Most Samsung foldables today make it through Zack Nelson’s tough durability tests, except for Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Even when bent the wrong way, they usually don’t break completely, and they handle dust and water better than the early models from 2019 and 2020.
Apple has learned from Android competitors’ mistakes, so the first iPhone Duo isn’t starting from zero. Still, don’t expect miracles. Foldable phones are naturally less sturdy than regular phones, partly because of their moving parts. Even Apple’s IP68 rating for dust and water protection means something a bit different for foldables.
Zack Nelson’s dirt test shows this clearly. After a heavy dose of sand, dirt, and soil, Apple’s most expensive iPhone won’t close all the way, and even the built-in magnets can’t fix it.
You probably won’t get that much dirt on your phone in daily life, but the test shows Apple’s hinge could be a weak spot, especially at places like the beach.
The internal flexible display, which has a nano-texture cover that hides scratches better than others without the matte layer, can still be damaged easily under extreme stress, as the bend test shows.
The iPhone Duo doesn’t break when bent the wrong way, whether on purpose or by accident, but the AMOLED screen could still get damaged and need costly repairs (about $1,000).