Samsung considers its $1799 Galaxy Z Fold 3 a price reduction from older models, but with the cost it would take to repair the third-generation foldable, users may aptly prefer to invest in a sturdy protective case and screen protector for the unique smartphone.
Allstate Protection Plans (formerly SquareTrade) recently released the results of its “breakability tests” for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, calling the device “the most durable foldable phone [they’ve] ever tested.”
The tests include an open face drop test, a closed drop test, and a dunk water test. The highlight test showed the Galaxy Z Fold 3 surviving the open face-down drop test, which entails two rounds of a 6-foot drop, with only minor pixel damage and minor frame corner scuffing. Testers claimed this is the first device tested in eight years to survive such a face-down drop test.
The closed face-down drop test, which entailed one round of a 6-foot drop saw the device experience shattering, raised glass, and loose glass at the point of impact, similar to a standard smartphone. The screen was still lit, but it was not functional.
Finally, the dunk test entailed 30 minutes submerged in 5-feet of water, in which the Galaxy Z Fold 3 experienced no damage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Durability Upgrades
While not perfect, the device has many solid aspects to make it as durable as possible for a handset that has so many fragile parts.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in mid-August, showcasing many specs to highlight its durability, including its Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus covering to protect the flexible display. The display has also had its flexibility improved by 80 percent over the previous generation to help support the use of and responsiveness of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 S-Pen stylus, a new feature for the foldable.
Samsung also introduced water resistance for the first time on a foldable, an IPX8 rating, which promises protection from everyday water damage, or water immersion deeper than 1-meter (3.3-feet).
Samsung explained how it implemented water resistance onto the Galaxy Z Fold 3 during its launch event. The handset is made of three main parts; two body pieces and a hinge. While it is easy to make the body sections water-resistant, the hinge can be especially susceptible to moisture damage over time. Samsung said it took several measures to safeguard against this, including using corrosion-resistant material at the hinge, as well as long-lasting grease, rubber, and cured-in-place gaskets (CIPG) to preserve the Flexible Protected Circuit Board.
Repair and Warranty Prices
Allstate Protection Plans said uninsured repairs for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 main screen cost $479, while outer screen repairs cost $149. The company’s smartphone warranty programs; however, start at $8.99 per month for a single plan and $19.99 per month for a family plan of four phones.
