We’ve only just managed to get our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, but Samsung is already teasing upgrades that could arrive in time for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 at some point next year.
As reported by android authoritySamsung’s head of mobile TM Roh has stated that the company is working on dustproofing for its foldable products – a position that is made difficult due to all the moving parts.
“We are well aware of consumer demand for fabric tightness, and we are making various efforts to achieve it, but due to the nature of foldable items, there are many moving parts, so fabric tightness is difficult,” said Roh, according to BizWatch (and go through a translation machine).
With an IPX8 rating, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 can withstand a drop of liquid, but these phones are not dust resistant. That means that a dirt can cause problems with the foldables of 2023.
Looking forward
It’s worth noting that the Motorola Razr and the Motorola Razr Plus launched earlier this year are dust-resistant, but with an IP52 rating, the waterproofing isn’t quite as extensive as on the Samsung phones.
While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 have only just launched, we’re still hearing what’s in store for us next year. Apparently a new and improved cover screen is one of the upgrades in the pipeline.
There’s also been talk of a “major form factor change” with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – though the source didn’t go into more detail. It’s not exactly clear how a book-style foldable could have a major change in form factor, but we’ll see.
Dust resistance wasn’t promised for 2024, but it could be something Samsung engineers have achieved by then. In the meantime, though, we’re more than happy with the new foldable devices Samsung just unveiled.