Google’s new Pixel 10 Pro Fold may be experiencing significant battery issues, as demonstrated in a recent video by YouTuber Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything. During his durability tests, Nelson observed that after applying extreme stress to the phone, the battery began to expand, emitted smoke, and ultimately became damaged to the point of setting off a nearby fire alarm.
Nelson noted that he applied substantial force while bending the phone backward, which could lead to potential battery failure. While this testing scenario is not typical for everyday users, he highlighted the unusual nature of the event, claiming that he has never encountered such dramatic battery failure in his decade of smartphone testing.
Elizabeth Chamberlain from iFixit suggested that this incident may not indicate a flaw in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s design. She explained that thermal runaway is a known risk with lithium-ion batteries, which can occur under certain conditions, such as insufficient battery discharge before a physical test. Chamberlain pointed out that this phenomenon usually happens when damaging the battery’s insulating layers.
Additionally, Nelson tested the phone’s IP68 dust resistance, a feature touted by Google as one of its highlights. However, he found that introducing dust into the hinge mechanism resulted in noticeable damage, raising questions about the phone’s durability in real-world conditions.
This incident raises broader questions about the reliability of foldable devices and the precautions necessary during testing and use.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/799561/google-pixel-10-pro-fold-jerryrigeverything-teardown-durability-bend-test-battery