Pixel 10 Pro Fold ignites during JerryRigEverything bend test, exposing critical flaws

A Fiery Fold: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Catches Fire During JerryRigEverything's Durability Test

In a shocking turn of events, popular tech YouTuber Zach Nelson, known for his rigorous durability tests under the moniker JerryRigEverything, witnessed a Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold ignite during a routine bend test. This incident marks a concerning first in Nelson's decade-long career of subjecting smartphones to extreme stress, leaving many to question the structural integrity of Google's latest foldable device.

A Battery's Meltdown

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's demise wasn't a result of direct flame or blunt force. Instead, the device's battery reportedly combusted as Nelson attempted to fold it, a maneuver designed to test the resilience of its hinge and internal components. The sudden flare-up, accompanied by a sound akin to a boiling kettle, sent a plume of smoke into the air, even triggering a fire alarm in Nelson's studio. This unexpected pyrotechnic display highlights a critical safety concern, suggesting the foldable could pose a significant risk if subjected to unexpected pressure, even in everyday scenarios like sitting on it.

A Recurring Design Flaw?

Beyond the dramatic fire, Nelson identified a persistent structural weakness in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, one he claims Google has failed to address in its subsequent foldable iterations. He aptly quoted Henry Ford: "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." This particular flaw pertains to the strategically placed antenna lines, which, according to Nelson, render the device vulnerable to physical damage. He argues this oversight is a clear indication of Google not learning from past design missteps, as similar issues were observed in previous Pixel foldable models.

The Illusion of Strength

Ironically, Google has marketed the 10 Pro Fold as its most robust foldable to date. Nelson, however, unequivocally disagrees, stating, "Don't lie and say it's strong if you haven't done anything to make it stronger." He went on to declare it "the flimsiest foldable smartphone I have ever tested." While acknowledging the extreme nature of his tests, the fiery outcome raises red flags, especially for users prioritizing device safety, such as parents considering it for their children. The display also showed signs of weakness when exposed to a lighter, with pixels greening and losing functionality within 15 seconds, a stark contrast to previous phones that endured similar heat without visible damage.

A Costly Lesson

The incident serves as a stark reminder that cutting-edge technology, especially in nascent fields like foldable smartphones, can still harbor significant vulnerabilities. While the average user won't be bending their phone in half with their bare hands, the battery's tendency to combust under pressure is a deeply unsettling prospect. Google's failure to rectify a recurring design flaw, coupled with this dramatic safety failure, casts a long shadow over the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's reputation and raises serious questions about the company's commitment to user safety and iterative product improvement.