Samsung removed its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone from the shelves of major retailers and carriers Friday, following the decision to recall the device due to an exploding battery issue. Samsung has since announced it will replace users’ Galaxy Note 7 handsets free of charge and halt use of the batteries from Samsung SDI until the issue is resolved. However, Consumer Reports now claims Samsung’s efforts are not enough to remedy the problem as the Galaxy Note 7 recall remains unofficial.
On Friday,the publication reported Samsung has failed to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the Galaxy Note 7 and initiate an official recall through the commission.
An official recall would make it illegal for retailers to sell the Galaxy Note 7 in the U.S. until the issue is resolved and a new, safer model of the device is available, according to 9to5Google . Though Samsung’s current method of recall should be sufficient to get all defective Galaxy Note 7 models off the market, pundits have noted that many third-party retailers may still sell the device in the current climate.
Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 7 recall following reports of some 35 incidents of exploding smartphones. The manufacturer indicated that there was a 24 in one million chance that a Galaxy Note 7 handset might explode, meaning 42,000 handsets are at risk. The recall is voluntary; however, Samsung and U.S. carriers have made it clear consumers have the option to return their handsets for a new model.
Analysts predict Samsung could potentially lose up to $1 billion in the aftermath of the recall, according to Bloomberg . However, some also say Samsung’s prompt response to the issue could add to the manufacturer's credibility and benefit it overall.
Samsung has yet to comment about plans to initiate a recall with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
