GalaxyNote7
Latest
Samsung recalls the Galaxy Note 7 amid battery fears (updated)
The Galaxy Note 7 isn't just the highest-scoring phone we've reviewed this year, it's the highest-scoring product. But following several reports that batteries were exploding, Samsung has issued a global recall of the device. Sales have been halted effective immediately, and all devices sold will be replaced. The problem occurs when faulty devices are being charged, and is down to an issue within the batteries themselves, rather than power adapters or circuitry. Apparently, it affects only a small percentage of devices, but when shipments are in the millions, that still amounts to a very big problem. Yonhap News Agency cites an anonymous official saying that batteries were sourced from both China and Korea, and it's the Korean-made batteries that are affected. Nonetheless, Samsung is recalling all models to be sure. At a press conference to announce the recall, Samsung said that 35 cases of the fault have been reported to date. It estimates the problem affects only 24 in a million devices, which equates to roughly one for every 42,000 sold. Koh Dong-jin, president of Samsung's mobile business, apologized for any inconvenience the recall may cause customers, but said it was important to put safety first.
Samsung reportedly gearing up to announce a Galaxy Note 7 recall (updated)
Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 debuted to almost surprising critical acclaim earlier this month, but since launch we've seen occasional reports of devices exploding while being charged. The company said yesterday that it delayed Note 7 shipments while it looked into the situation, but a report from Korea's Yonhap News Agency suggests Samsung knows what's going on and is prepared to announce a widespread recall. Update: It's official. Samsung has pulled the Galaxy Note 7 off of shelves and says it's preparing replacements, with a plan to begin the recall in about two weeks.
Galaxy Note 7 shipments delayed over reports of exploding phones
If you were planning to buy a Galaxy Note 7, you might not want to count on getting it quickly. Samsung tells Reuters that it's delaying shipments of its latest smartphone as it conducts "additional tests" to verify "product quality." It's not saying what it's worried about, but there have been reports of the phone's battery exploding while it charges. Samsung might be checking to see whether or not the battery fires are the result of systemic flaws, or just a handful of isolated incidents.
Reuters: Samsung to sell refurbished high-end phones
Samsung is preparing an official refurbished phone program, according to Reuters, which could launch "as early as next year." The scheme would offer premium handsets -- think the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note line -- at a discount for customers that can't afford them at full price. Most of the phones would be sourced from its one-year upgrade program, available in places like the US and South Korea, which gives super-fans an easier way to trade-in and acquire the latest handsets. It's not clear, however, how much the new discounts will come to, or where the scheme will be offered.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 and new Gear VR headset are available now
Samsung announced a host of new gear earlier this month, the most notable of which is its excellent new Galaxy Note 7 handset, and it's all available now in the US. The phone is now on sale at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Sprint stores as well as at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and a handful of other retailers. If you loathe going to retail locations, you can pick it up on Samsung or straight from the carriers online.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review
Note: On September 2nd, 2016, Samsung issued a global recall for the Galaxy Note 7 following several dozen reports of exploding batteries. Then, on October 10th, the company permanently discontinued the device after reports that replacement units were also exploding. Though this review is still live on Engadget's site for posterity's sake, we have elected to remove the original score. Needless to say too, even if the Note 7 were still being sold we would no longer be able to recommend it.
The Galaxy Note 7 vs. the competition: familiar, but different
Now that the dust has settled on Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 announcement, how does it fare against its rivals? It's time to run the numbers. Many will be interested in the Galaxy Note 7 just because of its "S Pen" stylus, but that's not where the story ends. Elsewhere, the Galaxy Note 7 has a Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 4GB of RAM, which is just what you'd expect from a premium device in 2016. Its 5.7-inch display is larger than the rest of the pack while its 1440 x 2560 resolution is what you'd expect from a flagship. The Galaxy Note 7 has 64GB of internal storage and an expandable microSD slot. The rear-facing camera is a 12-megapixel unit, which is lower resolution than most sensors in this price range, but Samsung claims it takes great pictures anyway thanks to its larger pixels and fast autofocus. Rest assured we'll have a full review of the Galaxy Note 7 before long, but here's a table of numbers to tide you over for now:
Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 costs at least $850 in the US
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Note 7 have started in the US, and it's clear that you'll be paying a pretty penny for Samsung's pen-toting flagship phone. The best deals among major carriers are at Sprint and T-Mobile, where the Note 7 will cost $850 if you buy it outright -- it may be wiser to go with the installment plans ($35 monthly for 2 years at Sprint, $33 per month with $70 down at T-Mobile). AT&T will sell you the new Note for either $880 outright or $37 per month for 2 years, while our overlords at Verizon offer it for $864 up front or $36 per month over 2 years.
What happened at Samsung Unpacked 2016?
Wondering what all the fuss was about Samsung's Unpacked 2016 event earlier today? Let our Senior Mobile Editor Chris Velazco explain everything you need to know about the new Galaxy Note 7 and its accompanying accessories. Those include an upgraded S Pen stylus, a new and improved Gear VR headset, and the US debut of the Gear 360 camera. Of course, the spectacle of the show may have surpassed the tech, so press play and get a taste of what it was like -- all in just two and a half minutes.
Samsung's big, beautiful Galaxy Note 7 lands August 19th
Another year, another Galaxy Note. Samsung just unveiled its new Galaxy Note 7 in New York this morning, and you'll be able to get one for yourself in the US starting August 19th. We got the chance to take one for a test drive prior to the show, and one thing quickly became clear: Samsung might not have revamped the Note formula, but the Note 7 is a testament to the quality that can come from years of gradual change.
We're live from Samsung's 2016 Unpacked event in New York!
Samsung is holding its annual Unpacked event in New York City today, and we're here ready to bring you all the news as it happens. As is often the case with its summer Unpacked events, we're highly likely to see the new Galaxy Note 7 this morning (yup, Samsung is skipping right over "6" in its naming scheme). There have also been rumors of refreshed VR hardware, and the company may have other surprises up its sleeve today. For all the news as it happens, stay tuned in right here -- we'll keep you updated on everything Samsung has to show us today.
Leak: Samsung's next Gear VR works with your old phone
The Galaxy Note 7 isn't likely to be the only treat at Samsung's August 2nd media event... and you may well be happy even if you have no intention of buying a new smartphone. Well-known tipster OnLeaks and French tech site Nowhereelse claim to have both a photo and details of the next Gear VR headset, and it's all good news if true. While the virtual reality gear will reportedly support the Note 7, which should have a USB-C port, it should still support Samsung flagship phones as far back as the Galaxy S6. And it could be a more immersive experience, too -- the new Gear supposedly has a wider 110-degree view versus the 96 degrees of its predecessor, so it'll feel less like you're staring through a porthole.
'Galaxy Note7' name confirmed by leaked pics
Can't wait for Samsung's next entry into the plus-sized phone category? A tweet from Evan Blass aka evleaks reveals three colors of what will apparently be called the Galaxy Note7 (no space?), in Black Onyx, Silver Titanium and Blue Coral. There have been rumors about the phone and its number-skipping name floating around, but the clear images confirm this is what we'll see announced this summer. Naturally, there's a stylus and curved edges, while the specs cited by Blass on Android Police include a 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, 12MP/5MP front/rear camera setup, 64GB of storage and IP68-rated water resistance.
