14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung is working on releasing a refurbished version of last year’s ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, one that would carry the moniker Galaxy Note FE, with FE standing for Fan Edition. The retail name is still unconfirmed, although the refurbished variant was previously thought to feature the Galaxy Note 7R name.
A new report from Korea reveals that Samsung will release the Galaxy Note FE on July 7 and the smartphone will come with Bixby on board. Samsung’s virtual assistant originally debuted on the Galaxy S8 and S8+ earlier this year, but the company is still working on voice commands in English.
The reason Samsung is taking longer to release the Galaxy Note FE is related to available stock. Apparently, the company will launch the refurbished variant one week later than it was initially thought because it wishes to up the stock of available units.
Samsung upped the stock of Galaxy Note FE units
Samsung initially prepared 300,000 Galaxy Note FE units for the market, but now the company intends to sell 450,000 models. That’s a 50% stock increase that signals Samsung’s confidence in the success of the refurbished variant.
The report also mentions that the Note FE will be the first smartphone in the series to come with Bixby pre-installed, but it only mentions the Bixby Home feed of cards found in the homescreen. Bixby Voice might not be included on the refurbished variant, but that remains to be seen. Samsung has yet to release voice commands in English for Bixby, while the Korea-bound variant is able to rap and even beatbox.
The refurbished model is expected to cost about $618 when it hits the market in Korea, while the smartphone will feature the letter R stamped on the back to signal the fact that the phone is a refurbished variant.
The Galaxy Note FE will be made available in four color options, specifically Black Onyx, Blue Coral, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium.