Samsung Australia recalls over 50,000 Galaxy Note 7 smartphones over battery issue

Samsung Australia has taken a proactive and voluntarily step to recall 51,060 Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after reports of battery explosion emerged.

The voluntary recall by Samsung Australia comes four days after the global recall was placed on the Galaxy Note 7 by the South Korean electronics giant.

Samsung Australia in a statement on Tuesday advised its customers to power down their Galaxy Note 7 smartphone and return it to its place of purchase or use an alternative device until a remedy can be provided.

"Customers who have purchased a Galaxy Note 7 from Samsung are entitled to choose a new Galaxy Note 7 or a full refund," the company said.

"The delivery of a replacement Galaxy Note 7 to customers is expected within three to four weeks."

"The safety and ongoing satisfaction of our customers are our top priority," Samsung Electronics Australia Vice President IT and Mobile Richard Fink said.

It was earlier reported that Australian telecoms and retailers had pulled the plug on Samsung's latest smartphone from their shelves after a global recall was placed for the Note 7 on Friday when pictures of the exploding handsets began circulating online. Enditem