Highlights
- Durability tests by YouTubers revealed weaknesses in Galaxy Z TriFold with hinge damage, display tearing and sensitivity to dust during stress tests.
- Fold count endurance showed resilience with over 150,000 folds before hinge wear.
- The phone is expected to launch in early 2026 and faces durability concerns compared to Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung’s newly revealed Galaxy Z TriFold has drawn significant attention. The hands-on durability tests from popular YouTube creators suggest that the tri-folding smartphone may not live up to Samsung’s expectations. Here’s a roundup of everything we know thanks to recently released durability tests online.
Galaxy Z TriFold Struggles Under Extreme Stress Tests
In a detailed durability video by famous YouTuber JerryRigEverything, the Galaxy Z TriFold was subjected to standard stress tests including scratch resistance, heat exposure, dust intrusion, and bending. The scratch and burn tests delivered familiar results with foldable glass once again proving relatively soft.
However, the dust and bend tests exposed the device’s vulnerabilities. The Galaxy Z TriFold appeared to be particularly sensitive to dirt particles. Even though the sand used in the test was not microscopic, audible grinding noises were heard from the hinges when the phone was fully unfolded and folded again. This indicates that debris can easily interfere with the hinge mechanism.
The bend test proved to be the most damaging. Unlike other recent Galaxy foldables, the Galaxy Z TriFold failed after a relatively moderate amount of force was applied in the wrong direction. During the test, parts of the display began to tear, pixels went dark, and the lower section of the right hinge snapped.
While the device may not be completely beyond repair, replacing the damaged display would likely be extremely expensive.
You can check out the complete video below –
By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 reportedly survived a similar bend test with significantly less damage, giving it a clear durability advantage.
Fold Count Tests Paint a More Balanced Picture
Durability concerns around the Galaxy Z TriFold surfaced even before its official availability with earlier tests focusing on hinge longevity. Those tests suggested the device could handle over 150,000 folding cycles without visible defects.
Samsung itself claims the Galaxy Z TriFold is rated for up to 200,000 folds, a figure that may still be achievable under normal usage conditions.
Samsung has not made any specific claims about resistance to outward pressure applied opposite to the intended folding direction. In such scenarios, the TriFold reportedly collapses inward incorrectly. On the positive side, the battery did not puncture during testing.
However, JerryRigEverything also highlighted a new pull-tab battery removal system, raising concerns that the ultra-thin batteries could bend dangerously if removed improperly.
Extended Torture Test Reveals Hinge Wear Over Time
Galaxy Z TriFold during a folding endurance test. (Still from YouTube channel OMG_electronics)
Another durability test was conducted by South Korea–based YouTube channel “OMG_electronics,” which livestreamed an extended folding endurance test. Over several days, multiple hosts repeatedly folded and unfolded the Galaxy Z TriFold until noticeable issues emerged.
The test revealed minor creaking noises from the first hinge after around 61,000 folds with similar sounds appearing in the second hinge at roughly 121,000 folds. At approximately 144,000 folds, what the hosts described as “hinge elasticity” began to fail. At that point, the phone no longer stayed fully open without manual pressure and became slightly more difficult to open and close.
While the device was not technically “broken,” the compromised hinge behavior would likely affect everyday usability and justify a repair. Notably, the display continued functioning even after these issues appeared, making the failure less catastrophic than it initially sounded.
Considering the test ran continuously for nearly eight days, the Galaxy Z TriFold still demonstrated respectable endurance. Under typical real-world usage, it would likely approach Samsung’s claimed 200,000-fold lifespan.
Check out the full video below –
Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy Z TriFold sometime in early 2026.
FAQs
Q1. How did the Galaxy Z TriFold perform in durability tests?
Answer. In JerryRigEverything’s tests, the TriFold struggled with dust intrusion and bending, leading to hinge damage and display tearing under moderate force.
Q2. What is Samsung’s official claim about the TriFold’s durability?
Answer. Samsung claims the Galaxy Z TriFold can withstand up to 200,000 folds, and endurance tests showed it handled over 150,000 cycles before hinge wear appeared.
Q3. When is the Galaxy Z TriFold expected to launch?
Answer. Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy Z TriFold in early 2026, despite durability concerns raised in pre-launch testing.