One man’s shiny new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 exploded while charging

By Christian de Looper Published August 24, 2016

It’s the hoverboard all over again. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been making headlines left, right, and center. However, while most stories have been good for the company, this one isn’t so great. Images posted on Chinese social media website Baidu show a Galaxy Note 7, only a few weeks old, burnt and battered in the aftermath of an explosion.

So how did the device explode? While details are a little scarce right now, it seems a though the user was charging the phone with a Micro USB to USB-C adapter, and it simply caught on fire. Before you panic, keep in mind that it’s totally possible that the issue pertains to only that particular Galaxy Note 7, and not the phone in general. It could also be the adapter, cord, or plug that caused the explosion.

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Of course, if the issue is more widespread, Samsung could have a serious problem on its hands, especially considering the fact that the explosion could injure people and damage property other than the phone itself. To prevent that from happening, it is recommended that you only use the charger that comes in the box with the phone. It’s also recommended that you keep the phone away from anything that might heat up, and keep it away from water while it’s charging.

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samsung galaxy note 7 exploded — Image used with permission by copyright holder

south korea battery requirements galaxy note 7 exploded 4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

samsung galaxy note 7 exploded 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Galaxy Note 7 arrived just a few weeks ago, but it has enjoyed massive success since it was announced. So much so, in fact, that Samsung is having a hard time keeping up with the demand for the phone, even delaying the device’s release in a number of markets so that it can catch up with demand. It makes sense that the phone would be successful, too — it packs all the cool S Pen and Edge panels from other Samsung phones into one super powerful device. It even won our Editor’s Choice Award.

Christian de Looper

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…

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