EXPLODING batteries and an embarrassing recall of a flagship gadget during a controversial, leadership transition — it has been a bad year for Samsung, and analysts warn the trouble is not over yet.With more competition in the saturated smartphone market, South Korea’s biggest firm is desperate to avoid a full-blown disaster that could cost billions, hammer its reputation and taint its new leadership.Just weeks after the rollout of the Galaxy Note 7 "phablet", the world’s largest maker of smartphones was forced to recall 2.5-million units globally, following complaints its battery exploded while charging."Samsung appears to have rushed fast to roll out the Note 7 with the iPhone 7 in mind ... and it is paying a hefty price now," says Greg Roh, an analyst at Seoul-based HMC Investment & Securities.With images of charred phones flooding social media, the unprecedented recall was a humiliation for a firm that prides itself as an icon of innovation and quality — and the timing of the cr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.