According to Engadget, foldable phone cases generally come in two parts: one covers the back and sides, including the camera island, while the other frames the front screen with a raised lip. These designs help prevent breaks, shock, scratches, and scuffs, but they do not offer full 360-degree coverage and typically leave the hinge unprotected.
More rugged options from brands like Supcase, CaseBorne, and Otterbox add hinge protection and often include a built-in screen protector. The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, for example, combines a tempered glass screen protector with hinge protection that doubles as an S Pen holder. The trade-off, the article notes, is that these cases are noticeably bulkier.
The biggest limitation, however, is dust. Engadget points out that no foldable phone case protects against dust getting trapped in the folded screen or hinge, which can damage the display over time. Dust resistance also varies by device: the iPhone Duo and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold have an IP68 rating, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a lower IP48 rating. The article recommends wiping down the screen before closing the phone and using a soft brush on the hinge as the best practical precautions.