Use of the Note 7 has even been banned on airplanes.
Photo Courtesy of CNN Money
Picture this: you’ve just bought the newest Samsung device, the Galaxy Note 7, and can’t wait to use it. After a few days, you realize that your new device is getting so hot you can’t hardly use it. This is the exact situation that many consumers now find themselves in, and Samsung has issued a safety recall of any Note 7 bought before September 15,2016.
As of September 15, 2016, Samsung has stated that due to battery problems with Note 7’s manufactured before September 15, people should stop using their devices until the recall has been fully implemented. The exchange program was taking place until September 21, where Samsung was offering a full replacement of Note 7’s affected by the recall, in addition to a $25 gift card or in-store credit at participating locations.
So what was the real problem? According to the related article by Andrew Martonik on androidcentral.com, there was an error in the production of the battery cells for the Note 7. The error resulted in pressure being applied on plates contained within the battery cells, which would cause negative and positive poles to contact and generate excessive heat. The article continues by stating that the Consumer Product Safety Commission had investigated 92 official reports of Note 7’s overheating or exploding.
One popular story circulating through the media is that of Jonathan Strobel, who is suing Samsung on the claim that his Note 7 did explode. Strobel stated that he was in a Costco when his Note 7 burned directly through his pants, causing severe burns to his leg and additional burns to his thumb after trying to remove the device from his pants. Samsung spokeswoman Danielle Meister Cohen stated, “We don’t comment on pending litigation. We are urging all Note 7 owners to power their device down and exchange it immediately.”
The recall has most likely affected the reputation of Samsung in general, not to mention the affect to sales numbers. The new Note 7’s will be marked as safe by Samsung on their boxes with stickers bearing the letter “S” and a small black square on the phone’s barcode sticker. For any questions or concerns regarding the recall, contact Samsung directly at 1-844-365-6197.