Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Could IP68 Rating Be a Game Changer?
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A potential IP68 dust and water resistance rating for the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold could dramatically reshape the folding phone landscape, addressing a key weakness in current models. Google is set to unveil the Pixel 10 series – including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold – at its Made by Google event on August 20.
The Quest for Durability in Folding Phones
For years, flagship smartphones have boasted IP68 ratings, signifying complete dust sealing and the ability to withstand submersion in fresh water. However, achieving this level of protection in folding phones has proven challenging due to the complexities of sealing a moving hinge mechanism against particulate matter. Currently, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers an IPX8 rating, providing water resistance but leaving it vulnerable to dust ingress.
An IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, quantifies a device’s ability to resist both dust (first number) and water (second number). As one analyst noted, “The standard for flagship devices is IP68, and consumers expect that level of protection, even in a foldable form factor.”
Samsung’s Limited Progress and the Beach Test
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 currently represents the closest attempt at a fully protected folding phone, with an IP48 rating. While this offers some dust protection, it only safeguards against particles larger than 1mm – insufficient against common environmental hazards like flour, coffee grounds, or, as one editor-at-large discovered, sand. “You’d think twice about taking a Z Fold 7 to a sandy beach,” the report states.
Why IP68 Matters for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
If Google successfully integrates an IP68 rating into the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, it would immediately become the most recommendable folding phone on the market. Considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold started at $1,799 / £1,799 / AU $2,699, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to carry a similar, or higher, price tag. At this premium level, usability and peace of mind become paramount.
“At this kind of price, what could matter more than the ability to use your phone more often, in a wider variety of environments, without fear of damaging its internal components?” a source close to the development team questioned. The convenience of using a phone without constantly worrying about dust or water damage is a significant value proposition.
A Critical Upgrade for Google’s Folding Ambitions
The first Google Pixel Fold benefited from being a novel competitor to the established Samsung Galaxy Z Fold line. However, that leniency is waning. The Pixel Fold series has faced criticism regarding underpowered processors and less-than-stellar camera performance. An IP68 rating could compensate for potential shortcomings in other areas, providing a clear advantage over the competition.
Furthermore, this upgrade would bolster Google’s position in the burgeoning folding phone market. While the Pixel Fold may not currently top lists of the best folding phones, a successful implementation of IP68 protection would secure a personal recommendation from many reviewers. We will learn the full specifications on August 20, but until then, let us know what you want to see from the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold in the comments below.
For more information on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, check out our roundup of the 3 upgrades it needs to be taken seriously against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
