Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is recalling millions of new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it has found to be fire-prone and halted their sales in 10 markets, according to Reuters.
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The South Korean giant has issued a formal global recall of the latest Note device due to concerns over the battery used within the device.
Some buyers reported their phones caught fire or exploded while they were charging, and Samsung said it had confirmed 35 such cases, caused by faulty batteries.
In an official statement to Reuters, Samsung also declared that it is “conducting a thorough inspection” with its partners on the Galaxy Note 7 and the company will be sharing any findings made in this regard.
Customers who have already purchased and received a Galaxy Note 7 can return the device for a brand-new, nonflammable one.
While customers in the US can exchange their phones starting next week, for markets outside of the USA, it may take up to two weeks to sort out replacement devices.
A Vodafone forum administrator released a statement saying: “Vodafone is aware of reports about a very small number of issues reported by people using the Samsung Galaxy Note 7”. “Consistent with Telus’ policy of putting customers first, and because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority, we have suspended sales of the device across all Telus corporate, dealer and retail locations, as well as online”. StarHub will inform customers the updates on phone exchanges.
This recall is an embarrassing setback for Samsung, which has enjoyed healthy sales over the past few months.
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The company announced a replacement program for owners of the phone, released late last month in the USA and South Korea. Samsung will replace all Note 7 smartphones sold across the globe. “We are working with our carrier partners to announce the details of the USA product exchange program as soon as today”, reads the Samsung statement.
