JerryRigEverything cracks Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen

Samsung has rolled out the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but a recent durability test by YouTuber Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything, reveals the new foldable may not survive extreme conditions as well as its predecessor. The flagship, still in high demand, has seen delayed shipments for some variants, making the test all the more relevant for eager buyers.

Nelson’s video began with the standard scratch test, using a Mohs hardness scale to gauge the screens’ resistance. The cover display performed similarly to other modern phones, showing faint scratches at level 6 and more pronounced marks at level 7. The inner display, however, scratched at level 2, meaning even a fingernail could leave a blemish. This matches the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s performance last year, so the scratch resistance itself isn’t a shock. Yet the cost of replacing the flexible inner screen is steep at $639, compared to $149 for the cover display, a factor that could weigh heavily on owners who experience any damage.

The real surprise came from the bend test, which simulates the phone being bent outward as it would be during daily use. Nelson bent the device a few times with force, and the inner display cracked, flickering before becoming unusable. The cover display survived the test intact. The cause is unclear; it could stem from the 0.1 mm reduction in thickness compared to the Fold 7, or from internal hardware changes that made the new screen more fragile. Despite the bend failure, the inner display passed a dust and dirt test, indicating Samsung kept the dust‑resistance improvements from the previous generation.

While these durability tests push devices to their limits and don’t reflect typical everyday use, they offer a snapshot of how each new generation’s resilience evolves. Consumers should be aware that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’s inner screen, though more elegant, may be more vulnerable under stress, and repairs could be costly. Samsung’s next steps—whether through software updates, hardware revisions, or revised warranty terms—will likely influence how buyers weigh the trade‑off between sleek design and long‑term durability.