A worrying Reddit put up has forged doubt over the security of the Pixel 10 Professional XL.
In keeping with consumer ‘DiZzyBonne’, Google’s newest flagship “blew up” shortly after being taken off the charger, suggesting that its lithium-ion battery exploded.
The accompanying photographic proof is damning, displaying that the whole chassis of the telephone has been destroyed. The consumer in query even sustained a burned finger because of the incident.
The Spigen case defending the telephone could have affected cooling, plus the consumer admitted to by accident dropping the telephone a number of instances (together with simply earlier than the explosion), however an incident like that is nonetheless extremely uncommon.
It’s the second telephone explosion report in as many months, after an analogous incident affected one Galaxy S24 consumer in Might. And naturally, comparisons might be drawn with Samsung’s notorious Galaxy Observe 7 debacle in 2016.
Understandably, for those who personal or are contemplating shopping for a Pixel 10 Professional XL, this would possibly make you suppose twice. Nonetheless, I strongly consider that the telephone continues to be a superb possibility in 2026 and past. Listed here are 4 key the explanation why.
Telephone explosions are extremely uncommon
In fact, any report of an exploding telephone is regarding. Nonetheless, in ten months, there have been no related studies, suggesting it’s an remoted incident.
Whereas Google doesn’t put up particular gross sales figures for the Pixel 10 Professional XL, tons of of hundreds of items are more likely to have been offered world wide. One reported explosion, through which the case and drops could have been contributing elements, isn’t proof of a faulty design or manufacturing course of.
Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry
In fact, it’d be higher if no smartphones ever exploded. However, given how ubiquitous (7.64 billion handsets are estimated to be in use) and highly effective fashionable handsets are, it’s doubtless {that a} only a few faulty items are in circulation.
One reported explosion… isn’t proof of a faulty design or manufacturing course of
So, whereas this report is undoubtedly regarding, I wouldn’t be alarmed till a number of related incidents are reported.
Google will concern a recall if it’s widespread
Even for those who’re nervous, I wouldn’t recommend lurking within the Google Pixel subreddit to see if any extra explosions are reported. Belief me, if one thing was blowing up (pun unintended!) on Reddit, Google would hear about it quickly sufficient.
The one latest precedent is the Galaxy Observe 7, the place it took simply 9 days from the primary studies to an official recall by Samsung.
Foundry
That scenario occurred instantly after the telephone started delivery, indicating a possible manufacturing concern (which turned out to be the case). In contrast, the Pixel 10 Professional XL has been broadly accessible for almost 10 months.
With this in thoughts, you possibly can safely ignore this till Google formally feedback otherwise you discover one thing suspicious about your machine. Many retailers supply a one-year guarantee, that means you need to have the ability to get your a refund in any case.
The Pixel 10 Professional XL is an excellent telephone
It’d be an actual disgrace to ignore the Pixel 10 Professional XL following a single incident. It’s a very glorious telephone, and one which I can nonetheless simply suggest in 2026.
Take a fast look at our complete finest telephones information, and also you’ll see why. The ten Professional XL stays high of the pile, providing the best fusion of {hardware} and software program that cash should buy.
As my 4.5-star evaluate describes, it excels in lots of key areas. The purpose-and-shoot images expertise is unmatched, whereas the top-class construct high quality and beautiful 6.8-inch show actually shine.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Android 16 is (largely) a pleasure to make use of, whereas it’ll be among the many first in line for the upcoming Android 17. With six extra years of updates, it’s additionally effectively future-proofed.
Whereas the load, customisation restrictions and AI zoom finally led me to Samsung, these gained’t be dealbreakers for most individuals. In case you just like the Pixel UI as it’s, don’t thoughts a cumbersome telephone and are pleased for AI to meddle while you’re zooming, the Pixel 10 Professional XL will go well with you right down to the bottom.
It’d be an actual disgrace to ignore the Pixel 10 Professional XL following a single incident
To present all that up, simply because one individual’s unit exploded, could be very silly certainly.
The Pixel 11 Professional XL won’t be an improve
Regardless of the explosion being an remoted report to this point, you would possibly want to attend for the upcoming Pixel 11 Professional XL simply to be secure. Nonetheless, that may not be the most suitable choice.
First up, there’s a controversial design change. The Pixel 11 Professional XL (and the remainder of the lineup) is rumoured to undertake Google’s new ‘Pixel Glow’ RGB lights, that are anticipated to increase across the rear digital camera module. That is more likely to divide opinion, however for those who don’t just like the sound of it (I actually don’t!), you’re higher off sticking with the present mannequin.
Google Gemini / Chris Martin
Other than that, the telephone is predicted to be a minor replace, however that doesn’t imply it’ll stay on the identical value. The continued world RAM scarcity is placing big strain on telephone makers to significantly restrict upgrades or increase costs.
With a brand new Tensor G6 chipset anticipated, there’s an excellent likelihood that the Pixel 11 Professional XL might be dearer than its predecessor.
As a reminder, the Pixel 10 Professional XL already began at a hefty £1,099/$1,099. It’s already right down to £1,092.19/$949 on Amazon, and costs may drop additional because the launch of its successor approaches.
When evaluating the 2, the Pixel 10 Professional XL appears like a little bit of a no brainer. I actually wouldn’t let one report of an explosion have an effect on my determination to get one.