UPDATE: Samsung has issued a statement confirming the recall of Galaxy Note 7 units. The company says that it conducted a “thorough investigation” and found an issue with a battery cell. “To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market,” Samsung said. It has also stopped the sales of the phone temporarily. Samsung India is now reportedly informing customers that the shipment for Galaxy Note 7 devices will be delayed for those who pre-booked the smartphone.
Samsung’s newly launched flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, may already be in trouble just a few weeks after its debut, and a few days before Apple unveils its next premium smartphone, the iPhone 7. Multiple users of the device have reported the phone catching fire and exploding while charging. Acknowledging the same, the South Korean electronics company told TechCrunch, “In response to questions on Galaxy Note 7, we are conducting a thorough inspection. We will share the findings as soon as possible. Samsung is fully committed to providing the highest quality products to our consumers.”
A Korean news agency, Yonhap, also claims to have spoken to Samsung officials who said, “Products installed with the problematic battery account for less than 0.1 percent of the entire volume sold. The problem can be simply resolved by changing the battery, but we'll come up with convincing measures for our consumers.” Additionally, Yonhap reports that Samsung has also delayed the launch of the Galaxy Note 7 in European markets, and will also be halting shipments to the US.
Now, reports suggest that Samsung may be looking to recall the Galaxy Note 7 devices. Unidentified officials have told Reuters that even though deliberations have not been finalised, the company may be considering to potentially pull back the smartphone from the market. On Wednesday, Samsung said that it has stopped the shipment of the Galaxy Note 7 to the top 3 South Korean carriers, and that the company is conducting extensive quality tests.
Samsung is not the only smartphone manufacturer who has been in the news for its phones burning and exploding into flames. Recently, Digit also reported that an Indian OnePlus One user’s phone burst into flames while charging.