Pixel 10 Pro Fold explodes during durability test and isn't dustproof: Google doesn't learn

We rarely see something like this these days, at least since the recall of the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7. In the latest durability test from JerryRigEverything, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold goes up in flames shortly after failing the bend test in the exact same spot as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Fold back in 2023.

Zack Nelson already knew this test would not end well immediately after unboxing. The massive weak point of the predecessors, namely the antennas near the hinge, are in the same location on Google's third-gen foldable. Starting at the 6:30 mark in the video embedded below, the bend test promptly resulted in the same catastrophic damage to the foldable when he tries to bend it against the folding direction.

Even before that, the well-known durability tester criticizes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The official and unique IP68 rating, according to Google, might apply to the display but not to the hinge. Similar to foldables from Samsung, Honor and other brands, the hinge is not dustproof if you put it to the test. Once it comes into contact with a lot of dirt, you can hear a grinding noise from the "dustproof" Pixel 10 Pro Fold hinge. One has to wonder how exactly this foldable deserves an IP68 rating.

But back to the exploding battery and the massive fail during the durability test. The YouTuber is outright appalled that Google is even advertising a more robust chassis for its latest foldable. In reality, nothing has changed regarding the weaknesses of the predecessors. With the first battery explosion in 10 years of durability tests, Google has now truly put the cherry on its cake of foldable failures. This is even more disappointing considering that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (from $1,699 on Amazon) survived JerryRigEverything’s bend test without any issues, despite a significantly thinner chassis.