Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Faces Safety Scare in Durability Test
Google’s latest foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, touted for its toughness with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, came under intense scrutiny after a dramatic durability test by popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything. During a bend test, the device emitted smoke and exploded, triggering a fire alarm. This alarming incident has sparked widespread concern about the durability and safety of Google’s premium foldable.
What Happened During the Durability Test?
The Fire Incident
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The test involved bending the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to assess its structural integrity.
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The device snapped at the antenna line, which led to a short circuit inside the battery.
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This electrical failure caused a thermal runaway, releasing the battery’s energy explosively.
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Smoke filled the room and set off the fire alarm, signaling a rare but serious safety failure.
Creator’s Verdict
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JerryRigEverything, known for rigorous and honest durability reviews, called the Pixel 10 Pro Fold “the weakest folding phone” he has tested in over a decade.
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He criticized Google for using the same antenna design found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and original Pixel Fold, despite previous warnings.
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The antenna lines’ placement causes a recurring structural weakness affecting multiple Pixel foldables.
Pixel Fold Series Repeats Old Mistakes
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according to JerryRigEverything, Google hasn’t redesigned the vulnerable antenna lines despite past durability issues.
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The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the original Pixel Fold showed similar design flaws, although they did not explode.
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This lack of design iteration has drawn criticism regarding Google’s claims on foldable durability.
Expert Opinions: Is This Incident Definitive?
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Apple teardown specialists at iFixit caution against drawing broad conclusions from this single test.
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iFixit’s Elizabeth Chamberlain noted the battery should have been discharged below 25% prior to the test to reduce risk.
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Most new smartphones ship with batteries charged above 60%, which can increase danger during physical stress or teardown.
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They state that such tests are extreme and do not necessarily mean the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is inherently unsafe or overhyped.
What Does This Mean for Pixel Fold Users?
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While the explosive failure is rare and tied to extreme testing, it underscores the potential risks tied to foldable phone durability.
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Users should follow safety guidelines and avoid excessive bending or pressure.
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Google has not provided an official response, but the incident may push for design revisions or enhanced safety protocols in future foldables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Did the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold actually catch fire?
Yes, during a bend test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything, it caught fire due to a battery short circuit.
Q2: What caused the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to explode?
The phone snapped at an antenna line causing a short circuit and a thermal battery reaction.
Q3: Has this issue been seen in previous Pixel foldables?
Similar design issues with antenna lines appeared in Pixel 9 Pro Fold and original Pixel Fold but without explosions.
Q4: Is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold safe to use?
While the test was extreme, experts advise caution but do not claim the device is categorically unsafe.
Q5: Has Google responded to the durability test?
Google has yet to comment officially on the fire incident or durability concerns.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s fiery failure in a durability test raises important questions about foldable phone design and safety, especially regarding battery vulnerability along antenna lines. While such extreme tests push devices to their limits, the incident serves as a reminder for users and manufacturers alike to prioritize structural robustness. Whether this influences Google’s future foldable designs remains to be seen, but for now, it adds caution to the excitement around foldable tech.
