Just two weeks after the release of Galaxy Note 7, Samsung issued a global recall for the smartphone. This move comes after several Galaxy Note 7 owners reported the phone's battery cell is catching fire and even exploding.
Samsung recently announced that every single Galaxy Note 7 sold around the globe will have to be replaced. Mobile carriers also issued statements on what their subscribers should do and how to get a replacement.
In the company's Product Exchange Program, consumers can exchange their current Galaxy Note 7 device to a new Galaxy Note 7. Also, there's an option to replace the current Galaxy Note 7 for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge device. As a gesture of appreciation, consumers will get a $25 gift card or bill credit in the exchange program.
As of Sept. 1, there have been 35 cases of Galaxy Note 7 battery problem that have been reported worldwide.
This week, the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on any airline in the United States. The U.S. air-safety regulators said the phone is a potential airborne fire hazard and passengers should avoid using the device.
Now, here are the top five alternatives to the Galaxy Note 7.
iPhone 7
Apple's latest smartphone is available in two versions: the standard iPhone with 32 GB is priced around $650, while the iPhone 7 Plus with hefty 256GB costs $949.
The next-generation iPhone features water-resistant body, dual-camera set-up, longer-lasting battery and many more. Check out our report about the device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The Galaxy Note 5 is the predecessor of the Galaxy Note 7. Good thing, it still contains features that are very useful for gadget lovers. It has the same screen size, RAM and resolution as the Galaxy Note 7.
Interested buyers can get the Galaxy Note 5 for $629.99.
HTC 10
The HTC 10 smartphone has impressive specs that can go up against the Galaxy Note 7. It has 5.2-inch screen, which packs in 1,440 x 2,560 pixel. Inside, it is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC, 4 GB of RAM and a 3,000 mAh battery.
In Best Buy, HTC 10 costs $699.99.
LG G5
LG's new flagship device is a worthy competitor to the Galaxy Note 7. LG G5 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM - internal features that are also present in Samsung device.
LG G5 was released earlier this year and costs $499.99.
OnePlus 3
For gadget lovers who want to own an affordable yet powerful smartphone, OnePlus 3 is the best choice. This device has Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip which is partnered with 6 GB of RAM. Also, it has 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-megapixel selfie camera.
OnePlus 3 is available for only $399, which is about half the cost of the Galaxy Note 7.
