Foldable Phone Cases Protect Against Impacts but Not Dust in the Fold

A protective case is more important for foldable phones than for conventional smartphones. The hinged design of models such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple iPhone Duo makes them more vulnerable to impacts and dust. If the phone is dropped, a case reduces the risk of the body breaking, being scratched or getting dented. However, the case must provide protection without preventing the phone from opening and closing easily.

Cases for foldable phones are often made in 2 pieces. The first piece covers the rear panel, sides and the areas around the charging port and camera module. A raised frame around the camera prevents the lenses from touching surfaces. The other piece surrounds the edges of the front and protects the external display. However, basic models do not fully cover the phone, and cases usually leave the hinge exposed.

The Samsung Carbon Standing Case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 includes an anti-reflective film and a built-in stand. As a result, the model focuses more on convenient use. Casetify cases feature technology said to disperse the force of an impact during a fall, along with hinge protection. A Duo-Lock system has been developed for the upcoming iPhone Duo case. A similar solution is already available for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. This type of protection makes the phone thicker, while some basic cases require a separate protector for the external display.

On more rugged cases, the front and rear pieces are joined together and the hinge is also covered. Models from CaseBorne, Supcase and OtterBox may include a screen protector in addition to an all-around protective design. For example, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro case for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has tempered glass. The hinge cover also serves as storage for the S Pen. The main drawback of such cases is that they make the phone considerably bulkier and heavier.

However, a case does not solve the problem of dust accumulating between the foldable display and the hinge. When the phone is closed, particles on the screen, even those invisible to the eye, can enter the mechanism. This can damage the panel and cause it to crack. The iPhone Duo and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold have an IP68 protection rating. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has an IP48 rating, while the Motorola razr fold has an IP49 rating. On the last 2 models, the first digit of the code indicates that fine dust is not completely blocked. No case can protect against dust trapped inside the screen’s fold.

For this reason, it is advisable to gently wipe the screen and folding area before closing the phone. Dust accumulating on the outside of the hinge should also be cleaned periodically with a soft brush. Foldable phones require more careful maintenance than conventional smartphones. However, this cleaning reduces the risk of particles entering the mechanism. Even on a foldable phone with an IP68 rating, a case is no substitute for daily cleaning.