Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in 2021 as the world’s first smartphones with an official IP (ingress protection) classification for water resistance. The IPX8 rating of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 stayed unchanged from last year. This year, the company might take things to the next level. Dust resistance may also be available for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Samsung is working on a new sort of hinge for its fifth-generation foldable. When folded, the waterdrop hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Fip 5 will allow the phones to close. The flexible display panel will fold into the shape of a drop of water, minimizing screen creases. The adjustment will also make the phones slimmer and lighter, with at least ten grams removed from last year’s Fold model, which weighed a hefty 263 grams.
But that’s not all. According to Twitter user @chunvn8888, Samsung may be able to offer an official IP rating for dust protection due to the gap-free design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Fip 5. (likely IP68). This implementation’s technical feasibility is now being assessed by the company. So it’s not finalized just yet. Nevertheless, if the Korean company pushes its boundaries, it may launch the world’s first dust-resistant foldable this year. Waterproofing has yet to be achieved by other brands.
Because of the new gap-less design, Samsung is considering adding dust proof certified. Tho I don’t expect much of this to become true on commercial units
— No name (@chunvn8888) March 9, 2023
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 could improve Samsung’s foldable portfolio even further
The foldable market is becoming increasingly crowded. We already have eight brands with at least one foldable smartphone (Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, Tecno, and Motorola are the other seven). Two additional brands are set to reach the market later this year (OnePlus and Google). Many of these companies have done a better job than Samsung at developing handsets that are lighter and smaller. Some have even included a more functional cover display.
Yet, Samsung’s Galaxy Z models continue to be the most popular smartphones on the globe. Not simply because they are waterproof. While this is an important feature, Samsung’s Flex Mode is revolutionary. It allows you to unfold the devices from different angles. That is something that not many foldable now do. The Galaxy Z range also benefits from Samsung’s extensive set of software capabilities, which make them ideal companions for those who enjoy multitasking on the road.
Naturally, competitors are catching up quickly. But, Samsung is upgrading its foldable this year by using a new type of hinge and maybe adding dust resistance. These enhancements may help it maintain its market dominance for another year. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the most serious competitor to Samsung in the foldable market. Analysts predict that the market will more than double in volume this year.