Samsung Confirms Plans to Sell Refurbished Galaxy Note 7 Smartphones

Lots of rumors have been flying around that suggest Samsung will sell refurbished versions of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, this is a twice recalled device that was prone to burst into flames while charging due to faulty batteries. After the investigation into the cause of the fires concluded that the only thing wrong with the devices were the batteries, Samsung decided to sell the refurbished devices to get some of the lost money back.

The faulty batteries that caused the Note 7 to be recalled twice were made from two different companies, Samsung SDI Co Ltd and Amperex Technology Ltd. There is no indication of what company will provide batteries for the refurbished Note 7 smartphones. The analysis on cause of the fires with the smartphone was conducted internally from Samsung and from independent researchers.

The announcement that refurbished Note 7 smartphones will go back on sale comes just days before Samsung is expected to launch its new flagship device, the Galaxy S8. As for where the refurbished Note 7s will go on sale, sources suggest that it will happen in South Korea in July or August and that the company hopes to sell as many as 500,000 units.

Sales of the Note 7 in other countries is unknown right now according to Reuters. Samsung said in a statement, “Regarding the Galaxy Note 7 devices as refurbished phones or rental phones, applicability is dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand.” For now there are no specifics set by Samsung for availability globally. Samsung has stated that the refurbished phones won’t be sold in India. A rumor last month suggested that the refurbished devices would be sold in Asia. All refurbished devices will be fitted with new batteries that have gone through Samsung’s new battery safety procedures.