Samsung stopped the production of the Galaxy Note 7 after the devices proved problematic and burst into flames. But the flame may still be burning within the Korea-based firm.
Samsung does not only produce smartphones but also deals with an array of other electronic devices. Some of these include television sets and kitchen appliances. And many of them are now involved in safety questions. The washing machines are already being recalled. In Australia, 144,000 Samsung Washing machines have been recalled due to the fear that they are prone to fire.
In the past years, Samsung has had to contend with many other questions that have forced an investigation. Some of the largest accidents happened in 2003 where 184,000 microwave ovens exploded in The U.S. Again in 2009, 210,000 refrigerators were involved in the same tussle in South Korea. Also, some minor recalls have been made in various countries.
Consumer Frustration
Putting all these together, the resulting effect is frustration on the consumers. People who got affected by these kitchen and home appliances from Samsung said they did not have an easy time getting a refund. They thus were not surprised by how Samsung handled the Galaxy Note 7 recall.
The South Korean firm faced its largest fiasco with the Galaxy Note 7, which faced the company to even cut off production. This was not an isolated case as it was earlier on thought. More than 2.5 million devices were affected, raising questions as to whether the company is more concerned with profit more than customer safety.
Many have been heard comparing Samsung and Apple. They question why the same is not happening to the iPhones but very frequent with the Galaxy. Mr. O’Rourke said: “I thought, why doesn’t this happen to Apple or G.E.? And is Samsung playing it a little too cute in pushing things to limits that other companies aren’t pushing in terms of engineering-safety ratio?”
Apple – a brave rival
Apple has constantly remained at the top of the game, even as it battles out with Samsung. Its recalls are still the least. Last it made recalled the Beats speakers after consumers complained of overheating. In 2011, it recalled the iPod Nanos as a result of overheating issues.
A Samsung spokeswoman pointed to an earlier statement about its washing machines in Australia, in which the company said thousands of refunds and replacements had been made and that customer safety was its top priority.
But even as the firm is releasing this info, it may be getting ready to recall more top notch washing machines. These are the types that stand higher chances of catching fire. When they are used to wash heavy clothes, the lid is likely to burst off.