A Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold smartphone catastrophically failed a routine durability test. The device's battery ruptured and emitted thick smoke during a controlled bend test. This incident was captured on video by a popular tech reviewer.
The event raises immediate questions about the structural integrity of the latest foldable flagship. According to Reuters, such public failures can significantly impact consumer confidence and brand perception.
YouTuber Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything, performed his standard test. He applied backward pressure to the folded device. The phone cracked at its antenna line, a known weak point in previous Pixel Fold models.
This time, the failure was different. The bent frame pinched the internal battery layers. This caused a short circuit and a rapid thermal reaction. Nelson's studio filled with smoke, triggering a fire alarm.
The dramatic battery fire is a rare occurrence in public testing. iFixit suggested the event does not necessarily indicate a fundamental design flaw. They noted that puncturing any charged lithium-ion battery can cause similar dangerous reactions.
Google has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. This event follows other battery-related updates for older Pixel models this year. The market is watching closely for the company's response.