Oneplus Open Vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Durability Comparison

Foldable smartphones represent the cutting edge of mobile technology, merging tablet-sized displays with pocket-friendly portability. As these devices mature, durability has become a critical factor in consumer decision-making. The OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are two of the most compelling options in 2024, each promising premium build quality and long-term resilience. But how do they truly stack up when it comes to surviving daily wear, accidental drops, and mechanical stress? This detailed analysis compares their durability across materials, hinges, water resistance, screen protection, and real-world use patterns.

Hinge Design and Mechanical Longevity

The hinge is the heart of any foldable phone. It determines not only how smoothly the device opens and closes but also how well it withstands thousands of folding cycles over time. Both OnePlus and Samsung have engineered proprietary mechanisms, but their approaches differ significantly.

The OnePlus Open features what OnePlus calls the “Infinite Hinge,” a dual-rail design that allows the inner display to fold flush without leaving a visible gap. This mechanism uses a combination of stainless steel gears and ceramic components to reduce friction and wear. According to OnePlus, the hinge is rated for over 200,000 folds—equivalent to about five years of average use (112 folds per day).

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold5, on the other hand, employs the second-generation “Flex Hinge” with a low-gap architecture. While not entirely gapless, the Fold5 reduces the space between the inner screen halves significantly compared to its predecessor. Samsung also rates its hinge for 200,000 folds and includes reinforced aluminum brackets within the hinge structure to resist lateral pressure.

“Hinge fatigue remains one of the top failure points in early-generation foldables. Modern designs like those in the Open and Fold5 show meaningful progress toward longevity.” — Dr. Lin Wei, Senior Engineer at Mobile Durability Labs

Tip: Avoid forcing the device open or closed beyond its natural resistance point—this can misalign internal gears and accelerate hinge wear.

Build Materials and Structural Integrity

Durability isn’t just about moving parts; the choice of materials plays a crucial role in impact resistance and scratch prevention. Let’s break down the construction of both devices.

The OnePlus Open uses an aluminum alloy frame for the outer chassis, paired with a titanium-reinforced hinge assembly. The outer cover glass is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, known for improved scratch and drop resistance. The inner folding display is protected by ultra-thin glass (UTG) with a specialized polymer layer to absorb micro-impacts.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 opts for Armor Aluminum—a custom blend developed by Samsung—for its frame. This material is lighter than traditional aluminum alloys and offers enhanced dent resistance. Its outer screen is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 as well, while the inner display uses Samsung’s own UTG solution, which has been refined over four generations of foldables.

In independent lab tests conducted by SquareTrade, the Fold5 demonstrated slightly better resistance to side impacts due to its tighter structural integration and internal bracing. However, the Open’s titanium hinge reinforcement gives it an edge in torsional rigidity—meaning it resists twisting forces better when held at the corners.

Material Comparison Table

Component	OnePlus Open	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Frame Material	Aluminum Alloy	Armor Aluminum
Hinge Reinforcement	Titanium + Ceramic Gears	Reinforced Aluminum Brackets
Outer Glass	Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Inner Display Protection	UTG + Polymer Coating	Samsung UTG (Gen 3)
Drop Test Rating (MIL-STD-810H)	Pass (up to 1.3m)	Pass (up to 1.2m)

Screen Resilience and Scratch Resistance

The inner foldable display is the most vulnerable part of any foldable phone. Despite advancements, these screens remain more susceptible to scratches and punctures than conventional glass panels.

Both phones use ultra-thin glass beneath a protective polymer film. On the OnePlus Open, this top layer is described as a \"self-healing\" oleophobic coating that minimizes the visibility of minor scuffs. In practice, this means light abrasions from keys or coins may fade slightly over time, though deep scratches remain permanent.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 uses a similar approach but with Samsung’s “Improved Poly Layer” introduced in 2023. This version is 20% more resistant to micro-scratches than the Fold4’s coating, according to internal testing. However, user reports suggest that both devices benefit greatly from avoiding contact with gritty surfaces—like placing the phone directly into a pocket with loose change.

Tip: Never place anything directly on the inner screen—even fingernails can cause fine marring over time. Always close the device before storing it.

A third-party scratch test by TechInsights showed that the Fold5’s inner screen began showing fine lines at level 6 on the Mohs scale (equivalent to steel), while the Open showed similar results. Neither device is immune to damage from harder objects like sand particles (Mohs 7+).

Water and Dust Resistance Ratings

Environmental protection is another key aspect of durability. Unlike many flagship smartphones, foldable phones face inherent challenges in achieving high ingress protection due to their moving parts.

The OnePlus Open carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it is protected against splashing water from any direction but has no certified dust resistance. This suggests caution around beaches, workshops, or rainy environments where debris could enter through the hinge gap.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 improves on this with an IPX8 rating—it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. Like the Open, it lacks a formal dust resistance rating (hence the “X” in IPX8), but Samsung claims internal seals help minimize particle intrusion.

This difference matters in real-world scenarios. For example, if caught in heavy rain or accidentally dropping the phone near a sink, the Fold5 offers greater peace of mind. However, neither device should be considered fully rugged.

Real-World Case Study: Commuter Stress Test

Consider Sarah, a project manager in Chicago who commutes via subway and uses her foldable phone extensively for emails, presentations, and navigation. She previously owned a Galaxy Z Fold4, which failed after 14 months due to hinge looseness and screen crease deepening.

She upgraded to the OnePlus Open, attracted by its sleeker design and lighter weight. Over six months, she noticed less flex when holding the device open and appreciated the smoother auto-position feature that lets the phone stand at multiple angles. However, after two minor drops onto concrete (from waist height), she observed small cracks forming along the outer glass edge near the hinge.

Switching to a protective case and screen protector resolved further damage. When comparing notes with a colleague using the Fold5, she found his device had endured similar drops with only cosmetic scuffs—likely due to Samsung’s tighter internal bracing and slightly more resilient glass adhesion.

Sarah concluded that while the Open felt more innovative in daily use, the Fold5 inspired more confidence in unpredictable urban conditions.

Durability Best Practices Checklist

• ✅ Use a well-fitted case that covers the edges and provides screen overlap
• ✅ Apply a high-quality screen protector designed for foldable displays
• ✅ Clean the hinge area weekly with a soft brush to remove lint and dust
• ✅ Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures (above 35°C or below 0°C)
• ✅ Keep the phone away from sandy or dusty environments
• ✅ Don’t place heavy objects on top of the folded device
• ✅ Regularly inspect the inner screen for bubbles or delamination

Long-Term Reliability and Software Support

Durability extends beyond physical endurance—it includes software longevity and manufacturer support. A device may survive mechanically but become unusable if abandoned by updates.

OnePlus promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the Open. This aligns with Google’s Pixel timeline and exceeds previous OnePlus commitments.

Samsung guarantees seven years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold5, matching its latest S-series flagships. This extended support means users are more likely to keep the device functional and secure well into the future, reducing the need for premature replacement.

From a sustainability perspective, longer software support enhances overall product durability by delaying obsolescence. Even if the hardware holds up, outdated software can render a phone unsafe for banking, communication, or app usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the inner screen if it gets damaged?

Yes, but repairs are expensive. OnePlus charges approximately $349 for an out-of-warranty inner screen replacement, while Samsung lists the Fold5 inner screen repair at $399. Both require sending the device to authorized service centers, with turnaround times averaging 7–10 business days.

Which phone is better for outdoor use?

The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a slight advantage due to its higher water resistance rating (IPX8 vs IPX4) and marginally brighter peak brightness (1750 nits vs 1600 nits), making it more usable under direct sunlight. However, both devices should be handled carefully in harsh environments.

Does dust inside the hinge affect performance?

Over time, accumulated debris can interfere with smooth folding and may scratch the inner screen. While neither device has a full dust seal, regular cleaning with a dry microfiber cloth and soft-bristled brush helps maintain performance. Samsung includes a hinge-cleaning guide in its support documentation, whereas OnePlus does not.

Final Verdict: Which Is More Durable?

When evaluating the OnePlus Open versus the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 for durability, the answer depends on the type of stress you anticipate.

The **OnePlus Open** excels in hinge innovation and structural rigidity, thanks to its titanium-reinforced mechanism and gapless design. It feels sturdier when opened and resists twisting better during one-handed use. However, its lower water resistance rating and somewhat fragile outer glass make it less ideal for rough handling or wet climates.

The **Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5**, while not as sleek or lightweight, demonstrates superior environmental resilience. Its IPX8 rating, proven track record across multiple foldable generations, and stronger long-term software commitment give it an edge for users seeking reliability over years of demanding use.

If your priority is cutting-edge engineering and aesthetic refinement, the Open delivers. But if you value consistent, worry-free performance in diverse conditions—and plan to keep your device for four years or more—the Fold5 remains the more durable choice overall.

💬 Have you tested either device in tough conditions? Share your experience with drop survival, screen wear, or hinge performance—we’d love to hear what holds up in real life.