YouTuber Hand-Folds Galaxy Z Fold 7 200,000 Times in Durability Test

A South Korean YouTuber’s relentless hands are pushing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to its absolute limit. In an unprecedented live stream, the host of the tech-it channel is manually folding and unfolding Samsung’s flagship foldable phone 200,000 times – a grueling real-world durability test that has captivated thousands of viewers. As of the latest update, the device has survived over 194,000 folds, revealing both resilience and emerging weaknesses under extreme stress.

The Human Hinge: Inside the 200,000-Fold Marathon

Unlike standardized lab tests performed by machines, this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability test relies entirely on human effort. The host manually opens and closes the device while engaging with viewers, aiming for an astonishing 40,000-50,000 folds per day. “We’re doing this manually to simulate actual usage,” explains the stream caption. This approach tests not just Samsung’s advanced hinge mechanism and Ultra Thin Glass, but also factors like grip fatigue and real-world handling variables impossible for machines to replicate. Five days into the marathon, the phone remains functional despite the punishing routine, though the host now moves noticeably slower between folds.

Cracks in the Armor: Emerging Issues at Critical Milestones

While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 soldiers on, the test has exposed vulnerabilities at key thresholds:

• 6,000 folds: Unexpected reboot error
• 46,000 folds: Audible creaking from hinge mechanism
• 75,000 folds: Unidentified liquid seeping from hinge
• 175,000 folds: Complete speaker failure

These developments raise critical questions about long-term reliability. Samsung Display officially rates the Z Fold 7’s internal screen for 500,000 folds in controlled conditions. However, their disclaimer notes this excludes “volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel” – components potentially vulnerable during actual use. The current test represents nearly 40% of Samsung’s rated hinge endurance, providing rare real-world validation data for potential buyers.

Why Manual Testing Matters for Foldable Buyers

This unconventional experiment offers invaluable insights beyond lab results. Factory robots fold devices with perfect alignment and consistent force, unlike human users who might apply uneven pressure or accidentally twist the device. The speaker failure at 175,000 folds – likely unrelated to hinge mechanics – highlights how secondary components may fail before the primary folding mechanism. For consumers, this demonstrates that while the Z Fold 7’s core hinge design is robust, everyday factors like dust intrusion, accidental impacts, or component fatigue could impact longevity.

The tech-it channel’s extreme test underscores a critical truth: foldable durability isn’t just about hinge ratings. As the host nears 200,000 manual folds, viewers witness real-world endurance data impossible to capture in labs. For potential buyers, this transparency is invaluable – proving that while Samsung’s engineering impresses, foldables remain complex devices where any component could be the weak link. Watch the ongoing experiment live and decide if foldable resilience meets your daily demands.

---

Must Know

Q: How many folds is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 rated for?
A: Samsung Display officially rates the internal screen for 500,000 folds. However, this excludes components like buttons, SIM trays, and camera housings. The current manual test reached 194,000+ folds.

Q: What issues appeared during the Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability test?
A: Problems included a reboot error at 6K folds, hinge creaking at 46K, unidentified liquid at 75K, and speaker failure at 175K folds. The hinge itself remained functional throughout.

Q: Why perform a manual fold test instead of machine testing?
A: The creators stated they wanted to simulate “actual usage environments.” Human testing introduces variables like grip variations and accidental pressure that machines don’t replicate.

Q: How does this durability test impact potential Z Fold 7 buyers?
A: It provides real-world validation beyond lab ratings. While the hinge proved robust, failures in non-hinge components (like speakers) highlight that overall longevity depends on multiple factors.

Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner than previous models?
A: Yes, as noted in the stream. The Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s thinnest foldable yet, making its durability under stress particularly noteworthy.

Q: Where can I watch the live fold test?
A: The ongoing experiment is streamed on YouTube via the tech-it channel. Search “Galaxy Z Fold 7 200,000 folds” to find current broadcasts.