Pre-orders for Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone have exceeded those of its predecessor, the firm’s mobile chief said yesterday, suggesting many consumers are unfazed by last year’s Galaxy Note 7 fires.

Samsung yesterday indicated that its latest flagship Galaxy S smartphone could be delayed as it pledged to enhance product safety following an investigation into the cause of fires in its premium Note 7 devices.

Samsung has said failures in the design and manufacturing of the batteries in its Galaxy Note 7 caused them to overheat and catch fire.

Samsung has recalled all of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after finding batteries in some of the flagship gadgets had exploded or caught fire.

Samsung says it is suspending sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after some batteries exploded while they were charging.