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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Batteries Are Being Recalled For Overheating Risk (theverge.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the can't-catch-a-break dept.

According to The Verge, over 10,000 batteries for the Galaxy Note 4 are being recalled for risk of overheating that could lead to burns or fires. Given last year's Note 7 fiasco, this recall sure doesn't sound good. It is, however, far more limited than the Note 7 recall and doesn't appear to be Samsung's fault. The Verge reports: Only phones refurbished through AT&T's insurance program and handled by FedEx Supply Chain are impacted by the recall. Some of the refurbished phones apparently ended up with "counterfeit" batteries that include anomalies that could make them overheat. Fortunately, the Note 4 has a replaceable battery, so this recall isn't as big of a deal. Owners can just buy a new battery to use in their phone until the recall is taken care of. FedEx is currently sending out replacement batteries as well as boxes for returning the recalled phones. "FedEx Supply Chain is conducting this recall of non-genuine Samsung batteries as some of them are counterfeit," the spokesperson said. "The refurbishment program was managed by FedEx Supply Chain and operated independently of Samsung. Any affected owners should contact FedEx Supply Chain at 1-800-338-0163 or go online at www.exchangemybattery.com for more information." There's only been one report of a phone overheating and no damage to people or property because of it.

2 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. Bad Journalism 101 - Headline is _wrong_ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Samsung batteries are not being recalled, Samsung had nothing to do with it. The headline is completely misleading and the summary doesn't do anything to dispel that until three sentences in. If anything it tries to reinforce that it's a "Samsung" problem before saying it's not. Try:

    "Counterfeit batteries for the Samsung Note 4 are being recalled"

    Or better yet:

    "AT&T and FedEx recall counterfeit batteries for Samsung Note 4"

    But neither of those are as click-baity.

  2. Counterfeit batteries by jedaustin · · Score: 3, Informative

    There are a ton of these counterfeit batteries for sale; even on reputable places like Amazon. I have a Note4 and since I can't tell the bad from the good ended up getting branded OEM batteries with good reviews instead of Samsung branded batteries. I've had zero issues with my OhmniPAX, Anker, or Powerbear batteries.