What to do with your Samsung Galaxy Note 7 now that it’s been recalled
After repeated reports of smoke and explosions, the Galaxy Note 7 is off the shelves, for good.
While Samsung wades through the mess of millions of recalls and refunds of millions of dollars’ worth of phones and accessories from around the world, if you had one of these devices, you’ve got your own work cut out for you: Where and how do you return your potentially-dangerous device
Luckily, your task is not nearly as complicated as Samsung’s. For the tech giant, nixing the Note 7 is a major upset and, as reported this week by The New York Times, a rarity in today’s fast-paced industry. In today’s world of technology, companies typically continue to fix and fiddle until the problem is discovered and resolved.
[The Galaxy Note 7 is being permanently discontinued. (CNBC)]
In Samsung’s defense, they did try to fix the problem. The first phone explosions were reported in August. Since then, the multi-billion-dollar South Korea-based electronics company has attempted, repeatedly, to determine the cause of the malfunction.
To date, an official reason for the phone’s defect has yet to be announced, although it appears the battery is to blame. It’s likely this was the last reason Samsung wanted to hear, as the battery is non-removable. This is another reason why a complete recall has been declared.
First steps
To swap your Note 7 for a safer option, first, shut it off. Samsung is recommending that everyone power off their phones immediately, regardless of whether you’ve experienced any personal problems with your device.
Exchange at a retailer
Next, take your phone back to whomever you purchased it from. Samsung, along with essentially all the major national retailers—including Telus, Bell, Rogers and SaskTel—are offering to exchange your phone for a device of equal or lesser value. Samsung will also refund your purchase altogether, if you so choose.
Online purchase via Samsung
If you ordered your phone via Samsung’s website, you should have received an email with instructions on shipping. It’s important to follow protocol, as national and international mail carriers are refusing to deliver Galaxy Note 7s that aren’t shipped in Samsung-monitored packaging. Samsung will send the appropriate shipping container directly to you.
Online purchase via anyone else
If you ordered online from any other main retailers, you will need to deliver it in person to the store nearest you.
What to get next
As for a worthy replacement, Samsung is limiting customers to a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge—which might not be such a bad option anyway. The Galaxy S7 Edge has received great reviews for its long battery life, water resistance and state-of-the-art camera.
If you are willing to spend a little more and wait a little longer, the Google Pixel is receiving noteworthy buzz. Boasting top-of-the-line features in just about every category possible, the 5-inch and 5.5-inch Pixel XL are looking to be the best Androids on the market yet, hands down.
For 2.5 million people who rely on their new Note 7 phones daily, this Samsung fiasco is a serious inconvenience. Fortunately, major providers have made it relatively easy to get your hands on an exchange or a loaner today. For Samsung, the solution not so simple. How the tech giant will fare from this PR nightmare and $2.3 billion loss remains to be seen.
