Samsung has revealed fresh information on how the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are tested for durability. However, considering that both phones were released in August, it’s unclear why Samsung is sharing this information now; we suspect it’s an attempt to alleviate worries caused by recent reports of cracks on Galaxy Z Flip 3 displays.
Samsung displays four different tests in a video on its website. One puts the phones in an environmental laboratory, where Samsung tests them in various conditions to ensure that they continue to function. Another test involves submerging the phones under water. On the Z Fold 3, one employs a robot arm to evaluate the performance of the S Pen. In a fourth test, both phones are folded over and over again.
Samsung has already demonstrated its stress testing – one video from 2012, for example, featured a robot butt sitting on phones. It’s not only Samsung; after the iPhone 4’s “Antennagate” incident, Apple detailed its phone antenna testing, and showed off its iPhone testing facility when the iPhone 6 was shown to be prone to bending.
Samsung’s tests, which were released on Monday, do not answer why Z Flip 3 displays appear to be breaking. There have been an increasing number of complaints of fractures in the centre of the screen, near the phone’s hinge. 9to5 On October 7th, Google had a very concerning article.
After less than three days with the phone, a Reddit user reported a similar issue. Another person said that their phone’s screen shattered in less than 24 hours. And the issue doesn’t appear to be limited to the Z Flip 3; according to 9to5Google, Michael Fisher (aka MrMobile) noticed small fractures in his Z Fold 2’s hinge.
One of the most pressing concerns regarding Samsung’s foldables has always been their durability, particularly after the initial Fold was delayed due to screen failures in review units. The alleged cracking concerns indicate that Samsung may still have some issues to address in order to ensure that its foldable phones do not shatter in the long run.
