Samsung says “be patient” as it works to add dust resistance to its foldables

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of X8. The number 8 indicates that these phones can be submerged in clear water up to 5 feet deep for 30 minutes without being damaged. However, it is important to note that this level of protection may decrease over time. It raises the question of why the warranty does not cover water damage if the phone is capable of being submerged for such a long time.

But let’s focus on the “X” in the IPX8 rating for a moment. This “X” represents the fact that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are not resistant to dust. Dust protection is a significant concern for foldable devices. Currently, the only foldable models with any dust protection are the Motorola Razr+ and Razr (2023), which have an IP52 rating, providing protection against light splashes of water.

Samsung’s goal is to achieve the same IP68 rating for foldable devices as the best flagship smartphones. According to TM Roh, the head of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience unit, the company is aware of consumer demand for dust proofing and is making efforts to achieve this. However, due to the nature of foldables and the presence of many moving parts, achieving dust proofing is challenging.

If you’re considering purchasing a new Galaxy Z foldable, Roh advises being patient and waiting for dust protection to be offered for these phones. Samsung aims to sell 20 foldables out of every 100 Galaxy smartphones sold worldwide, and Roh is confident that this goal will be met this year. In South Korea, Samsung expects to sell 33 foldables for every 100 Galaxy phones sold, reflecting the high demand for foldable devices in the country. This is also why Samsung chose to hold its recent Unpacked event, where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 were unveiled, in Seoul.