Samsung Galaxy Note 7 met its unfortunate end last year due to battery issues, costing the company billions of dollars and forcing them to recall the handsets. The battery issues were severe enough to cause the devices to overheat and, in some cases, catch fire, leading to a significant safety hazard for users. This debacle not only impacted Samsung’s financials but also tarnished its reputation in the smartphone market.
Introduction of the Galaxy Note FE
In an effort to mitigate the damage and recoup some of the losses, Samsung launched a refurbished version of the handset earlier this year, branded as the Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition). This version came with a smaller 3,200 mAh battery, which was a significant reduction from the original 3,500 mAh battery that caused the issues. The company revealed it would launch only 400,000 units of the handset in its home country, South Korea. Remarkably, just after two months, the Galaxy Note FE sold out in the country, indicating a strong demand for the device despite its troubled past.
The Galaxy Note FE was not just a simple re-release; it included some minor but important changes. The handset came pre-installed with Android 7.0 Nougat as its operating system, offering users a more up-to-date software experience. Additionally, the smaller battery was a crucial change aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of the device.
Global Availability and Future Prospects
Despite the successful sales in South Korea, Samsung announced that it would not manufacture additional units of the Galaxy Note 7 FE, meaning it would no longer be available for sale in the company’s home country. There were reports suggesting that the handset might launch in other global markets, but the company did not provide an exact date or confirm which markets would receive the device.
The limited release strategy could be seen as a cautious approach by Samsung to avoid any further complications and to focus on their newer models. The Galaxy Note FE served as a bridge for loyal customers who were disappointed by the Note 7 fiasco but were still interested in the Note series.
For those who missed out on the Galaxy Note FE or are looking for a more advanced device, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 8. The Note 8 comes with a plethora of new features, including a larger 6.3-inch display, dual rear cameras, and a more powerful 3,300 mAh battery. It also includes the latest software updates and security features, making it a more attractive option for those not constrained by budget.
The Galaxy Note 8 has been well-received by both critics and consumers, helping Samsung to regain some of the trust lost due to the Note 7 issues. It serves as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation and quality, aiming to provide users with a reliable and high-performing device.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy Note 7’s failure was a significant setback for Samsung, the company has made strides to recover through the release of the Galaxy Note FE and the subsequent launch of the Galaxy Note 8. The limited release of the Note FE in South Korea and its quick sell-out demonstrate that there is still a strong market for Samsung’s Note series. We’ll update you if the Galaxy Note FE launches in any other market apart from Korea. Until then, you may want to check out the newly introduced Galaxy Note 8 if you’re not on a tight budget.
Source: SamMobile
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