The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 may get a very important feature: an IP rating for water and dust resistance.
According to SamMobile sources, Samsung’s next foldable phone will be the first to offer an IP rating for water and dust resistance. That’s a big deal for a hinged phone like Samsung’s, which in the past was prone to malfunction due to dirt getting into it.
Unfortunately, we don’t know what the IP rating will be. However, the fact that Samsung would advertise suggests that the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 should provide some sort of protection against both dust and liquid.
After all the dust and debris was the downfall of the first Samsung Galaxy Fold. Not only did it lead to the recall of test devices, it also meant that Samsung had to delay the launch of the phone for several months. The hinge turned out to be a major culprit, with Samsung’s folding mechanism allowing dust and dirt to get inside the phone incredibly easily.
Samsung has done a lot to ensure that this won’t be an issue with future foldables, and we may be looking at the outcome of that work. The only question is whether the phones will be IP5X or IP6X rated.
The difference is that IP6X means that a device is completely sealed against dust and other debris, while IP5X still lets in particles – just not enough to interfere with day-to-day functionality.
Of course, water resistance will also be a critical property for most people. We’ve all had accidents with our phones invariably, and the IP rating for water resistance can give us some extra peace of mind. Even if water damage isn’t covered by your warranty.
This is one more way that Samsung appears to be increasing the durability of its foldable phones. Rumor has it that the phone will come with a super strong one ‘Armor Frame’ that promises to be stronger and lighter than the Z Fold 2’s frame. Couple that with an IP rating, and we’re looking at a pretty durable fold.
Relatively speaking, of course, as the Z Fold 3 or Z Flip 3 is unlikely to be what you would really call “rugged”.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are rumored to be launched in July this year. The Z Fold 3 also features support for Samsung’s S Pen and a slightly smaller battery than the Z Fold 2. Leaks and chatter disagree on screen size so far, but some argue that the outer screen will be a similar size . to the Z Fold 2, and others claim it will be significantly smaller.
We don’t know much about the Z Flip 3, other than the fact that Samsung is reportedly skipping the number two so that both folding items have the same number behind them. Naturally, it retains the same clamshell design as previous Z Flips.