Foldables are inherently less durable than standard slab-style smartphones. More moving parts introduce more points of failure, and the folding action has historically meant phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are significantly more susceptible to dust and water ingress than their non-folding cousins. According to Android Headlines, though, the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be a big step forward in one key durability aspect.
Android Headlines has shared that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will ship with IP68 water resistance. Last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold came with an IPX8 rating, so a rating of IP68 would mean the new model is rated the same for water ingress resistance, but is also rated to be “dust-tight,” according to the IEC’s IP ratings guide. The “X” in the 9 Pro Fold’s rating meant that the phone had no rated dust protection, so the 10 Pro Fold’s reported dust resistance would be a big deal — 6 is the highest rating for dust resistance the IEC gives.
It’s important to note that the 9 Pro Fold’s IPX8 rating doesn’t mean that Google’s 2024 foldable has no dust resistance, but only that it wasn’t officially rated for dust resistance. Still, the 10 Pro Fold launching with an IP68 rating would signal Google was confident enough in the phone’s dust resistance to have it rated at all, which would bode well for the new model’s longevity.
Android Headlines’ report also indicates that the 10 Pro Fold will come with a “much slimmer” hinge than the 9 Pro Fold did.
Could the Galaxy Z Fold 7 be IP68 rated, too?
Android Headlines says that “rumors are pointing to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 being IP68 when it debuts next month,” though I haven’t seen those rumors mentioned elsewhere. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with an IP48 rating, which beats the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s IPX8.
Samsung’s foldables should be revealed at an Unpacked event in July, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to debut at an event on August 20.
