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For the past four years, my Samsung Galaxy Note 10 has been my trusted companion. Equipped with a dbrand grip case, it has endured numerous falls, with one unfortunate exception – a drop onto a granite threshold that shattered the curved screen, rendering it useless. This incident left me wondering if a foldable phone like the Samsung Z Flip 5 could be more durable, thanks to its dual-screen design. If the Z Flip 5 survives my rigorous durability test, it just might replace my current daily driver.

The first challenge any folding phone faces is the inherent fragility that comes with its design. The Z Flip 5, like others in its category, includes a warning list that advises against pressing too hard on the screen, folding it with objects inside, and exposing it to sand. These warnings suggest a degree of vulnerability, but I am determined to test its limits. 

Comparing the Z Flip 5 to the Motorola Razr Plus, the similarities in form factor are striking. The Flip 5 is marginally shorter, with similar thickness and width. While both phones boast attractive designs, the real test lies in their ability to withstand everyday use.

Starting with the front screen, the Z Flip 5 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which offers decent scratch resistance. Scratches appear at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, with deeper grooves at level 7. This is a promising start, indicating that the front screen can handle the rigors of daily pocket life.

However, the inner screen is another story. True to the historical performance of flexible displays, it scratches at a mere level 2, with deeper grooves forming at level 3. Even fingernails can leave marks on this $1,000 smartphone. Despite a pre-installed screen protector, the underlying plastic is vulnerable. Fortunately, Samsung offers a one-time free screen protector replacement, although this must be done at their ipad repair facilities.

The outer frame, made of armor aluminum, also reveals its susceptibility to scratches. The power button, doubling as a fingerprint scanner, is well-placed but susceptible to damage. The lack of expandable storage is a significant downside for a long-term user like me. This seems like a deliberate move by Samsung to encourage more frequent upgrades, which I am not a fan of.

The phone’s bottom hosts a microphone, a 25-watt USB-C charging port, and a lower stereo speaker. The back panel, also made of Gorilla Glass Victus, adds to the phone’s durability. The hinge, a critical component, is made of aluminum and allows the phone to fold completely flat.

For the rear cameras, Samsung uses glass protection for both the 12-megapixel ultra-wide and the standard 12-megapixel camera. These lenses are robust, complemented by a single-tone LED flash.

To test the hinge’s resilience, I subjected the Flip 5 to a dirt test. Despite Samsung’s warning to avoid dust, the phone handled the gritty challenge reasonably well. The hinge showed some increased resistance and noise but remained functional, proving that while it should avoid dirt, it doesn’t require a sterile environment.

Moving on to the screen’s heat resistance, the inner AMOLED display lasted 15 seconds before showing signs of damage, while the front display lasted about 10 seconds under a flame before pixels started to go black.

The fingerprint scanner initially performed well but became non-functional after additional scratches. This is a minor setback, but not a deal-breaker.

The ultimate test, however, was the bend test. Unlike its predecessor, the Flip 5’s redesigned hinge and glass rear panels withstood the pressure without bending or breaking, avoiding the catastrophic failures seen in other folding phones like the Pixel Fold.

Despite the loss of the SD card slot, the Flip 5’s resilience in my tests, coupled with its sophisticated design and functional durability, make it a strong contender for my next phone. The presence of battery pull tabs, similar to those in the Fold 5, adds to its appeal for long-term use.

To ensure the Flip 5 remains protected, dbrand offers a pre-production grip case that safeguards the outer screen and maintains the sleek design. For those interested in the teardown look, dbrand’s skins are available for over 100 devices, including the Flip 5.

In conclusion, the Samsung Z Flip 5 passes the durability test with flying colors. Its ability to withstand scratches, dirt, and bending, along with the protective gear available, makes it a viable option for those looking for a durable and stylish folding phone. If you’re in the market for a new daily driver, the Z Flip 5 is worth considering.