Samsung’s new three-way Folding phone faces real-world toughness tests

Samsung recently released its first-ever triple-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. While the device is a marvel of engineering, recent hands-on tests show it might not be as sturdy as the company’s more traditional folding phones. In a series of intense durability challenges, the TriFold struggled when pushed to its limits. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which can handle quite a bit of pressure, the TriFold showed signs of damage relatively quickly.

One major test involved folding and unfolding the phone thousands of times. Samsung claims the device can survive 200,000 folds, but a live test by a group of tech reviewers showed the hinges starting to act up much sooner. One hinge began creaking after about 61,000 folds, and the second one followed at 121,000. By the time they hit roughly 145,000 folds, the hinges lost their “springiness,” making it hard for the phone to stay flat or close properly. While the screen itself kept working, the mechanical parts were clearly wearing out.

Beyond the folding tests, the phone also faced a “bend test” where it was forced in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, the TriFold didn’t survive this as well as previous models; the frame snapped and the screen pixels went dark with a reasonable amount of force. It seems that having more hinges and a thinner body makes the device more vulnerable to physical accidents.

Business-wise, Samsung isn’t too worried about these early hiccups or even the fact that they aren’t making much money on the TriFold right now. They view it as a “statement piece”—a way to show the world they can build technology that others can’t. The phone is only being sold in very small numbers, which helps keep it exclusive.

However, the company is feeling some pressure regarding its next big standard release, the Galaxy S26. With the costs of parts like processors and cameras going up, Samsung is looking for ways to keep prices fair for customers without losing money. While the TriFold is a cool look into the future, the success of their upcoming regular flagship phones is what really keeps the company steady. For now, the TriFold remains an impressive but delicate piece of tech for early adopters who are willing to be extra careful with it.