Introduction
The Galaxy Z TriFold has captured attention as Samsung's foray into the tri-fold smartphone market. While the device offers impressive innovation, recent fold durability tests raise questions about how well it will hold up with everyday use. A detailed fold test recently surfaced, revealing that the Galaxy Z TriFold might encounter issues earlier than promised by Samsung's official specifications.
Insights from the Fold Test
A YouTube livestream documented three hosts repeatedly folding the Galaxy Z TriFold over eight days to assess its durability. Contrary to Samsung’s expected lifespan, the phone began showing signs of wear well before reaching the advertised benchmark.
Notably, the first hinge started creaking around 61,000 folds. The second hinge soon followed, exhibiting similar issues by 121,000 folds. The device's folding "elasticity" significantly declined at 144,000 folds, resulting in the phone struggling to lay flat without manual pressure, which made its operation cumbersome.
Samsung rates the Galaxy Z TriFold for 200,000 folds, roughly equivalent to folding the phone 100 times daily for five years.
Challenges Facing First-Generation Devices
Photo credit: OMG_electronics
This tri-fold design represents a new frontier in mobile technology, with Samsung competing against Huawei's Mate XT, the only other widely available tri-fold phone so far.
While Huawei’s hardware has impressed on many fronts, durability concerns remain a significant factor for consumers investing in high-end foldables. Samsung’s 200,000 fold cycle promise for the TriFold is notably lower than the claimed durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, indicating initial growing pains for this device category.
Reader Poll: Does the fold test affect your buying decision?
Current Results:
- No, I expected potential issues with new tech. — 60%
- Yes, I expect reliable performance for the price. — 40%
Total votes: 10
What This Means for Consumers
The results are not entirely unexpected. Early foldable models often face durability challenges as manufacturers refine hinge mechanisms and materials. Buyers should be aware of these potential limitations when considering the Galaxy Z TriFold, especially if longevity is a priority.
Despite the setbacks, Samsung's ambition to push foldable technology forward remains commendable. However, as this technology evolves, user experience may improve with subsequent generations.
