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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.

11 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. Time for The Boss to do a rewrite... by hyades1 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Romeo and Juliet, Samsung and Delilah...ooh-ooh, FIRE.

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    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
  2. 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.

  3. Samsung should use this by mrlinux11 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Samsung should take from this that if the battery is user replaceable it is less costly to fix and maybe should go back to making phones with replaceable batteries

    1. Re:Samsung should use this by jellomizer · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Also as this is showing, people will try to cheap out when getting a replacement battery, Thus having a situation where their product is dangerous. While they may not be legally liable, they get bad press when the article says Samsung galaxy note overheating and burning people. A non replaceable battery reduces the chance that people will cheap out and make their product dangerous.

      I recall some stories blaming Apple for their phone catching on fire, while the user was found to use some cheap 3rd party charger that more or less just connected the USB cable directly to the AC house power socket.

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    2. Re:Samsung should use this by thegarbz · · Score: 2

      Samsung did take note. By making batteries non user replaceable they control the supply chain and this scenario of counterfeit batteries is avoided.

      It's a shame the facts of this case doesn't fit the narrative you want to apply.

  4. +1 for removable batteries by wardrich86 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    No idea why manufacturers are so gung-ho on sealing the battery into the device. The Note 7 recall would have been far cheaper if users could have just removed the battery...

    1. Re:+1 for removable batteries by Bearhouse · · Score: 2

      It's been discussed here a lot; apart from stinging your customers for replacement costs, there are actually some very good reasons - lower BoM and manufacturing costs, smaller volume (so thinner phone) for a given capacity plus potential for greater reliability even waterproofing (can have a hermetic case more easily if you glue it shut).

      Unfortunately actually getting all those benefits requires competent & like-minded bosses, marketeers, engineers and suppliers.
      (Of the sort that used to exist at Nokia, but don't seem to anymore...maybe because people flock to buy overpriced crap from Apple and others.)

  5. Re:Who cares by GuB-42 · · Score: 2

    It's summer, and people are overheating and dying. Need to recall the human race.

    Some Christians call it rapture.

  6. Re:Who cares by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 2

    That's why I only believe in Z! Kneel before Z!

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    #DeleteFacebook
  7. 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.

  8. Re:Why I never trust refurbished products.. by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 2

    Nowadays when I buy Apple products, I pretty much always buy refurbished. You save 10-15 percent, and you get the new warranty. You can even buy the same extended warranty as a new product, at the same price, if you wish.

    I've had good luck with Apple's refurbished program.

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    #DeleteChrome