After weeks of rumors, Samsung confirmed in March that it was going to launch a refurbished version of the Galaxy Note 7. The ill-fated flagship had to be discontinued last year after a battery defect caused units to catch fire. Samsung tried to fix the issue by switching battery suppliers but that didn't work.
The company has millions of Galaxy Note 7 units in warehouses. These units were recalled from customers who were quick to purchase the Galaxy Note 7 after it was released. To limit the environmental impact of getting rid of so many devices, Samsung will sell some as refurbished units in select markets.
South Korea is likely going to be the first market where the refurbished Galaxy Note 7 will be released. However, before Samsung can sell it there, a certification is required from the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards and the National Radio Research Agency.
According to a report, Samsung has not yet filed applications for the refurbished Galaxy Note 7 to be examined by both agencies. “If Samsung makes such a request, we plan to examine and verify the safety of the device by putting users' safety as the top priority,” said a representative of the National Radio Research Agency.
The refurbished Galaxy Note 7 will have the same specifications as the original device save for the fact that it will have a smaller 3,200mAh battery. It's expected to cost 700,000 won or $620 in South Korea.
