Avoiding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 Disaster: Learn From My Mistakes

During a recent weekend, amidst a rare May heatwave in the UK, I found myself yearning for a break from the bustling city life. The idea of a trip to the beach seemed like the perfect escape, prompting me to gather my essentials: a towel, hat, sunglasses, plenty of water and snacks, and an ample amount of sun cream.

However, in the midst of my preparations, I overlooked a crucial factor – my folding phone. Nearly a week later, I am still grappling with the consequences of this oversight.

The Vulnerability of Foldable Phones

Having been accustomed to using top-tier smartphones with dust resistance ratings for several years, I had taken their durability for granted. With an IP68 rating, I could trust that my phone was completely dustproof, safeguarding its internals from any potential harm caused by particles like sand.

Previous beach outings had confirmed this assurance: a quick wipe with a damp microfibre cloth upon returning home would restore the phone to its original state. However, my experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 proved to be markedly different.

Despite its IP48 rating, which allows it to withstand freshwater immersion but not exposure to seawater, the Z Fold 7 is only shielded against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter. Regrettably, sand, being much smaller, easily infiltrated its delicate mechanisms.

Unfortunately, this oversight only dawned on me after my beach excursion. I had used the Z Fold 7 as I would any other phone, paying little heed to the accumulation of sand on it.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Upon returning home and unfolding the Z Fold 7 for the first time that day, a distressing crunching sound greeted me. The crucial hinge was now encrusted with sand particles, necessitating more than a cursory wipe-down to rectify.

Subsequently, I encountered another complication: the USB-C port was also clogged with sand, requiring additional force to connect the charging cable properly. While it still functioned adequately, the long-term implications were uncertain.

Addressing an Expensive Oversight

Despite the Z Fold 7 displaying no immediate performance issues, I recognized the urgency of the situation. The longer the sand particles remained entrenched, the greater the likelihood of sustained damage.

Turning to my trusty companion Google Gemini for guidance, I focused on the most effective cleaning methods. A four-step process was recommended: powering off the device, dry-wiping with a microfibre cloth, disinfecting with 70% isopropyl alcohol, and utilizing a toothbrush to clear the ports. While this regimen improved the phone’s appearance, the underlying issue persisted.

Realizing the necessity of cleaning the hinge specifically, I pondered on how to access a component that was obscured and offered minimal entry points.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Returning to Gemini’s suggestions, I opted to vacuum the crevices and employ compressed air. While the former yielded moderate results, I remained apprehensive about the prospect of repeated folding and unfolding, necessitating the procurement of compressed air.

After two visits to hardware stores and an expenditure of £12.99, I finally secured a can of compressed air. This proved instrumental in dislodging the remaining debris and restoring the phone to optimal condition.

The ordeal, though rectified, was accompanied by a substantial investment of time, effort, and additional expenses. While I cherish beach outings, the experience has deterred me from ever bringing the Z Fold 7 along again.

Opting for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The susceptibility of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to sand, owing to its IP48 rating, highlights a prevalent issue among most book-style foldables, which typically do not surpass an IP58 rating. While sand may have less adverse effects on the internals compared to Samsung’s model, the potential for infiltration remains, particularly in the hinge mechanism.

However, an exception exists in the form of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Google’s latest foldable device boasts an IP68 rating, aligning it with non-folding flagship smartphones in terms of dust-proofing.

Luke Baker

This designation implies comprehensive dust-proofing, marking a substantial advancement. While the hinge remains a potential vulnerability, I now possess the necessary tools, including compressed air, to address any errant particles in the hinge.

When investing in a folding phone, particularly a costly one, it is imperative to ensure that routine activities do not jeopardize its functionality. For me, this translates to only considering devices specifically certified as dust-proof for beach excursions. Currently, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold stands as the sole viable choice.

While hopes linger for future models like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold Wide to introduce IP68 certification, such developments have yet to surface amidst the deluge of leaks. As such, my optimism remains tempered.