Is smartphone flash dangerous? Let’s shed light on the viral TikTok videos

In recent weeks, social platforms have been flooded with a series of clips that have raised concern among users. At the center of attention is a supposed issue regarding modern smartphones, particularly those branded with Samsung.

A single video on TikTok recently surpassed 13 million views, showing in no uncertain terms a Galaxy S25 FE capable of melting a thin black trash bag simply by using the flashlight.

The images appear alarming, suggesting a potential danger for consumers, but a closer look at the situation reveals a reality very different.

Does smartphone flash burn plastic? Viral videos on social media worry users

Although social media algorithms have brought this event back to the spotlight, the ability of smartphone torches to generate heat sufficient to melt lightweight materials is by no means a new discovery. Users have been sharing similar content for over a year.

To verify the actual scope of the issue and debunk some misleading claims circulating online, the editorial team of Tom’s Guide decided to conduct a practical experiment by comparing two premium devices: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The test results clearly showed that both devices, when the flash is set to the maximum brightness, are perfectly capable of melting the polymer. The South Korean device took slightly less time to pierce the surface of the bag, but Apple’s smartphone produced the same result.

Thus it is evident that we are not dealing with a single defect or attributable to a single manufacturer, but an intrinsic characteristic of most modern-generation smartphones.

Today’s devices use extremely powerful LEDs to ensure optimal shots even in low-light conditions. This high intensity, when focused on a small area, inevitably results in a significant amount of heat generation. When the light beam hits thin materials, especially dark ones that tend to absorb more energy, the deterioration shown in the clips occurs.

Precautions and everyday use

Manufacturers are fully aware of this dynamic. Samsung, for example, has implemented a preventive safety system that displays a warning on the screen when maximum flashlight intensity is selected.

The real daily-life risk does not lie so much in the conscious use of the feature, but in accidental activations. It can easily happen to forget the LED is on or to trigger it by mistake while the device is in a pocket.

Even considering the overly dramatic tones adopted by online content to attract views, they still provide a useful safety reminder.

Indeed it is advisable to avoid prolonged contact between the smartphone’s light source and plastic bags, synthetic fabrics, or other materials that are easily flammable or sensitive to high temperatures. Pay attention to these small details is enough to use your smartphones safely.