In the market for a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, despite that little problem with exploding batteries? Fortunately, there will be a way to tell a potentially hazardous model from a safe one.
Samsung on Friday announced that it will put "clear identifiers" on the boxes of replacement Note 7 units to signify they're not explosive. Those indicators include a small black square on the white barcode label and a white sticker with a blue letter "S."
Samsung also next week plans to launch an online database where Note 7 customers can input their device's IMEI number to check if it's part of the recalled stock or a safe replacement model. This should come in handy for those who do not have the box their unit came in. Alternatively, you can call Samsung customer service to check your device.
The news comes as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today urged "all consumers who own a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to power them down and stop charging or using the device."
"CPSC and Samsung are working cooperatively to formally announce an official recall of the devices, as soon as possible," the agency says. "CPSC is working quickly to determine whether a replacement Galaxy Note 7 is an acceptable remedy for Samsung or their phone carriers to provide to consumers."
Also this week, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that it "strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."
Samsung last week issued the global Note 7 recall following numerous reports of exploding batteries. As of Sept. 1, Samsung counted 35 global cases of Note 7 phones exploding while being charged—the result of a battery cell issue, the company's internal investigation revealed.
Those in possession of a recalled Note 7 should power it down immediately and seek an exchange, Samsung said. Note 7 owners can contact or head back to wherever they purchased the device or call 1-800-SAMSUNG to get an exchange.
The 5.7-inch quad-HD smartphone launched early last month with a curved 1,440-by-2,560 screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 12-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front shooter, 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, a 3,500mAh battery, USB-C port, and improved S Pen.