Samsung is one winner when it comes to devices, and it looked like the new phablet of the Note 7 was going to be another feather in the Korean company's camp. Unfortunately, the word recall has reared its ugly head with the Galaxy Note 7, which is going to clearly affect the company report. It will also affect the customers and their carriers, and this is the latest news about the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall with carriers like Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
According to Reuters, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has recalled all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it has found to be fire-prone, halting their sales in 10 markets. It is also recalling and replacing those devices that are already sold. Considering that the Note 7 has sold 2.5 million units within the first two weeks, this is one big recall. In fact, documented cases of widespread product recalls are rare, with the largest taking place in Nokia in 2007.
Koh Dong-jin, head of the South Korean company's smartphone business, has expressed regret over the recall. He also declined to comment on the number of phones needing replacement, and they are planning to replace retailer inventories and units in transit. I mean, that number has got to be in the millions.
The worst part about this is the timing, as Apple is going to unveil their latest iPhone this next week on September 7. Considering that Samsung has a good run with not just the Note 7 but IFA 2016 at Berlin has revealed the new Samsung smartwatch with the Samsung Gear S3. This could really set the company back, a lot, but we are talking about Samsung, who puts out several models of displays, smartphones, and other various electronic devices every year.
It is not uncommon for new products to receive reports of faultiness after release. According to CNET, Samsung has apparently received 35 separate reports worldwide with "affected batteries". The South Korean social media is filled with images of charred Galaxy Note 7, which has been reported to ignite while charging. However, models in China features a different battery and are not being recalled.
Android Authority has reported the first carrier reactions:
- Verizon has announced that it stopped selling the Note 7 and making refunds or exchanges through September 30.
- Sprint is asking customers who bought a Note 7 to go to Sprint stores to receive a "similar device until the issue is resolved".
- AT&T has stopped sales doesn't have details about the recall process.
- T-Mobile is accepting refunds and waiving all fees related to the recalls.
There isn't much further details on the recall and the replacement program.
