In a dramatic turn of events during a durability test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything, Google’s new Pixel 10 Pro Foldignited and emitted smoke mid-bend, becoming the first smartphone in Nelson’s decade of testing to behave so violently. The device cracked at the antenna line, physically pinching the battery layers and sparking a thermal runaway sequence. 

The test began as typical—scratches, hinge stress, and folding—but intensified when pressure broke the frame and triggered internal damage. The battery swelled, overheated, and ultimately set off a fire alarm. Despite these extreme conditions, the incident raises serious questions about structural weak points, especially since the break consistently occurred at the same antenna line seen in previous Pixel fold models. 

Analysts caution that the scenario is beyond normal usage—no mainstream user bends devices to such extremes.  Still, the event underscores vulnerabilities inherent in foldable design. iFixit noted that thermal runaway is a known risk when battery insulation is compromised.  Google also faced earlier battery issues in Pixel 6A and 4A models this year. 

The test didn’t spare the device’s IP68 claims either: Nelson introduced sand into the hinge, which caused grinding and dust intrusion, undermining Google’s “most durable foldable” assertion. 

While Google’s Reliability Labs stress-test devices extensively—including multi-decade folding simulations—this unexpected failure suggests there’s a long way to go in making foldables truly robust under duress. 

For consumers, the takeaway is clear: avoid bending or stressing foldables abnormally, back up frequently, and treat these devices carefully. The explosion may be an extreme edge-case, but it highlights real risks under strain.