namely their vulnerability to dust, screen damage, and mechanical failure over time.

For context, the current Magic V5 already offers impressive durability with its own IP69 rating, but the V6 appears to build upon this foundation with additional refinements to the display and hinge mechanisms. The new red color option also suggests Honor is targeting consumers who want their foldable to make a statement, not just function as a productivity tool.

As the foldable market continues to mature, durability improvements like these could help accelerate mainstream adoption by addressing the practical concerns that have historically limited the appeal of these innovative form factors.