An Extreme Durability Test: YouTuber Live-Streams 200,000 Folds on the Galaxy Z Fold 7

Technology enthusiasts and skeptics alike have always been curious about the real-world durability of folding smartphones. From early prototypes that seemed fragile to models that promised years of reliable performance, foldables have come a long way. Yet, one question remains at the forefront: How durable are they, really? One YouTuber has taken it upon themselves to answer that question in the most extreme way possible—by folding and unfolding Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 a staggering 200,000 times in a livestreamed durability test.

This audacious endeavor has captured the attention of tech lovers worldwide, shedding new light on the evolution of foldable technology and its durability. But why is this stunt significant, and what does it mean for the future of folding smartphones? Let’s dive in.

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Understanding the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Durability Milestone

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents Samsung’s seventh-generation foldable smartphone, and it’s clear the company has poured years of research and development into refining its durability. With countless innovations in hinge design, display materials, and water resistance, Samsung is positioning this device as not just a novelty, but a reliable daily driver.

• 200,000 Folds: The number isn’t random. Samsung itself claims that the hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is tested to endure 200,000 folds. This equates to approximately 100 folds per day for five years—far beyond what the average consumer is likely to do.

• Improved Materials: The Z Fold 7 features Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG+), a hybrid material that aims to balance flexibility and resistance to pressure. It’s also reinforced by a protective outer layer to minimize scratches.

• Water and Dust Resistance: Unlike earlier foldables, the Z Fold 7 offers IPX8 water resistance, making it resilient to everyday spills and splashes. Though dust resistance is still a weakness for most foldables, Samsung has designed the hinge with sweeping brushes to repel debris.

Yet, while lab testing provides controlled insights, real-world usage scenarios often tell a different story. That’s where the YouTuber’s bold experiment comes into play.

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The Live-Stream: Putting the Fold 7 to the Ultimate Test

In an age where testing products on YouTube has grown into a thriving subgenre of tech content, this Galaxy Z Fold 7 folding experiment takes things to another level. The YouTuber behind this livestream is seemingly unbothered by the potential monotony of folding and unfolding the device 200,000 times. Here’s how this epic test is being carried out:

• The Setup

– The livestream features a dedicated rig to mechanically fold and unfold the Galaxy Z Fold 7 repeatedly. This ensures consistency in the test while eliminating human error or fatigue. – Viewers can watch every fold in real-time, with an on-screen counter tracking progress.

• The Purpose

– Beyond hitting the 200,000-fold claim, the test seeks to find any unexpected points of failure. For example, will the hinge weaken over time, or will the screen crease worsen after thousands of folds?

• Viewer Engagement

– Unlike traditional product durability reviews, the livestream taps into the suspense as viewers watch for any signs of failure. It’s not just a test—it’s a spectacle.

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Why This Test Matters

At first glance, folding a phone 200,000 times may seem excessive, even absurd. But in the context of foldable technology, this test addresses several key concerns:

• Consumer Confidence: Foldables have always faced skepticism about long-term reliability. Videos like this give potential buyers a clearer sense of whether such devices are worth the investment.

• Transparency: While companies like Samsung conduct their own in-house tests, public experiments provide a layer of verification that resonates with consumers.

• Industry Benchmarking: If the Galaxy Z Fold 7 passes this test without significant wear, it sets a high bar for competitors like Huawei, Oppo, and Google. Conversely, if it fails prematurely, it reveals areas for improvement in future iterations.

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Foldable Phones: A Snapshot of Progress

The folding smartphone market has exploded over the past five years, with manufacturers moving from novelty models to polished, reliable devices. As of 2025, foldable technology offers not just aesthetic appeal but also credible functionality.

Here’s a brief overview of how far foldable phones have come:

• Bygone Issues of the Past

– First-generation folding phones suffered from noticeable screen creases, fragile hinges, and issues like dust infiltration. These problems led to skepticism that foldables could ever become mainstream.

• Today’s Innovations

– Companies like Samsung have addressed early criticisms with features like improved UTG+ displays, more durable hinges, and multitasking-friendly software.

• Growing Ecosystem

– With apps, accessories, and software expressly designed to take advantage of foldable screens, foldables are no longer just experimental devices but practical tools for productivity and entertainment.

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What Could Go Wrong?

While the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s durability claims are impressive, it’s important to remember that perfection isn’t guaranteed. Here are some potential points of contention that could arise from the livestream test:

• Screen Integrity: Despite improvements, foldable screens remain more vulnerable than traditional glass displays.

• Hinge Performance: The hinge mechanism needs to maintain smooth operation over tens of thousands of folds, or risk rendering the device difficult to use.

• Heat and Stress Factors: Prolonged folding could exacerbate wear and tear due to heat generation, which viewers will likely be keeping an eye on.

Ultimately, even if the Galaxy Z Fold 7 shows minor wear, what matters most is whether it remains functional and structurally sound after enduring 200,000 folds.

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Foldables and the Future

This livestream is more than just a test of one phone—it’s a milestone in the broader journey of foldable technology. As smartphones approach the limits of traditional form factors, foldables represent a creative leap forward. Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are proving that foldable technology isn’t just a gimmick; it’s here to stay.

• Rising Adoption Rates: According to market research, global foldable smartphone shipments are set to grow by over 30% annually, driven by innovations like those showcased in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

• Expanding Use Cases: From multitasking enthusiasts to gamers, foldables offer practical benefits, such as larger displays without the bulk of a tablet.

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Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability livestream exemplifies the melding of technology and entertainment, giving consumers a front-row seat to technological evolution in action. Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Durability Is Key: Livestreamed tests like these provide invaluable consumer insights and hold manufacturers accountable for their durability claims.

• Foldables Are Maturing: With each new iteration, foldable technology becomes more practical, reliable, and accessible.

• A Proven Future: If the Galaxy Z Fold 7 holds up under this extreme test, it could bolster the market’s confidence in foldables as the next big trend in mobile devices.

In the end, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual viewer, this experiment underscores the importance of innovation and the lengths companies—and creators—will go to bring cutting-edge technology into our lives. One fold at a time.