Samsung: Galaxy Fold Is Tested to Fold/Unfold 200,000 Times

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Foldable smartphones are still to prove their value proposition in the market, and we will see if they become popular among end users. It goes without saying that foldable handsets represent a technological challenge in the unique way smartphones are used. Samsung, through a released video, has stated that its Galaxy Fold device is not only impressive in terms of technology, but is also reliable enough to be folded and unfolded for over 100 times a day for five years. The company even published a video showing how it tests the handset for reliability.

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There are several challenges that companies like Samsung face when developing foldable smartphones. Firstly, they required a 0 – 180º fully inward (or outward) foldable AMOLED display. Secondly, they needed to develop a lightweight and durable hinge. Thirdly, they had to build internal electronics/cabling in such a way that they would survive thousands of fold/unfold cycles. Fourthly, they needed to design software/firmware to enable owners to use foldable handsets efficiently (e.g., switch from cover displays to main ones, tailor Android apps for larger screens, etc.).

When it comes to foldable hardware, reliability is a must. Samsung states that smartphones are used for ~100 times a day on average, so the AMOLED displays (as well as hinges) have to survive years of active usage without harming color reproduction or rigidity. If one folds and unfolds their phone for ~100 times a day, then the number of fold/unfold cycles the handset will have to survive will total 182,500 in five years (100*365*5). Since people may use it slightly differently, Samsung tests its Galaxy Fold smartphones for 200,000 folds and unfolds, just to make sure, the company said. In fact, the manufacturer has even built a robot that can perform such tests and demonstrated its work on a new video.

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