Manufacturing fault prompts recall of 50,000 smartphones

Samsung Australia is voluntarily recalling 51,060 Galaxy Note7 smartphones after a manufacturing fault was discovered in the phones’ battery cells. Some phones are reported to have burst into flames while plugged in to charge.

“Based on our investigation, we have learned that there was an issue within the battery cell. An overheating of the battery cell occurred when the anode-to-cathode came into contact, which is a very rare manufacturing process error,” the company wrote in a statement on its website.

Samsung is advising Galaxy Note7 owners to power down their device and return it to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

“The safety and ongoing satisfaction of our customers is our top priority,” Samsung Electronics Australia Vice President IT & Mobile Richard Fink said.

“We know our Galaxy Note7 customers are our most loyal customers and we are taking a proactive approach to support them. We are asking customers to contact Samsung or their place of purchase to arrange a suitable courtesy smartphone or refund. Courtesy devices will become available from this Wednesday (7 September 2016).”