Galaxy Z TriFold is probably durable enough, hinge gives way after 150,000 folds in torture test [Video]

Samsung’s brand new Galaxy Z TriFold form factor has arrived and, of course, one of the big questions around it is whether or not it’s actually durable. One YouTube channel put that to the test, finding that the device sort of gave up quite a bit shy of Samsung’s promise.

When first unveiling the Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung backed up its durability by saying that the device has gone through a 200,000 fold test, meaning it is folded and unfolded 200,000 times. This simulates 100 folds per day for 5 years, Samsung says. It’s a big number, but also less than half of the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 500,000 fold test. That said, no reasonable person would expect the TriFold, especially as a first-generation product, to be remotely as durable as one that’s seven generations in and inherently less complex.

But, of course, it has to be put to the test.

Korea-based YouTube channel “OMG_electronics” livestreamed a test of the Galaxy Z TriFold in which a handful of hosts took turns going back and forth to unfold and fold the TriFold over and over again until it “broke,” which happened surprisingly early.

In the test, which took place over several days, the Galaxy Z TriFold’s hinge started to make the slightest of creaking noises after around 61,000 folds, which extended over to the second hinge after around 121,000 folds. At around 144,000 folds, the “hinge elasticity” gave way which, according to the hosts (translated), left the device at a point where it wouldn’t stay fully opened without being forced into place while also being a little harder to open and close. That’s not really “broken,” but it would be a huge damper on using the device in day-to-day life, and would certainly warrant a repair. But, by the end, the display was still working, making it even harder to say that it “broke.”

That said, given that the TriFold was being unfolded and folded like this for 8 days in a row, it honestly held up pretty well and, in real life, would probably easily hit Samsung’s 200,000 figure.