Pixel 10 Pro Fold smokes during extreme JerryRigEverything durability test

Google’s new Pixel 10 Pro Fold emitted smoke during an extreme bend test, raising safety questions

Google’s latest foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, was seen emitting smoke and overheating during an extreme durability test conducted by YouTuber Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything.

In a video released on October 15, Nelson subjected the phone to his usual stress tests, including bending it far beyond typical use.

After creating a break in the phone’s structure, Nelson continued the bend test, causing the battery to swell, overheat, and release smoke, which reportedly triggered a nearby fire alarm. The device ultimately ended up severely damaged on his testing table.

Nelson noted that this scenario is highly unlikely for everyday users. “Surprisingly, in the decade that I’ve been durability-testing phones, I have never had a smartphone explode before,” he said, calling the Pixel 10 Pro Fold the first phone to “go up in smoke.”

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company has faced battery-related issues on previous models this year, including updates to the Pixel 6A and Pixel 4A to address overheating risks and improve battery performance stability.

iFixit expert Elizabeth Chamberlain clarified that battery fires under such extreme stress are not necessarily a design flaw.

“Thermal runaway is a reality of lithium-ion batteries,” she explained, noting that puncturing or breaking battery cells can trigger localized short circuits, especially when the battery is not discharged.

Nelson also tested the phone’s IP68 dust resistance and found that dust could enter the hinge mechanism, producing crunching sounds during opening and closing.

While dramatic, these tests highlight the extreme limits of device durability rather than typical consumer experience.