There were rumors about Samsung's fifth-generation foldable phones getting dust resistance. However, that information turned out to be untrue. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are still rated IPX8, which means water resistance. But that doesn't mean Samsung isn't working on bringing dust resistance to its foldable phones.
Dust-resistant Galaxy Z series foldable phones are coming
According to BizWatch, speaking to South Korean media, Samsung MX chief TM Roh confirmed that the company is working on bringing dust resistance to its Galaxy Z smartphone lineup. He said, “We are well aware of consumer demand for dust proofing, and we are making various efforts to achieve this, but due to the nature of foldables, there are many moving parts, so dust proofing is difficult.” He further said that consumers need to “wait a little longer” to get foldable phones with dust resistance, noting that earlier foldable phones didn't even have a water resistance rating.
Only a few foldable phones currently feature an IPX8 rating, including the Google Pixel Fold, Huawei Mate X3, and Samsung's third-generation and newer Galaxy Z series phones. The only foldable phones with some form of dust resistance are Motorola's Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra, but they lack water resistance. Samsung may very well be the first company to introduce foldable phones with dust and water resistance (IP68).
With the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung solved the hinge issue by developing a ‘Flex Hinge.' This new hinge bends the screen with a wider curvature and helps the phones fold completely gapless, stopping dust and debris from entering the hinge area. It also makes the phone look more aesthetically pleasing and improves the life of the foldable screen.
You can have a look at our hands-on experience with the water-resistant Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 below.
