Samsung halts Galaxy Note 7 sales after faulty batteries explode and catch fire

Samsung is suspending sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after finding faulty batteries were exploding. The tech giant said it had confirmed 35 such cases of phones catching fire while they were charging. The president of the South Korean company’s mobile business, Koh Dong-jin, said customers who already bought Note 7s would be able to swap them for new smartphones, regardless of when they were bought. He added he was “deeply sorry” over the incident and it would take about two weeks to prepare replacements.

We have received several reports of battery explosion on the Note 7 that was officially launched on 19 August, and it has been confirmed that it was a battery cell problem

Koh Dong-jin, Samsung

The announcement - in effect, a global recall - comes just two weeks after Samsung launched its latest flagship smartphone. It said it has sold more than one million Note 7 smartphones in 10 countries so far including South Korea and the US. But several users have posted photos and videos on social media showing the charred Note 7 with part of its 5.7-inch touchscreen burnt and melted, saying it suddenly caught fire. Samsung has also delayed the planned release of the Note 7 in several European countries over the safety concerns.

If the exploded phone in flame was near my head, I would not have been able to write this post

Teacher Park Soo-Jung, who says her phone burst into flames

samsung