How Important Is The Ip Rating on Foldables

[JAMES4578]

The early Foldables had an IPX8rating signifying that there weas insufficient Data to determine the level of protection.  However both the Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7 have an Ip48 rating , a 4 on the ingress protection scale indicates the device is resistant to  device is resistant to ingress of solid objects greater than 1mm, such as slender screws, most wires for instance.  However technically they are not dust resistant.  Foldables have traditionally had lower Ip ratings due to the moving parts  such as the Hinge and Flexible Display.    The S series devices going back to the S7 range have the IP68 rating.

However the pixel Fold 10 Pro has achieved enhanced durability and is said to be resistant to water and dust with the higher IP68 rating.  Apparently this has been achieved via a Remodelled hinge, whilst the higher rating would be welcome would not imagine it is the biggest factor for for fans of the form factor.   As far As i can see the Pixel Fold does not match Samsung's in other regards in any case.

However can see a bit more about Google's version here https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-just-gave-the-pixel-foldable-phone-its-most-important-upgrade-y...

[Chappell101]

Regardless of the rest of the phone, It's nice to see hinges improving. If being gearless and using effective brushes is the answer hopefully we see Samsung follow suit if the design proves to be long lasting. (If being the big thing here)

You still need to be conscious taking a foldable to anywhere sandy or dusty though. Which is my concern with them for some people. Tech blogs and social posts are so quick to gloss over the practicalities of certain hardware pushing affiliate sales. I don't mind hearing negatives with the positives it's believable, you can work out best how it would align to your personal lifestyle.

These company IP ratings are very PR as even Google notes on their own PR materials that the dust and water resistance will go with wear and tear.

"Designed to comply with dust and water protection rating IP68 under IEC standard 60529 when each device leaves the factory but the device is not water or dust proof. The accessories are not water or dust-resistant. Water resistance and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and will diminish or be lost over time due to normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage Phone is not drop/tumble proof and dropping your device may result in loss of water/dust resistance. Damage from drops. tumbles, and other external forces are not covered under warranty. Liquid damage voids the warranty. See g.co/pixel/water for details."

[JAMES4578]

yes good pont,needs to be determined if trhe design change actually achieves the desired result,  I am sure though Samsung will take note though to provide added protection. There was some speculation with this year's  Device but did not materialise.   However the resistance will diminish over time.

[Chappell101]

I'm probably less likely to believe in these ratings fully as I'm always told phones are safe from water the reality is simply not true without a dedicated housing (even then it would be to certain pressures and duration)

Ingress can still happen. If I can have problems with just airborne mist while in my pocket walking we aren't there yet. Or with an older device light rain exposure over a minute or so each hour or so for few hours was too much for the speaker port but you wouldn't think that watching all these water dunk tests. Just a few days use and natural wear tear could minutely move material enough to make it pointless.

I'm probably just unlucky as it's only been a couple of devices so it won't happen to everyone but it definitely makes me more cautious each time.

[GreaterGalaxyUK]

I just got back from a holiday in Dubai. I have a Ringke case on it. I took it to the desert and managed to get sand on the sides of the front screen. I was too scared to unfold it, but did so back at the hotel. To my surprise, I did not see much sand on the inner screen, just dust. I saw some sand on the side but I was able to blow it off. I am certain no sand has gone inside the inner screen cover or sides, time will tell. However- very surprised with the protection, albeit I do not recommend taking it to a desert!

I also do not hear any "crunch" sounds whilst folding and unfolding

[JAMES4578]

Yes the Technology is not always as full proof as one might think , some are more fortunate though. I suppose it gives piece of mind but I am still on the more cautious side when it comes to water.

[Chappell101]

It's hard as I bet you have been caught in light rain at least once and briefly used your phone still as you felt confident on the build. The reality is it's a small gamble each time, one only phone manufacturers win. You can't see when wear and tear wins with micrometre changes.

Obviously, it's just bad luck I should not have taken my phone out to check directions but it's best to just see them as a reduced risk aid not a real feature.