Samsung plans to update the software on Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to stop the devices from catching fire next week. [File Photo]

Samsung says it's investigating what could be the first battery explosion in one of its phones in China, according to a report from Caixin.com.

JD.com says it believes the phone itself was purchased by a customer in China through its online platform, according to the report.

However, the investigation is still taking place, as the alleged phone explosion has only been reported online, and has yet to be verified.

Samsung has announced a recall of its Galaxy Note 7 handsets in China after being officially 'called to the carpet' by China's quality watchdog last week.

Samsung is backtracking after coming under criticism for not adding China to its list of countries involved in a global recall of certain Galaxy 7 phones.

The South Korean company had insisted that batteries in its phones sold on the mainland come from a different supplier, and don't have the same risks as other Galaxy Note 7's in different parts of the world.

Samsung has been forced to launch a global recall of hundreds-of-thousands of its Note 7 models amid reports of the phone's batteries exploding while being charged.