Unlike its less impressive successor, the Galaxy Z TriFold just can’t stand up to the same sort of bend abuse the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can. In a heartbreaking but familiar durability test to push the phone to its limits, the Galaxy Z TriFold simply gives up.

If it weren’t for some of the impressive results produced by Samsung’s last foldable device, there wouldn’t be much to expect out of the Galaxy Z TriFold in regard to its limits. Foldables are breakable, and the mere tolerances of these devices suggest they should be as durable as cardstock. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 made a point that foldables can be strong; the TriFold, not so much.

During a traditional durability test video posted by JerryRigEverything, the Galaxy Z TriFold is put through the usual paces. That includes scratch, fire, dirt, and bend resistance. The first two yield no surprises, and shockingly, foldable glass is still soft.

The latter two, though, are where things get interesting. It seems the Galaxy Z TriFold is much less resistant to pocket sand, and even though the granules of dirt used in the test fall short of microscopic, the TriFold doesn’t appear to handle it well. Crunching and grinding are heard from the hinges as the phone is opened in its entirety and closed again.

As for the bend test, this is the first Galaxy device to simply give up after a quick bend in the wrong direction. With what appears to be a reasonable amount of force, the TriFold’s pixels tear and go dark. The bottom portion of the right hinge snaps. The phone likely doesn’t truly die in the sense that it’s beyond recovering data, but it certainly would cost more to repair the screen than anyone would be okay with.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 gets the advantage in this case, considering it was able to withstand a very similar bend test with fewer wounds.

Previous Galaxy Z TriFold durability tests have already surfaced before official release, focusing on hinge cycles and longevity. Those tests revealed the Galaxy Z TriFold can withstand upwards of 150,000 full folds without suffering any negative defects. Samsung claims the device can last up to 200,000 folds without breaking, which may still stand true.

There are no claims specifically regarding outward pressure applied to the device opposite the direction of travel. In that situation, the TriFold folds in on itself – in the wrong way. At least the battery didn’t puncture in the process. However, the new pull tab system uncovered by the channel showcases a new hypothetical where the thin batteries begin to bend dangerously when removed.

The Galaxy Z TriFold will be available from Samsung sometime in early 2026.

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