In Korea, Samsung has launched the Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition) which uses hardware designed for the ill-fated Note 7 phone. The phone is priced at 699,000 won ($610), around 30% less than the Note 7. The phone uses Android Nougat, rather than Marshmallow (6.0) and has a 3,200 mAh battery, down from the 3,500 mAh of the original Note 7.
Analyst Comment
Sites have pointed out that the prices of phones decline over their sales lifetime, typically, so this is not much of a discount, given that the Note 8 is due soon. We’re assuming that the current release uses parts that were intended for new phones that were never shipped as we can’t find formal acknowledgement that refurbished hardware is being used. However, if the FE sells well, it might be reasonable to assume that refurbished devices might find their way onto the market. (BR)
