Cheaper, Revamped Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Launching; Apple Scared To Put Wireless Charging In iPhone 8

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may seem dead after suffering from its exploding battery fiasco. A new report, however, claimed that the device will head to markets once again - but with a catch.

It was reported in February that Samsung will release a revamped and possibly cheaper Galaxy Note 7 to emerging markets such as Vietnam and India. The device will still carry the model number SM-N935, but with a Grace R code name to represent "Refurbished," SamMobile reported.

To avoid the possibility of exploding batteries, the tech giant will use a 3000 mAh or 3200 mAh battery instead of the 3500 mAh battery of the original Galaxy Note 7, The Korea Economic Daily reported (via ZDNet).

Though Samsung India denied those claims, releasing a revamped Galaxy Note 7 is reasonable. The move will allow the company to recover the money it lost during the exploding battery disaster. It will also lower the possible environmental damage that Samsung could cause when they dispose of the defective Galaxy Note 7 phones.

Samsung's presentation at the MWC last month was interrupted by Greenpeace activists. The group was questioning how the company will handle the disposal of the 4.3 million faulty Galaxy Note 7 phones.

Greenpeace is urging Samsung to recycle the handsets (which contain gold, cobalt and tungsten parts) instead of throwing them in a landfill. It remains to be seen whether or not Samsung would accede to Greenpeace's suggestion, though a decision like that can boost Samsung's tarnished reputation. However, it can still be challenging to convince consumers even in emerging markets to buy a revamped Galaxy Note 7 because of the negative publicity attached to it.

There are reports that the original Galaxy Note 7's battery problem has scared off other smartphone manufacturers, specifically Apple. The latter will reportedly equip the iPhone 8 with wireless charging, but the company doesn't want to repeat Samsung's mistake and have decided to forego the feature this year and work on perfecting the battery feature some more, BGR reported.

Apple is working with Broadcom Corporation on a customized wireless charging system for the iPhone for two years now. On the other hand, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently claimed that all of the iPhones Apple will release this year have wireless charging. The tech giant also attended the Wireless Power Consortium held earlier this month, suggesting that its upcoming products will indeed feature the functionality.

What do you think of a cheaper Galaxy Note 7 with a lower-capacity battery? Share your thoughts below.