Samsung teams with UK partners for exploding phone recall

Local exchange programme for Galaxy Note 7 phones set to kick off on 19 September

Samsung is teaming up with its UK partners and operators on a local recall of Galaxy Note 7 devices over safety concerns.

The Korean vendor confirmed last week that it will replace 2.5 million of the devices in 10 countries amid concerns they could explode or catch fire while charging.

UK customers who have Galaxy Note 7 devices (pictured) will be contacted by the provider or operator from which they bought it to arrange an exchange, beginning on 19 September, Samsung has now confirmed.

As the global recall was issued on the day the device was launched in the UK, it's logical to assume the UK recall will only affect customers who had pre-ordered and whose devices were in transit.

"For customers who already have Galaxy Note 7 devices, we will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one, beginning on 19 September," Samsung 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. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible."

While Samsung's share price has recovered since the initial announcement, analyst Strategy Analytics believes the vendor will now shift 10 million of the devices, down from its prediction of 14 million.

The global recall was issued after Samsung was alerted to 35 claims of faulty phones worldwide and its investigation into the matter revealed there was an issue with the battery cell.

"While we have found a low-risk probability of the issue occurring, at Samsung we believe that your safety is paramount and we would prefer you not to take any risks," it said. "We encourage Galaxy Note 7 consumers to take advantage of the exchange programme."

Gerry O'Keeffe, managing director UK & Ireland at Samsung distributor Exertis (pictured), confirmed that the recall happened before stock hit the UK channel, adding that he was looking forward to the expected relaunch in October.

"We are excited about getting the product when it lands," he said. "It is a very compelling product that lines up well against the iPhone 7, particularly on comparative price points. We have the highest market share for Samsung in the UK so it's natural we will have a significant share of the product when it appears."