Samsung halts sales of Note 7 smartphone after reports of exploding batteries
Samsung has recalled all 2.5 million of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after 35 confirmed reports of some units’ batteries exploding or catching fire. Occurring just two weeks after the phone’s official launch, customers will be entitled to a smartphone replacement within two weeks. The company has estimated that 24 out of every 1 million Note 7 units are likely to contain a faulty battery.

HONG KONG — A ubiquitous source of power in most modern technology, lithium-ion batteries keep cellphones, laptops, electric cars and airplanes running. They are also the source of many problems, with some overheating, catching fire and even exploding.

In a potentially damaging episode, Samsung, the world’s biggest maker of smartphones, announced on Friday that it would recall its Galaxy Note 7 model after discovering a flaw in the battery cell that could result in fires. The company will replace 2.5 million phones sent to stores and consumers, in one of the industry’s largest recalls.

The recall puts Samsung, which has been trying to match the success of the Apple iPhone, in a precarious position.

The smartphone industry is grappling with slowing demand and intense competition. Samsung was regaining swagger with its high-end phone models, like the Note 7, in which the screens appear to spill off the side.