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Samsung reportedly knows why the Galaxy Note 7 exploded

Published Dec 16th, 2016 5:04PM EST
Galaxy Note 7 Explosions Investigation
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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The Galaxy Note 7 is the biggest disappointment of the year when it comes to technology. Regarded as the best Android phone you could buy at launch, the Galaxy Note 7 quickly become a real danger to the safety of buyers. A large number of fires convinced Samsung to recall the device, and then to terminate it when the proposed fix did not stop batteries from overheating and catching fire.

Samsung started investigating the matter right away but had trouble replicating the issues at first, according to some reports. The company promised a formal explanation by the end of the year, and a new report says that Samsung now knows what caused the Galaxy Note 7 explosions. But if it’s true, Samsung isn’t ready to tell the public just yet.

According to The Investor, Samsung has completed its internal investigation and reported its findings to outside laboratories including the Korea Testing Laboratory and UL. These results have not been shared with the press.

Various reports tried to explain what caused the Galaxy Note 7 fires, suggesting that Samsung’s rush to deliver a worthy iPhone 7 rival to market combined with design inconsistencies have lead to an increased number of Galaxy Note 7 fire accidents.

The same Investor report also notes that Samsung is not happy with its employees leaking information about its upcoming products.

“I feel deeply regretful to hear news of the recent attempts at data breach and prototype leak,” Samsung mobile chief mobile business chief Koh Dong-jin said in an internal memo to employees on Thursday. Ironically, that email already leaked.

“Samsung had a bitter experience due to the leak of important data — on product design and business strategies — to China and consequently suffered damages in the past,” he added.

Samsung’s next major product is the Galaxy S8, whose features have been mentioned in a slew of leaks originating from various news sites around the world, including Korea-based ones. Leaked, pictures of the Galaxy S8 aren’t available at this time, so we have no idea what “prototype leak” Koh has been referring to.

After the Galaxy Note 7 scandal, Samsung is looking to make a strong comeback with the Galaxy S8. The handset is expected to have a bezel-less, curved display and an iris scanner, and it’s supposed to go on sale next April, The Investor says.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.