July 5, 2025 – If you were hoping Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip7 and its more affordable Flip7 FE sibling would finally match the premium Fold series with a higher dust and water resistance rating, a new report suggests you might be in for disappointment. According to sources familiar with Samsung's plans, both new flip phones are expected to retain the IPX8 rating seen on their predecessors, the Z Flip6 and Flip6 FE.
This means while the Flip7 duo should still be capable of surviving immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes – a crucial feature for any modern phone – they will likely continue to lack a certified dust resistance rating (signified by the missing first digit in 'IPX8'). In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line has consistently held a full IPX8 rating.
The absence of an upgrade to a full IP rating (like IP58, which includes dust resistance) has been a point of contention for some users of Samsung's flip phones. Dust particles, especially fine grit like sand, can potentially work their way into the hinge mechanism or other crevices over time, potentially causing long-term wear or affecting performance. Competitors like Motorola's Razr+ have also offered IPX8, but haven't pushed the dust resistance envelope either.
Why the Stagnation?
Insiders suggest the unique challenges of the flip phone form factor remain the primary hurdle. The folding hinge, essential for the compact design, creates inherent openings that are difficult to seal completely against fine dust ingress without compromising the smoothness of the folding action or increasing bulk. Achieving a certified dust resistance rating (the first digit) requires passing rigorous tests proving the device is sealed against particles as small as 1 micron.
Battery Endurance as a Potential Bright Spot
While the IP rating news might be underwhelming, potential buyers can look forward to significant improvements elsewhere. A separate, credible leak points to substantial gains in battery life for both the Flip7 and Flip7 FE.
According to a detailed battery endurance report, the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is expected to boast a significantly larger 4,400mAh battery (up from 4,000mAh in the Flip6 FE), while the standard Flip7 might see an increase to around 4,300mAh. Combined with the efficiency gains expected from the rumored Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, this could translate to a much-needed boost in daily usage time for Flip users.
Read the full exclusive battery endurance leak details here: Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE and Fold7 Battery Endurance Rating Leak
Protection Remains Key
Given the continued lack of certified dust resistance, investing in a good protective case becomes even more crucial for Flip7 and Flip7 FE owners, especially those frequently in dusty or sandy environments. A well-fitting case can provide an extra layer of defense for the hinge and ports.
Looking for top-rated protection? Check out popular Flip phone cases on Amazon: Samsung Flip Phone Cases on Amazon
The Bottom Line
While the retention of IPX8 water resistance ensures a core level of protection against spills and dunks, the lack of progress towards a full IP rating for dust will likely be seen as a missed opportunity by tech enthusiasts and durability-focused users. Samsung seems to be prioritizing other upgrades – like battery life, camera improvements, and potentially new software features for the cover screen – as the key selling points for the Z Flip7 generation. As always, official confirmation and testing will come when Samsung unveils the new devices, expected in late July or early August.
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