Has Samsung got an even bigger problem with exploding phones?

The lawsuit, filed in the US district court in California, alleges that "Samsung chose to conceal the problem from the public... despite knowing the forseeable and predictable risk that the phone may overheat, flame and destruct from the inside, presenting a risk of serious harm or injury," reports The Guardian.

This latest action has been brought by Brandon and Jennifer Covert, who allege his Galaxy S6 Active phone exploded in the couple's bedroom at 2am on 2nd August.

At the time the couple were asleep, and were woken by what their lawyer, Frank Pitre, describes as "a loud explosion, resembling a gunshot". The device was on fire and quickly filled the room with smoke, it is claimed.

Mr Covert tried to smother the phone with a shirt, then ran to the kitchen to drop it in water. He suffered burns to his hands in the process.

Samsung has already had to withdraw its latest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, from sale and ended production after multiple instances of the battery overheating and catching fire.

The Covert's lawsuit includes consumer reports highlighting similar problems with other models in the Galaxy range, including the Galaxy S2, S3, S4 Active, S5 and S6. We have asked Samsung for a response and will update this story if we get one.

MORE: Samsung ends production of Galaxy Note 7

Source: The Guardian

Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.