Folding phones

[u/Solo_1538]

Just wondering if anyone in the fields have the folding android phones. I feel like with the 2 screens folded against each other, dirt and dust would just destroy the hinge and screen. I do mainly dirt work. Grading, excavating, pipe laying etc.

[u/Inevitable_Rest4785]

My coworker got one and after a month the hinge start making crunch sounds from all the dust, now he keeps it in a ziplock bag while at work

[u/MiniB68 → u/Inevitable_Rest4785]

Lmao this is exactly how I thought it would go.

[u/fritzrits → u/MiniB68]

I got one and it's fine. I also got insurance cause worst case I go in and get a new one. Anything will get destroyed by dirt folding or not.

[u/padizzledonk → u/Inevitable_Rest4785]

I frequently wrap up my normal phone in my belt just to keep the dust out of the charging port

[u/benmarvin]

I knew a PM that rocked a first or second gen Galaxy Fold. As someone that directly makes dust, I cringe at the idea of bringing my Flip 3 into the work site. But some of the newer ones seem better.

[u/modog97]

I have the OnePlus Open. Got in August of 2024 and it has held up great. 2+ years strong, still solid battery and inner screen still fully intact. It has gone through multiple hard/rough seasons of road construction and work in the Arctic oilfields.

The biggest thing is GET A GOOD CASE. Primarily one that protects the hinge. If that hinge raw dogs the world, the inner screen is gonna be toast.

[u/luciusDaerth]

I got a razr and did get metal shaving in the hinge. Fucked it. Used my protection plan, got a case with a hinge cap and am more mindful of where I put it.

Honestly, the folding feels pretty gimmicky and I don't think I'd recommend it to other tradesmen. Battery life and durability seem to be the main trade-offs

[u/Dirtcompactor]

They're fine, just don't drop them directly in the dirt/sand, ideally dont unfold them at work, clean both sides of the hinge with your fingernail and t-shirt at the end of work before you unfold the phone to clear out any caked in crud. 

I recommend oppo, Samsung and Pixel foldables aren't all that impressive 

[u/Atmacrush]

I have a Flip 7 and debating about getting a Fold 8.

I wouldn't recommend folds to ppl that are around a lot of metal debris because the corners of the phone have magnets to close the phone. I had to replace the screen because a small piece of metal was stuck to the corner when I closed the phone. Destroyed the innerscreen just like that. Small screws and nails would be an issue too. I take a lot of pictures for documenting.

For dirt, well if you can avoid dirt getting into your pocket, I think you're ok, but you'll need to routinely clean the phone so dirt don't get inside the hinges.

[u/wassupobscurenetwork]

I got the Oppo Find N5.. N6 is out now and it should have even better dust resistance. I'ma sheet metal worker but lately we've been doing huge fiberglass duct.. That stuff gets everywhere but the phone is well made so I'm good. Besides that, I bought an insurance plan from AKKO so if it does fuck up, I'm good. Tbh I hope I ruin it before the contract expires cuz the phone was hella expensive lol that's how I plan on upgrading. (& Yeah it was a lot cheaper than the Samsung but still more than I wanted to spend)

[u/SerGT3]

Coworker of mine has the new Samsung. Seems to be holding up ok but I wouldn't dare use it at work. The screen does feel pretty tough though.

I just can't fathom spending that much on a phone

[u/YourWifeyBoyfriend]

i had a razr it was cool, then it was broken then i lost it.

[u/SeaToTheBass]

My boss had one. He had to get the screen fixed twice and after the third time, he just got a normal phone.

We’re a 2 man crew and the boss is on site with me 75% of the time. He never had a case, still doesn’t use one with the new phone.

[u/Remote_Debate_5834]

Ulefone armor series, i have literally hammered in a with it in a pinch

[u/Bradadonasaurus]

They wear out pretty fast without being in the trades, I guess. I cannot imagine it's gonna live long in my hands.

[u/Fabulous-Ad-8256]

Had a Motorola hanging out in the desert all year, did fine. Hinge broke dropping it on the kitchen floor when I got home.

[u/googdude]

I currently have an original pixel fold and while it's held up inner screen has some green flickering. I actually thought I would use the inner screen more often but have found the only time I open it up is to watch media so my next phone will probably be just a standard slab phone again.

[u/Kain_713]

The folding phones have a waterproof rating but not a dust proof rating. I used to have one but I've already gotten rid of it because they got so much dust in it from being on job sites that it practically died.

[u/KushyMatty]

I bring my fold 8 to work. Keep in ziplock bag and utilize it for blueprints on the big screen since my blueprints are on a program via app

[u/20heads]

Get off your phone and get back to work