Samsung Recalls 2.5 Million Galaxy Note 7 Devices, Because Some Batteries, Erm, Exploded

The water-resistant phones, sadly, are not also flame-retardant.

Samsung has seen $AUD9 billion wiped off their market value as a result of a recall of its brand new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

According to IT News, the recall came after 35 cases of their phones catching fire were reported. In a statement, Samsung Australia said the fault was a “battery cell issue”, which is a gentle way of saying its lithium-ion batteries, erm, sometimes explode during charging.

It’s estimated that 2.5 million units have already been sold and require replacing. Samsung is also planning on replacing retailer inventories and devices in transit. That’s a lot of phones.

“For customers who already have Galaxy Note 7 devices, we will provide a resolution of their choice including a replacement, repair or refund over the coming weeks," Samsung’s public relations manager said.

More details will be revealed for Aussie consumers this week.

Sales have been halted in ten markets, though the Chinese can still snag the device safely, as it uses a different battery in the Middle Kingdom.

Nonetheless, the recall comes at an awkward time for Samsung, as the company was hoping to undercut Apple’s iPhone 7 (set to be unveiled this week) with its revolutionary, water-resistant device.

It even hired Christoph Waltz to spruik the Galaxy Note 7, getting the two-time Oscar winner to don cornrows in an effort to sell the device.

Photo: Samsung.