A long-running durability test of the Galaxy Z TriFold shows early hinge degradation well before Samsung’s claimed 200,000-fold threshold.
While the device has not completely failed, its behavior under stress raises questions about real-world durability.
Galaxy Z TriFold Durability Test Exceeds 180,000 Folds
A Korea-based YouTube channel, OMG_electronics, is conducting a continuous live fold test on the Galaxy Z TriFold. The test involves repeatedly folding and unfolding the device without pauses to simulate long-term wear.
Samsung previously stated the Galaxy Z TriFold was tested for 200,000 folds, which the company equates to roughly five years of use at 100 folds per day.
Hinge Noise First Appears at Approximately 61,000 Folds
The first sign of mechanical wear emerged relatively early in the test. At around 61,000 folds, one of the two hinges began producing audible creaking noises during movement.
While the device remained fully functional at this stage, the noise suggested early friction or internal stress within the hinge mechanism.
Second Hinge Shows Similar Wear Around 121,000 Folds
As testing continued, the second hinge developed the same creaking behavior at approximately 121,000 folds. At this point, both hinges were exhibiting signs of mechanical fatigue, though folding and unfolding were still possible.
The phone’s displays remained intact, and no visible damage was reported.
Hinge Elasticity Fails at Around 144,000 Folds
The most significant issue occurred near 144,000 folds, when hinge elasticity began to degrade. As a result:
- The device no longer stayed fully open on its own
- Opening and closing required additional force
- The unfolded position felt unstable without manual adjustment
Although the Galaxy Z TriFold had not structurally broken, it was no longer operating as designed.
Device Remains Operational but No Longer Functions Normally
Despite hinge degradation, the phone’s screens continued to work, and the device could still be folded and unfolded. However, loss of hinge tension directly affected usability, particularly in the fully opened state.
At this stage, the device could not be considered functionally intact for normal daily use.
Test Continues Beyond 180,000 Folds
As of the latest update, the fold test has surpassed 180,000 folds and remains ongoing. The YouTube channel continues to stream the test live, with the device still operating under degraded mechanical conditions.
Suggested: Galaxy Z Fold7 Durability Test: Samsung’s Foldable Survives Scratches, Dust & Bends Like a Champ
What the Test Reveals About Tri-Fold Durability
The results highlight the added mechanical complexity of tri-fold designs. With two hinges instead of one, the Galaxy Z TriFold is subjected to increased stress over time.
While Samsung’s laboratory testing may reflect ideal conditions, this real-world endurance test suggests that hinge longevity may be a limiting factor in first-generation tri-fold smartphones.
The 404 Take
That said, it is important to consider that most users will never approach this level of repeated folding in real-world use. A continuous, high-frequency fold and unfold cycle like this introduces sustained friction and heat that the hinges would rarely encounter under normal day-to-day conditions. As a result, the test represents an extreme stress scenario rather than a direct reflection of typical usage patterns.
