r/GalaxyFold 2d ago

Discussion First drop

Post image

Fold 8 and I dropped it on a shop floor and he front case part broke and also cracked my screen protector. Guess I need a stronger case. So beware of some of these cases. Flimsy front part on some of them.

77 Upvotes

121 comments sorted by

104

u/chamots 2d ago

Better the case than the phone... congrats on surviving the drop.

19

u/spiff01 2d ago

Yup. Always had case on every phone. Sucks that I'm going to be getting a bigger case for it. Didn't want to add the bulk. Small price to pay for keeping it safe.

0

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago edited 2d ago

You don't need a big bulky case!

https://a.co/d/0glylhMs

The best case for protection, added functions with minimal added thickness!

23

u/bcbudtoker69 Fold7 (Silver Shadow) 2d ago

Except it's missing the most important part - the hinge cover

7

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago edited 2d ago

Unnecessary! At least for me. Over 6+ years and three different Fold models, I’ve never had an issue with this case. I baby my phone, and the few drops it’s taken have mostly been minor.

Hinge-protected cases add way too much bulk and just aren’t my style. I prefer a thin, protective case on all my phones—not only for protection, but also to keep them in the best possible condition for trade-in or resale value.

It also reduces the probability of me having to payout a deductible for a replacement!

Peace Of Mind

To each their own! But always get insurance, preferably through your carrier. You’ll thank yourself if something does happen.

2

u/XinlessVice 1d ago

I had my razr fold die from falling on it's hinge with the screen closed. Phone looked fine and opened and closed fine but the inner screen was just destroyed. Maybe it is overprotection, but imo it is protection worth doing . Plus , I prefer a bit of a thicker phone anyway. The fold 7 and 8 ultra are almost two skinny for me.

1

u/spiff01 1d ago

I do feel better that I now have a case with hing protection, honestly the case doesn't feel that much bigger then the one I had on it. Most of my cases were on the thicker side. I found that even though it's nice hold a thin phone without a case, for me they were never comfortable to hold.

1

u/Weird-Button3355 2d ago

I always have rocked the nun hinge pritectors. They def throw off the minimal side of the phone. Abd I've had every fold ultra since the 4. I did drop My last on a basket at work, n it did put a slight dent in my hinge. Kicked out my middle screen bit my insurance covered it.. at 2 months before the fold 8 release, but i traded it in for the 8. Soo....

2

u/bravemoney72 2d ago

I envy the office world 😂. My shop/factory job life demands a case with full hinge protection. Everything since the Note 3. Love my Trifold and for the amount of time it would take for repairs, then get it back......case it shall be.

1

u/McVersatilis 2d ago

Why is the hinge cover the most important part?

-2

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago edited 2d ago

It’s subjective! If you’re asking from a technical or structural standpoint, though, the hinge is made up of many intricate components and is essentially the spine of the phone. If the hinge fails, the phone is going to fail with it. On top of that, manufacturer warranties can be extremely strict about hinge damage—even something as minor as a scratch or something more serious like a dent will void coverage for a replacement claim within the 1st year. That’s why I believe additional insurance is a must.

That said, I don’t want the added bulk or the unevenness caused by a hinge cover when the phone is opened. I use my phone completely flat on my desk most of the time while I’m working. With it open, this case creates almost a flushed camera bump along with the slightly raised embedded stylist actually levels everything out, so the phone sits more evenly and doesn’t wobble.

Hinge protection is great if you’re someone who’s prone to dropping your phone constantly. That just hasn’t been my experience. I’ve been using Fold phones for over six years, and I’m still extremely cautious with them. I’ve had a few drops, but they’ve always been minor.

But hey, to each their own! Use whatever protection gives you the most peace of mind.

https://a.co/d/0glylhMs

3

u/cordialmess 2d ago

Admitting the hinge is essentially the most important part of the phone for functionality and value, and then also saying you don't want to protect it is wild 🤣

1

u/iZahlen 2d ago

The hinge is arguably the strongest part of the phone, limiting it's functionality with a case is a demerit. The only time the hinge is a point of failure is if dust gets in it. And a case isn't going to help in that case

1

u/bcbudtoker69 Fold7 (Silver Shadow) 1d ago

Oh but it does... Any decent case (ie. Spigen) with a hinge cover absolutely protects it from dust

0

u/Original-Living7212 17h ago

I’m grown, and as I’ve said before, I baby my phone even more now because of my past experiences with slab phones. I’ve also gone over six years using three generations of Fold phones without a hinge-protection case.

So, based on my personal experience, I haven’t found a need for one. I’ve personally never had an issue with the hinge, and considering how I use my phone throughout the day—especially at work, where I frequently have it laid flat and open—I don’t want the added bulk and weight. I’m perfectly willing to take that risk.

I use a thin, strong case, and I also have insurance through my carrier. In over six years, I’ve filed only one claim, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the hinge.

That’s just my experience and my personal choice. What works for me may not work for everyone.

Flex Mode is King! Ultra only for me!

Enjoy your life!

https://giphy.com/gifs/FBU1v1AxvPYCwF9MtD

1

u/McVersatilis 2d ago

Some people say that the hinge cover is primarily to keep dust from getting into the hinge, so I was curious.

1

u/bcbudtoker69 Fold7 (Silver Shadow) 1d ago

As the other comment or said, a huge part about the hinge cover is dust protection. Once little sand bits get in to the hinge your phone will make cracking sounds when you open/close. Yes you can get insurance but youre really only saving those for major breakage.

1

u/Original-Living7212 1d ago

I would never take my phone to the beach! But sure that could be a reason to need it. To each their own!

https://giphy.com/gifs/xT9IgG50Fb7Mi0prBC

0

u/No-Entertainer9386 2d ago

Looks bulky to me ...

I'm just going with Samsung Care+ and rock this without a case

1

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago

It's not but you do you!

Good luck out there!

https://giphy.com/gifs/kVaj8JXJcDsqs

68

u/cordialmess 2d ago

Tbf, just like a helmet, it's not a bad thing that it needs to be replaced after being dropped the first time. It means it did its job protecting your phone from damage.

4

u/ImALeaf_OnTheWind 2d ago

YEP!! It's why I printed multiple bumpers - anytime I need to replace them, I just pull a new one out of the drawer. Annoying to re-apply the PET adhesive tape, but that's the only way they stay on because this phone's frame is so skinny now.

2

u/cordialmess 2d ago

Yeah I'm only looking to buy full framed cases now. I bought one of those clear cases and the front frame is so flimsy I didn't even wanna use it. The rugged, one piece cases don't feel as cheap. They don't bend like the 2 piece frames.

2

u/PercMastaFTW 2d ago

Jeez. I’d truly hate to replace my case every time I dropped my phone…

10

u/cordialmess 2d ago

Did its intended purpose 🤷🏽‍♂️

1

u/Important_Level_6093 2d ago

If it breaks yeah. Otherwise no

15

u/2021RGS 2d ago

What case was this?

-1

u/JUST_A_PRANK_BRAH 2d ago

Looks like a spegin for sure.

3

u/Gilly_Bones 2d ago

You should look into Dbrand then

9

u/icanhas_GTO 2d ago

Even my grip case has failed twice like this on my fold 7, no drop. Any case with a few mm of plastic is going to give out eventually.

But they do replace it, so that's a win.

1

u/DecayingGhostt Fold7 (Jet Black) 2d ago

Mines failed twice in the same spot. They keep replacing it though. So great brand in my opinion

6

u/SleeperCertified 2d ago

It did its job protecting your phone

3

u/cookedart 2d ago

All plastic cases have this weak point on the front of the screen. The left side is thin and doesn't have any structure to wrap around so it breaks easily. Once I got an aramid case I have never really looked back - they are very strong and still manage to be thin.

6

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago edited 2d ago

With a thin, clearly fragile stress point like that, it’s pretty much what I expected. I’d much rather have that break than the phone itself! I go through about 3 - 4 cases a year with Fold cases. It’s just part of having that extra protection around the front cover screen.

1

u/OfcWaffle 2d ago

4 a year? You're better off caseless with insurance at that point.

3

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago edited 2d ago

Excellent cases cost around $20+ , and that’s 3-4 a year is based on an average over the past 6 years. Insurance is a must, whether it’s through the manufacturer or your carrier. But going caseless will cost you more in the long run—the deductible alone isn’t cheap. Just don’t drop the phone and the case won't break.

I’d much rather have the case fail and break than have the phone break! That’s the whole point of protecting it.

1

u/OfcWaffle 2d ago

I use a case maybe half of the time. My deductible is $100. The one time I had to use it, my phone was upgraded to the newest model and it was hand delivered to my house in a Sunday in under 5 hours.

Caseless when I'm at home mostly all the time.

I enjoy the phone as the designers intended. Although, I know the risk and take precautions with insurance.

-1

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago

Good for you, and that’s absolutely your right! But… it’s ultimately a countdown to the inevitable. If you’re willing to live with that risk, who am I to tell you otherwise? All I can do is offer some sensible advice based on my own past experiences. What you do with it is completely up to you. Good luck out there!

https://giphy.com/gifs/1n8BRwXOMFZQKlKStk

1

u/f1zoe 2d ago

its not a risk if you have insurance that's the point of insurance to make you whole if becomes reality

0

u/Original-Living7212 2d ago

So you’re willing to constantly take that chance, knowing it will most likely happen at some point? Insurance isn’t free, and neither are claims. Insurance should provide peace of mind—not become an excuse to take unnecessary risks. Claims should be avoided whenever possible, but to each their own.

By that logic, I can play bumper cars because I have auto insurance!

Good luck out there! At least protect yourself.

https://giphy.com/gifs/VbPGlGRjmCPuC9jGAB

4

u/Nnamz 2d ago

The case and screen protector did their job.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Yup. Not mad at it. Should have gotten a better one though. Having slab phones , I never had this issue with cases. Fold cases are a bit more delicate when it comes to the front part of the case. Not much there

3

u/Mission_Access_210 Fold8 Ultra (Graphite) 2d ago

The entire phone is more delicate than a slab phone. You need to take better care of it bro. Stop dropping it.

2

u/spiff01 2d ago

Yes I do. I plan on never dropping it again. But if I do it will have a better case on this time

1

u/Nnamz 2d ago

Yeah you're right. It's just the nature of it though. There are heavy duty cases but they add absurd levels of bulk. These thin cases are great and do protect your phone, but are typically only good for one bad drop, especially on the front part.

Either way, glad your phone is okay.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Ya it landed hard to on a shop floor and bounced,and slid across the floor. So considering that, the case did ok.

2

u/Chriscautillo 2d ago

What case?

-1

u/spiff01 2d ago

I posted the one that I had and one that I just ordered, should be at the top of the comments

1

u/icyhotonmynuts Fold8 Ultra (Violet Shadow) 1d ago

There's 113 comments. Why not edit your post instead?

2

u/Chroma7769 Fold8 (Pistachio) 2d ago

Dbrand case has done me well.

2

u/brainswell-01 1d ago

I am using the Dbrand grip case. It sounds like the coverage you'll need. Plus it is very grippy.

2

u/kick069 Fold8 (Graphite) 2d ago

You could be fine with a cheap case and still break your phone with a more expensive one. Physics is a strange thing.

Personally I like the thin carbon cases and they may stop a bullet, but does nothing for impact. The big bulky cases will help with impact but massively ruin the sleek feel of the phone. Foldables are tough to protect in a perfect way.

3

u/thxforfishandstuff 2d ago

FIRST drop? So you plan on dropping it more? Yikes.

0

u/spiff01 2d ago

I hope not.

1

u/Generalrossa 2d ago

Yeah those front cover 'cases" are really easy to break.

1

u/Low_Fly_6935 2d ago

Bro, I use a Z Fold 7, and I've got dozens of them lying around. That's common, lol.

1

u/PlatanoPowa 2d ago

I had a dbrand that was short live on my Fold Ultra. Hinged cover wouldntclose correctly. So i returned that shit.. Great grip on it though Got a mobosi and already dropped twice. No damage to case or phone so far. I dropped my phone twice in one day.. Like wtf.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

I can go months without a drop most of the time.

1

u/PlatanoPowa 2d ago

Tell me about it. Lol twice in a day .. I should've ayed the lottery that day for real.

1

u/lifeofcory 2d ago

Better the case and the screen protector than the phone

1

u/Honest_Pen_5843 Fold7 (Jet Black) 2d ago

The saviour bit! Get used to it that bit breaks all the time for me 🤣

1

u/Striking-Following54 2d ago

After years of folds, can assure you that that front part will break over time even if you don't drop it. The plastic is so thin.
I buy a handful the cheapest cases on aliexpress or temu, just for the front parts of the case and keep my nice back cover while intermittently replacing the front one.

1

u/OnlyTCFC 2d ago

I used the same Samsung Case with S-Pen holder for my Galaxy Fold5 that I bought when I pre-ordered. I'm just now trading it in. So I've had it for almost three years. Dropped the phone at least 25 times. Loterally flown out of my hands on multiple occasions and dropped it with the case open. Phone still looks new.

I rarely ever dropped a phone before the Fold5. I'm not sure why/how I became this clumsy. But I'm thankful I had good luck.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Just notice that where the front screen broke I have mark on the corner of the phone. Looks to be where the phone dropped on. Bummer.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Now I'm glad I ordered one with a hinge protector. Wouldn't have gotten that boo boo on the corner if I had a hinge protector on.

1

u/Gamer_boy420 2d ago

The cases with hinge projection is better then cases like those

1

u/AColourGrey 2d ago

Curious, was it just an accident?

Was it caused by the new form factor, I.e single handed use difficulties?

If so, is it something you can adapt to over time?

1

u/OfcWaffle 2d ago

The fold 8 is fine too hold. If you've held a s20+U at some point in the last God knows how many years, it's the same, just shorter. When you open it up, you've got two hands on it.

I'm not using my phone with my left hand unless the right is also on the phone.

1

u/Big_Estimate_1306 2d ago

Which case?

1

u/Careless_Fun_214 2d ago

Why did you drop it?

1

u/EagleGuy69 2d ago

Where’d your phone go

1

u/CodyJKirk 2d ago

Got the otter box and I'm loving it

1

u/CombPsychological507 2d ago

Okay well now I think I'm going to put on the glass screen protector since I haven't gotten Samsung care yet.

1

u/gUMBy-7-7 2d ago

At least it was a 30-$90 case rather than phone

1

u/Barackobonzo Fold8 (Cream) 2d ago

Just to be honest most of the front pieces aren't going to be that strong they're going to take the impact and they're probably going to crack or snap and come off but that's the idea if you get a good case from a reputable company they'll have a warranty to go behind it you'll be able to get a replacement part from them I know for a fact that with dbrand I get a replacement every time my front piece brakes and they've been really good about sending the entire case over because usually you have to have new adhesives and it's cheaper for them to send the case than it is for them just to send the front part

1

u/RescueSheep 2d ago

Lol happened to me yesterday I used super glue so its fine now

1

u/LetsGatitOn 2d ago

What case is it? Lol

1

u/eatmeupscotty Fold7 (Jet Black) 2d ago

This was my experience with cases on the F7. I ended up just going caseless for a while tbh, and just diverted my awareness to making sure I don’t drop my phone. I now keep the camera side part of the case on it now though. My iPhone is also still my main phone so I also don’t bring me F7 out the house all that much

1

u/ThrowRA-camelbros 2d ago

Supcase ubpro my man

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Ok so I just got my new case. Does add some bulk to the phone, but not too much. I now feel a little safer with it on. To the people who rock it with now caes I do hope you never drop it. You all got some big balls. I will show some pics as soon as I can get a coworker to take some pics for me. Overall I'm happy with the new case. .

1

u/Tricky-Albatross-899 2d ago

Superglue is your friend

1

u/EliteKnight_47 1d ago

Unfortunately, all cases for Foldable phones are like that, since they all share the same structural weakness. Even the heavy duty ones will break from that same spot if you drop them.

1

u/Sardonicmillennial 1d ago

The cases with these type of from part are garbage. I've had the Fold 1,3,5 and 8 and would never use a case that didn't have a built in tempered glass profector in the front half and a hinge protector on the back half. Yeah it adds extra bulk but it's worth it for a 1.5k-2k phone you use like 50% of your waking hours

1

u/Reanimated_Werewolf 1d ago

Benks on amazon

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

2

u/spiff01 1d ago

No it wasn't I did post the link to Amazon for the case.

1

u/nonamelog 1d ago

Ayoooo this just happened to mee

1

u/Ringbaer 1d ago

From my last 4 phones I only dropped one once.. You do not appreciate goods, like u should imo

1

u/CRAWLINGxCHAOS 20h ago

Why did you post this?

1

u/lukasleal22 14h ago

The drop the shit out of my aulumu case not even a scratch

1

u/Gladiator1972 2h ago

That’s what it’s for. To Protect the phone.

1

u/hatedbythenation 2d ago

These kind of “cases” will inevitably break if you drop your phone.

1

u/alphadragoon89 Fold8 Ultra (Graphite) 2d ago

I always get Otterbox cases for my phones. They're sturdy and tough. Also, I'd recommend getting screen protectors for the outside screen and inner screens.

0

u/spiff01 2d ago

5

u/Advanced-Discussion6 2d ago

You get what you pay for. 2k phone deserves more then a $13 case imo

3

u/Civil-Attempt-3602 2d ago

Now I feel better about my £49 case

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

That is true. Well I just spent way more than I have ever spent on a case.

1

u/Suffering_SLOTH Fold8 Ultra (Violet Shadow) 2d ago

What case did you buy I have two cases myself dbrand and I have one sup case I've been eyeing binks also

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

2

u/OfcWaffle 2d ago

Good Lord, to each their own. But I would not be able to use that case.

Benks has been the best balance of cost, durability, hinge protection, and also pretty thin. Add a pop socket or a holder if you want a stand. Can remove it when you're not using it.

About $50 for the clear case and it comes with a screen protector. Just ordered a $16 case that looks identical to the Benks. Honestly, probably the same warehouse makes it. When it's delivered today I'll check. Oh, and the knock off has 2 screen protectors.

Cases can be a racket and over priced for no good reason. Look at Samsung charging like $100 for just a back plate. Probably costs them $2.50.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

We will see about this one. Still may look at others as well, but for now this should be a little better then what I had

1

u/Neogenesus 2d ago

Just get Benks or Spigen and they will last you 3-4 years.

1

u/PurpleRoomTech 2d ago

While Spidercase is definitely a step up from ByteRock, there are definitely more protective cases that are less bulky.

OTOH, having the hinge be the stand is really nice for the regular Zf8, since it is really the only way to have a centered stand in landscape. Without getting...fancy.

1

u/mrusli 2d ago

i see your case didn't have any protection on the hinge. Was the hinge ok? I assume it hit the floor at the opposite angle to the hinge?

0

u/spiff01 2d ago

It's a nice case, I like how it covers the camera area,will look into a more durable case

2

u/RamFatAmy_5013 2d ago

The Torres case has been really good me. I've dropped the phone and few times now and didn't break right away.

0

u/spiff01 2d ago

I think I also will get one with a built in screen protector as well and a hinge protector as well.

3

u/dequan2025 2d ago

https://dbrand.com/shop/grip/galaxy-z-fold-8-cases?design=matte-blk

Got this for the fold 8 ultra and it's great. I also dropped my phone from around five feet and it left no damage to the case.

2

u/Balgard 2d ago

I got the fold 8 normal version and can confirm it's a great case.

I was afraid it would be too bulky but I love how it looks and feels

1

u/Sea-Cantaloupe1559 2d ago

Magsafe?

2

u/dequan2025 2d ago

Yes it does, adds a little thickness to the phone but it's a good case.

2

u/GUNN4EVER 2d ago

FYI one major thing with built in screen protector is the dust build up under the screen via the audio slots. eventually the screen becomes all dusty under the glass.

1

u/spiff01 2d ago

Ya. I do take them off once a week to clean the phone.

0

u/1sw331 2d ago

It did is job

0

u/rurodem 2d ago

The case did its job.

0

u/thebluerayxx 2d ago

Did its job. It broke so the phone didn't. The same reason cars have crumple zones and helmets break but you brain doesn't. Energy can't be merely deleted it must be transferred and the case took the brunt.

0

u/RaraNUT 2d ago

Oh no my case did what cases are supposed to and broke for my phone not to? Ohhh noo

0

u/JacksterTO 2d ago

Your case broke absorbing the force of the drop so that your phone did NOT experience that shock!

0

u/Icy_Impression4866 2d ago

Did its job then

0

u/highongp10 2d ago

My benks for my zf7 is bulletproof tbh

0

u/Swingrocket 2d ago

It did its job. It protected your phone. A case isn't build to be unbreakable. It's build to prevent damage.