Samsung Foldables Dust Resistance: When?

Samsung’s foldable phones are getting dust resistance, but not all at once. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 (2024) still lack an official IP dust rating, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, expected in 2025, are widely reported to be the first to include it. Here’s what we know, how dust resistance works on a folding device, and what to expect.

Why Dust Resistance Is Hard for Foldables

A standard phone is a sealed slab. A foldable has a hinge with moving parts and a flexible screen that bends. Dust can enter the hinge mechanism and grind against gears, or slip under the screen’s edges. That’s why early foldables had no IP rating at all, and why the first IP48 rating on the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 in 2023 only covered water, not dust. The “4” means protection from splashes, but the “0” for dust meant no protection.

To get a dust rating, Samsung had to redesign the hinge with brushes, seals, and tighter tolerances. The challenge is that a hinge must move freely, and any seal adds friction. Dust particles, especially fine sand, are abrasive and can damage the display’s folding layer over time.

Current State: IP48 and the Missing Dust Rating

As of 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 carry an IP48 rating. The “8” means they survive immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The “0” for dust means they are not certified against particle ingress. Samsung’s official materials state that the devices are not dust-proof and that dust can damage the hinge.

In practice, this means you should avoid sandy environments, pockets full of lint, or construction sites. A single grain of sand in the hinge can cause grinding noises or eventually prevent the screen from opening flat. Samsung’s warranty does not cover dust damage.

What the Next Generation Is Expected to Bring

Industry reports and leaks from reliable sources point to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, expected in the second half of 2025, being the first Samsung foldables with an IP dust rating. The likely rating is IP58 or IP68, where the “5” or “6” indicates dust-tight protection. This would match or beat the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, which has an IPX8 rating but also lacks dust protection.

Why 2025? Samsung has had time to refine the hinge design, and competitors like the OnePlus Open and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 already offer some dust resistance in certain markets. Samsung’s own patents show a dust-proof hinge with a multi-layered brush system. The change is not just about marketing; it’s a fundamental engineering shift.

How Dust Resistance Is Tested

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is defined by the IEC 60529 standard. For dust:

• IP5X: Dust-protected. Limited ingress allowed, but it must not interfere with operation.
• IP6X: Dust-tight. No dust enters the enclosure.

Testing involves placing the device in a sealed chamber with talcum powder (particles up to 75 micrometers) and creating a vacuum to draw air out, forcing dust inward. The device must survive without dust entering the protected areas. For a foldable, the hinge is the critical zone. Samsung would need to ensure that the screen’s folding crease and the hinge gap are sealed.

Common Problems Without Dust Resistance

Owners of current foldables report several dust-related issues:

• Gritty hinge feel: The hinge becomes rough to open or close.
• Clicking or crunching sounds when folding.
• Dust visible under the screen protector or at the screen edges.
• Screen not folding completely flat due to trapped particles.

If you already own a Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6, avoid beaches, sandboxes, and dusty pockets. Use a case that covers the hinge, and gently blow out the hinge with compressed air (not your mouth, which adds moisture). Do not use water or cleaning fluids near the hinge.

Comparing Samsung to Other Brands

Samsung is not the first to attempt dust resistance. The Huawei Mate X3 and Mate X5 have IPX8 ratings but no dust rating. The Google Pixel Fold has no IP rating at all. The OnePlus Open has IPX4 (splash only). The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has IPX8 (water only).

In the non-foldable world, most flagship phones have IP68, meaning full dust tightness and water immersion. The gap for foldables is clear. Samsung’s move to IP58 or IP68 in 2025 would bring foldables in line with standard phones.

What to Do If You Need Dust Resistance Now

If you cannot wait for the 2025 models, you have limited options:

• Use a heavy-duty case that fully covers the hinge and ports.
• Avoid environments with fine dust, sand, or metal shavings.
• Keep the phone in a sealed pouch or bag when at the beach or workshop.
• Consider a non-foldable phone if dust exposure is a daily risk.

No case can make a non-rated phone dust-proof, but a well-sealed case reduces the risk. The hinge remains the weak point, and even a case cannot prevent dust from entering the gap between the screen and the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have dust resistance?

Based on current leaks and Samsung’s patent filings, yes. The Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected to debut with an IP58 or IP68 rating, meaning full dust protection and water resistance. This is not officially confirmed, but multiple reliable sources agree.

Can I use my Z Fold 6 at the beach?

No. The Z Fold 6 has no dust rating, and sand can easily get into the hinge. Even with a case, fine sand will find its way in. If you must take it, keep it in a sealed plastic bag or a waterproof pouch.

Does dust really damage the screen?

Yes. Dust particles are abrasive. When the screen folds, particles trapped between the layers can scratch the delicate polymer display. Over time, this can cause permanent lines or dead pixels. The hinge is also vulnerable to wear.

Why did Samsung skip dust resistance for so long?

The engineering challenge is significant. A hinge needs to move freely, but a dust seal adds friction and bulk. Samsung prioritized water resistance first because it was easier to achieve without compromising the hinge’s smooth operation. Dust requires a more complex brush-and-seal system.

Is IP68 dust resistance the same as being waterproof?

No. IP68 covers both dust (6) and water (8). The water test is immersion in up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Dust tightness is separate. A device can have IP68 and still be damaged by high-pressure water jets or saltwater.

Will the dust rating affect the price?

It might. Adding a dust-proof hinge requires more complex manufacturing and components. Samsung has historically kept foldable prices stable, but the Z Fold 7 could see a modest price increase to cover the new sealing technology. However, no official pricing is available yet.

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