Will a new battery icon be enough to save the Note 7's tarnished image?

Samsung is not having a pleasant time with the Galaxy Note 7. As reports of more and more explosions roll in, some with dramatic consequences, many governing entities are starting to ban the device entirely. Samsung has an image problem, and unfortunately new “safe” Note 7s aren’t visually distinct enough from their explosive counterparts. But will just changing the battery icon solve this problem?

ZDNet is reporting that new Note 7 devices will sport a green battery icon instead of the usual white one. This way, users will hypothetically be able to quickly verify that their device is safe to charge and use. The simple indicator may come in handy in places like airports, as some airlines are banning the device and practically all of them – and the FAA – are encouraging passengers to power down Note 7s while in flight and not to store them in luggage.

The change might not be enough, however. Analysts in South Korea are noting that the Note 7 branding might be permanently poisoned. 2.5 million of these devices shipped before the recall took place, and the danger of their batteries are making headlines far and wide.

These analysts are suggesting that Samsung rebrand the Note 7 entirely, with new devices being referred to as Note 7S, with the “S” standing for “Safe.” Even this might not be enough, however, as it’s far more convenient for governments, airlines, and schools to ban the device outright than muddle about in branding or battery icons.

The US federal government is currently working with Samsung to ensure that the recall is being carried out sufficiently, but data from Apteligent shows that the vast majority of Note 7 owners are still using their devices in spite of growing reports of their danger.

What are your thoughts regarding Samsung’s attempt to make “safe” and “unsafe” Note 7 devices more easily distinguishable? Will changing the battery icon be enough?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!