Experiment Demonstrates Consequences of Repeated Folding and Unfolding of Galaxy Z Fold 7 Phone Over 200,000 Times
In a groundbreaking real-world durability test, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was put through its paces by South Korean YouTube channel Tech It. The test, livestreamed for all to see, involved folding and unfolding the device an impressive 200,000 times [1].
The test, while designed to push the device beyond normal user scenarios, provided valuable insights into the potential durability limits under extreme mechanical stress. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 showed signs of wear and tear earlier than expected.
At around the 6,000th fold-unfold cycle, the phone experienced a reboot error. This issue may have been caused by the constant switching between folded and unfolded states overwhelming the device [1]. Around the 46,000th fold, the phone’s hinge began to creak, indicating early signs of mechanical strain on the hinge mechanism. Despite these concerns, it was acknowledged that the test conditions were far harsher than typical daily use [1].
A teardown video further revealed that the Fold 7's inner screen is rated for an impressive 500,000 folds. However, due to its fragile nature, it remains the most costly component to repair and is difficult to handle during repairs [5]. This fragility aligns with why hinge issues and operational glitches might appear well before the rated fold count.
Samsung has yet to respond to the test findings regarding the durability of their smartphones when manually folded. It's worth noting that manual folding of smartphones better simulates actual usage compared to machines in controlled lab environments.
This extreme durability test offers a unique perspective on the Galaxy Z Fold 7's resilience, highlighting potential areas for improvement in future iterations of Samsung's foldable smartphones.
The extreme durability test on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, while simulating usage beyond normal scenarios, exposed signs of early wear and tear particularly at around the 6,000th fold-unfold cycle, potentially due to the constant switching between states overwhelming the device. Despite the harsh test conditions, it's interesting to consider how gadgets like smartphones, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, fare under such stress, underscoring the importance of technology's development towards enhancing device durability.
