A phone launch would not be complete without one. JerryRigEverything’s durability testsare also applicable to foldables. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available in stores. It’s time to put the folding phone through a series of tests, including a bend test, dust, and fire.
Of course, the bar is at the ground. Foldables aren’t known for their durability. Even after several generations, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 last year had major dust issues with its pivot before catching fire during its teardown. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a slimmer and lighter design than its predecessor. It also features new materials on its backplate. However, its IP48 ratings for dust and water resistance have not been improved. It’s a device that is set up to fail a durability test.
But this disaster never happens.
The majority of the tests are proceeding as expected. The Fold 7 is not that different from other smartphones, despite its ultra-slim foldable chassis. The 6.5-inch cover screen scratches with a Mohs score of 6, but the inner display is dented by something as soft as your fingernail. The aluminum frame is scratched by a knife, but should be resistant to most materials.
As usual, dust and bending are the biggest challenges. In the video, Zack pours a layer of dust on the inside and outside surface of the Fold 7. He then opens and closes the hinge several times, but without fully closing the display in order to prevent damage caused by the larger materials within. The device still walks away essentially intact.
The Fold 7’s hinge doesn’t make a bad sound like the Fold 6, which had a horrible grinding sound. It’s not as pristine and as loud as it was when it was unboxed, but it is a far cry from last year’s phone. It also makes me excited for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold if those rumors about our first IP68-certified folding phone are true.
None this helps the Fold 7 to survive a bend-test, of course. And considering its 8.9mm or even slimmer chassis, depending on whom you ask, this part of video feels like a disaster. Even if you already know the outcome, it’s still a tough watch. But despite Zack’s full strength two timesSamsung’s $2,000 folding phone manages to stay intact. Even the back panel, which starts to pop out from its frame on the 2nd attempt, snaps back into place when the pressure is released.
