See What Happens When You Fold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 200,000 Times
The anticipation surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is palpable. At Tech Today, we understand this excitement, and we’re committed to delivering in-depth analysis and real-world testing. While manufacturers subject their devices to rigorous internal durability tests, nothing quite replicates the wear and tear of continuous, repeated use. Therefore, we decided to push the purported hinge durability of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 to its absolute limit. Our comprehensive analysis will explore what happens when you fold the device an astounding 200,000 times.
The Hinge: The Achilles Heel of Foldable Phones?
Foldable phones present unique engineering challenges. The hinge, in particular, bears the brunt of the design complexities. It must be robust enough to withstand constant flexing, precise enough to allow for seamless transitions between folded and unfolded states, and unobtrusive enough not to detract from the overall user experience. Previous iterations of foldable devices have, at times, faltered in this critical area, leading to concerns about long-term durability.
For the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has touted significant advancements in hinge technology, promising increased longevity and resilience. However, marketing claims and laboratory simulations can only go so far. The ultimate test lies in subjecting the hinge to real-world stress. Our test aims to provide prospective buyers with a data-driven assessment of the hinge’s true capabilities.
Our Rigorous Durability Test: 200,000 Folds and Beyond
Our testing protocol involves a custom-built machine designed to automate the folding and unfolding process. This ensures consistent and uniform application of pressure on the hinge, eliminating the variability inherent in manual testing. The machine replicates a typical user’s folding motion, mimicking the speed and force with which one would naturally open and close the phone. We meticulously calibrated the device to prevent excessive stress that could artificially inflate the failure rate. The entire process was conducted in a controlled environment to minimize external factors like dust and humidity that could impact the results.
The Initial Stages: Smooth Sailing and Minimal Wear
For the first 50,000 folds, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 performed flawlessly. The hinge action remained smooth and consistent, with no noticeable degradation in performance. The display showed no signs of creasing or delamination along the fold line. This initial period gave us confidence in Samsung’s claims of improved hinge design. The audible click of the hinge mechanism remained satisfying and consistent, indicating proper engagement and disengagement of the internal components. Throughout this phase, we diligently monitored the temperature of the device to prevent overheating, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the internal components.
Midway Milestone: Minor Creasing and Slight Stiffness
As we approached the 100,000-fold mark, we began to observe subtle changes. A slight crease started to become visible along the central fold of the display, particularly when viewed at an angle. However, this crease did not affect the touch sensitivity or overall functionality of the screen. The hinge action also exhibited a minor degree of stiffness, requiring slightly more force to open and close the device. We meticulously documented these changes with high-resolution photographs and detailed notes, ensuring a comprehensive record of the degradation process.
Pushing the Limits: 150,000 Folds and Beyond
Between 100,000 and 150,000 folds, the crease became more pronounced. The hinge stiffness also increased noticeably. Despite these changes, the device remained fully functional. We continued to monitor the device closely, paying particular attention to any signs of screen delamination or hinge failure. At this stage, the audible click of the hinge mechanism started to become less defined, suggesting potential wear and tear on the internal components.
The Critical Point: 200,000 Folds and the Mysterious Leak
Reaching the 200,000-fold milestone was a significant accomplishment. It demonstrated the substantial improvements Samsung has made in foldable phone durability. However, it was also at this point that we encountered an unexpected issue.
While inspecting the device after the 200,000th fold, we noticed a small amount of “unknown black liquid” seeping from the hinge mechanism. This was a concerning development, as it potentially indicates a breakdown of the internal components or a compromise in the device’s sealing.
Analyzing the Unknown Liquid
The exact composition of the leaked liquid is currently unknown. We have sent a sample to a third-party laboratory for analysis. Initial visual inspection suggests that it could be a lubricant or sealant used within the hinge mechanism. It is crucial to determine whether this leak poses a safety hazard or affects the long-term functionality of the device. If the liquid is a corrosive substance, it could potentially damage internal components and lead to premature failure.
Possible Causes of the Leak
Several factors could have contributed to this leakage:
- Hinge Lubricant Degradation: The constant friction and pressure within the hinge may have caused the lubricant to break down over time, leading to leakage.
- Seal Failure: The seals designed to prevent dust and moisture from entering the hinge mechanism may have failed due to repeated flexing.
- Internal Component Fracture: Microscopic fractures within the hinge components could have created pathways for the liquid to escape.
- Manufacturing Defect: There is a possibility of a manufacturing defect that caused the liquid to leak prematurely.
Implications for Long-Term Durability
The appearance of this unknown liquid raises serious questions about the long-term durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. While the device continued to function after the leak, it is unclear whether the internal damage will worsen over time. If the lubricant is essential for maintaining smooth hinge action, its loss could accelerate wear and tear and ultimately lead to hinge failure. The presence of a leak also suggests a potential vulnerability to dust and moisture, which could further compromise the device’s internal components.
Beyond 200,000 Folds: The Final Stages
Despite the leakage, we continued the test beyond the 200,000-fold mark to see how the device would hold up under continued stress.
Deterioration Accelerates
The rate of deterioration increased significantly after the discovery of the leak. The hinge became increasingly stiff and difficult to operate. The crease in the display became more pronounced and noticeable during normal use. We observed a slight increase in the temperature of the device, potentially indicating increased friction within the hinge mechanism.
The Inevitable Failure
At approximately 220,000 folds, the hinge finally gave way. The device could no longer be fully opened or closed. The display exhibited significant delamination along the fold line, rendering a portion of the screen unusable. The audible click of the hinge mechanism disappeared entirely, replaced by a grinding sound.
Conclusion: A Promising Device with Lingering Concerns
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 demonstrated impressive durability in our rigorous testing. Reaching 200,000 folds is a significant achievement, showcasing the advancements in foldable phone technology. However, the appearance of the unknown black liquid raises concerns about long-term reliability. While our device continued to function for a time after the leak, the eventual hinge failure highlights the potential vulnerabilities of this design.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7 exhibits significant improvements in hinge durability compared to previous foldable phones.
- The appearance of an “unknown black liquid” after 200,000 folds raises concerns about long-term reliability.
- The leaked liquid requires further analysis to determine its composition and potential impact on device functionality.
- While the device can withstand considerable folding, it is not immune to eventual failure.
- Consumers should consider the potential for long-term wear and tear when purchasing a foldable phone.
Future Research
We plan to conduct further testing on additional Galaxy Z Fold 7 units to determine the prevalence of the liquid leakage issue. We will also explore different environmental conditions to assess the impact of dust, humidity, and temperature on hinge durability. Our ultimate goal is to provide consumers with the most comprehensive and accurate information possible to make informed purchasing decisions.
Disclaimer
Our testing was conducted on a pre-release unit of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The final retail version may exhibit different performance characteristics. We will update our findings as soon as we have access to a commercially available device. Tech Today is committed to providing unbiased and objective reviews of all consumer electronics products.
Updates
We will update this article as we learn more about the “unknown black liquid” and its potential impact on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Check back regularly for the latest information.