Samsung may sell recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices as refurbished models after fixing them

Samsung is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that all Galaxy Note 7 models that have been shipped so far are thoroughly examined in a mass recall. A new report now claims that the units that are being recalled if found healthy or otherwise will be checked, fixed and polished to be made available for its refurbished segment.

Business Korea reports that consumers are now using 1.4 million to 1.5 million of 2.5 million units to be recalled and one million to 1.1 million units are still remaining unopened. In addition, there will be the models recalled of which some devices may be found fit. This is factoring in that Samsung will replace the batteries of all the 2.5 million units of the Galaxy Note 7 so far recalled.

Just last month Samsung announced an alternate revenue scheme other than the usual smartphone line-up offering refurbished high-end phones from the Note series, S series and more. Most of these phones are those returned by consumers who sign up for one-year upgrade programmes in markets such as South Korea and the US which the company then re-sells at a much lower price in the market.

The used smartphone market has a significant presence and is expected to be more than $17bn this year as per Deloitte's estimates. Strategy Analytics, a market survey firm, in its latest report states that the global refurbished phone market grew 10% last year and will grow 14% this year.