• Samsung says that its latest set of foldable smartphones are more durable than the previous generation.
• To prove this, it had French testing firm Bureau Veritas test both the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5.
• The devices undergo drop tests, waterproof tests, pressure tests and even getting a small steel ball dropped right on the screen repeatedly.

The latest foldable smartphones from Samsung launched in July 2023 to worldwide media attention. With the Galaxy ZFlip 5 and Fold5, Samsung focused on innovating on the design aspects of the phones instead of just iterative hardware improvements.

One of the major talking points on both after the launch was the increased durability of the devices as the South Korean manufacturer is set on proving that its pricey foldables aren’t going to just fail you after a few falls or a quick dip.

According to Samsung via media statement, the main screens of both devices – the screen that folds out – are equipped with a shock dispersion layer and redesigned back, which makes the display more solid. Additionally, the devices now have IPX8 waterproofing which means they can withstand total submersion in water, as well as Armor Aluminium Frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

“Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 provide the protection consumers expect, enhanced further by Flex Hinge. This new integrated hinge module features a dual rail structure, diffusing external impacts,” says the brand. The Flexing and folding of the devices is a main feature and Samsung is keen to prove that the phone will serve.

To show off the durability of the new foldables, Samsung has published a video of how the two models are rigorously tested. In the video several models of both the Fold5 and Flip5 are tested by France’s Bureau Veritas, starting with the folding and unfolding of the devices at room temperature (25 degrees C).

Samsung has said that both models can fold and unfold for a certified 200 000 times before showing signs of wear.

The second test is a bit more violent. The “tumble test” puts the devices in a rotating chamber and the phones simply fall again and again. Though it is not yet being tested for height, the tumble test makes sure that the devices can withstand repeated sharp impacts.

IPX8 tests follow this, with the ZFlip 5 certified to withstand depths of 1.5 meters in freshwater for up to 30 minutes. This means that dropping your phone in water won’t do anything to it, but don’t use it as a GoPro just yet. Waterproofing is tested by first lowering the devices into the water and then by repeatedly showering the phones using a machine that sprays at all angles while the phones are unfolded.

The smartphones are then subjected to pressure and temperature testing, height drop testing of at least one meter, S Pen drawing tests and even having a steel ball dropped right on the screen from a small height repeatedly.

“Before moving from the production line to a user’s pocket, these flexible devices are put through a series of rigorous reliability tests to ensure they can stand the test of time for any lifestyle and meet the highest standards possible. Both the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are carefully designed to meet durability expectations,” explains Samsung.

Watch the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 get put through their paces below:

[Image – Samsung]