The Galaxy Z TriFold is a first-generation product. So, there have been questions about its performance and reliability, especially since it has folding and moving parts, such as its two hinges and a giant screen that folds in two places. During its launch, Samsung claimed that the Galaxy Z TriFold can be folded and unfolded up to 200,000 times, and it was recently put to the test by a YouTube channel.
So, how well did it do in the torture test?
South Korea-based Omokgyo Electronics Shopping Mall livestreamed a YouTube video in which it showcased the Galaxy Z TriFold being folded and unfolded continuously. Over the course of multiple days, three hosts in the video took turns to fold and unfold the device until it broke. You can watch the video below.
One of the phone’s two hinges started making creaking noises after 61,000 folds, while the second hinge started creaking after 121,000 folds. Finally, after around 144,000 folds and unfolds, the elasticity of the hinge weakened; the device wouldn’t stay fully open unless it was forced. The foldable screen was still working perfectly, so we wouldn’t say the Galaxy Z TriFold completely broke.
While 144,000 folds and unfolds are less than what Samsung claimed, a normal person wouldn’t continuously fold and unfold the device for days on a stretch, as seen in the video. Moreover, for counting the folds and unfolds, the YouTube channel stuck sensors on top of the screens, which may have affected the phone’s folding process. So, it is possible that under normal conditions, the Galaxy Z TriFold may last over 200,000 folds and unfolds, as Samsung claimed.
The Galaxy Z TriFold’s claimed durability is less than half of that of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which can last up to 500,000 folds and unfolds. And in the future, Samsung could launch improved tri-folding phones with better durability figures.
