Pixel 10 Pro XL explodes – but I’d still buy one

A worrying Reddit post has cast doubt over the safety of the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

According to user ‘DiZzyBonne’, Google’s latest flagship “blew up” shortly after being taken off the charger, suggesting that its lithium-ion battery exploded.

The accompanying photographic evidence is damning, showing that the entire chassis of the phone has been destroyed. The user in question even sustained a burned finger as a result of the incident.

The Spigen case protecting the phone may have affected cooling, plus the user admitted to accidentally dropping the phone multiple times (including just before the explosion), but an incident like this is still highly unusual.

It’s the second phone explosion report in as many months, after a similar incident affected one Galaxy S24 user in May. And of course, comparisons can be drawn with Samsung’s infamous Galaxy Note 7 debacle in 2016.

Understandably, if you own or are considering buying a Pixel 10 Pro XL, this might make you think twice. However, I strongly believe that the phone is still an excellent option in 2026 and beyond. Here are four key reasons why.

Phone explosions are incredibly rare

Of course, any report of an exploding phone is concerning. However, in ten months, there have been no similar reports, suggesting it’s an isolated incident.

While Google doesn’t post specific sales figures for the Pixel 10 Pro XL, hundreds of thousands of units are likely to have been sold around the world. One reported explosion, in which the case and drops may have been contributing factors, isn’t evidence of a defective design or manufacturing process.

Of course, it’d be better if no smartphones ever exploded. But, given how ubiquitous (7.64 billion handsets are estimated to be in use) and powerful modern handsets are, it’s likely that a very few defective units are in circulation.

One reported explosion… isn’t evidence of a defective design or manufacturing process

So, while this report is undoubtedly concerning, I wouldn’t be alarmed until multiple similar incidents are reported.

Google will issue a recall if it’s widespread

Even if you’re worried, I wouldn’t suggest lurking in the Google Pixel subreddit to see if any more explosions are reported. Trust me, if something was blowing up (pun unintended!) on Reddit, Google would hear about it soon enough.

The only recent precedent is the Galaxy Note 7, where it took just nine days from the first reports to an official recall by Samsung.

That situation occurred immediately after the phone began shipping, indicating a potential manufacturing issue (which turned out to be the case). By contrast, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has been widely available for nearly 10 months.

With this in mind, you can safely ignore this until Google officially comments or you notice something suspicious about your device. Many retailers offer a one-year warranty, meaning you should be able to get your money back in any case.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a brilliant phone

It’d be a real shame to disregard the Pixel 10 Pro XL following a single incident. It’s a truly excellent phone, and one that I can still easily recommend in 2026.

Take a quick glance at our comprehensive best phones guide, and you’ll see why. The 10 Pro XL remains top of the pile, offering the finest fusion of hardware and software that money can buy.

As my 4.5-star review describes, it excels in many key areas. The point-and-shoot photography experience is unmatched, while the top-class build quality and gorgeous 6.8-inch display really shine.

Android 16 is (mostly) a joy to use, while it’ll be among the first in line for the upcoming Android 17. With six more years of updates, it’s also well future-proofed.

While the weight, customisation restrictions and AI zoom ultimately led me to Samsung, these won’t be dealbreakers for most people. If you like the Pixel UI as it is, don’t mind a bulky phone and are happy for AI to meddle when you’re zooming, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will suit you down to the ground.

It’d be a real shame to disregard the Pixel 10 Pro XL following a single incident

To give all that up, just because one person’s unit exploded, would be very foolish indeed.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL might not be an upgrade

Despite the explosion being an isolated report so far, you might prefer to wait for the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro XL just to be safe. However, that might not be the best option.

First up, there’s a controversial design change. The Pixel 11 Pro XL (and the rest of the lineup) is rumoured to adopt Google’s new ‘Pixel Glow’ RGB lights, which are expected to extend around the rear camera module. This is likely to divide opinion, but if you don’t like the sound of it (I certainly don’t!), you’re better off sticking with the current model.

Aside from that, the phone is expected to be a minor update, but that doesn’t mean it’ll remain at the same price. The ongoing global RAM shortage is putting huge pressure on phone makers to seriously limit upgrades or raise prices.

With a new Tensor G6 chipset expected, there’s a good chance that the Pixel 11 Pro XL will be more expensive than its predecessor.

As a reminder, the Pixel 10 Pro XL already started at a hefty £1,099/$1,099. It’s already down to £1,092.19/$949 on Amazon, and prices could drop further as the launch of its successor approaches.

When comparing the two, the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels like a bit of a no-brainer. I really wouldn’t let one report of an explosion affect my decision to get one.