The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 are both excellent foldable phones, but the Pixel is better for dust-prone environments, iPhone switchers, and AI enthusiasts, while the Galaxy offers a slimmer design, fewer creases, and a better deal, making it the preferred choice for those prioritizing design and price.
Rumors suggest Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be the first foldable smartphone with IP68 dust and water resistance, a feature not yet achieved by other foldables, making it a potentially groundbreaking development in durability for foldable devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making it dust-tight and capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. It is also 10ATM-rated for water resistance up to 100 meters, suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming, but not for high-pressure water activities or diving. Water resistance may diminish over time.
Apple has announced the updated second-generation AirPods Pro, which will support 20-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected to Apple's new Vision Pro headset launching in early 2024. The new AirPods Pro also feature additional IP54-rated dust resistance for both the earbuds and the charging case. They are available for order starting today for $249 and will be in stores on September 22. Apple has discontinued the AirPods Pro with a Lightning case and is not selling the USB-C charging case separately.
Samsung's MX chief TM Roh confirmed that the company is working on bringing dust resistance to its Galaxy Z smartphone lineup, acknowledging consumer demand for it. While earlier foldable phones lacked water resistance, Samsung's latest models, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, feature a new 'Flex Hinge' that prevents dust and debris from entering the hinge area. Samsung may become the first company to introduce foldable phones with both dust and water resistance.
Real-life images of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 reveal a nearly gapless hinge, a significant improvement over previous models. The hinge now closes almost completely flat when the phone is folded up, thanks to Samsung's "waterdrop" hinge design. However, there is still a small gap present, which may prevent the device from achieving a dust resistance rating. The only noticeable change on the back of the Fold 5 compared to the Fold 4 is the repositioned LED flash. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is set to launch later this month.
The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung is rumored to lack an IP58 dust and water resistance rating, disappointing users who were expecting this feature. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 may also lack the IP58 rating. While the phones may have improved dust resistance, it is possible that Samsung isn't ready to advertise it as it falls short of the IP68 rating found on its other phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a redesigned cover screen, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will only feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor upgrade.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 are rumored to have an IP58 dust- and water-resistant rating, an improvement from the IPX8 rating on the Fold 4 and Flip 4. This will be the first time Samsung's foldables will have a dust resistance rating. While Samsung's foldables are still behind most modern smartphones in terms of dust and water resistance, it is a step forward in foldable durability. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 in July.