In the competitive world of foldable smartphones, durability is the ultimate benchmark. Samsung's latest and most complex entry, the Galaxy Z TriFold, promised a new era of multitasking with its innovative triple-hinge design. However, a recent and exhaustive live durability test has cast a shadow over the device's long-term resilience, revealing that its real-world performance may not live up to the company's official claims, raising questions for early adopters considering this premium, first-generation technology.
A Grueling Live Test Reveals Early Weaknesses
The durability of the Galaxy Z TriFold was put to the ultimate test by the Korea-based YouTube channel OMG_electronics. In a livestream that spanned over a week, the hosts manually folded and unfolded the device continuously to simulate years of use in a condensed timeframe. Samsung had officially rated the TriFold's hinges for 200,000 folds, a figure the company equates to 100 folds per day over five years. This benchmark, however, is already notably lower than the 500,000-fold rating for the more established Galaxy Z Fold 7, hinting at the inherent challenges in engineering a more complex tri-fold mechanism.
Key Durability Test Results for Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold:
- Samsung's Official Rating: 200,000 folds (equivalent to 100 folds/day for 5 years).
- First Issue Reported (Test): ~61,000 folds – First hinge begins creaking.
- Second Issue Reported (Test): ~121,000 folds – Second hinge begins creaking.
- Major Functional Failure (Test): ~144,000 folds – Hinge elasticity fails. Device will not stay open/flat without force and becomes difficult to operate.
- Comparative Benchmark: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated for 500,000 folds.
The Hinges Begin to Fail Well Before the Promised Mark
The test results were telling. The first signs of trouble emerged relatively early, with the initial hinge producing concerning creaking noises at approximately 61,000 folds. The problems compounded as the test continued; a second hinge began making similar sounds at around 121,000 folds. The most significant failure occurred at the 144,000-fold mark, representing only 72% of Samsung's promised lifespan. At this point, the hinge system lost its "elasticity," meaning the phone would no longer stay fully open or flat without being forced into position. The action of opening and closing the device became noticeably stiff and difficult, fundamentally altering the user experience even though the display itself remained functional.
Implications for the Future of Tri-Fold Technology
This test underscores the significant engineering hurdles facing first-generation tri-fold devices. While the ambition to create a device that transforms from a phone into a small tablet is compelling, the mechanical complexity of two separate hinges working in tandem introduces new points of potential failure. Samsung is currently in a race with Huawei, whose Mate XT is another major player in the nascent tri-fold market, making durability a critical differentiator. For consumers, the prospect of paying a premium price—often thousands of dollars—for a device that may develop debilitating hinge issues within a few years is a serious concern that could dampen early adoption.
Market Context: The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is a first-generation product competing primarily with the Huawei Mate XT in the new tri-fold smartphone category. Durability is a key concern for consumers in this high-price segment.
A Reality Check for Early Adopters
The outcome of this brutal fold test serves as a pragmatic reality check. It highlights the "growing pains" often associated with pioneering hardware. For potential buyers, the decision now involves weighing the groundbreaking form factor and productivity potential of the Galaxy Z TriFold against the demonstrated risk of mechanical wear. It reinforces the importance of comprehensive warranty coverage and suggests that, for some, waiting for second or third-generation iterations with refined hinge technology may be the wiser choice. As of December 24, 2025, the live test continues, a public testament to the intense scrutiny facing the future of foldable phones.