Earlier this month, only two weeks after the Galaxy Note 7’s launch, Samsung announced an unprecedented recall of 2.5 million of the phablets worldwide, following reports that the rechargeable lithium batteries manufactured by one of its suppliers were faulty.
Advertisement
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 registered strong sales numbers but shortly after its release, the latest smartphone from Samsung became an embarrassment for the company due to battery-related fire issues.
Koh Dong-jin, head of Samsung’s mobile division, told reporters that a total of 35 complaints had been filed with its service centers at home and overseas for the Galaxy Note 7’s battery problem as of September 1. “There aren’t many users of the phone just yet, but we need to remind them that the device is risky”, Garuda Indonesia Services Director Nicodemus P. Lampe said.
Aviation authorities and airlines around the world have also banned or issued warnings against using or charging the phone in planes or storing them in cargo. “All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units – whether used or brand new – will not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment”, the flag carrier said.
This follows reports from Samsung that the smartphone’s battery poses a threat of fire once it becomes overheated.
“For customers who already have Galaxy Note 7 devices, we now ask that you power down your device and return to using your previous phone”. In Germany, Samsung told customers to “turn off the device and not use it” anymore.
Three other airlines – Singapore Airlines, Australia’s Qantas, and Virgin Australia – have instituted bans on the device as well.
Advertisement
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also advised against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage. Earlier this month, the company made a decision to recall millions of units and replace them. The CPSC is urging all Galaxy Note 7 owners to stop using and powering on their devices. Samsung is the world’s top smartphone maker, outpacing rival Apple.
