Galaxy Z TriFold Durability Test: A Costly Failure
â–¼ Summary
– The Galaxy Z TriFold failed a durability test by breaking when bent in the wrong direction, unlike the more resilient Galaxy Z Fold 7.
– In the test, the TriFold’s screen pixels tore and its hinge snapped from reasonable force, making it very costly to repair.
– The device also performed poorly against dirt, with its hinges making grinding noises when exposed to sand granules.
– Previous tests showed the TriFold can withstand over 150,000 folding cycles, aligning with Samsung’s 200,000-fold durability claim.
– A new battery removal system revealed during the teardown shows the thin batteries can bend dangerously when pulled out.
In a recent and highly anticipated durability assessment, the Galaxy Z TriFold demonstrated significant vulnerabilities when subjected to extreme physical stress, particularly when compared to the robust performance of its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The test, which followed a standard protocol for evaluating smartphone endurance, revealed that Samsung’s latest multi-folding design may not be ready for the rigors of everyday accidents, casting a shadow over its upcoming launch.
The evaluation included standard scratch and flame tests, which yielded predictable results, confirming that the foldable glass remains a softer, more susceptible material. However, the device’s performance deteriorated markedly during dirt ingress and bend resistance phases. When exposed to fine particulates, the intricate hinge mechanism emitted audible crunching and grinding noises during operation, suggesting a lack of effective sealing against common contaminants like pocket sand.
The most dramatic failure occurred during the bend test. Applying a reasonable amount of force in the opposite direction of its intended fold caused the Galaxy Z TriFold’s display to fail catastrophically. Pixels tore and went dark, and the structural integrity of the right hinge snapped. While the device might not be completely dead for data recovery purposes, the cost of repairing the screen and hinge would undoubtedly be prohibitively expensive for most owners. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which survived a similar test with notably less damage.
It is important to contextualize this failure within Samsung’s own durability claims. Previous testing, focusing on hinge longevity, indicated the TriFold could endure over 150,000 folding cycles without issue, aligning with the company’s promise of up to 200,000 folds. These claims, however, specifically relate to the stress of normal opening and closing along the designed axis. Samsung made no specific promises regarding resistance to lateral or reverse bending pressure, which is precisely what caused the device to fail in this assessment.
A secondary concern highlighted during the teardown portion of the test involved the battery. A new pull-tab removal system revealed that the thin, flexible batteries could bend dangerously when extracted, presenting a potential safety risk during repairs. Fortunately, during the main bend test, the battery did not puncture.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is slated for release in early 2026. This durability analysis suggests that while the phone may excel in engineered folding cycles, its structural resilience against unconventional physical stress requires considerable improvement before it can be considered a truly durable flagship device.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
