The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is one of the best smartphones we’ve ever reviewed, aside of course from the tiny matter that a few of them keep exploding.
With 35 confirmed reports of the smartphone catching fire, Samsung has ceased all sales of the Note 7 and announced a mass recall after discovering a battery cell issue.
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In the UK customers who already have a Note 7 device, Samsung will voluntarily replace their current device with a brand-new one in the coming weeks.
Samsung recommends that those customers call their customer service team on 0330 726 1000.
In an official statement on the incident Samsung said: “In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.”
“In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.”
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The decision to recall its new flagship product has unsurprisingly had a negative impact on Samsung’s share price, which dropped around 2 per cent.
What’s important to note is that this is a pretty major decision for the technology giant. 35 cases may be 35 cases too many, but when technology companies sell millions of devices every year this is a tiny number of handsets.
To then announce a full recall is a big decision.
The timing will be particularly unfortunate as Apple is due to unveil its brand new smartphone the iPhone 7 next week at a special event in California.
This is Apple’s best iPhone ever, and if we’re honest it’s one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it can’t escape the rumours surrounding next year’s device but if you’re looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
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This is Google’s iPhone. It’s that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If you’re after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If you’re a photographer, the Pixel’s camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over £800.
OnePlus 3T
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The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. It’s exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
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Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
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The LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
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Huawei P9
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The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.
