Samsung recalled units of the Galaxy Note 7. (Photo : Getty Images)
A recently purchased Galaxy Note 7 burst into flames in China. The incident is another report following a series of units that have been reported defective.
The defective smartphone was purchased by Hui Renjie, a 25-year-old tech worker, who ordered his Samsung device on Sunday from JD.com. He then charged his phone that night and at early morning the next day, saw the unit emitting black smoke.
Moments later, Hui said that the phone was in flames.
The tech worker posted photos of his phone and the defective unit online. He contacted Samsung and he was promised a replacement, but the buyer refused as he was doubtful if the manufacturer would keep its commitment.
In a statement, Samsung said, "We are currently contacting the customer and will conduct a thorough examination of the device in question once we receive it."
The Korean manufacturer also said that the company "remains committed to researching and designing products and services that meet Chinese customers' demands, thus providing the best product experience for Chinese consumers."
Samsung also said that a recall was not necessary for China because the units sent to the country came from a different supplier. This is the fourth unit reported to have burst into flames.
The head of Samsung's mobile business Koh Dong-jin said the recall would "cost us so much it makes my heart ache."
However, 2.5 million units of the Note 7 was recalled when the incident reports poured in. According to the company, this is only a small amount of distributed phones globally.
Samsung claims that "customer's safety always comes first". A new batch of units was distributed but reports of defective units still surface.
Aviation authorities have banned the device in flight for fear of causing a fire.
