Foldable smartphones are still to prove their value proposition in the market, and we will see if they become popular among end users. It goes without saying that foldable handsets represent a technological challenge in the unique way smartphones are used. Samsung, through a released video, has stated that its Galaxy Fold device is not only impressive in terms of technology, but is also reliable enough to be folded and unfolded for over 100 times a day for five years. The company even published a video showing how it tests the handset for reliability.
There are several challenges that companies like Samsung face when developing foldable smartphones. Firstly, they required a 0 – 180º fully inward (or outward) foldable AMOLED display. Secondly, they needed to develop a lightweight and durable hinge. Thirdly, they had to build internal electronics/cabling in such a way that they would survive thousands of fold/unfold cycles. Fourthly, they needed to design software/firmware to enable owners to use foldable handsets efficiently (e.g., switch from cover displays to main ones, tailor Android apps for larger screens, etc.).
All smartphone manufacturers do physical testing of their devices the same way, and at scale - if there's a button, it gets pushed 100k-500k times. If there's a headphone jack, one gets put in 100k-500k times. If there's a fingerprint sensor, it gets tested 100k-500k times. If it has a drop rating, it gets tested for being dropped. Pretty much everyone does the testing how you would expect - I've seen several testing labs as a reviewer and they really all look pretty much the same.
