The Galaxy Z Fold 3 Exhibits Substantially Enhanced Durability Compared to Its Previous Models
When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 3, they boasted about its enhanced durability. While it's too soon to tell how durable the Z Fold 3 will be in the long run, initial drop tests suggest that Samsung's durability claims aren't mere marketing hype.
Allstate, popular for its drop tests and FoldBot, hasn't released the final results yet, but they claimed that the FoldBot proved to be incredibly robust and there was little doubt that it could endure 200,000 folds. The Z Fold 3 showed impressive results in two drop tests and even survived a swim in a pool for half an hour.
Samsung stated that they improved the frame with Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus, and boosted its water resistance with an IPX8 rating, making it the first Samsung foldable to provide any water protection. The main screen also has an additional panel layer and a better protective film, according to Samsung, making the Z Fold 3's screen 80% more resistant than the Z Fold 2.
These are impressive claims, and the results of Allstate's drop tests are reassuring. In a video, the $1,800 Z Fold 3 was dropped from a height of six feet onto concrete. In two instances where the phone was fully open, the screen managed to avoid shattering, displaying only minor pixel damage and scuffs. The device didn't fare as well when closed, however. In that test, the screen shattered, with small glass fragments coming loose. The phone also managed to survive a 5-foot dunk in the pool for 30 minutes, as promised by its IPX8 rating.
Samsung seems to have made remarkable strides in strengthening foldable phones since the launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019. "The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is one of the toughest, most durable phones we've ever tested. Its inner screen is the first not to crack or shatter in our drop test," said Jason Siciliano, Allstate Protection Plan's vice president of marketing and creative director, in a statement.
This is a positive sign that Samsung's latest foldable flagship should be able to withstand the daily wear and tear better. However, it's important to note that these tests might not fully reflect how people handle their phones in real life. (I can't imagine climbing a ladder and then just dropping my phone, can you?) We also won't know about any potential issues that might surface after months of prolonged use. For instance, we found that the screen of the Z Fold 2 became more susceptible to tiny air bubbles after several months of daily use.
Improved durability doesn't mean that these phones are invincible. Not only does the phone cost $1,800, but repairing the main screen costs $479, and fixing the outer screen costs $149. So, if you're accident-prone, it might still be a good idea to invest in a case.
The tech industry's focus on durability in the future of technology is evident with Samsung's improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 3. With the Z Fold 3, Samsung has demonstrated significant advancements in making foldable phones more resilient, setting a new standard in tech durability.
