Samsung recently started its exchange program for Galaxy Note 7 devices over exploding batteries, but for those who don't want to participate, there's a way to check out whether or not yours is safe.
Across several markets in the world, the South Korean company issued a recall for the phablet in question except in one place: China. That's because the units in that country didn't come with batteries from the Samsung SDI subsidiary, which are the culprits of the whole problem, but from a Chinese supplier ATL.
That confirmation comes from The Korea Herald, and to put two and two together, it's likely that Samsung will start using ATL batteries moving forward. That means those who do get a replacement via the company's exchange program will probably get that brand under their new phablets' hoods.
Now, the most straightforward and sure way to verify the battery inside the smartphone is to pry it open, but in the case of the Galaxy Note 7, that's not exactly the simplest task to do.
Fortunately, there's really no need for all that, as Phone Arena says that a quick look at the back or at the Phone info part of the Settings app will do.
If it reads "Manufactured in China," then there's a "nice chance" that it's loaded with ATL batteries. On the other hand, if it reads "Manufactured in Korea" or "Manufactured in Vietnam," then it probably has SDI cells and should be returned posthaste.
Here are samples of the how the labels look like courtesy of Phone Arena:
A word of caution: Even though it's from a Chinese manufacturer, it's better to still go ahead with the exchange for good measure, not to mention that those who've managed to damage their units stand to get a brand-new model free of charge just by phoning in 1-800-SAMSUNG and make the swap via mail or heading to the retail store where they bought it. On top of that, there's also a $25 gift card or a $25 phone bill credit in store for those who take part in it.
It's also worth mentioning that T-Mobile is also holding an exchange program too, even though the models they sold were made in China. That just goes to show that the carrier isn't taking any chances, and customers probably shouldn't either.
At any rate, did you get ahold of the Galaxy Note 7? If so, feel free to hit us up in the comments section below and let us know what you think of this whole exploding batteries issue.
