A routine smartphone durability test took a dramatic turn when tech YouTuber Zach Nelson, the face behind the popular channel JerryRigEverything, watched in disbelief as his Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold burst into flames.
The shocking moment, captured entirely on camera, has quickly gone viral among tech enthusiasts and raised fresh concerns about foldable phone safety.
Explosion Erupts During Stress Test
Nelson, known for pushing devices to their limits, was testing the flexibility of Google’s foldable flagship when disaster struck.
As he bent the phone’s frame, the back panel cracked—and within seconds, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold exploded, spewing smoke directly into his hands.
“Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first phone that burned to ashes,” Nelson remarked afterward.
“In ten years of testing gadgets, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
The dramatic footage has sparked intense discussion across social media, with many fans expressing shock at how quickly the device ignited.
Battery Damage Likely Behind the Blaze
Analysis of the video suggests that the explosion was probably caused by damage to the lithium-ion battery after the phone’s casing cracked.
Nelson was able to quickly extinguish the flames, preventing further harm.
He later noted that all Google foldable phones share a similar design vulnerability: under significant pressure, they tend to bend near the antenna line, a weak point in the chassis that can compromise the device’s integrity.
Google Foldables Face Scrutiny
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, released in early October, represents Google’s latest effort to compete in the growing foldable smartphone market.
While foldables have captured attention for their futuristic designs, incidents like this highlight potential safety and reliability issues that could affect consumer confidence.
Just weeks prior, Nelson had criticized the iPhone 17 Pro for being easily scratched, while acknowledging its sturdy frame could withstand substantial pressure.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s fiery failure, however, is already being cited as one of the most dramatic tech mishaps of the year.
Tech Experts and Fans Weigh In
Following the incident, online forums and social media platforms have erupted with discussions about the future of foldable phones.
While some argue that accidents like this are rare, others see it as a warning that foldable technology may still need significant engineering improvements before it can become a mainstream, reliable option.
Nelson’s video has become a reference point for both fans and critics, reminding the industry that even the most cutting-edge devices can be vulnerable under stress.