Consumer Warning re: Newest Samsung Phone

Samsung’s problems with batteries exploding in their newest smartphone are getting worse, despite a worldwide recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. The growing problem is that consumers are ignoring the recall, adding to the potential for more serious consequences throughout the world.

Samsung issued the recall of more than 2.5 million Note7 phones over three weeks ago. Unfortunately, most consumers have not taken the recall as seriously as officials would expect.

Early reports of explosions, burns and overheating came from Australia, where airlines began banning the phones on all flights. Nearly 100 incidents of overheating, fires, and explosions resulting in property damage have been reported in the United States alone.

Fewer than 15% of the affected phones have been returned. Officials fear it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has formally banned the Note7 on all flights, and officials are warning people not to charge the devices, not even turn them on.

The Note 7 was intended to compete with the newest phone from Apple, the iPhone 7. Some suggest that Samsung rushed their product through to beat Apple to market, a rush that may cost much more in the long run.