If you use a Samsung phone, you should be aware of a serious battery problem that your device may develop. In a recent video, famed YouTuber, Mrwhosetheboss (Arun Rupesh Maini) observed how many of the phones in his collection had swollen. His observations were corroborated by other tech enthusiasts who say most of the Samsung phones in their storage that were launched before the Galaxy 20, had their batteries ballooned.
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What’s happening?
In a video posted on Sep 27 with 3.3 million views so far, Maini spoke of how he first noticed that Galaxy Note 8 had ‘blown up’. Viewers can see how the swollen battery had forced the phone open. A quick check of other Samsung devices in his possession including Galaxy S6 and S10 revealed a similar fate. Interestingly, the problem was only observed in the Samsung devices and not other brands.
The UK-based YouTuber who has over 11 million subscribers, explained that he has in storage hundreds of different phones at the same place, same temperature and in the same position.
Maini reached out Zach from JerryRigEverything, who is popular for device teardowns, and he explains that the problem could be from the batteries’ electrolyte – the liquid that ions move within the battery, allowing the battery to be stable.
If that electrolyte is gone, I think thermal runaway and damage to the battery is way more likely to happen if it ever is charged up again or tried to be used again.
Cause for alarm?
Fortunately, this problem is not as serious as the exploding batteries saga of 2017 where Galaxy devices were banned from certain airlines. It would appear only devices which have been unused for a long are developing this problem. If you own an older Samsung phone which you are still using, you need not worry.
In a response, Samsung said:
We are aware of this matter and are looking into further technical assessments. We encourage customers with questions regarding their Samsung device to contact their local Customer Service representative.
Sources used:
Business Insider India: Samsung’s phone batteries are reportedly swelling up – here’s everything you need to know
Android Police: Batteries inside older Samsung phones are swelling at a disproportionately high rate
YouTube: Samsung phones are Blowing Up - Here’s Why.
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