Galaxy Z Fold3 proves tough to break in drop test making it a match for Samsung own Galaxy S21 Ultra

One of the lingering concerns of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series is their durability, particularly given the relatively fragile nature of its foldable display. Of course, these concerns were exacerbated by the original Galaxy Fold launch which had to be aborted because of multiple display failures in the hands of early reviewers. Since then, Samsung has been working hard to improve the battered image of the device by making it tougher with each subsequent generation.

A new series of drop tests by YouTube channel PhoneBuff shows that Samsung may have managed to make the new Galaxy Z Fold3 even more durable than its own Galaxy S21 Ultra flagship. Samsung says that the hinge cover is now made from a proprietary aluminum called Armor Shield that is 10 percent stronger than 7000-series aluminum. We already know the foldable panel is more durable given the Z Fold3 supports S-Pen input, but this has been achieved with Samsung’s new Ultra Thin Glass and the addition of a panel layer and PET protective film. Samsung says the combination is 80 percent tougher than the Galaxy Z Fold2.

PhoneBuff dropped the device on the front display and back of the device which are both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Both devices managed the first drops without cracking, but the second drops resulted in cracks on both sides. The device was also dropped directly on its hinge and then repeatedly on its much more fragile front panel. Throughout all of this unnatural punishment, the Galaxy Z Fold3 continued to function, albeit with some damaged inner pixels on the main display. It led PhoneBuff to suggest the Galaxy Z Fold3 is arguably as durable (if not more so) than the Galaxy S21 Ultra based on its earlier drop testing of the latter.

Even if some still remain unconvinced about the durability of foldables, Samsung has clearly made some significant strides with since the launch of the original Fold.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 unlocked from Amazon for US$$1,599, a saving of US$200.