So Samsung is going to be bringing the Galaxy Note 7 back. Not the Note 7 handsets that they haven’t given the once-over yet, those are still in line for digital execution. No, Samsung has to do something with the estimated 4.3 million handsets that were pulled from the market last year.
Part of that process will entail breaking down some of the handsets for components and metals, meaning that they’re either salvaging for scrap or completely rendering down some of the phones. Some of them are going to be modified and put on the market, while those that aren’t wanted will be sent to the smartphone glue factory. But don’t just take our word for it. Samsung has a little something to say on the matter.
Samsung has confirmed that the Note 7 would be coming back, saying that some phones “…shall be considered to be used as refurbished phones or rental phones where applicable”, and citing environmental concerns for the refurbishing effort. They didn’t cite wanting to make back some of the cash they laid out getting the handsets back last year but we’re sure they won’t complain about it.
Samsung said in their statement that “The product details including the name, technical specification and price range will be announced when the device is available. Samsung will not be offering refurbished Galaxy Note 7 devices for rent or sale in the US.”
We can expect that the Note 7 revamp won’t be called the Note 7, then, and it’s a safe bet that countries that saw the handset release won’t see it the second time around. Which means… we might get a modified Note 7 here at some point, if there’s demand and ICASA gives the thumbs-up. We’ll keep tabs on that, for any adventurous types out there. It really was an amazing phone, if you can look past its explosive tendencies. Current rumour suggests that Samsung will take care of that by swapping out the existing batteries for smaller, more stable replacements.
