Back in November, a report claimed that Samsung was preparing to offer refurbished versions of its Galaxy Note7, following a global recall prompted by a series of fires, which were caused by problems with the handsets" batteries. Last month, the same rumor popped up again, and many were quick to dismiss it - not surprising, given that the company had explicitly stated it would "safely dispose of the phones" that it had recalled.
But in a press release today, Samsung confirmed that its "disposal" plans will include selling refurbished models. It said "devices shall be considered to be used as refurbished phones or rental phones were applicable". However, it also noted that this will be "dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand."
A day after the last rumors emerged in February, Samsung India confirmed that it would not be selling any refurbished Galaxy Note7 models there.
For those handsets which aren"t deemed suitable for sale as refurbished units or rental devices, Samsung said that "salvageable components will be detached for reuse". It explained that "components such as semiconductors and camera modules shall be detached by companies specializing in such services and used for test sample production purposes."
The refurbished models will reportedly come with smaller batteries than the original Galaxy Note7.