"Exploding" phones

Aug 22, 2026 Last reply: 2 hours ago 4 Replies

Frantic note from a friend complaining that his phone "exploded" (and, likely expecting *me* to solve his problem -- fat chance!)



Apparently, left in car so likely saw 140-160 degree temperatures (when it's 110 outside, it's easy for car interior to *bake*).



I assume the phone is likely functional but the battery has swollen and forced the case apart. Though, depending on how difficult that was, it's also possible the screen may have been abused.



My advice: just buy a new one.



[The guy doesn't even *use* his phone (essentially) so I don't know why he's sweating this. Buy a cheap "emergency phone" if you want one for that purpose (SWMBO has one with a $5/month plan for just that purpose; an incoming call from her phone number means I've got to go "rescue" her...)]

On the hottest day of the year here, I measured the surface temperature of the van seats (with the windows open), it was 75 C.

[...]

I only ever switch mine on to make a call and that's it. I don't want the damn thing on all the time for several reasons; mostly because it's too distracting, but aside from that, it's mind-poison and seems to 'zombify' heavier users. Recent research kinda confirms this, so I feel suitably vindicated and superior to everyone else who didn't catch on to the dangers earlier.

research as in you read it in a flat-earth facebook group?

do you also not keep any beer in your fridge because some people become alcoholics?

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