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Diehard fans who refuse to return the Note 7 are putting us all in danger

Published Oct 13th, 2016 10:48AM EDT
Galaxy Note 7 Recall
Image: Reuters

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Samsung had to issue a second recall of the Galaxy Note 7 because the fire hazard remains unresolved. But even so, some diehard Galaxy Note 7 fans out there will not be returning their devices because they love them too much. If that’s the case, then I can only hope Samsung kills your phablets with fire.

DON’T MISS: The battery in a Samsung phone burst in our office, and it wasn’t a Note 7

No, I don’t want your Galaxy Note 7 phablet to explode and harm anybody. In fact, it’s you who’s putting everyone around you in danger by walking around with a ticking time bomb that might go off at any moment. Many people think that just because a few hundred Galaxy Note 7 phones exploded it can’t happen to them — 96 units exploded in the US alone. But nobody expects bad things to happen, and you won’t be prepared for the phone to explode if and when it does.

It can happen while you’re boarding a plane, while you sleep, or while you’re using it. It can happen even if you’re not using it. It’s dangerous and completely moronic to keep it around, no matter how great the phone is. I totally get why you’re not looking forward to parting ways with it. The Galaxy Note 7 is (was) one of the best phones you can buy this year. It’s a massive missed opportunity for Samsung.

If you don’t return yours, I want Samsung to force you to exchange it. It could start by annoying you with constant reminders and notifications. It could also significantly limit the maximum battery charge on the phone, though it’s still not clear that it would help. These are all things that can hinder one’s Galaxy Note 7 experience, and measures Samsung considered while dealing with the first recall.

But if you won’t return the phone for a replacement or a refund in spite of all those hassles, Samsung should remotely brick it so that you have to bring it in for inspection, data retrieval and ultimately, replacement.

Even if someone could guarantee that no Galaxy Note 7 will ever explode again, Samsung should make sure it collects and destroys every single sold unit. And it should do so before a Galaxy Note 7 causes even more harm to users… no matter how much you might like the phone.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.