Durability remains a key concern for foldable smartphones, and recent tests have raised some issues with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s latest and most advanced foldable device, though it still lags behind competitors in some aspects. While our review highlighted its impressive build and user experience, evaluating the durability of such a device can be challenging without extensive stress tests.
In a new durability test conducted by the well-known YouTube channel host Zach, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 was subjected to extreme conditions. These tests included applying fire to the display, introducing a significant amount of dust into the hinge and display, and performing various scratching and bending experiments.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 performed reasonably well, but two issues emerged:
Dust Resistance: Despite being rated IP48 for solid and liquid resistance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 allowed more dust into the hinge compared to its predecessor. This resulted in uncomfortable sounds from the hinge after the dust was introduced.
Fire Hazard: More concerning was an incident where the Fold 6 caught on fire during the teardown process. This was not due to any external stress but rather from the disassembly process itself. As the device’s layers were removed, smoke and visible embers appeared. This issue stemmed from a damaged ribbon cable rather than the battery, and it didn’t occur with previous models.
Samsung's association with fire is notable, but there’s no need for alarm given the specific context of the test. For those concerned about durability, Samsung is offering its new “Galaxy Z Assurance” program with the Fold 6, which includes one free screen protector replacement and discounted screen repairs for two years.
