The Galaxy Note7 Is No More

It’s official. The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is no more, at least for now. We heard yesterday that Samsung has halted production of the Galaxy Note7, following continued reports of fire erupting even on replacement devices. Today, Samsung has announced a stop of Galaxy Note7 sales and replacements, and that users should power down and stop using the device.

That sounds pretty much like the end of the Galaxy Note7, which I mulled over two days ago may as well be dead. Samsung is asking owners of Galaxy Note7 to exchange the devices for another type of device, or to get a refund. There aren’t going to be any exchanges for a new Galaxy Note7 this time around. Some US carriers had already voluntarily begun the exchange earlier, before Samsung’s announcement.

We don’t know what Samsung is planning next for the Galaxy Note7. They have said that they need time to investigate the battery issues that are plaguing the phone.

It’s not clear how Samsung intends to execute the exchange and refund programme in Singapore. The official Samsung webpage still refers to the prior exchange programme.

Although the prior exchange programme at Suntec has ended, the webpage still speaks of exchange being available by appointment  for home delivery or self-collection at Samsung Customer Service Centre.

The earlier global recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is unprecedented. However, with battery problems continuing to plague the replaced devices, it’s evident that Samsung has a really, really, hot potato in their hands.

It’s a pity, because the Galaxy Note7 does seem like a great phablet device. The S-Pen works very well for taking notes.

If you own or use a Samsung Galaxy Note7, please remember to power down the device and stop using it immediately.

Update: The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is no longer just suspended, it is now ended. Samsung shares fell 8 percent Tuesday, wiping out about $17 billion in market value. This will be a significant setback for the company, but it’s still early to say what long term damage this episode will do to them.