Five shattering truths about smartphone durability features that you should know about.
Are durability features marketing gimmicks? Do IP ratings last forever? If these questions resonate with you, read on because these features have their value but are stuck between marketing schemes and the test of time.
1. Define Durability
In smartphones today, durability can mean two things: hardware and software. Yes, your smartphone’s software version affects its durability in many ways.
But is durability overrated or underrated? Kind of both and depends on the situation. For instance, a secondary smartphone for Wi-Fi hot spotting needs a tanky and durable battery.
If the handset is a daily driver, it’s highly recommended running the latest OS version for security patches. Banking and other finance apps need extended protection because they store sensitive details.
So, having software- and hardware-based durability for years is the preferred happy ending.
2. Ingress Protection and Ruggedness
Ingress Protection (IP) and ruggedness are two different but related things in hardware durability. IP is represented by two numbers, with the first digit for solids and the second digit for liquids.
For liquids, higher IP means greater protection from water exposure. For solids, higher rating means greater protection against dust and debris.
Let’s give some examples. A smartphone with IP54 means it’s protected against dust and water splashes. However, it isn’t dust-tight or waterproof. Frequent, long-time exposure to related hazards can penetrate the protection.
If a smartphone is rated with IP68/IP69, it’s dustproof and can withstand high-pressure close-range water jets. It has a longer survival rate when exposed to related hazards.
Ruggedness, on the other hand, is more on resistance against shock, impact, and extreme temperatures. Such a resistance is linked to MIL-STD 810 specification, and it often includes IP68/IP69.
A smartphone can have IP68/69 but without MIL-STD 810 like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
While a smartphone with MIL-STD 810 likely has IP68/69 like the CUBOT KingKong X Pro.
3. Folding and Flexing
Foldable smartphones are becoming more accessible, thanks to the strategies of many brands. Regardless of the generation, a foldable smartphone is always. The snappy sound of closing the phone is just music to the ears – elegant and brutal at the same time.
But that stunning form factor is at risk of ruin based on the hinge and frame. If your next buy is a foldable smartphone, do your research to learn the folding test conducted on the product.
The TECNO PHANTOM V Flip is the cheapest in the market. According to the brand, it comes with aerospace-grade steel and has been tested for over 200,000 folds.
The most premium foldable smartphone is the HUAWEI Mate XT Ultimate, boasting three full screens. This trifold is so premium and durable that price alone will make your jaw drop and take your breath away: around 270K!
4. Software Endurance
Major software updates used to be a big deal for users. Whenever major OS versions are announced, everyone wants a piece of the big changes. Nowadays, various OS are stable and are much easier to integrate with new features.
Part of the integration is improved security and privacy. This is necessary if you want your files and personal information protected against threat actors and unauthorized use.
So, don’t be surprised by pricey flagships. You’re investing in the future of the device, which defines its software endurance. Top brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung are committed to extended software support of more than five years.
If your phone has stopped receiving security updates, it becomes more prone to threat actors. The longer the device has been kept in the dark, the greater its susceptibility to unauthorized access.
Too costly flagships? Go for mid-rangers. Many brands are now promising up to two major upgrades for Android and up to three years of security patches. That means three years of grace period to save up for the succeeding smartphone.
5. Repairability
Here’s an interesting twist: the return of repairable smartphones. All smartphones are repairable at authorized centers, but the term “repairable smartphone” usually suggests DIY. You have access to certain parts, other than the removable battery, and are free to replace them whenever you want.
Fairphone 5 is the most repairable smartphone, though it’s not available in PH.
The brand promises futureproof with at least four major Android upgrades and security patches until 2031. The device also has a unique five-year warranty promise. Besides repairability, it’s modular and allows you to swap parts, even the rear and selfie cameras.
HMD entered the same arena. The HMD Fusion 5G is both customizable and repairable. Swap its basic look to something transparent, something with Smart Functions, or something rugged.
Some of the do-it-yourself repairable parts of the HMD Fusion 5G include the display, back cover, battery, and charging port. You can also get the HMD Fusion toolkit to develop your own Smart Outfits.
Takeaway
Durability features on smartphones are both overrated and underrated. They’re overrated because brands still advertise them like a big deal. Ingress protection and display protection should be basic add-ons and users must be reminded that they wear out over time.
They’re underrated because the majority of super tough, rugged smartphones are huge and heavy, making them a bit difficult to carry and bring with small bags. There’s also the great trade where a brand tries to weigh the price by canceling some performance specs for a tougher product.
But one thing’s for sure, you need a durable smartphone inside out. Whether it’s entry-level or flagship, it deserves to be protected against dust and water and should get many years of security updates.
