Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Samsung Electronics

Industry	Consumer electronics
Founded	January 13, 1969 (1969-01-13) in Suwon, South Korea
Headquarters	Suwon , South Korea
Products	Smartphones, tablets, consumer electronics
Owner	Samsung Group
Website	www.samsung.com

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is an Android phablet smartphone created, manufactured, and distributed by Samsung Electronics. It was introduced on 2 August 2016 and officially launched on 19 August 2016 as the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. This device marked Samsung's initial adoption of a USB-C port and reintroduced the microSD card slot. Additionally, it is the final Galaxy Note model to feature a physical home button and navigation keys located on the bottom bezel. Although it represents the sixth installment in the Galaxy Note lineup, Samsung designated it as "7" to avoid consumer confusion with the flagship Galaxy S7, which was released in the same year (2016), and to maintain perceived product hierarchy.

Building upon the Galaxy Note 5, the Note 7 incorporated hardware enhancements from the Galaxy S7, such as expandable storage support and IP68 water resistance. It also introduced new features like a dual curved display on both edges, high-dynamic-range (HDR) color capability, an upgraded stylus with enhanced software functions, an iris scanner for biometric security, and a USB-C connector. Upon launch, demand for the Note 7 was strong, setting pre-order records in South Korea and causing delays in international availability due to supply constraints. Critics generally praised its build quality, HDR support, and refined user interface, though some noted its premium price and increasing overlap with specifications found in Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S phones.

On 2 September 2016, Samsung halted sales and initiated a voluntary recall after identifying a battery manufacturing flaw that caused certain units to overheat and ignite. Following an official recall announcement in the United States on 15 September 2016, affected devices were exchanged for revised models equipped with batteries from an alternative supplier. However, subsequent reports of fires involving replacement units led Samsung to issue a global recall on 10 October 2016 and permanently discontinue production the following day. To ensure safety during returns, Samsung provided customers with specially designed fire-resistant packaging along with instructions.

In response to safety concerns, Samsung deployed software updates in various regions designed to disable recalled devices’ functionality by limiting battery capacity and preventing wireless network connections. The company expressed intentions to recycle salvageable components from returned units and offer refurbished versions where feasible.

The recall significantly impacted Samsung’s financial performance in Q3 2016, with operating profits expected to decline by approximately one-third compared to the previous quarter. Analysts from Credit Suisse projected losses exceeding US$17 billion related to production costs and recall expenses associated with the Note 7. In July 2017, nearly nine months after the recall, Samsung introduced a refurbished variant called the Galaxy Note Fan Edition (marketed as Galaxy Note FE), featuring a reduced 3200 mAh battery and shipping with Android Nougat combined with the Samsung Experience user interface from the Galaxy S8. The direct successor to this model, the Galaxy Note 8, was announced on 23 August 2017 and released shortly thereafter.

Specifications

• Brand: Samsung
• Manufacturer: Samsung Electronics
• Series: Galaxy Note
• Network compatibility: 2G, 3G, 4G LTE
• Release dates:
  • Original Note 7: 2 August 2016
  • Note FE: 7 July 2017
• Discontinuation:
  • Original Note 7: 11 October 2016 (recalled due to battery safety issues)
  • Note FE: 30 October 2021
• Predecessors:
  • For Galaxy Note FE: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
  • For original Note 7: Samsung Galaxy Note 5
• Successors:
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8
  • Indirect successor for Note FE: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite
  • Direct successor for Note FE: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
• Related device: Samsung Galaxy S7
• Device type: Phablet
• Form factor: Slate
• Available colors: Blue Coral, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium, Black Onyx
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 153.5 mm (6.04 in)
  • Width: 73.7 mm (2.90 in)
  • Depth: 7.9 mm (0.31 in)
• Weight:
  • Original Note 7: 169 g (6.0 oz)
  • Note FE: 167 g (5.9 oz)

Operating System

• Original (Note 7): Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow" paired with TouchWiz Grace UX
• Current (Note 7): Android Marshmallow (6.0.1) with TouchWiz Grace UX
• Original (Note FE): Android Nougat (7.0) featuring Samsung Experience 8.1
• Current (Note FE): Android Pie (9.0) combined with One UI version 1.0

Hardware

• System on Chip (SoC):
  • Global version equipped with Samsung Exynos 8890
  • Versions for Canada, China, US, Japan (Note 7 only) powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
• CPU:
  • Global model uses octa-core configuration of dual clusters—2.3 GHz Mongoose cores plus four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.6 GHz
  • Snapdragon variants include quad-core Kryo CPUs clocked at up to 2.2 GHz plus additional Kryo cores at lower frequency
• GPU:
  • Mali-T880 MP12 for global models
  • Adreno 530 for Snapdragon-equipped devices in select markets
• Memory:
  • Equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Internal Storage:
  • Provides 64 GB UFS 2.0 storage capacity
• Expandable Storage:
  • Supports microSDXC cards up to a maximum of 256 GB

Battery

• Original Note 7:
  • Li-ion battery rated at 3.85 V and capacity of 3500 mAh (13.48 Wh)
  • Supports fast charging at up to 15W; battery is non-removable by users
• Note FE:
  • Li-ion battery rated at same voltage but reduced capacity of 3200 mAh (12.32 Wh)
  • Also non-user-replaceable

Charging

Supports USB-C fast charging at up to 25W alongside Qi wireless charging compatibility.

Display

Features a 5.7 in (140 mm) Quad HD Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio), delivering a pixel density of approximately 518 ppi.

Cameras

• Rear Camera:
  • Equipped with either Samsung ISOCELL S5K2L1 or Sony Exmor R IMX260 sensor offering a resolution of 12 megapixels (1.4 μm pixels), f/1.7 aperture lens featuring Dual Pixel autofocus technology.
  • Capable of recording video in up to UHD (4K) resolution at thirty frames per second; supports Full HD (1080p) at sixty fps and slow-motion HD (720p) at two hundred forty fps.
• Front Camera:
  • Utilizes Samsung ISOCELL S54KE6 sensor delivering five megapixels with f/1.7 aperture and wide-angle lens.

Connectivity

Includes USB-C port along with standard wireless communication options.

Durability

Certified IP68 rating for water resistance up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) depth sustained for thirty minutes.

Additional Features

The device integrates biometric security through iris recognition technology and supports enhanced stylus functionalities through software improvements.

Official Website

Archived product information can be found at https://web.archive.org/web/20161009091334/http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-note7/

Specifications

File:Samsung Galaxy Note 7 rear.jpg

Back view of a blue Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Exterior

The design and hardware of the Galaxy Note 7 closely resemble those of the Galaxy S7, featuring a combination of metal and glass in its construction, IP68 certification for water resistance, and inclusion of a microSD card slot.

Chipsets

In most regions, the Note 7 is powered by an octa-core Exynos 8890 SoC paired with 4 GB of RAM. However, for markets such as China, Japan, and the United States, the device utilizes the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, which supports legacy CDMA networks widely used by carriers in these areas. Unlike the S7, which employs Exynos chips in these regions, Canadian versions of the Note 7 also run on the Snapdragon 820 processor. Additionally, the Note 7 introduces Samsung’s first use of a USB Type-C port on a smartphone, providing a reversible connector design.

Display

The Galaxy Note 7 is equipped with a 5.7 inches (140 mm) 1440p Super AMOLED screen. Like the "Edge" variants of the S6 and S7 series, its display gently curves along the device’s side bezels; this design choice makes the Note 7 approximately 2.2 millimetres (0.087 in) slimmer compared to the Galaxy Note 5. The screen supports HDR video, marking it as Samsung's first flagship to incorporate Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability.

Stylus

Consistent with previous Galaxy Note devices, the Note 7 includes an active stylus known as the "S Pen." This stylus offers 4,096 distinct pressure levels and is designed to be water resistant.

Camera

The rear camera on the Note 7 matches that of the S7, featuring a 12-megapixel sensor with "Dual Pixel" technology and an f/1.7 aperture lens.

Biometrics

For biometric security, the Galaxy Note 7 incorporates an iris recognition system utilizing a front-facing camera paired with infrared lighting. This iris scanner facilitates device unlocking and can authenticate access to services like Samsung Pay and Secure Folder. Additionally, a fingerprint sensor is integrated into the home button.

Accessories

Among the optional add-ons for this device are the S View Standing Cover, which includes a preview window enabling access to essential device functions without opening the cover, and a water-resistant battery case that provides power through wireless charging using the Qi protocol.

Software

The Galaxy Note 7 comes pre-installed with Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow" alongside an enhanced iteration of Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz interface, branded as TouchWiz Grace UX. This version introduces an "always-on display" feature that shows a clock and notifications even when the screen is off; it supports various clock designs and notifications from third-party applications in the "Grace" update. Utilizing this mode, the Screen off memo function enables users to jot down notes directly on the always-on display. Additionally, the operating system incorporates new utilities tailored for the S Pen stylus, such as translation services, a screen magnifier, and a tool for recording GIFs. Samsung consolidated its previous collection of note-taking applications into a unified Samsung Notes app. The Galaxy Note 7 is also capable of running Android 10 with One UI 2.5 through custom ROM installations.

A notable security enhancement introduced with the Galaxy Note 7 is "Secure Folder," which allows users to establish a private environment secured by authentication methods. This workspace isolates user data and apps from the primary system using sandboxing techniques. Applications can be duplicated into Secure Folder, and users have control over whether notifications from apps within this secure area appear externally. Built on Samsung Knox 2.7 technology, Secure Folder also offers enterprise features such as managed system update distribution and improved integration with mobile device management solutions and Microsoft Exchange Server.

Furthermore, the device debuts Samsung Pass, a biometric authentication platform that utilizes its iris scanner to verify user identity within supported applications. Samsung has collaborated with several prominent U.S. banking institutions to facilitate the incorporation of Samsung Pass into their mobile banking apps.

Release

The Galaxy Note 7 became available for pre-order the day following its official announcement, with its launch in the United States scheduled for 19 August 2016. Samsung chose to skip the "6" in the Galaxy Note lineup, moving directly from "5" to "7" to align the numbering with its flagship Galaxy S series, particularly the Galaxy S7 model. The company explained this decision was intended to address consumer perceptions that Note devices were technologically behind the Galaxy S phones due to their lower numerical designation.

In South Korea, pre-orders shattered previous records, exceeding 200,000 units within just two days. Samsung Canada described the pre-order response there as "outstanding." High demand also led to delays in several markets—including Malaysia, the Netherlands, Russia, and Ukraine—pushing their release dates back to September because of limited supply availability.

TechRadar

TechRadar highlighted the Galaxy Note 7's "luxurious glass-and-metal hybrid design," emphasizing its appeal to users upgrading from older, plastic-bodied models like the Note 4 and Note 3. However, it was noted that the screen’s curved edges occasionally led to minor inconveniences when utilizing the stylus. The display was praised for its vividness and suitability for multimedia consumption, particularly because of its HDR compatibility. The software received commendations as well, with positive remarks about Samsung’s ongoing refinement of the TouchWiz interface and a more simplified settings menu. Additionally, the phone incorporated features introduced in Android 7.0 "Nougat", despite initially launching with Android Marshmallow. Among the new stylus-centric functionalities, the unified S Notes app, GIF capture tool, and always-on display were well received; however, the translation feature was viewed as less effective compared to Google Translate. Battery performance was assessed as sufficient for approximately one and a half days under typical use, with software enhancements offering various power estimation and conservation options. TechRadar concluded that "for those who intend to utilize the stylus extensively, the Note 7 stands out as an excellent choice. The iris scanner alone is not a compelling reason to upgrade. Otherwise, it may be wiser to save money and stick with the S7 Edge."

Ars Technica

Ars Technica expressed reservations about the Note 7 due to its close resemblance to the Galaxy S7. While acknowledging that the updated design was sleeker and more comfortable than earlier Samsung models featuring curved displays, criticism was directed at Samsung's choice to use glass on the back instead of metal. The S Pen drew negative feedback for its perceived lack of quality, described as a "hollow plastic tube more akin to a disposable Bic pen than an accessory for an $850 premium smartphone." The iris scanner’s implementation was also criticized for complicating the unlocking process compared to the fingerprint sensor and for lacking integration with Android’s native authentication framework, rendering it exclusive to Samsung hardware. Furthermore, warnings about prolonged exposure to the sensor were deemed somewhat unsettling. TouchWiz on this device was faulted for introducing changes that seemed arbitrary and detracted from user experience by diverging from the Material Design standards embraced by third-party applications. Ultimately, Ars Technica questioned the continued necessity of the Galaxy Note lineup given its growing similarity to the Galaxy S series and considered its price point excessive, especially in light of Chinese manufacturers offering comparable specifications at lower costs.

Android Police

At the time of its launch, technology reporter David Ruddock from Android Police expressed criticism towards the Samsung Galaxy Note series, noting that it no longer catered to power users as it had in earlier years.

Ruddock observed that since the 2015 release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, the only significant distinction between that year's Galaxy Note models and the corresponding Galaxy S series devices introduced earlier was the inclusion of the S Pen stylus feature.

Battery explosions and recalls

File:Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Bulletin (30365292175).jpg

Galaxy Note 7 safety notice displayed on a Lynx bus in Orlando, Florida

File:Information for owners of Samsung galaxy note 7 sailing from Poland to Sweden.jpg

Safety information regarding the Galaxy Note 7 in Poland

A battery malfunction caused numerous Note 7 units to overheat, catch fire, or explode. On 10 October 2016, Samsung officially ceased production of the Galaxy Note 7 due to these recurring safety issues.

The initial batch of devices utilized batteries manufactured by Samsung SDI, which contained a design defect causing the electrodes near the battery's top-right corner to bend. This compromised the separation between the positive and negative tabs, leading to thermal runaway and short circuit occurrences.

After an official recall was announced on 12 September 2016, Samsung reissued the Galaxy Note 7 equipped with batteries supplied by China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL or ATL), a company also known for providing batteries to iPhone models. On 23 January 2017, Samsung revealed that these replacement batteries suffered from a manufacturing flaw during welding, which caused electrodes to be displaced upward and damaged the separation between positive and negative tabs. Additionally, some units lacked insulation tape altogether. Samsung attributed these defects to the supplier’s accelerated production efforts aimed at meeting replacement demand.

Due to these battery failures, the device was classified as a hazardous material, resulting in bans on carrying it aboard numerous airlines and public transportation systems.

Ultimately, Samsung issued two firmware updates for the Note 7: one restricting charging capacity to 60%, followed by another enforcing a complete charge block at 0%, rendering the phone unusable. However, this charge limitation can be bypassed by performing a factory reset and downgrading the device to Version 6.0.1, which is its original stock firmware.

Initial accounts

On 31 August 2016, reports emerged that Samsung was postponing Galaxy Note 7 deliveries in select markets to carry out "additional product quality testing"; this announcement coincided with user complaints of batteries catching fire during charging. On 1 September, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency indicated that Samsung was preparing a global recall of the device due to these battery malfunctions. The following day, Samsung halted Galaxy Note 7 sales and declared an unofficial recall after discovering a manufacturing flaw in the batteries causing some units to overheat, leading to fires and explosions. A formal recall for the United States was issued on 15 September 2016. Samsung replaced the defective phones with a new batch featuring batteries from an alternative supplier. Nevertheless, after reports surfaced of replacement devices also igniting, Samsung initiated a worldwide recall of the Galaxy Note 7 on 10 October 2016 and permanently ended production on 11 October. In response to the recalls, Samsung deployed software updates in certain regions designed to "disable their functionality as mobile devices", including reducing battery capacity and preventing wireless network connections.

A company spokesperson revealed that Samsung had received 35 battery failure reports, representing "less than 0.1 percent of all units sold." Samsung emphasized that the risk was confined to a minor portion of manufactured devices and launched an online tool on 19 September allowing customers to verify if their device was affected by checking its unique IMEI number.

On 8 September 2016, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an advisory cautioning passengers against powering on or charging these phones aboard aircraft. Similarly, on 9 September, the European Aviation Safety Agency reminded travelers to notify cabin crew if a device is damaged, overheats, emits smoke, is misplaced, or falls into seat structures.

Initial recall

On 15 September 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States formally announced a recall of the Galaxy Note 7, urging all owners to power down their devices immediately, discontinue usage, and return them for replacement. Prior to this, on 13 September, Samsung publicized through newspaper ads in South Korea that it would introduce a software update to restrict the charging capacity of affected Galaxy Note 7 units to 60%, aiming to minimize the risk of battery fires.

Following this, Samsung reintroduced the Galaxy Note 7 equipped with batteries from the Chinese manufacturer Amperex Technology Limited, which is also a primary battery supplier for the iPhone series. These replacement devices were labeled by Samsung as safe and featured a distinctive marking on their packaging to differentiate them from the initial recalled batch. Additionally, all battery status indicators on these units were modified to display green icons. This alteration received special authorization from Google, as it deviated from the standard Android Compatibility Definition Document requirements that mandate all status bar icons be rendered in white, a condition necessary for licensing GMS and Android branding.

After the recall announcement, Verizon Wireless issued a software update for Galaxy Note 7 phones sold through its network. This update incorporated green battery icons for safe devices and included an embedded recall notification displayed when affected phones were connected to power. Unlike the South Korean patch, Verizon's update did not implement a charging cutoff feature.

Samsung reported that approximately 80% of Galaxy Note 7 devices had been replaced in South Korea, with about half of units in Europe and North America exchanged. In the United States, only around 10% of devices were returned, totaling close to 50,000 units swapped for alternative models. Despite this, Samsung stated that 95% of customers remained loyal to the brand.

Problems with replacement devices

In October 2016, multiple cases emerged where replacement Galaxy Note 7 units continued to experience battery malfunctions and fires. One owner in Kentucky was hospitalized with acute bronchitis caused by smoke inhalation after his replacement phone ignited early on 4 October 2016. The individual informed a local news outlet that he had mistakenly received a text from a Samsung customer service agent, which read, "Just now got this. I can try and slow him down if we think it will matter, or we just let him do what he keeps threatening to do and see if he does it".

On 5 October 2016, a passenger’s replacement Galaxy Note 7, purchased at an AT&T store, began emitting smoke and making popping noises while being powered off on a Southwest Airlines flight preparing to leave Louisville. This led to the evacuation of the aircraft before departure. Samsung announced they were collaborating with the airline to probe the event but noted that confirmation of the device being a replacement would only be possible once it was retrieved.

A third incident involving a replacement Galaxy Note 7 catching fire occurred on 7 October 2016 in Minnesota, reportedly under similar circumstances.

Second recall and final discontinuation

File:Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Air New Zealand.jpg

Notice displayed at the Air New Zealand check-in desk in Shanghai Pudong International Airport advising passengers against carrying Note 7 devices onboard aircraft

Following reports of issues with replacement units, the five leading wireless providers in the United States—AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile US on 9 October, followed by Sprint Corporation, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular on 10 October—announced a halt to Galaxy Note 7 sales until further investigations were completed.

On 10 October 2016, Samsung made an official statement requesting that all global carriers and retailers immediately cease selling and exchanging the Galaxy Note 7. The company also advised all users to switch off their devices and utilize available options, including refunds at purchase locations. The following day, Samsung declared it would permanently stop manufacturing the Galaxy Note 7 to prioritize consumer safety. To facilitate returns, Samsung distributed specialized packaging kits containing an antistatic bag for the device, along with three nested boxes—the outermost lined with fire-resistant ceramic fibre paper. These return boxes included clear instructions prohibiting air shipment. In communication with Vice's Motherboard, Samsung confirmed it would not refurbish or repair any returned phones but would instead "safely dispose" of them.

Subsequent to Samsung’s measures, both the Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued formal recalls for all Galaxy Note 7 units, banning their sale and distribution within their respective countries. Additionally, the British postal services Royal Mail and Parcelforce announced refusals to accept or deliver parcels containing Galaxy Note 7 devices. Online platforms such as eBay and Gumtree also removed listings offering the phone for sale. Following the suspension of sales, Oculus VR released a software update for the Samsung Gear VR headset that disabled compatibility with the Galaxy Note 7 due to safety concerns; this headset had previously been bundled with some phone units as a promotional item.

On 14 October 2016, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration alongside the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration prohibited carrying the Note 7 aboard any commercial flights, regardless of whether the device was powered off. Airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Garuda Indonesia implemented similar restrictions, while Transport Canada issued a notice stating that under Special Provision 137, which forbids transporting damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries by air, the Note 7 was banned from flights. In response to these aviation restrictions, Samsung set up dedicated kiosks at select airports enabling travelers to exchange or obtain refunds for their Galaxy Note 7 devices prior to departure, preventing confiscation by airport security personnel.

On 20 December 2016, a flight operated by Virgin America from San Francisco to Boston experienced a near diversion after a passenger was detected running a Wi-Fi hotspot named "Samsung Galaxy Note7_1097". However, investigations revealed this was a prank and no actual Galaxy Note 7 device was onboard.

Functionality Deactivation

On 4 November 2016, the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum declared a prohibition on all Galaxy Note 7 devices operating on domestic mobile networks starting from 18 November, implemented through an IMEI blacklist. Later, on 30 November, Samsung confirmed that Australian carriers would block Galaxy Note 7 phones from accessing wireless networks beginning 15 December 2016.

In December 2016, Samsung revealed plans to disable unreturned Galaxy Note 7 units in Canada and the United States by deploying software updates. The Canadian update limited battery charging and prevented connectivity to cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Meanwhile, in the United States, the update disabled the device’s ability to recharge, effectively rendering them inoperable as mobile devices.

Verizon initially declined to distribute this disabling update due to concerns over the potential risks for users without alternative phones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining emergency communication capabilities during the holiday period. However, on 18 December 2016, Verizon announced it would begin rolling out the update on 5 January 2017. Similarly, Sprint postponed issuance of the update until January 2017. Subsequently, Verizon implemented a policy redirecting all outgoing calls—except emergency calls—from unreturned Galaxy Note 7s to a hotline urging device returns and warned customers that failure to comply could result in charges equivalent to the phone’s full retail price.

On 9 January 2017, Samsung issued an additional update in South Korea restricting battery charging to a maximum of 15%. Later, on 24 March 2017, another update was released for South Korean users that completely disabled charging capability on the Galaxy Note 7.

Aftermath

The Verge criticized Samsung's management of the battery issues and recall process, highlighting the company's initial ambiguous communication regarding the safety of the devices and its delayed interaction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which holds the authority to initiate an official recall in the U.S. This critique was supported by data published on 13 September 2016 by research firm Apteligent, indicating that usage of the Galaxy Note 7 remained "almost exactly the same" following the announcement of the exchange program. Additionally, The Verge observed that the U.S. government's prohibition on carrying Galaxy Note 7 devices on airline flights was "perhaps unprecedented," noting that only bans on hoverboards by certain airlines—products also known for fire risks due to inferior materials—approached such a comprehensive legal restriction on a single consumer item.

Kyle Wiens from Wired suggested that Samsung’s transition to non-removable batteries was an attempt to emulate Apple’s industrial design, departing from its previous use of removable batteries in models like the Galaxy Note 4. He argued this design choice intensified the Note 7’s battery problems by forcing users to replace the whole phone instead of just the battery. Wiens recommended that Samsung could regain leadership by reverting to removable batteries, following the example of other conscientious manufacturers such as HP and LG Electronics.

Industry analysts asserted that the recall damaged Samsung’s brand reputation and anticipated a loss of market share to rivals including Apple, Google—which had recently launched their respective iPhone 7 and Pixel devices—and other Android manufacturers. Analysts at Credit Suisse forecasted that the recall and product discontinuation would cost Samsung nearly US$17 billion in revenue. On 12 October 2016, Samsung adjusted its third-quarter earnings forecast, projecting a 33% decline in operating profits compared to the previous quarter, alongside a reduction in revenue estimates by ₩2 trillion to ₩47 trillion (approximately US$41.8 billion).

On 18 October 2016, law firm McCuneWright LLP initiated a proposed class-action lawsuit against Samsung concerning its recall management, alleging that the company neglected to reimburse consumers for ongoing monthly expenses related to owning an unusable Note 7. Customers affected by exploding devices also expressed dissatisfaction with Samsung’s refusal to cover property damage caused by these incidents.

Following the recall, Samsung collaborated with safety organizations such as UL LLC, Exponent, and TÜV Rheinland to conduct internal tests and analyses aimed at identifying the root causes of the defects. The company published its official findings on 23 January 2017, revealing that battery failures resulted from short circuits caused by manufacturing flaws in battery electrodes. In original batteries, this issue stemmed from electrodes contacting at folded layers within the battery, while in batteries produced after the initial recall, welding defects led to punctures in the separator sheet. Concurrently, Samsung announced implementation of a rigorous eight-point inspection and testing protocol for all future battery-powered products. This enhanced process includes more stringent visual inspections, charge and discharge evaluations, Total Volatile Organic Compound testing, and accelerated usage simulations. An advisory board composed of academic experts was also established.

Concerns emerged regarding electronic waste due to Samsung’s initial plan to destroy all returned devices rather than refurbish or recycle them. In February 2017, The Korea Economic Daily reported that Samsung was contemplating refurbishing Galaxy Note 7 units with reduced battery capacity for markets like Vietnam; however, a Samsung India representative denied these claims. Environmental group Greenpeace disrupted Samsung’s press conference at Mobile World Congress to protest unclear plans for handling recalled phones. On 27 March 2017, Samsung announced intentions to recover reusable components—including metals, semiconductors, and cameras—from returned devices and to offer refurbished units "where applicable."

After discontinuing the Note 7, several features originally exclusive to it—such as Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, S Pen functionalities, and Grace UX—were subsequently backported to devices running Android Marshmallow (including models like Galaxy A8 (2016), Galaxy A (2017) series, and Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016)) as well as those operating on Android Nougat (such as Galaxy Note 5 via software update, Galaxy S8/S8+, and Galaxy C Pro series).

Galaxy Note Fan Edition (FE)

File:Samsung Galaxy Note FE (3) (cropped).png

Front view displaying the Samsung Experience onscreen interface alongside its packaging

File:Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Fan Edition.jpg

Rear view of the Samsung Galaxy Note Fan Edition

In June 2017, The Wall Street Journal revealed Samsung's intention to refurbish its stock of recalled devices and reintroduce them under the new model name Galaxy Note FE, where "FE" stands for "Fan Edition". Another rumored name for this device was Note 7R, with the "R" indicating "refurbished". The handset officially launched in South Korea on 7 July 2017, with limited releases planned for other markets. It was priced at $610, representing a $255 reduction compared to the original Note 7.

The Fan Edition features a reduced battery capacity of 3200 mAh along with enhanced safety mechanisms. Its software mirrors that of the Galaxy S8, incorporating a similar user interface and including Bixby Home and reminders; however, it does not support the complete Bixby assistant. Following the Note 7 incidents, Samsung implemented an eight-step battery inspection process to guarantee safety for all batteries used in both existing and upcoming devices. Since then, no cases of fire involving the S8 or S8+ have been reported, as these models were the first flagships subjected to this rigorous battery evaluation; similarly, there have been no fire incidents linked to the Note 8.

Following its initial launch in South Korea, the Galaxy Note FE became available in select Asian markets as well as Saudi Arabia starting October 2017.

Samsung Exynos 8890 editions

• SM-N930F (Global Single SIM)
• SM-N930FD (Global Dual SIM)
• SM-N930S (South Korea SK Telecom variant)
• SM-N930K (South Korea KT variant)
• SM-N930L (South Korea LG U+ variant)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 editions

• SM-N9300 (China Unlocked Model)
• SM-N930V (United States Verizon Wireless)
• SM-N930AZ (United States Cricket Wireless)
• SM-N930P (United States Sprint)
• SM-N930T (United States T-Mobile US)
• SM-N930R4 (United States US Cellular)
• SM-N930R4 (United States Straight Talk)
• SM-N9308 (China Mobile)
• SM-N930U (United States Unlocked)
• SM-N930A (United States AT&T)
• SM-N930W8 (Canada)
• SCV34 (SM-N930J, Japan KDDI au, Cancelled)
• SC-01J (SM-N930D, Japan NTT DOCOMO, Cancelled)

Galaxy Note Fan Edition (FE)

• SM-N935F (Global)
• SM-N935F/DS (Global Dual SIM)
• SM-N935S (South Korea SK Telecom variant)
• SM-N935K (South Korea KT variant)
• SM-N935L (South Korea LG U+ variant)

See also

• Samsung Galaxy
• Samsung Galaxy Note series

External links

• Archived Official Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Website
• Galaxy Note 7 Safety Recall Program

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