Are Other Samsung Phones at Risk of Overheating?
Just when we thought we’d heard the last of Samsung cell phones exploding, another of their products allegedly caught fire on a recent Jet Airways flight. On October 24, 2017, “India Today” reported that a Samsung Galaxy J7 smartphone caught fire mid-air on a flight from Delhi to Indore, putting the 120 passengers on board at risk.
Samsung Electronics recalled their Galaxy Note 7s back in September 2016. They later admitted that the replacement phones were unsafe too, and implemented a second recall in October 2016, offering consumers an exchange for another Samsung smartphone or a refund.
The Samsung Galaxy J7 was launched in June 2015 and is slightly different from the Note 7. There have been reports of this phone exploding as well, however.
Woman Notices Smoke Coming from her Handbag
The phone that allegedly caught fire on the Jet Airways flight belonged to a Delhi resident who had stored it in her handbag under the seat. She stated that she noticed smoke coming from the bag 15 minutes into the flight. She called for help and the airplane crew tried to put the fire out with extinguishers, but they did not work. It was only when they put the phone in a tray of water that the flames went out.
In response, Samsung said that they were “in touch with relevant authorities” and that customer safety was a top priority. The report, however, raises concerns that the J7 may have similar problems to the Galaxy Note, and that other consumers may be at risk.
Samsung J7 Overheats While in the Hands of a 4-Year-Old
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only report of problems with the J7. In June 2017, a report from “Valuewalk” indicated that a Samsung J7 overheated in the hands of a four-year-old while he was using it to play a game. He reportedly threw the phone down and smoke filled the room. An examination of the phone revealed the lithium-ion battery was burnt. Fortunately, the boy wasn’t hurt.
The family reported the issue on Facebook, and included pictures of the burned phone, raising concerns that the J7 may be just as risky as the Galaxy Note 7.
Samsung Eventually Stops Production on Galaxy Note 7
Samsung initially launched its Galaxy Note 7 as an improvement over their previous Galaxy S7 model. They soon started to receive reports of it overheating and catching fire, though—92 reports to date, with 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage. Airlines insisted that passengers keep the phone turned off for the duration of their flights.
Samsung eventually removed 2.5 million units from the market. They tried replacing the phone, but soon started receiving reports of their replacement phones catching fire, too, and ended up stopping production on all Galaxy Note 7s in October 2017.