Samsung user claims Galaxy S25 FE exploded while charging overnight
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- A Canadian user reports that their Galaxy S25 FE exploded while charging overnight, causing minor burns, smoke damage, and traumatizing their son.
- The phone was charging with a third‑party 20 W USB‑PD charger inside a thick leather wallet case that contained coins, potentially trapping heat.
- This is the third fire incident reported this year for Samsung Galaxy S series phones (previously the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S24).
Incident details
The user was charging the Galaxy S25 FE overnight using the in‑box cable and a third‑party 20 W charger (Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box). The device rested on a mattress where the user and their son were sleeping, but it was not under a pillow.
The user awoke to popping sounds and “metal and plastic shrapnel flying everywhere like fireworks.” Firefighters extinguished the smoke and secured the phone. The user reported a singed hair, a small burn on their neck, and a traumatized child. Smoke, property damage, and a lingering odor remained in the room.
The phone was purchased new from Virgin in Canada about six months ago and is still being paid for in monthly installments. It was housed in a leather wallet case that also contained coins, which may have contributed to a thermal‑runaway event despite built‑in safety mechanisms.
User response and Samsung support
The user opened a support ticket with Samsung and received a ticket number but has not yet heard back from the company.
Context of other incidents
This marks the third reported explosion of a Samsung Galaxy flagship this year. Samsung issued a statement for the first incident (Galaxy S25 Plus) but did not respond publicly to the second (Galaxy S24). The number of reports remains low relative to the millions of devices sold worldwide, suggesting these cases are isolated.
Safety recommendations
- Use official or reputable accessories. Prefer Samsung‑branded chargers and cables, or reputable third‑party brands that meet USB‑PD specifications.
- Avoid thick wallet cases. Such cases can trap heat and impede the phone’s thermal‑management system, potentially affecting battery health over time.
- Monitor charging conditions. Keep the device on a hard, flat surface away from flammable materials while charging.
What to do if a lithium‑ion battery catches fire
- Move people away from the device and avoid inhaling smoke or fumes.
- Do not touch a burning or smoking phone with bare hands.
- If safe to do so, create distance and call emergency services rather than attempting to handle the fire yourself.
- Do not use water to extinguish the fire indoors; lithium‑ion batteries can react unpredictably to water.