Upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 design faces unexpected setbacks prior to Unpacked event
In a move that may come as a disappointment to some, Samsung has announced that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 will maintain an IP48 dust resistance rating, similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This decision means the Fold 7 will not offer full dustproof protection or improved water resistance compared to the IP68 standard.
While many had hoped for an upgrade to the more robust IP68 rating, rumours and leaks suggest that Samsung opted to keep the IP48 rating for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This decision may put the Fold 7 at a disadvantage compared to competitors such as Google's upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is expected to feature an IP68 rating.
The IP48 rating allows the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to withstand a dunk in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, but its dust resistance is limited to larger particles. In contrast, an IP68 rating offers full dustproof protection and better water resistance, making it the industry standard for smartphones.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 flagship lineup, particularly the Galaxy S25 Ultra, offers a superior IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The cover screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is set to expand to 6.5 inches, from 6.3 inches on its predecessor, while the phone is expected to be thinner, possibly anywhere from 3.9mm to 4.5mm, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6's 5.6mm thickness.
In a series of teasers for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has promoted it as delivering an "Ultra" experience, evoking comparisons to the top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra. Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung is expected to showcase the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the latest Galaxy Watch 8 models, and potentially other products such as the triple folding Galaxy G Fold device and the Project Moohan mixed reality headset.
Registering your name and email address with Samsung ahead of the July 9 event will earn you a $50 credit toward the purchase of any product debuting at the show. For those looking for a foldable device with superior dust and water resistance, they may want to consider waiting for the potential upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which could feature an IP68 rating.
| Model | Expected Dust Resistance Rating | Notes | |--------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | IP48 | Protection against larger dust particles | | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | IP48 | Same as Fold 6; no upgrade to IP68 for now | | Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | IP68 | Full dustproof and better water resistance |
[1] GalaxyClub (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to have only IP48 dust and water resistance. [online] Available at: [Accessed 13 June 2023] [2] SamMobile (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. [online] Available at: [Accessed 13 June 2023] [3] Android Central (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 may not get IP68 rating, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. [online] Available at:
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, while advertised as delivering an "Ultra" experience, maintains the IP48 dust and water resistance rating, similar to its predecessor. In comparison, Google's upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to feature the more advanced IP68 rating, providing full dustproof protection and better water resistance.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 flagship lineup, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, provides a superior IP68 rating for both dust and water resistance, which may be an attractive alternative to some seeking a more durable gadget, especially in the face of the Fold 7's limited rating. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the smartphone market, with technology companies continually pushing the boundaries in terms of durability and performance.
