August 7, 2025
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 has just proven itself to be one of the most durable foldable smartphones ever created—passing a grueling, real-world test that pushed its hinge and display system to the brink. A South Korean tech enthusiast recently completed an extraordinary hands-on challenge, folding and unfolding the device 200,000 times manually to see whether it could survive what amounts to a lifetime of use.
An Endurance Test of Human and Machine
Over the span of several days, the tester conducted the folding challenge without the aid of robotics or machines, applying pressure with their bare hands. While the test was not performed under laboratory conditions, it offered one of the most authentic simulations of wear and tear a user might experience over years of usage.
Despite multiple warning signs, the phone remained operational even after reaching the 200,000-fold milestone.
The Bumps Along the Way
Though the phone survived the journey, the test wasn’t without hiccups:
- Around 6,000 to 10,000 folds, the phone began rebooting unexpectedly, raising early concerns about internal stress.
- At approximately 46,000 folds, a creaking sound began to emerge from the hinge, becoming louder over time.
- A surprising moment occurred at 75,000 folds, when an unknown liquid seeped out of the hinge, possibly due to lubricants or residue used in the fold mechanism.
- By 105,000 folds, the crease on the inner screen became more visibly pronounced and a crackling noise was noted during operation.
- The most significant failure came at 175,000 folds, when all of the phone’s speakers—including the earpiece—stopped working.
Despite these setbacks, the phone completed the challenge still functioning—screen intact, hinge operable, and software responsive.
How It Matches Samsung’s Claims
Samsung officially markets the Z Fold 7 with a fold durability rating of up to 500,000 cycles, which theoretically covers over 10 years of use at 100 folds per day. However, these figures are based on controlled lab tests using precise robotic movements. The manual test offered a harsher, less predictable folding experience that arguably better reflects daily real-world conditions.
Key Takeaways for Users
- Durability confirmed: The device handled physical stress impressively, validating its engineering enhancements like stronger ultra-thin glass, a redesigned hinge, and more elastic adhesives.
- Not invincible: Reboots, noises, and hardware failures remind users that even premium foldables are complex machines with mechanical limits.
- Repairability remains an issue: Experts caution that repairing foldables—particularly the inner display and hinge components—remains expensive and technically difficult.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has passed one of the most demanding endurance challenges a smartphone has ever faced. While it didn’t emerge entirely unscathed, its ability to withstand 200,000 manual folds demonstrates just how far foldable phone technology has come. For users considering long-term use, the message is clear: this is a foldable built for the future—just don’t treat it like a stress toy.
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