An update on the freezing/boot-looping/screen artifact issue (I am unsure if this is related to the battery issue for which devices are being recalled).
I took it into the Samsung Service Centre and they advised that they are aware of the issue - from what the guy at the counter said, 8 other devices had been returned for the same issue. Then had to fill in a replacement form and was advised it would be sent for approval after which they'll send a replacement device. He also advised me to ring the Call Centre and escalate the request to get them to send it faster. I called them today for an update and was told my replacement has been approved and will be received early next week.
I also inquired about the product recall and how that would effect my replacement - He said the replacement device I will be receiving next week is the new kind without the battery issue.
From the looks of it they've already fixed it in the manufacturing process but it will take a few weeks to push out all the replacements and the back orders.
Fortunately, it looks like having gone in for a different issue just before the recall was announced means that I won't have to go through the lengthy wait for the recalled replacements. 2 birds one stone.