Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s Battery Overheats During Durability Test
During a recent durability test, the new Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s battery expanded and overheated, generating smoke and triggering a fire alarm, reports 24brussels.
YouTuber JerryRigEverything, known for his rigorous phone tests, dissected the foldable device and subsequently put it through its paces, including a bend test that caused the battery to fail catastrophically. The incident left the phone in charred remains on his testing table.
While Nelson acknowledges the extraordinary stress applied to the device, he emphasized that such a battery failure is not something typically observed during his previous tests. He noted, “Surprisingly, in the decade that I’ve been durability-testing phones, I have never had a smartphone explode before. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first phone to go up in smoke.”
Furthermore, Google’s response to the incident has yet to be received. This issue follows a series of overheating problems faced by earlier Pixel models, including updates aimed at addressing battery risks in the Pixel 6A and enhancing battery stability in the Pixel 4A.
iFixit’s Elizabeth Chamberlain suggested that the incident should not be viewed as indicative of a design flaw in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. She explained that thermal runaway, a potential risk of lithium-ion batteries, can occur under extreme conditions, such as those employed by Nelson in his testing. “Looks like Zack probably didn’t discharge the battery before opening up the phone… we usually recommend discharging a battery below 25%,” she added.
Chamberlain also elaborated on the mechanics of thermal runaway, stating that it arises due to internal short circuits, particularly when the battery’s structure is compromised. This incident has rekindled discussions about battery safety standards and operational guidelines for testing devices under duress.
In addition to the battery examination, Nelson tested the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s claimed IP68 dust resistance. His tests revealed that dust infiltrated the device through the hinge, raising concerns about the durability of the foldable design, despite Google’s assertions about its toughness.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and reliability of modern smartphones, particularly foldable devices that combine delicate structures with powerful technology.
