“Samsung’s Rush to Compete: The Cause behind Note 7 Fires & Their Promise for Better Batteries”

Samsung has finally disclosed the primary reasons behind the disconcerting issue of its once-celebrated Note 7 phones catching fire whilst on charge. You may vividly recall not one, but two incidents involving this device which deservedly raised concerns regarding the safety of Samsung products. As a reaction to the first batch of fiery phones, around 2.5 million units were recalled, only to return with a similar problem.

Resultantly, Samsung had to discontinue the production of a phone model set to rival that in the league of the iPhone 7 and Google Pixel. This unfortunate turn of events tarnished Samsung’s brand reputation and knocked down their profit prospects, despite reporting substantial profit towards the end of 2016.

The first fiery incident, according to Samsung’s recent report, was a design flaw. The casing was too small to encapsulate the battery safely, leading to a short circuit when users attempted to charge their Note 7 devices. This issue triggered the first major recall. Ironically, a subsequent flaw crept up in their attempt to rectify this first gaffe. Desperate to keep up with tech giants like Apple and Google, they relied too on another battery supplier, overlooking a manufacturing defect. The intent to keep up with its competitors seems to have steered Samsung into the detrimental path of the second round of explosions.

The rather astounding revelation and takeaway from these events is not merely knowing the root of the battery issue, but understanding how Samsung intends to restore the confidence of its committed users in their future products. A striking consequence of the “cutthroat” competition among tech giants emerges with the compromise of safety over strategizing to outpace rivals.

D.J. Koh, the head of mobile at Samsung, in an earnest attempt to recoup trust, emphasized to CNET that innovation for customer safety is a priority and asserted, “in the end, we can win the customers’ trust back.”

Speakers at the recent press conference in Seoul, Korea where Samsung addressed the Note7 incidents included Sajeev Jesudas, President of consumer business unit at UL, Kevin White, Ph.D, principal scientist at Exponent, and Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President Products at TUV Rheinland AG. In a collaborative effort, these independent industry professionals laid down detailed findings of their investigations alongside the fresh preventative measures Samsung is employing in response to the incidents.

Setting the tone for future conduct and affirming their promise to ensure safety, Samsung implemented a broad range of internal quality and safety processes, including new protocols such as multi-layer safety measures and an 8-Point Battery Safety Check. To objectively maintain a vigil on battery safety and innovation, Samsung has constituted a Battery Advisory Group of external advisors, academic, and research experts.

Encapsulating his commitment to regain trust and ensure safety through innovative measures, DJ Koh expressed, “Today, more than ever, we are committed to earning the trust of our customers through innovation that redefines what is possible in safety, and as a gateway to unlimited possibilities and incredible new experiences.”

In order to visually explain their findings concerning the Galaxy Note7 incidents, Samsung has also released an educational infographic titled, “Galaxy Note7 – What We Discovered.” This visual guide provides consumers and industry professionals with an in-depth view, rightfully connecting the facts that led to these unfortunate events.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.