[THE INVESTOR] Lee Joo-hyun, 33, does not want to replace her Galaxy Note 7 with another smartphone although she is afraid of possible explosions. She said she does not want to give up the functions of her Note 7.

“I am satisfied with the upgraded S Pen stylus. I cannot find the same function, even from other smartphones made by Samsung Electronics,” Lee said, who has only used smartphones under the Galaxy series for several years.

The Galaxy user said she wished she could continue using the smartphone, but admitted she would eventually end up exchanging it, as the withdrawal of the Galaxy Note 7 means it would be difficult to get it repaired or have its software upgraded.

Consumers tryout Galaxy Note 7 during an official event.
Consumers tryout Galaxy Note 7 during an official event.

Another user surnamed Hur, 41, also wants to keep using his Note 7 despite its battery problems.

“My Note 7 went through an inspection during the first recall and they said it was OK,” Hur said, adding, “I am satisfied with my phone except for the battery issue.”

In September, Samsung Electronics upgraded software for the original Note 7 devices so that their batteries would charge only up to 60 percent to prevent explosions.

Experts said the continued loyalty among some users is because smartphone consumers find it hard to change platforms once they are used to a smartphone’s interface and functions.

“It is not easy for users to shift to a new platform because they have to readjust to functions such as payment, apps and content,” said Lee Byung-tae, a professor at KAIST’s College of Business.

“That is why smartphone makers are focused on developing content to increase loyalty from their consumers,” Lee added.

A latest survey by tech media Sammobile showed that 91.7 percent of 5,715 Galaxy users said they are still willing to buy the Galaxy Note series despite the explosion issues.

Meanwhile, American financial company Standard & Poor’s said Thursday its ratings for Samsung Electronics are not affected by the company’s recent decision to halt production of the Galaxy Note 7.

“We believe the impact on the ratings will be limited at this stage mainly because of Samsung Electronics’ significant net cash holdings of about 65 trillion won ($58.3 billion) and strong operating cash flow,” S&P said in a statement.

By Shin Ji-hye/The Korea Herald ()