Samsung Galaxy Note7 shipments delayed amid reports of exploding batteries

The well-reviewed Galaxy Note7 from Samsung has, unfortunately, run into a major technical problem that may taint its otherwise successful launch. 

Distribution of the Galaxy Note7 is reportedly being delayed due to a new, unexplained series of product quality tests intiated by the South Korean electronics giant. 

"Shipments of the Galaxy Note7 are being delayed due to additional tests being conducted for product quality," a Samsung spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday. 

Although the company did not elaborate on what the specific quality control issue is, the same report mentions claims of exploding batteries from local news sources in South Korea. 

And contrary to the aforementioned "delayed" statement from Samsung, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency claims that shipments of the device have been completely halted in the wake of various reports of the Galaxy Note7 exploding while charging its battery. The report cites five claims of exploding devices since Aug. 24.  

A user posted a damaged Galaxy Note 7 on Baidu amid claims that the device's battery may explode while charging.

IMAGE: VIA BAIDU

In recent days, photos have begun to crop on sites like Baidu showing what some users claim are Galaxy Note7s that have allegedly suffered accidental fire damage. However, there has been no confirmation from Samsung that the burned phones showing up online were definitely impacted by battery or charger malfunctions.  

The Korean Herald reports that Samsung is investigating the matter and may release the results of that investigation soon. 

Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Samsung reports highest profit for 2 years thanks to strong Galaxy S7 sales

Earlier this month Samsung forecast its most profitable quarter for two years, and today it delivered on that promise with its Q2 2016 results.

The Korean tech giant reported a 8.14 trillion won ($7.22 billion) operating profit on revenue of 50.94 trillion won ($45.2 billion). That profit figure is up 18 percent year-on-year, while the quarter’s revenue represented a five percent annual increase.

The company’s mobile division accounted for more than half of the firm’s revenue and profits. Samsung said that, like the previous quarter, sales of its flagship Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, which have sold better than its previous Galaxy S6 phones, and a more “streamlined” approach to its cheaper phones — including the successful mid-range Galaxy J series — helped it generate impressive financials.

What’s particularly interesting to note is that the Galaxy S7 Edge accounted for more than half of Samsung’s Galaxy S7 sales in the quarter. Given the higher sale price and higher margins, that was a major boost for the firm.

Looking forward, Samsung said that it will maintain its improved year-on-year results despite increased competition as “other companies release new mobile devices” — that chiefly means Apple, of course, which is said to be targeting a mid-September reveal for its next iPhone. But Samsung itself has new products coming — the next Galaxy Note will be launched next week, while it said it has plans for more Galaxy A and J series devices and a new Galaxy C series that is just for China.