Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 1 day ago
Simple habits can help protect a foldable phone’s hinge
Foldable phones can last for years, but their hinges and inner screens can be affected by dirt, pressure and everyday wear.
The guidance applies to foldable phones from brands including Samsung, Google and Motorola.
Keep grit away from the hinge and check that nothing is between the displays before closing the phone.
Do not force the phone if the hinge resists, and avoid pressing hard on the inner screen.
Fold-count figures come from tests of specific components and do not guarantee that every part of a phone will last that long.
Dust, drops, temperature changes and water can cause problems before a phone reaches its tested fold count.
If the hinge becomes harder to move, stops opening normally or develops new grinding noises, pay attention rather than forcing it.
Simple habits such as keeping grit away and checking between the displays before closing can help protect a foldable phone’s hinge.
Manufacturers advise users not to force the hinge or put too much pressure on the inner display.
Fold-count ratings come from specific tests and do not guarantee that every phone component will last for the same number of folds.
Dust, drops, temperature changes and water can affect a phone beyond the hinge itself.
New grinding noises or a hinge that becomes harder to move may signal a problem.
- Who
- Foldable phone owners, with advice from Samsung and Motorola.
- What
- Practical habits can help reduce wear or damage to a foldable phone’s hinge.
- When
- The advice applies during everyday use. The article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Dust and other debris can damage the hinge or internal display, and forcing the mechanism can put unnecessary strain on it.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The OLED panel used in the Galaxy Z Fold7 remained fully functional after 500,000 folds during a 13-day Bureau Veritas test at 77 degrees Fahrenheit
dust can shorten hinge life and may cause damage to the internal display
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Galaxy Z Fold7 OLED panel test
- 500,000 folds over 13 days
- Test temperature
- 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold hinge claim
- Google says it can handle over 10 years of folding
- Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8
- IP48 ratings; protection against solid foreign objects 1mm or larger
Sources
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