Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority
- A new rumor suggests the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 could have IP ratings.
- The exact IP rating isn’t known, but they would probably not be IP68-rated.
- If they do come with IP ratings, that would mean they would be more durable than any previous foldables.
Foldable phones are wicked cool. However, the technology that enables foldable displays is very new, which makes it very expensive. When you combine that expense with the overall fragility of the display, you get a consumer base that’s wary of investing in a product that could be ruined with a splash of water or a dive into the dirt.
According to a new rumor, those wary consumers might have something to look forward to this year. According to anonymous sources speaking with SamMobile, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 could land with official IP ratings. An IP rating could help convince a buyer that the phone’s durability isn’t in question.
If this rumor pans out, these would be the first commercial foldable phones with IP ratings.
Related: Waterproof tech: Everything you need to know about IP and ATM ratings
However, it is highly unlikely either foldable would have the gold standard IP rating we see on “normal” flagships, which is IP68. The “6” refers to the highest possible rating against dust and other physical particles, while the “8” stands for the second-highest rating against water. It’s possible that the phones could land with IP54 ratings, which would mean they are protected against most dust particles and can also handle splashes of water.
Of course, Samsung could surprise us all and deliver IP68 ratings with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. Who knows.
We expect both phones to land in June or July. Hopefully, we’ll learn more between now and then about how credible this rumor could be!
