Adam Turner June 08, 2012
Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone.
Australians face an uncertain wait for the Galaxy S III smartphone after Samsung recalled defective Pebble Blue models from distributors worldwide.
Globally Samsung has recalled 600,000 Pebble Blue models, destroying the battery doors due to a manufacturing defect causing discolouration. The recall has seen Pebble Blue shipments delayed to some Australian retailers, who started delivering Marble White models to customers this week.
After the cancellation no date was given for when Pebble Blue models would ship from distributors. Yet an initial Pebble Blue shipment finally arrived this afternoon, says Michael Xie from Sydney-based online retailer TopBuy.
While Marble White models arrived on the weekend and are being delivered to customers this week, Xie says Pebble Blue shipments were cancelled at the last minute from his foreign supplier.
"The Pebble Blue models were recalled from the distributor level, even though we had to pay cash up front," Xie says.
"We were assured on multiple occasions that delivery schedules would be met. Then delivery was delayed from Saturday until Monday, but then it was cancelled and they couldn't give us a new delivery date. We contacted our customers straight away and offered them the option of waiting, switching to a Marble White model or getting a refund."
"Now our first Pebble Blue shipment has just arrived this afternoon and we will be able to ship them tonight."
Internationally, Samsung Electronics has confirmed that the Pebble Blue model will be in "short supply... in some regions in the next 2-3 weeks". While declining to go into detail, the statement cites "the highest internal quality standards" when it comes to the "newly invented blue colour and special hyper-glaze material" used in the Galaxy S III's construction.
Locally, Samsung Electronics Australia denies reports that Samsung shipped Pebble Blue models to distributors and then recalled them.
"No recall has occurred globally including Australia about GALAXY S III Pebble Blue," according to a Samsung spokesperson.
"The Samsung GALAXY S III in Pebble Blue is now available to purchase in Australia through all carrier partners and selected mobile phone retailers. Samsung Electronics Australia does not currently foresee any issues with meeting the overwhelming demand for this device. Consumers should contact their carrier partners or local mobile phone retailer for GALAXY S III stock availability."