Samsung has been recalling its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, after several cases of battery explosions were reported. The company claims that it has received more than 35 complains of battery malfunctions so far. However, it hadn’t mentioned any caused damage yet. Now, an Australian poster to Reddit has claimed that his smartphone had spontaneously exploded while charging, causing damage to their hotel room.
This post was made by Rediit user called Crushader. He posted that the smartphone exploded while it was charging overnight, leaving the phone completely fried. He added, “Charred the hotel room bed sheet and the carpet when I whacked it down to the floor. Burnt one of my finger [sic] while doing that too.” Crushader claims he was using an approved Samsung cable and charger. He also posted several pictures of the smartphone and the alleged damage. In pictures, it looks like the smartphone went through a considerable frying.
Apparently, the hotel estimated the damage to the hotel room at 1,800 Australian dollars [approx. $1,382]. Samsung has confirmed that it will be covering the bill for damages to the hotel room. Crushader has been offered a replacement device.
The Reddit user has been identified by the West Australian newspaper as Tham Hui from Melbourne. Apparently, he knew of the recall but there had been nothing official from Samsung themselves. “You’d think they’d contact people [who] bought directly from Samsung to return their Note 7,” he said.
Samsung has stopped the sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after initial reports and images of exploded phones started circulating. It has also recalled devices across markets, warning customers to stop using phones immediately for safety reasons. Samsung is offering the choice of a full refund, repair or replacement on all devices.
In India, Samsung spokesperson has stated, “We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers.” The company has found that there is an issue with the battery of Galaxy Note 7. For Samsung Galaxy S7 users, it would be wise to power down the device and get a replacement.