Following Ausdroid’s own advice yesterday on the Note 7, Samsung Australia has issued a statement this afternoon recommending that any users of the Note 7 — either an original Note 7 or a safe/replacement device — should return it to their place of purchase to seek a refund or an exchange.
The statement follows Samsung Global’s announcement earlier this morning about halting replacements. Here’s the full statement:
Samsung Electronics Australia Media Statement – 11 October 2016
As reported globally, Samsung Electronics is currently investigating the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. As a precautionary measure, we recommend that customers power down their Note 7 device and take advantage of the remedies available whilst these investigations are taking place.
Customers in Australia who have a Galaxy Note7, both an original device purchased before 5 September 2016 or a new replacement device, should power down their phone and contact their original place of purchase.
Samsung Australia is working with all its partners to ensure all customers can receive an exchange – including a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge – or full refund for their Galaxy Note7.
Before returning their Galaxy Note7, customers should back-up their data, complete a factory reset to delete personal information and power down their device.
We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our Australian customers and thank them for their patience.
This hasn’t progressed to a full recall, as yet, but we can only suspect that this may be coming. Samsung are clearly working on damage control here, and given the frequency with which issues are being reported overseas, this approach can only be considered prudent.
If you have a Note 7, you should back it up, pack it up, and return it now. If you’re fond of Samsung products, I’d personally recommend the S7 Edge to you; it’s a great phone and you won’t be disappointed.
Update:
This afternoon Virgin Mobile and Optus have updated their various community pages advising customers of this update from Samsung. The statement on the Virgin Mobile community page reads:
As a precaution, Samsung has advised customers who have received a replacement Note7 device to power off their handset. This applies to all Note 7 devices, including original and replacement handsets.
Virgin Mobile customers who are waiting to receive a replacement Note7 device, or have already received a replacement Note7 device, can choose a Galaxy S7 Edge or Galaxy S7 as a replacement device.
Alternative handsets are also available to customers who wish to change from a Samsung device.
Virgin Mobile customers can contact us to discuss their options.
For the latest information from Samsung Australia, please click here.
Optus has also added an update to their Community Page which reads:
As a precaution, Samsung has advised customers who have received a replacement Note7 device to power off their handset.
Optus customers who are waiting to receive a replacement Note7 device, or have already received a replacement Note7 device, can select between a Galaxy S7 Edge or Galaxy S7 as a replacement device.
We can also supply alternative handsets for customers who wish to change from a Samsung devices.
Telstra has issued this announcement regarding the Galaxy Note 7
We want to make sure our customers are looked after and we are contacting them today to ensure they are aware of the recall. We will be helping customers with a change-over to an alternative smartphone or a refund on their purchase. If customers have any questions they can visit us in store or contact us via a dedicated 1800 number. They can also find more information at: http://tel.st/SamsungN7
