Galaxy Z Fold 7 Is Rated for 500,000 Folds — But Not Everywhere

Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, is grabbing headlines for its durability, and rightfully so. The device survived some brutal durability tests by YouTuber Zack Nelson, including a bend test. Samsung itself claims its new inner folding screen is rated to survive up to 500,000 folds, a figure that promises long-term reliability for most users. But like many things in tech, there’s a catch: that impressive number only holds up under ideal conditions. As such, the climate you live in may have a significant impact on your foldable phone’s lifespan.

You may want to avoid exposing your Galaxy Z Fold 7 to extreme heat or cold

The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 500,000-fold durability rating applies only under standard, room-temperature conditions. If you’re in a region with extreme temperatures, the inner folding screen may not last nearly as long. According to Samsung, the display may survive just 60,000 folds at -20°C (-4°F), a significant drop in cold environments. In hot climates, the screen holds up better, with a durability rating of 300,000 folds at 60°C (140°F).

That might sound alarming at first, but it’s still a marked improvement from just two years ago. The Galaxy Z Fold 5, released in 2023, was rated for just 30,000 folds at the same low temperature and 150,000 folds at the same high temperature. So while longevity takes a hit in extreme heat or cold, Samsung has managed to double the durability of its folding screen this year. In normal conditions, earlier models were rated to survive 200,000 folds, so that’s a 2.5x increase in the total lifespan.

For people living in colder regions like parts of Canada, Northern Europe, or mountainous areas, the Galaxy Z Fold 7‘s lifespan might shrink dramatically if used outdoors often during winter. Desert or tropical conditions can also take a toll over time, but the Fold 7 has better heat resistance. This beast of a smartphone is available to buy from Samsung at $1,949.