I've been through three of these foldables and thinner cases simply do not protect the hinge during a real drop. Tryed a slim profile years ago and it was garbage, things may have changed slightly, but physics hasn't. The Poetic Spartan OnePlus Open Case costs around $35 and provides actual physical coverage. Get the bulk if you actually dropped a Z Fold 4 already. It is the only way to prevent another disaster.

> Is the extra bulk worth it, or will something thinner actually hold up? oh man this is exactly my thing, ive literally bought like seven different cases for this exact device since launch. tbh if u destroyed a fold 4 already u def wanna skip the thin stuff and go straight for Poetic Spartan OnePlus Open Case (~$35). Dbrand looks super clean ngl, but that hinge flap on the Spartan actually locks into place with a spring mechanism instead of just flopping around. It adds some serious chunk in the pocket tho... like u def know its there. but compared to the Spigen Thin Armor Pro OnePlus Open which feels a bit too flexible near the spine, the Spartan is an absolute tank. anyway bottom line is if ur paranoid just embrace the brick life

so funny you ask this — last summer I dropped my phone down a whole flight of concrete stairs and it miraculously survived bc of the case. id skip dbrand for actual drops tbh, their hinge coverage just isnt enough for paranoia levels. grab the Poetic Spartan OnePlus Open case instead. TL;DR: Get the Poetic Spartan OnePlus Open case for around $30-$40. It adds chunkiness, but the hinge protection is totally worth it so you dont panic every time it slips...

> Is the extra bulk worth it, or will something thinner actually hold up? I've been through three of these foldables. Quick question — do you usually pocket it or use a bag? If it's pockets, grab the Spigen Thin Armor Pro instead.