The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall has rattled Samsung. The recall of the device has not only hurt Samsung’s bottom line, but it has given people a reason to buy the iPhone 7 instead. Ewan Spence of Forbes explains why Samsung’s problems have become a victory for the iPhone 7.
“One week later Apple’s teflon-coated reputation remains intact as it marches towards the triumphant launch of the ‘just like last year’s phone with a bigger number’ iPhone 7 as Samsung faces an embarrassing recall of potentially explosive Galaxy Note 7 phablets and the resulting damage to its reputation and finances.”
However, not everybody is down on Samsung. iTwire compliments Samsung on doing the right thing.
Will the recall of the Galaxy Note 7 hurt Samsung’s brand? [Image via Daryl Deino]
“When something goes wrong, you really only have two options. Your first option is to ignore it and hope it goes away while you sweep things under the carpet. Your second option is to acknowledge the issue, admit there’s been some kind of failing, and promise to fix it as quickly as possible.”
The article adds that Samsung has immediately said it will repair the device, replace it with a new one, or offer a full refund. However, Samsung’s recall has been a voluntary one, meaning that the problem of exploding batteries isn’t as widespread as the media has made it out to be. In fact, there are many posters on Reddit who say they will hold on to their Note 7, at least for now.
“I’ll stand up and say I’m not going through hassle since i love the phone and it hasn’t heated up at all when charging,” says TheOneWhoKnocks3.
“I will return my when they have replacement available,” claims Tattoo2006.
Some people on Twitter are undecided.
Trying to decide if I'm keeping my note 7 or taking it back. I love it. I don't want a S7
According to 9 to 5 Google, Samsung is expecting to lose $1 billion on the Note 7 recall.
“According to estimates, this recall could cost Samsung as much as $1 billion, an amount Samsung said was ‘heartbreaking.’ Short term this is a painful hit to profits, but long term it’s damage to Samsung’s reputation that will be hard to deal with.”
Samsung is being criticized for not being aggressive ennough in their recall. [Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images]
The article notes that Samsung has been harshly criticized by Consumer Reports for not handling everything well. In the article, the magazine criticizes Samsung for not making the Note 7 recall an official one.
“If Samsung was initiating the recall process, its first step would be to immediately report any issues to the CPSC. According to the Consumer Product Safety Act, two of the criteria for reporting are if the product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death,” says the consumer watchdog site.
The article adds that the CPSC would then evaluate these reports to determine if corrective action is required. CPSC also works with companies to determine the scope, hazard, and remedy while also making recommendations.
The good news for Samsung is that the Galaxy S7 Edge, released last spring, is still a hot product. In fact, it’s the hottest smartphone of the year. The Galaxy Note 7 is actually the best-reviewed smartphone of the year, but the recall will take away attention from that.
It is difficult to say exactly how many Note 7 units have been shipped so far, but many sources estimate around 2.5 million. Of course, not every single unit shipped has been sold, but all these units still have to be shipped back to Samsung. It’s really too early to say exactly how much damage has been done.
Did you purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note 7? If so, have you returned your unit yet, or are you going to wait until replacement units are available at the stores? Let us know in the comments section.
