Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 gives us an early look at the problems Apple will need to avoid when it launches its first foldable iPhone, especially because Samsung’s latest design closely matches the size and tablet-style shape rumored for the upcoming iPhone Ultra.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 uses a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen, giving it proportions that sit closer to an iPad mini than Samsung’s older tall and narrow foldables. Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone is expected to follow a similar design, which makes Samsung’s latest hardware particularly interesting ahead of Apple’s expected September launch.
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Galaxy Z Fold8 teardown highlights hinge and dust problems
iFixit found that Samsung still has work to do around the hinge, despite introducing a redesigned mechanism and a titanium-reinforced display structure. During a dust test, small particles entered the hinge and caused loud grinding noises before the Fold8 stopped opening normally.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 carries an IP48 rating, which protects it from water and larger particles but leaves it vulnerable to fine dust and sand. iFixit noted that common beach sand can measure around 0.16mm, while the powder used during testing measured just 0.04mm, both well below the size covered by the phone’s dust protection.
The teardown also exposed repairability problems, with iFixit giving the Fold8 a score of 4 out of 10. Reaching the hinge requires removing the inner display, while replacing the batteries also involves removing the outer screen, making repairs difficult and expensive.
Tom’s Guide also reported that the Fold8’s display crease became more visible after only seven days of use, despite Samsung’s efforts to make the panel open flatter.
Apple reportedly delayed its foldable iPhone while working on a less visible crease and stronger hinge design. Rumors point to a Samsung Display panel, liquid metal in the hinge, and optically clear adhesive designed to reduce the crease as much as possible.
Samsung’s Fold8 shows exactly what Apple needs to get right, because hinge durability, dust resistance, display creasing, and repairability remain the biggest weaknesses of modern foldable phones.
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