Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Endures Extreme Durability Test, Leaving Me Astonished by Its Resilience
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has proven to be a resilient foldable device, excelling in durability tests for its outer screen and foldability, while displaying notable vulnerabilities in its inner screen durability.
Outer Screen Durability
The outer screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, protected by Gorilla Victus Glass 2, demonstrates a strong resistance to everyday scratches. Scratches start appearing at hardness level 6 on the Mohs scale, comparable to high-end devices like the iPhone 16 Pro. The device also withstands bend tests, folding backward with force several times without breaking the hinge or outer screen, indicating solid structural durability [1][2].
Inner Screen Durability
The inner foldable display, on the other hand, is significantly more delicate. It scratches easily, starting at hardness level 2 on the Mohs scale, and can be burned or otherwise damaged by extreme tests. This fragility is consistent with earlier foldable Samsung models like the Galaxy Z Fold series [1][2]. Samsung provides a one-time free replacement of the inner screen protector during the first 12 months, with subsequent replacements costing about $20. Users are warned not to attempt replacements themselves to avoid voiding the warranty [2].
Real-World Performance
In real-world usage, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 fares well. It cannot be snapped in half by hand and shows good overall build quality, withstanding dust and sand exposure tests. Despite the inner screen vulnerabilities, the Flip 7 is considered the most refined foldable flip phone by Samsung so far, with improvements in crease appearance and hinge design [5].
Conclusion
While the Galaxy Z Flip 7's outer screen and hinge show excellent durability, the inner foldable screen remains highly susceptible to scratches and damage. Users are advised to handle these devices with care or use protective measures like cases and screen protectors to ensure the longevity of their devices. Despite the inner screen vulnerabilities, if durability was a concern for buying a foldable phone, it might not be as big an issue as imagined.
[1] JerryRigEverything (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Durability Test. [YouTube Video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
[2] Samsung (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Specifications. [Online]. Available at: https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip-7/specifications/
[3] TechRadar (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review. [Online]. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7
[4] Tom's Guide (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Review. [Online]. Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7
[5] The Verge (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A refined foldable phone. [Online]. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/22650467/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-review-foldable-phone-improvements
The outer screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, joined by high-end smartphones like the iPhone 16 Pro in demonstrating resistance to everyday scratches, is protected by Gorilla Victus Glass 2. In contrast, the inner foldable display scratches easily even at lower hardness levels, suggesting that smartphone users should be mindful when handling these devices or consider using protective gadgets like cases and screen protectors.
