Samsung has suspended Galaxy Note 7 sales over safety fears, after a percentage of users reported the device caught on fire.
The Korean manufacturer has promised to replaced any Galaxy Note 7 devices voluntarily “over the next few weeks.”
But stopped short of enacting a full scale recall.
So far 35 separate cases have been reported globally, Samsung’s investigation deduced a battery cell issue being the root of the problem. This means there is a risk when charging the device or even overworking it.
An anonymous Samsung official speaking to Yonhap news 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.”
According to Strategy Analytics the Note 7 is expected to sell over 15 million units by the end of 2016, eventually surpassing current flagship devices. The S7 Edge and S7 have so far sold a combined 25 million units.
In Samsung’s native South Korea, 200,000 devices were pre-ordered.
Disappointed user Ariel Gonzalez posted a video detailing what happened with his brand new Note 7. Gonzalez claimed to have charged the device before a fire incident occurred.
“Came home from work, put it to charge for a little bit before I had class,” Gonzalez said. “Went to put it on my waist and it caught fire. Yup. Brand new phone, not even two weeks old. Be careful out there, everyone rocking the new Note 7, might catch fire.”
The UK launch for the Note 7 is today, but of course due to the incidents, Samsung are quarantining its latest device until the matter is completely resolved. Currently there is no indication of when Note 7 sales will resume.
Samsung are offering support now for those worried about their new purchase. Contact Samsung customer services here: 0330 7261000.
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