Samsung Reiterates: Galaxy S7, S7 Edge Are Safe, For Now
To the shock of no one, perhaps except Samsung, consumers have started to doubt almost every Samsung consumer electronics, especially smartphones. Even washing machines are no exception. There have been reports of some other smartphone models also exhibiting overheating problems and even catching fire. Given how Samsung is banking on the Galaxy S7 family to carry it through until the Galaxy S8 breaks cover, it is vigilant in dousing any flames that would otherwise mar its reputation. In the midst of a growing number of reports, Samsung advises consumers to keep calm while it looks into matters.
Truth be told, it will be difficult to gauge claims of combusting smartphones after the high profile fiasco of the Galaxy Note 7. While there is, of course, evidence that some smartphones, including the Galaxy S7, have caught fire, the cause of those fires are more difficult to determine and to associate with faulty batteries like the Galaxy Note 7. And we can't discount the fact that there will always be some people willing to do anything, like put their safety at risk, for publicity or even money.
To assure Galaxy S7 owners, both present and future, Samsung released a very short statement saying that there are no confirmed cases of internal battery problems similar to the Galaxy Note 7. And for those reports that show burned Galaxy S7 units, Samsung says they were caused, instead, by severe external damage and not simply out of the blue, while charging or with extensive use.
"Samsung stands behind the quality and safety of the Galaxy S7 family. There have been no confirmed cases of internal battery failures with these devices among the more than 10 million devices being used by consumers in the United States; however, we have confirmed a number of instances caused by severe external damage. Until Samsung is able to obtain and examine any device, it is impossible to determine the true cause of any incident."
Samsung does drop a hint that this case is far from closed, as it is still investigating the matter thoroughly. Until then, it's "impossible" to really pinpoint the problem. Which could be a battery problem too. But hopefully not, both for users' sakes as well as Samsung's.
SOURCE: Samsung