Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold exploded during one of JerryRigEverything’s notorious durability tests.
For a decade, Zack Nelson has been bending, scratching, and dismantling smartphones to reveal their material weaknesses. This is the first time a device actually went up in flames.
What Happened
The explosion occurred during an extreme bend test. Nelson had applied force against the fold’s normal direction. The battery overheated, emitted smoke, even triggered the fire alarm.
Apparently, Google placed the antenna line near the hinge, a known weak point. When the hinge snapped under pressure, the pouch-style battery layers were pinched together, causing a short circuit. This triggered a rapid thermal reaction, resulting in the phone laying charred on JerryRig’s table.
I want to make it clear that this wasn’t a spontaneous battery defect. It was a direct result of the Pro Fold being placed under extreme physical stress at a known weak point. Experts speculate that the battery might not have been fully discharged before testing. The underlying issue remains: faulty hinge design and battery placement is catastrophic under severe force.
Dust Resistance Under Question
Beyond the explosion, the test also exposed flaws in Google’s dustproof claims. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold carries an IP68 rating, which signifies strong water and dust resistance. Yet Nelson found that dust could get inside the hinge, which made loud crackling sounds as he folded and unfolded the device.
This is not a minor issue. It’s a sign that the hinge may be vulnerable to long-term wear from dust. It also raises questions about Google’s willingness to lie about their products.
Is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold Dangerous?
Despite the dramatic footage, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not unsafe for everyday use. JerryRigEverything’s takedowns and durability tests are not typical scenarios.
They’re extremely harsh to showcase the quality of the materials used to create today’s smartphones. The odds of our phones getting bent in half are slim to non-existent. However, his tests do show whether a smartphone will still work after falling onto concrete.
The test paints an unflattering picture for Google. JerryRigEverything called the Pixel 10 Pro Fold the weakest foldable he has ever tested. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line or Motorola’s foldables survived similar tests, making the Pixel 10 Pro Fold appear weaker.
Durability is a key factor for consumers when it comes to premium foldables. By failing one of the most famous stress tests, and lying about dust resistance, why would anyone want to buy a foldable phone from them?
