[Update: Samsung's statement] Some Samsung Galaxy Note8 units died after battery drained out

Update 2 (January 01):

Samsung has come up with another statement on the matter. The company is looking for more detailed information from those affected, to dig in deep.

Here’s the complete statement:

Of course, Samsung is taking all reports of this kind seriously, we only received a very small number of customer inquiries that could be linked to charge management, and unfortunately we can only comment on the matter further if we have more detailed information about the affected devices. If you have any questions about your device, please contact Samsung Customer Service at 06196 77 555 66 (costs according to the contractual partner’s terms for landline or mobile phone connections.) Service times: Monday to Friday: 8: 00-21: 00 clock, Saturday: 9: 00-17: 00 clock) or under: http://www.samsung.com/de/info/contactus.html)

Update 1: Our story has prompted Samsung to provide a statement to Times Of India (who contacted the company for a word on the matter). An India spokesperson of the tech giant said at present they do not have any official information about the Note8 battery problem. They, however, added that those facing the issue should contact their local Samsung support.

Here’s the complete statement:

We have yet to get any official report for this matter and are unable to comment until we obtain more specific information of the phone. Any customers with the similar matter are encouraged to contact Samsung at Local Customer Care number

Original Story:

Things appear to be getting really rough for Samsung of late. As if the ‘melting TVs‘ issue wasn’t enough, now we’re hearing about bricked smartphones. Yes, that’s what is coming to light now. Mystified are some owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 flagship smartphone, whose devices are now as good as a dead fish.

Let’s dive into details. What’s being chimed by several Note8 users – across different help forums as well as Twitter – is that after their unit ran out of battery or got completely discharged, it did not charge when the charger was plugged in, effectively refusing to get alive again.

https://twitter.com/walt26bo/status/945368291396157440
https://twitter.com/JonBothe/status/929557028065996800

Well, it’s baffling that running out of battery can cost you your device (instead of simply having to charging it again). And all this despite using the original charger/cable boxed with the phone. It’s worth mentioning that the problem isn’t carrier specific – we’re seeing similar reports from Note8 users on Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Here’s how some of the affected have explained the matter in question:

Sadly, as none of the efforts to turn on the device worked, those affected were left with only one option: replacement. However, from the reports we’re seeing, affected users are mostly being offered refurbished devices. While some did get a new replacement, there have been reports of the same issue occurring again.

Here’s a video shared by an affected user which clearly shows all efforts put in to bring a dead Note8 back to life, but with no success.

While there has been no official word from Samsung on the matter, what’s a bit relieving is that the company has been replacing glitchy Note8 units, albeit silently. Difficult to say whether it’s a small manufacturing batch that’s defected, or the problem is with the Note8 software itself. If it’s the latter case, then it’s likely to be a widespread issue – just that a few people have encountered it until now.

We’re keeping an eye on the matter, so rest assured, we’ll keep you updated.

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