A Pixel 10 Pro Fold battery exploded during a durability test.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold after a battery fire | Image Credit – JerryRigEverything on YouTube

The damage resulted in the first battery explosion in ten years of durability tests on the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel. Over the past decade, Nelson has tested nearly every popular smartphone available.

A predictable and major flaw

Nelson stated that the failure was easily foreseen because Google had not improved on the flaws he noticed on earlier foldables. He noted that the original Pixel Fold and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold both had similar weak antenna lines, likening the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to a third Death Star featuring the same exhaust port.

Beyond the battery issue, Nelson also questioned the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's IP rating, which failed the JerryRigEverything sand test. Despite the IP68 rating, small particles entered the hinge, creating grinding sounds. Nelson concluded that only the display is likely dust-proof, but not the hinge itself.

Calling the Pixel 10 Fold extremely durable is an insult to tech enthusiasts.

Zack Nelson, JerryRigEverything, October 2025

The YouTuber called the Pixel 10 Pro Fold "the weakest folding phone I’ve ever tested.” Its result contrasts sharply with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung’s latest foldable is not dust-proof, but it survived the sand test without letting debris into the hinge. Furthermore, the Samsung phone did not break when bent.

A warning for Google

I'm not concerned that many Pixel 10 Pro Folds will catch fire, since most people do not treat their phones like JerryRigEverything does during his tests. However, the failure indicates a higher probability of dangerous incidents with the device, which should concern Google.

What's worse is that the company failed to address a known weakness. We often complain that smartphone design is becoming uninspired, but when the issue becomes one of safety rather than aesthetics, the problem is completely different.

Calling the Pixel 10 Fold extremely durable is an insult to tech enthusiasts.

Zack Nelson, JerryRigEverything, October 2025

Calling the Pixel 10 Fold extremely durable is an insult to tech enthusiasts.

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