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| The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold has multiple weak points according to a new durability test |
In the world of foldable smartphones, Samsung has built a reputation for pushing the envelope on design and innovation. Models like the popular Galaxy Z Fold 7 (available from $1,599 on Amazon) have historically passed rigorous durability tests from famous tech YouTubers. But that streak has now been broken—and not just gently.
The all-new Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, an ambitious device that measures a barely-there 0.15 inches thick at its slimmest point, has met its match in the hands of popular tester Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything. In his latest viral teardown, the device didn’t just struggle—it failed decisively, raising questions about the real-world resilience of ultra-thin foldable designs.
A Warning Ignored Leads to Immediate Trouble
Even before the formal bend test began, the Galaxy Z TriFold showed signs of weakness. In the video embedded below, at around the 9:30 mark, Nelson attempts to fold the device’s right side—the side housing the rear camera array—first. Samsung explicitly warns against folding the device in this non-standard direction in its manual. The result? The phone immediately began to vibrate unnervingly, a sign of internal stress and likely motor or hinge resistance, signaling that the device was in trouble before the main event even started.
Materials Matter: Plastic Surfaces and “Crunchy” Hinges
Some compromises are expected in foldable technology. The 10-inch interior screen is made of plastic, which is standard for foldables and notoriously prone to scratches. However, Nelson’s tests revealed that the back panels also scratch with surprising ease. Samsung markets these panels as fiberglass, but as Nelson points out, “fiberglass is just another word for plastic,” and it lacks the scratch resistance of glass or metal.
The hinge system, critical for any foldable, also showed vulnerability. In a test involving fine dirt and debris, the TriFold’s hinges became gritty and “very crunchy,” suggesting that dust intrusion is a more serious threat for this model than for traditional foldables. For potential owners, this means being extra vigilant about keeping the device clean.
The Bend Test That Broke the TriFold
The climax of any JerryRigEverything video is the bend test. When pressure was applied in the opposite direction of intended folding, the Galaxy Z TriFold’s structural flaws were laid bare. The combination of two hinge points and an ultra-thin chassis with low structural integrity meant the phone folded with relative ease under deliberate force. The frame audibly snapped, rendering the device inoperable—a clear failure in a test that many modern smartphones survive.
Teardown Reveals a Potentially Dangerous Battery Flaw
After the frame failed, Nelson performed a full teardown (starting around 11:50 in the video). Inside, he found three separate batteries—a necessity given the device’s large, multi-panel form factor. However, a concerning design issue emerged: the battery pull tabs, intended to aid in safe removal, caused the batteries themselves to bend sharply when pulled.
“Bending a lithium-ion battery is a potentially dangerous flaw,” Nelson notes, highlighting a serious manufacturing concern that could pose safety risks during repairs or in accidental damage scenarios.
The Final Verdict for Potential Owners
Zack Nelson’s conclusion is straightforward: the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is a feat of engineering that makes significant compromises for its ultra-thin profile. It is not a durable device for those with active lifestyles or anyone prone to accidents. Most pointedly, he warns that sitting on the unfolded device—a plausible accident given its tablet-like size—should be avoided at all costs.
For now, Samsung’ dream of a perfectly thin, resilient tri-fold remains just that—a dream. While the technology dazzles, this durability test serves as a stark reminder that in the race to make devices thinner and more flexible, real-world toughness can sometimes be the first casualty.
What do you think? Is extreme thinness worth the trade-off in durability? Let us know in the comments below.