Samsung Electronics Co. is facing growing consumer confusion and anger as the world’s biggest smartphone maker grapples with a recall of its newest devices following reports of exploding batteries.

The South Korean technology company said early this month that it is recalling 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 large-screen smartphones in 10 countries and other markets where the device had been shipped, citing faulty batteries that have led to some exploding while charging. Some 11 days later, the South Korean company had yet to set...