Samsung Announces Global Recall For Exploding Galaxy Note7 Batteries

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It appears that initial reports that began to trickle out concerning exploding batteries on Samsung’s brand new flagship Galaxy Note7 smartphone were actually a bit more widespread than initially thought. While we had heard about two reports of batteries exploding while charging, Samsung confirmed today that it has received reports of 35 devices worldwide that have been identified with the defect.

As a result, the South Korean company has issued a total and global recall of the Galaxy Note7. According to Samsung, it is working with its suppliers to pinpoint the exact cause of the battery failures and has stopped all sales of the Galaxy Note7 (as we reported earlier this week) while the investigation continues.

In the meantime, customers will be briefed over the coming weeks on how and when they can send their Galaxy Note7 smartphones back to Samsung for replacement. That’s right — you will send your “old” phone back and Samsung will send you a brand new device. This can’t be a cheap move for Samsung, but at least the company is limiting backlash from customers by acting so quickly, and the resolution seems more than fair in the grand scheme of things.

Galaxy Note 7 battery
[Image Source: iFixit]

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers,” writes Samsung in an official statement. “We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible.”

If anything, it means that Samsung should have a healthy stock of Galaxy Note7 smartphones when its direct-to-customer refurbished smartphone program kicks off early next year.