Apple had its global launch of the iPhone 7 last Friday as rival Samsung – hit by a massive recall over exploding batteries — struggled to retain brand loyalty with a quick fix to the new Note7.

Consumers are not too impressed with the smartphone giants with complaints of a lack of innovation on both parts.

The only surprise element to the Samsung Galaxy Note7 so far has been the exploding batteries, which quickly turned praises over features like the new iris scanner, more storage and an enhanced S Pen to fear.

On the other hand, Apple’s iPhone7 — which comes with an improved camera, stereo speakers, a water-resistant body and no earphone jack — attracted huge crowds and long queues worldwide, but techies lament the lack of innovative features, like wireless charging capabilities. In fact, its ‘new’ double camera function is already available on the Huawei P9, which was unveiled in April.

Before even being made available for sale, memes appeared on social media criticising the US tech giant for removing the headphone jack, requiring audio to be delivered via AirPods with “lightning” connector or a 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter that allows customers to use old headphones and accessories. Using the headphone jack adapter forces users to choose between charging their device or listening to audio, while opting for AirPods means an additional device to charge.

Here are a few of the other improvements Apple made:

The new iPhone has a faster processer and an improved home button which apple says is force sensitive. The button will now feel like its pushing back when users press it, but it really doesn’t move. The first-time feature of stereo speakers will provide twice the volume as the previous 6s models, while the improved batteries are expected to provide a one- or two-hour additional battery life over its predecessor.

While the handset was launched with very few problems, a number of users have been reportedly complaining that their new smartphone is giving off a strange hissing sound.

British newspaper The Telegraph reported that the sound, which is similar to the noise you hear when a speaker is poorly connected, could be caused by the new chip in the devices, which is designed to make the phones faster with improved battery efficiency.

While the noise might suggest that something inside the phone is being overworked, it might not have to be considered a major issue, but with Samsung having to recall 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7s after batteries started to explode during charging, it is definitely a cause for concern.

Users are advised to take the device to an Apple store if they experience the problem.

As for Samsung lovers, the firm started to roll out replacements for its Note 7s yesterday and will continue throughout the week.

The replacement units will have a special green battery indicator in the main screen to confirm that it is an updated model. If buyers are still unsure, they can look for a message on the box or simply double-check with the IMEI through Samsung’s official site.

The recall — the first involving Samsung’s flagship smartphone — dealt a major blow to the firm’s reputation and raised alarm among airlines, with several banning passengers from using the device on board.

While many users have snubbed the recall, Samsung is hoping a software update that will limit battery recharges to 60 per cent of capacity will jolt consumers into returning their handsets.