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Samsung’s ambitious foldable lineup has taken a hit after a new durability test revealed that the Galaxy Z TriFold is far more fragile than expected. In contrast, its sibling — the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — once again proves that foldables can be tough when engineered right.
In a heartbreaking but familiar stress test, the TriFold simply gives up under pressure.
Foldables Are Fragile — But Expectations Were Higher
Foldable smartphones have long been criticized for their delicate nature. Still, Samsung raised hopes with the impressive durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. That device showed the industry that foldables don’t have to feel like thin cardstock.
Unfortunately, the Galaxy Z TriFold doesn’t live up to that promise.
Also Read: Comparison of iPhone vs. Android Security: What You Need to Know?
JerryRigEverything Puts Galaxy Z TriFold to the Test
In a traditional durability video posted by JerryRigEverything, the Galaxy Z TriFold undergoes the usual torture tests:
- Scratch resistance
- Heat exposure
- Dirt and sand intrusion
- Bend resistance
The scratch and fire tests bring no major surprises. As expected, foldable glass still scratches easily, confirming it remains softer than standard smartphone glass.
Dirt and Sand Expose a Major Weakness
Things take a worrying turn during the dirt test. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the TriFold appears far less resistant to pocket debris.
Even with sand particles larger than microscopic dust, audible crunching and grinding noises can be heard from the hinges as the phone is fully opened and closed. This suggests the hinge mechanism struggles to keep contaminants out — a serious concern for daily use.
Bend Test: The Moment the TriFold Gives Up
The bend test is where the Galaxy Z TriFold truly fails.
With what appears to be a moderate amount of force applied in the wrong direction, the device doesn’t just flex — it collapses:
- Pixels tear and go dark instantly
- The bottom portion of the right hinge snaps
- The display becomes effectively unusable
This marks the first Galaxy foldable to completely fail such a test so quickly. While the phone may not be entirely dead in terms of data recovery, the cost of repairing the display would likely be unacceptably high for most users.
By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 survived a similar bend test with only minor damage.
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Hinge Longevity vs. Real-World Pressure
Earlier durability tests of the Galaxy Z TriFold — conducted even before its official release — focused heavily on hinge cycles. Those tests showed the device could withstand over 150,000 folds, with Samsung claiming a potential lifespan of up to 200,000 folds.
However, those claims do not account for outward pressure applied opposite the fold direction. In such scenarios, the TriFold folds inward the wrong way — a vulnerability that appears catastrophic.
Battery Safety Raises New Questions
One positive takeaway: the battery did not puncture during the bend failure.
That said, the video reveals a new pull-tab battery system that introduces another potential concern. When removed, the ultra-thin batteries begin to flex in a way that could be risky if mishandled — raising questions about long-term repair safety.
Launch Timeline Remains Unchanged
Despite the durability concerns, Samsung is still expected to release the Galaxy Z TriFold sometime in early 2026. Whether Samsung addresses these structural weaknesses before launch remains to be seen.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 proves that foldables can be strong.
The Galaxy Z TriFold, at least for now, proves they can still fail — spectacularly.
For users considering next-generation foldables, durability may once again be the deciding factor.
