Smartphone Explodes in Man’s Pocket, Viral Video Raises Fresh Safety Concerns; Motorola G-Series Model Suspected

A disturbing video circulating on social media has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones. The clip shows a smartphone exploding inside a man’s jeans pocket, leaving the device completely burnt and tearing a large hole in his trousers. The phone is suspected to be a Motorola G-series model, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Incident Caught on Camera

According to reports, the incident allegedly occurred on the night of December 30, 2025, around 8 pm. The man was reportedly carrying his smartphone in his pocket when it suddenly exploded—without any apparent external trigger. The blast was so intense that it burned the phone beyond recognition and damaged his clothing.

The video was shared on social media platform X by tipster Abhishek Yadav, who stated that it was originally uploaded on Instagram by user shubhxr_369. Navbharat Times has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the exact date of the incident.

Phone Completely Charred

Visuals in the video show a blue-colored smartphone with its back panel severely charred, plastic melted, and screen shattered. Black soot covers much of the device, clearly indicating a battery-related fire. A large burn hole is visible in the pocket area of the jeans where the phone was kept.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in this particular case.

Motorola Model Suspected

While the exact model has not been confirmed, several reports and social media users suggest that the phone resembles the Motorola G54. One user even expressed concern online, claiming to use the same model and questioning its safety.

Not an Isolated Case

This is not the first time such an incident has been reported. Smartphone fires and explosions have occurred across brands in the past. In February 2025, a similar case was reported in Brazil, where a woman’s phone caught fire while it was in her pocket during shopping. She suffered severe injuries and had to be hospitalized. Motorola, responding to earlier incidents, had stated that such cases are rare and usually linked to battery defects or external damage.

Earlier, in July 2024, a Reddit user had also claimed that his Moto G Power 5G overheated severely and caused what he described as a “plasma fire” in his pants.

Why Do Smartphones Explode?

Experts point out that the most common cause of such incidents is lithium-ion battery failure, often triggered by overheating, manufacturing defects, physical damage, or the use of non-original chargers and accessories.

Safety Advice for Users

Experts recommend the following precautions to reduce risk:

• Avoid keeping smartphones in tight pockets for long periods
• Do not expose phones to excessive heat
• Always use original chargers and certified accessories
• Replace batteries or devices that show signs of overheating or swelling

As smartphones become more powerful and batteries denser, incidents like these serve as a reminder that user awareness and safety precautions are just as important as technological advancement.