Good news: Samsung reportedly knows what ruined the Galaxy Note7

It would be nice if they shared with the rest of us.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It's not going to be an easy task, but before Samsung can earn back consumer trust, it'll need to explain what went ultimately went wrong with the Galaxy Note7 and caused it to be discontinued.

A month after publicly apologizing for the Note7 and promising to launch a thorough investigation into the disastrous phone launch, Samsung has now reportedly concluded its internal investigation, according to The Korea Herald.

Although no definitive details as to what caused so many Note7's to explode and prompt two global recalls before the phone was permanently discontinued were shared, the report claims Samsung has shared its investigation findings with third-party labs such as the Korea Testing Laboratory and UL.

The report mentions no timeframe for when Samsung will disclose its findings.

"We will re-examine every aspect of the device, including all hardware, software, manufacturing and the overall battery structure," Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, wrote in the public apology published in three major U.S. newspapers. "We will move as quickly as possible, but will take the time needed to get the right answers."

Mashable reached out to Samsung Electronics North America and received the following statement from a company spokesperson:

“While we have been conducting our own investigation, we have also been working together with independent third-party experts to re-visit every step of our engineering, manufacturing, and quality control processes. The investigations have been thorough, and will take time, and we believe it would be premature to speculate at this point until all investigations are complete. Once the analysis is complete, we will communicate our findings transparently, definitively and quickly.”

It's widely believed faulty batteries and possibly the tight tolerances of the Note7's design may have caused the phones to explode, or a combination of both.

With the Galaxy S8's impending release next year, the clock is ticking for Samsung to act fast to mop up the Note7.

Samsung initially thought the Note7 explosions were related to defective batteries produced by its own battery division, Samsung SDI. But after replacement and "safe" Note7's containing batteries made by China's Amperex Technology Ltd. (ATL) also started to catch on fire, Samsung ultimately moved quick to kill the phone.

Interestingly enough, in a separate report, The Korea Herald claims Samsung might consider using batteries made by rival LG Chem for the Note 8, further suggesting the Note7's problems might really be directly attributable to the batteries used.

With the Galaxy S8's impending release next year (reports suggest in April), the clock is ticking for Samsung to act fast to mop up the Note7.

One possible venue for Samsung to reassure consumers that it has indeed done a thorough investigation into the Note7 is at next month's CES, the year's largest technology show. Coming clean on the big stage is the only way the company will be able to inspire confidence and let consumers know it has everything under control.

Updated 12/19 11:36 a.m. with the above statement from Samsung.

Topics Android Samsung

Mashable Image
Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Reserve a new Galaxy device before Samsung Unpacked and get a free $30 credit
the Samsung logo on a purple oval with a green background


Samsung Galaxy S25 price drops: See the best deals on previous-gen phones on S26 announcement day
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone and stylus on pastel circle backdrop

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked rumors: When it is, what devices we'll see
Samsung logo at CES 2026

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is almost here: Possible specs, colors, and release date
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

You can track Artemis II in real time as Orion flies to the moon
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman piloting the Orion spacecraft
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!