Foldable phone glossary

Foldable phone glossary

Quick technical definitions for foldable smartphones and the cases engineered to protect them — from MIL-STD-810H drop standards to N52 magnets, hinge covers, and the differences between cover and inner screens.

Cover screen

On a foldable smartphone, the external display visible when the device is folded closed. Used for notifications, widgets, quick interactions, and basic apps without unfolding the device.

Foldable phone case

A protective case engineered specifically for foldable smartphones, designed to accommodate the device's hinge mechanism, dual displays, and folding form factor. Distinct from traditional smartphone cases, which cannot mechanically open and close.

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Galaxy Z Flip

Samsung's clamshell foldable smartphone series, folding vertically along a horizontal hinge into a compact pocketable form. Released generations include Z Flip (2020), Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 6, and Z Flip 7.

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Galaxy Z TriFold

Samsung's tri-fold foldable variant introducing two hinges and three display panels in a single device. Distinct from the bi-fold Galaxy Z Fold series, which has a single hinge.

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Hinge cover

On foldable-phone cases, the portion of the case that wraps and shields the hinge mechanism — the most mechanically fragile component on a foldable phone. Hinge-cover cases provide 360-degree spine protection against drops, dust intrusion, and lateral impact.

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Inner screen

On a foldable smartphone, the large primary display revealed when the device is unfolded. Typically 7-8 inches diagonally on book-style foldables (Galaxy Z Fold, Pixel Fold) and 6-7 inches on clamshell foldables (Galaxy Z Flip).

MagSafe-compatible

A phone case or accessory that includes N52-grade neodymium magnets arranged in the same circular pattern as Apple's MagSafe standard, enabling third-party Qi wireless chargers, wallets, and car mounts originally designed for MagSafe to attach magnetically. Distinct from official Apple MagSafe, which is reserved for iPhone.

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MIL-STD-810H

A United States Department of Defense standardised test methodology for environmental conditioning, including drop, shock, vibration, water, and temperature resistance. The 810H revision (2019) is the current standard. Phone cases marked MIL-STD-810H compliant have been tested against the drop and shock profiles defined in the standard.

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N52 neodymium magnets

The strongest commercially available grade of neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets, rated at approximately 52 MGOe (mega-gauss-oersted). Used in MagSafe-compatible accessories where strong, stable magnetic attachment without obstructing wireless charging is required.

Pixel Fold

Google's book-style foldable smartphone series, first launched in 2023. Released generations include Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

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S-Pen holder

An integrated slot or sleeve on a foldable-phone case designed to store the Samsung S-Pen stylus. Allows S-Pen carry on Galaxy Z Fold models, which (unlike Galaxy Note devices) have no built-in pen silo.

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Wraparound protection

Case construction that encloses the device on all sides — front frame, back shell, hinge spine, and side edges — providing 360-degree drop and impact protection. Distinct from skin or back-only cases, which leave edges or hinge exposed.

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