The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was to be the best of the best an Android smartphone had to offer. With a beautiful design, exceptional performance and new built-in features, the Galaxy Note 7 was supposed to rival Apple’s iPhone 6S. The phone featured a wraparound glass screen and precise stylus tool. The Note 7 also boasted expanded memory space, water resistance, and seemingly endless battery power.
But instead of wowing the world, Samsung had to officially discontinue the phone due to faulty hardware and serious battery defects that raised safety issues. The Galaxy Note 7 recall is one of the largest consumer electronic recalls in history.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall
Released in August of 2016, the phone barely survived a month before consumer reports came flooding in. The reports alleged that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was overheating, causing fires and explosions.
The initial recall from Samsung stated that sales of the Galaxy Note 7 were to be suspended and a worldwide “product exchange program” would be initiated.
The Galaxy Note 7 Battery
The initial issue, according to Samsung, centered around the Galaxy Note 7 battery, which was made by a Samsung subsidiary. The faulty battery led to short circuiting, which caused the overheating. The replacement phones were issued to qualifying consumers when they return their original Galaxy Note 7s to Samsung, who claimed that only a small fraction of the entire volume sold was affected by the battery failure.
But the replacement Note 7 caused just as much trouble. The re-issued phone—complete with a new, and purportedly, safe battery—continued to suffer from battery failure and combustion. Reports of smoking phones and sudden flames continued to come in, causing customer confusion, safety concerns, and even airline delays.
In September 2016, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued an advisory to airline passengers who owned the Galaxy Note 7, stating they could not turn on or charge the device while on board aircraft.
The Official Discontinuation
In October 2016, Samsung halted production of the Galaxy Note 7 after five major cellular carriers (including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile) decided they would no longer sell the device. The company launched an internal investigation into the cause of the battery’s defects and released its official findings at the end of January 2017.
Some critics say that Samsung was too slow to respond to the serious allegations and safety concerns that stemmed from the Note 7. Affected consumers also denounced the company, saying they were refused compensation for property damage caused by their defective Note 7 phones.
The formal, legal recall, the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program, allows consumers to return the Galaxy Note 7 to Samsung for safe disposal. The program also permits consumers to take advantage of other incentives, like bill credits for “inconveniences.”
What to Do if You Have a Galaxy Note 7
Samsung has determined that almost 96% of U.S. customers have returned their hazardous Galaxy Note 7 devices. If you have not returned yours or are still using the Note 7, stop doing so immediately. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety has warned owners with an original Galaxy Note 7 or a replacement one should power off and stop using all Note 7 smartphones.
Thankfully, there are plenty of comparable options available. Both the iPhone 7 and Google’s flagship smartphone, the Pixel, are new models that won’t burst into flames or possibly explode. Samsung has some damage control to do, and wary consumers don’t easily forget. Interest in and demand for Samsung’s future phones could be permanently tainted by the Galaxy Note 7 recall.
If you have questions about the latest devices or concerns about your smartphone’s performance, remember that CPR Cell Phone Repair is here to help. With over 290 locations, there is sure to be a CPR store near you.
