Jason Hiner/

Foldable clamshell smartphones, a captivatingandenticing blend of retro and future tech, have been sparking interest, and it's easy to see why. The compact form factor, coupled with a sleek folding design, offers an undeniably charming appeal -- perfect for selfie addicts, video messengers, and people with small pockets. 

Yet, engineering a smartphone that can elegantly fold and can still withstand the test of time is no easy feat.

Also: Every product announced at Samsung Unpacked

Enter theGalaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 , Samsung's latest contenders in the race for the ultimate clamshell design.

So, how do you enhance the durability of a device that essentially hinges on, well, a hinge?

Samsung's new foldable smartphones sport a redesigned, gapless hinge, effectively transforming a former weakness into a strength. When the device folds, the top and bottom halves seamlessly meet, creating a barrier against the inevitable bombardment of pocket lint, crumbs, and detritus that routinely infiltrates our devices.

Samsung has redesigned the hinge on the Z Fold5 and Z Flip5

Samsung

Further fortification comes in the form of a rubber strip lining the inner bezel, acting as both a shock absorber and a guard against dust infiltration. Anyone who's witnessed a folding device meet its untimely end due to hinge-related issues arising will welcome this design evolution.

Another vulnerability arises when the two display halves come into direct contact. Ideally, this wouldn't pose an issue, but the reality of phones living in the turbulent environments of pockets and bags tells a different story. Keen to protect against this inherent risk, Samsung has introduced an extra absorption layer underneath the display panels, a first in the clamshell foldable industry. This layer aims to evenly distribute the pressures the displays encounter when folded against each other.

Samsung adds a shock-dispersion layer to its newest folding smartphones.

Samsung

"There is a new absorption layer at the very bottom of the layer panels, which helps mitigate the shock from external pressure." Blake Gaiser, Director of Product Management, Samsung Electronics America.

And the improved design carried forward the IPX8 water resistance.

Samsung's significant investment in durability-focused R&D is clear. Now, it remains to be seen whether these innovative enhancements will truly stand the test of the wild once the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 are released into the hands of consumers around the globe.

Samsung Unpacked

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love (and two that I still wish for)Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hands-on review: Minor improvements to an already great tabletHow to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Tab S6 and moreSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on review: Three upgrades that make a notable differenceWe tested every foldable phone on the market. These are the best models

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love (and two that I still wish for)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hands-on review: Minor improvements to an already great tablet
• How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Tab S6 and more
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on review: Three upgrades that make a notable difference
• We tested every foldable phone on the market. These are the best models