iPhone Duo is better protected against dust and water than Galaxy Z Fold 8
Apple appears to have solved one of the long-standing issues with foldable smartphones. The new iPhone Duo has IP68 protection, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 meets the IP48 standard.
The main difference lies in the first digit of the rating. IP6X means the device is completely dust-tight, whereas IP4X provides protection against solid objects with a diameter of 1 mm or larger. For foldable smartphones, this is especially important: fine dust and sand could potentially enter the hinge area and damage the mechanism or flexible display.
Samsung is gradually improving the protection of its foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold 3, Fold 4, and Fold 5 had an IPX8 rating without a stated protection against solid particles. Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the company uses an IP48 rating, which has been retained by the Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Both smartphones share the same second digit—8—for water resistance, but the test conditions differ. Apple states that the iPhone Duo can be submerged in fresh water up to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was tested by submersion in fresh water up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Thus, the iPhone Duo surpasses the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in its rated protection against solid particles and maximum immersion depth. However, IP68 is no longer unique for foldable smartphones: the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold also holds an equivalent protection rating.
