Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has become the first large-screen foldable from the company to fail JerryRigEverything's durability test.
The $2,099 flagship suffered permanent damage to its inner display during a reverse bend test, leaving the screen dark and unusable.
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Earlier this month, the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 survived the same rigorous tests, including reverse bends and grit, without major issues.
All previous large-screen Galaxy foldables, from the first-generation Galaxy Fold onward, also passed the durability gauntlet.
What went wrong
During the test, the first reverse bend while open went fine, but the second, harder bend caused the main display to flicker and then go completely dark.
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The phone also showed noticeable flex when bent backward, suggesting possible damage to the display's flex cable, a fold-detection sensor, or internal stress from the hinge.
At just 4.1 mm thick when unfolded, the Ultra appears to push the limits of slimness while maintaining structural integrity under extreme force.
The regular Fold 8 had survived similar rearward bending with its chassis intact, highlighting how even same-generation phones can behave differently.
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Samsung markets the Ultra with durability upgrades like an Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, a redesigned Armor FlexHinge, and dual titanium layers.
However, the test shows that foldables remain more complex than regular phones, with two displays and a hinge requiring precise alignment.
If the inner screen fails, repairs are costly: Samsung charges $639 for a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra inner display module replacement in the US, while the outer display costs $149.
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Samsung does include one free inner screen protector replacement within the first 12 months, after which it costs about $19.
