As foldable phones become more ambitious, questions about their long-term durability grow louder. The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, with its innovative dual-hinge design, represents a significant leap in form factor, but it also introduces new mechanical complexities. A recent, exhaustive real-world test has pushed the device to its limits, providing fascinating insights into how its components hold up under extreme, accelerated wear.
The Marathon Folding Test
A South Korean YouTube channel, OMG_electronics (also referred to as Omokgyo Electronics Shopping Mall), embarked on a relentless mission to test the physical limits of the Galaxy Z TriFold. Beginning on or around December 16, 2025, the team conducted a multi-day livestream, mechanically folding and unfolding the device almost continuously. The test was designed to simulate years of use in a matter of days, far exceeding the typical user's daily folding routine. By the end of the ninth day of testing, as of December 24, 2025, the TriFold's inner display had been subjected to over 160,000 complete folding cycles and was reportedly still fully functional.
Key Test Results Summary
- Test Conductor: OMG_electronics / Omokgyo Electronics Shopping Mall (YouTube)
- Total Folds Achieved: Over 160,000 (as of Day 9)
- Display Status: Fully functional at end of test.
- Hinge Milestones:
- ~61,000 folds: First hinge creaking noise.
- ~121,000 folds: Second hinge creaking noise.
- ~144,000-145,000 folds: Hinges lose tension, become "fluid."
- Samsung's Official Rating: 200,000 folds for the display.
- Price: USD 2,400
Hinge Performance and Wear Signs
While the display proved remarkably resilient, the hinges told a different story. The test revealed the gradual degradation of the mechanical components. The first audible sign of wear emerged relatively early, with one hinge beginning to emit faint creaking noises after approximately 61,000 folds. The second hinge followed suit at around 121,000 cycles. A more significant functional change occurred near the 144,000 to 145,000-fold mark, when the hinges lost much of their inherent tension and resistance. This resulted in a "fluid" or loose feel, meaning the device could no longer hold itself perfectly flat when unfolded without external support, though it could still be fully opened.
Contextualizing Samsung's Durability Claims
Samsung officially rates the Galaxy Z TriFold's display for 200,000 folds, which the company equates to about 100 folds per day over five years. The test, which concluded with a working display after 160,000+ cycles, did not reach this official rating under its accelerated conditions. It is crucial to note that this kind of non-stop mechanical stress does not replicate normal usage, where factors like rest periods, varying angles, and environmental exposure play a role. Furthermore, the test setup involved external fold-counting sensors which may have slightly altered the hinge's natural movement. For comparison, Samsung rates the simpler book-style Galaxy Z Fold 7 for a significantly higher 500,000 folds, highlighting the increased engineering challenge posed by the tri-fold mechanism.
Durability Comparison
| Device | Official Fold Rating | Test Context |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold | 200,000 folds | Display survived 160,000+ in test; hinges showed wear. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 500,000 folds | Previous YouTuber test found it working after 200,000 manual folds. |
| Note: Higher hinge count ratings typically indicate a less complex, more mature hinge mechanism. |
Implications for Potential Buyers
The test results offer a mixed but ultimately reassuring picture for consumers interested in the premium USD 2,400 device. The core functionality—the foldable display—demonstrated exceptional endurance, surviving intense punishment without failure. The hinge wear, while noticeable in an extreme lab setting, manifests as a degradation in feel (looseness, noise) rather than a catastrophic failure. For the average user who may fold their device a few dozen times daily, these issues are unlikely to surface for many years, if at all. However, the test was conducted in a controlled studio environment; real-world exposure to dust and moisture could potentially accelerate wear in ways this experiment did not capture.
The Verdict on Ambitious Design
The Galaxy Z TriFold's stress test underscores the realities of pioneering a complex new form factor. The device has proven itself capable of withstanding a staggering amount of physical manipulation, which should alleviate major durability concerns. The hinge's loss of rigidity over an extraordinarily high number of cycles points to an area for potential refinement in future generations. For now, the test suggests that while the TriFold's hinges may not feel as crisp as new after several years of heavy use, the device's most critical and expensive component—its expansive screen—is built to last.