Foldable phones face durability challenges

Foldable smartphones, like the iPhone Duo, include a hinge made of many parts that move when the device is opened or closed. This moving mechanism is more vulnerable to damage than the solid, non-moving parts of conventional phones.

Durability test reveals weaknesses

Zack Nelson, a YouTuber known for testing product durability, tested the iPhone Duo shortly after its release. He subjected it to scratches, heat, dust, and repeated folding. The results showed that the device's hinge and screens were not as resilient as expected.

Scratch resistance varies between screens

The iPhone Duo’s external screen, made of Ceramic Shield 2, resisted scratches up to level 7 on the Mohs scale. In contrast, the internal screen scratched easily, though its matte finish helped hide the damage when the phone was in use.

Dust causes hinge failure

After being exposed to sand and dust, the iPhone Duo’s hinge stopped functioning properly. The magnets that help the phone close were unable to overcome the dirt trapped in the titanium hinge, causing the device to malfunction.

IP68 rating has limitations

The iPhone Duo has an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in water and is dustproof under certain lab conditions. However, the test conditions for this rating do not include the type of dust and sand used in real-world scenarios like a beach.

Hinge durability not clearly defined

Apple does not provide specific details on how many times the iPhone Duo’s hinge can be folded or how it is protected from dust. This lack of information makes it difficult to assess the long-term durability of the device’s moving parts.

Other foldables face similar issues

Other foldable smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, have also shown problems with dust and sand getting into their hinges. These issues suggest that foldable phones may not be fully protected in environments with fine particles.

Recommendations for users

To avoid damaging their foldable phones, users are advised to keep them closed in environments with sand or dust. This helps prevent particles from getting stuck in the hinge, which can lead to long-term damage and malfunctions.