A new foldable smartphone reportedly broke during a durability test conducted by South Korean outlet Maeil Business Newspaper. The test applied the same force and methods the outlet has used on Samsung’s Galaxy foldable devices, according to the report published Wednesday.
Maeil Business said the device gave way with a cracking sound under the pressure, a result it described as an embarrassment for the product. The outlet did not name the specific model in the available summary, but the test appears to have been part of a comparative evaluation of foldable durability.
The report highlights a growing challenge for foldable phone makers: matching the structural resilience of established devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z series. While Samsung has refined its hinges and displays over multiple generations, newer entrants often face scrutiny over how well they withstand repeated folding and applied stress.
Durability tests like this one matter because foldable phones carry higher price tags and more complex mechanical parts than standard smartphones. A single weak point—whether in the hinge, screen, or frame—can undermine consumer confidence and lead to costly repairs.
What to watch next is whether the manufacturer responds to the test results, and whether future foldable models from other brands can pass similar pressure tests without cracking.
