When the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was released late last month, it was widely heralded as the best new Android smartphone on the market-that is, until reports surfaced from around the world of the device randomly bursting into flames. Analysts believe Samsung SDI supplied most of the Galaxy Note 7s with faulty batteries, while Note 7 phones in China use batteries made by Amperex Technology Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer that reportedly is also a main supplier of batteries for Apple’s iPhone.
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According to the USA media report, the exact cause of the September 5 fire that ripped through a auto with a Galaxy Note 7 smartphone reportedly being left inside in St. Petersburg, a southeastern city of Florida, has been classified as unknown after an investigation by US firefighting authorities.
“According to the burn marks on the sample, we surmise that the source of the heating comes from outside the battery, and it’s very likely that there was an external factor causing the heat problem”, said ATL in its statement.
Samsung Electronics launched the Note 7 phone in China on September 1 amid a growing number of reports of the telephones catching fire overseas.
Samsung Electronics said it was investigating one of the reported cases.
The burning Galaxy Note 7 is singeing Samsung with consumers.
In the USA, replacement Galaxy Note 7 devices are expected before September 21.
The device has been banned from use on most flights, with the the Federal Aviation Administration and many independent airlines (FAA) forbidding passengers from using the Note 7 on board.
Samsung says its exploding smartphone debacle has not spread to China – despite reports of a smartphone catching fire in the country.
The company has plans to start a consumer trust campaign to highlight the safety of the Note 7 in India, the executives said. “The company has introduced two identifications – “Green battery icon” and a ‘Square symbol” – to help users identify that they own a newly replaced Note 7.
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The St. Petersburg Fire Rescue wrote in a statement, “It was reported that a Samsung Galaxy Note7 was in the vehicle at the time of the fire and there were allegations that it may have been the cause”. In the USA, the replacement program is due to start Wednesday. If you are unaware with your IMEI you can get is by entering *#06# into the phone app, or from the cover box a Note 7 was carried with.
