The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is now available, although some models are experiencing shipping delays due to high demand. As is customary for flagship phone launches, the device has undergone rigorous durability testing, yielding some unexpected findings.
Durability Testing Insights
YouTuber Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything, conducted a comprehensive durability test on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. This test commenced with a scratch test, which assesses the resilience of the phone's screens under pressure. The outer display of the device performed comparably to many smartphones currently on the market, exhibiting minor scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale and more noticeable scratches at level 7.
Inner Display Vulnerabilities
However, the inner display revealed a concerning vulnerability. Scratches appeared at level 2, indicating that even a fingernail could leave marks on the screen. This is similar to the performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 from the previous year, so the results were somewhat anticipated.
Bend Test Breakthrough
More troubling was the bend test, a critical evaluation that determines the phone's ability to function after being bent outward. Nelson discovered that, after applying some force, the inner display of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra failed. While the screen occasionally flickered, it ultimately became unusable. In contrast, the cover display remained functional throughout the test.
Repair Costs and Specifications
The cause of the inner display's failure remains uncertain. It could be attributed to a 0.1mm reduction in thickness compared to the Z Fold 7 or to internal hardware modifications that have compromised the inner display's durability. Nelson highlighted the steep repair cost for the flexible inner display, which is $639, a significant portion of the phone's total price. In comparison, replacing the cover display is much more affordable at approximately $149.
Interestingly, the inner screen successfully passed the dust and dirt test, indicating that Samsung has maintained the enhanced dust resistance introduced with the Z Fold 7. While such durability tests simulate extremely harsh conditions that most users are unlikely to encounter, they provide valuable insights into how the durability of smartphones evolves over generations.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-bend-test-3704249/
