Samsung recalls 2.5m Note 7 phones after battery fires

Samsung is recalling 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones over a battery fire issue.

In a statement, the company says there have been 35 "incidents" reported globally as of September 1. It does not specify the nature of the incidents, but a news agency in Samsung's native Korea reported that "a few of the devices exploded while being charged" and Samsung has not challenged that account, which was based on an interview with a company official.

Samsung says customers should go to the store they bought their Note 7 from to arrange a replacement handset, which will take around four weeks. Those who bought online should contact Samsung NZ on  0800 726 786 (the number will be manned 24/7, the company says). Spark and Vodafone are also offering to refund the difference if a Note 7 customer wants to replace their handset with one from a different brand (see below). 

Samsung's statement says it has stopped sales, but does not address the question of whether it is safe to use a Note 7 in the meantime — sparking a whole new round of speculative media stories.

NBR Toybox reviewer Scott Bartley reports no problems with his Note 7, but adds, "After hearing about this yesterday afternoon, I haven't dared leave it unattended on its charger."

The Note7 was launched in 10 countries, including the US, Australia and New Zealand, on August 19.

The $1599 handset's high-end features include an iris scanner. Its release date seemed timed to spoil Apple's new iPhone, expected to be unveiled next week. At first, the tactic seemed to be working as the Note 7 won rave reviews. Now, it's the reverse.

Telcos react
Spark says it has stopped selling the Note 7 until further notice. It says it will refund the difference if a customer wants to swap a Note 7 for an alternative device of any brand. It is also offering the option of a full refund.

Vodafone has also stopped selling the Note 7 and is offering a range of options including a full refund, a Samsung J5 (the customer's to keep) to fill the gap until a replacement Note 7 or a refund on the difference in cost between an alternative Samsung phone or a handset of any brand. [UPDATE: Spark is now also offering a J5, worth around $400, while a customer waits for a replacement Note 7. As with Vodafone, the customer gets to keep the J5).

On it's Facebook page, 2degrees has relayed Samsung's standard offer to "replace all Note7s and offer an alternative device until the new model arrives or will offer a full refund."

None in NZ
Samsung NZ sent NBR the statement: "In response to questions on Galaxy Note7, we are conducting a thorough inspection with our partners. We will share the findings as soon as possible. Samsung is fully committed to providing the highest quality products to our consumers.”

A spokeswoman says none of the 35 incidents have been in NZ.

Volatile 
The volatile nature of the lithium ion batteries used by all smartphone manufacturers has led to a number of incidents.

On August 2, a Sydney man was admitted to hospital after his iPhone exploded as he hit the ground after falling off his bike, causing his pants to catch fire.

In 2010, a Christchurch man had his HTC phone go up in flames after running "insanely hot".

And in 2012, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found an iPhone caught fire on a plane after a screw punctured its battery.

Manufacturers from gadget makers to electric car makers have been under pressure to utilise ever-denser lithium-ion batteries as customers demand longer life from hardware but don't want extra weight.

Beyond safety issues, the energy density of today's lithium-ion batteries makes them prone to damage during recharging, or when they overheat.

That's why your smartphone's battery can degrade after 12 to 24 months, and it's typical for a laptop's battery life to halve over the same period.

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