Key Takeaways
1. Android manufacturers are improving the durability of foldable devices, making them more sturdy like traditional smartphones.
2. Models like Oppo Find N5, X Fold3 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Galaxy Z Fold6 have high water resistance ratings (8 or 9) but limited solid particle protection.
3. The upcoming Vivo X Fold5 will enhance solid particle protection to level 5, meaning it will be ‘dust protected’ but not completely ‘dust tight.’
4. The X Fold5 claims waterproofing rated at IPX9 and IPX9+, allowing it to be folded 1,000 times while submerged in water without damage.
5. Vivo has not announced the release date for the X Fold5 despite promoting its features and new color option.
In the last few years, Android manufacturers have been steadily improving the durability of their foldable devices, bringing them closer to the sturdiness of traditional candybar smartphones. Once criticized for their fragility, these foldables have now advanced to the point where many of them boast water resistance similar to that of the latest flagship models.
Impressive Specifications
Take the Oppo Find N5, X Fold3 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Galaxy Z Fold6 (currently $1,073 – refurbished on Amazon) as examples; these models have received ratings of 8 or 9 for liquid ingress protection. However, only Samsung’s foldable devices have been given any rating for solid particle protection. Even so, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition can only fend off solid particles that are 1 mm or bigger.
Upcoming Improvements
Vivo’s Han Bo Xiao has indicated that the new X Fold5 will enhance solid particle protection to a level of 5. This means it will be labeled as ‘dust protected’, but not completely ‘dust tight’. To clarify, some dust and tiny debris might get inside the X Fold5, but it shouldn’t affect how the device works regularly.
Water Resistance Claims
Moreover, Han Bo Xiao also noted that the X Fold5 offers waterproofing rated at IPX9 and IPX9+. Although this isn’t an official standard, Vivo asserts that the IPX9+ rating guarantees that the X Fold5 can be folded 1,000 times while submerged in water up to 1 meter deep without incurring any damages. To promote this, the company has released a brief promotional video, which we’ve included above. This video showcases the device and introduces Vivo’s new green color option. However, the release date of the X Fold5 remains a mystery, as Vivo hasn’t revealed any details yet.
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