From The Straits Times    |

samsung galaxy note 7

The biggest brouhaha in the lifestyle tech scene? That’s the ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Initial response was great, with reviewers praising the Note 7 for its sleek curved glass design, slim profile, iris scanning security feature, and photo quality. 

However, things took a nightmarish turn for both Samsung and Note 7 owners when reports emerged shortly after about phones overheating, exploding, or catching fire. 

Even if you really like the features and think you’ve got an incident-free Note 7 phone, here’s the reality: There are probably no reliable ways anymore to definitively check and be certain that a particular handset is in the safe zone. 

Here are the key things you should really take into consideration before deciding if it’s even worthwhile to risk keeping your existing Note 7.

Also on Simply Her: The 5 best smartphones alternatives to replace your Samsung Galaxy Note 7

1.    There have been more than 35 cases globally 

Since 24 August, there have been a series of reports about exploding phones overheating, exploding or catching fire, with numerous videos uploaded on social media sites. 

2.    Even replacement phones are not necessarily safe

There have been several reports of replacement phones catching fire, notably: A man in Kentucky woke up to a bedroom full of smoke because his phone caught fire; and a Southwest Airlines flight in USA was evacuated before take-off because a passenger’s switched-off Note 7 started to overheat and emit smoke.

3.    Samsung has halted global sales and exchanges of the Note 7

They’ve asked all global partners to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 while they investigate the recent spate of incidents.

4.    Samsung has asked all customers to stop using their Note 7

In their latest press statement (11 October), Samsung advised, “Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device”. 

In Singapore, Samsung is now offering a loan device of a different model to affected Note 7 customers. For loans, customers need to visit the Samsung Customer Service Centre #03-01 Westgate (3 Gateway Drive, open daily 11am-10pm).

5.    Samsung has permanently stopped production of the Note 7 

They’ve announced that they are ending (not just halting) production of the Note 7.

6.   Samsung will no longer fulfill warranty or provide software updates for the Note 7

By default, Samsung smartphones run a Samsung-customised version of Android, so whenever Google rolls out a new version of Android, Samsung’s developers will need to modify it for Samsung phones. 

But in its bid to recall Note 7 phones, Samsung will no longer provide support or warranty for customers who choose to continue using their handsets. Here’s an extract from their FAQ:

Q: I’m happy with my Galaxy Note7 and wish to continue using it, will the warranty still apply and will there be any software update support?

A: No, warranty will not be applicable and software update will not be supported.

Software updates aside, spare parts may also be scarce. 

7.    It’s going to be near impossible to fly anyhere with a Note 7 

On October 14, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced “an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices” with immediate effect. “Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.”

Outside of United States-related travel, numerous airlines have also announced bas on the Note 7, including Singapore AirlinesAirAsiaQantas and Jetstar, and Scoot and Tigerair.

 

We highly recommend that you take up Samsung’s offer to either exchange your Note 7 (with additional cash or other benefits) for the Galaxy S7 Edge 4G+ or get a refund. Samsung is still working on the details of the refund amount, cash and benefits, but customers can go to http://www.samsung.com/sg/note7exchange/ from October 26 onwards to indicate their choice. Meanwhile, check out our recommendations of the 5 best alternative smartphones to the Note 7, including our thoughts on the offered S7 Edge.