Galaxy Note 7 global replacement programme receives strong response

Samsung's global replacement programme for the Galaxy Note 7 has received strong response from consumers. About 90% of users have opted for the new Note 7 since the product became available, the company said.

In the US and South Korea alone, more than 60% recalled Galaxy Note 7 phones have been exchanged through the replacement programme. In Singapore, more than 80% consumers participated in the exchange programme that started on 17 September.

The company hopes to replace the recalled Note 7s as quickly as possible. D J Koh, president of mobile communications business at Samsung, said: "Just over three weeks ago, Samsung committed to a global replacement programme for the Galaxy Note7. Last week, that programme began for the majority of markets and the progress is encouraging."

"Our focus now is to make sure that all affected devices are replaced as quickly and efficiently as possible," added Koh.

Ever since the global replacement programme was announced on 2 September due to an isolated battery cell issue, the company has been working to expedite the shipments to execute the exchange programme.

The company is working with national regulatory authorities to protect consumers' security, it said. It again asked users to power down the faulty Note 7s and return them to get a new one. Alternatively, they can reach out to the retail stores or carriers from where they purchased their devices as soon as possible.

"We are humbled by our customers' loyalty to the Galaxy Note 7 device," said Koh. "This is why we want them to take advantage of their local replacement program so that they can continue to feel confident and excited every time they reach for their Galaxy Note 7 device."