Build/Design Quality? - Thunderbolt General

What do you think of this phones build? Initillay I thought it was great and solid... After some use Im starting to think its worse then I thought.
Why:
Screen Scratches and Cracks easily.
Power Button is sinking in.
Light Leaks
Bottom Lip Peals?
Location of charging port (Kinda Stupid)
Battery Life... (Not really build quality but still)
Kickstand Coating peels?
What do you think?

Lucky I havent come across those problems yet... So i say its good minus the tiny crevice around the screen, they could of designed it to be one solid piece....

mitchell4500 said:
What do you think of this phones build? Initillay I thought it was great and solid... After some use Im starting to think its worse then I thought.
Why:
Screen Scratches and Cracks easily.
Power Button is sinking in.
Light Leaks
Bottom Lip Peals?
Location of charging port (Kinda Stupid)
Battery Life... (Not really build quality but still)
Kickstand Coating peels?
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me personally, i have not had any of these issues. I had the light bleeding issue real bad, and exchanged my phone and have been issue free since.

Yeah, I have no idea what your talking about? I don't have any of these issue, and I happen to think the build quality of the phone is fantastic!

i'll see if i can get any info about warranty exchanges for any of these issues since launch from VZW. i haven't heard anything about any of these issues prior to today when i read about kickstand "paint" peeling, but it seems to me that it's a metal finish. i don't see paint on mine at all.

I agree 100% with your statements about the charging port and the light leaks on the bottom buttons but I haven't really had any of those other problems.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Thanks for the replies lol. Im having all of these problems except for the bottom lip thing.

I think that HTC must have issues with the quality control of their manufacturing. The MT4G had all sorts of issues ranging from good/bad screen displays, light leaks, off center FFC, creaky buttons, etc, and I switched my EVO once due to light leak issues as well
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

Off Set FFC? I definitely got that lol. I thought it was like that on purpose.
I just called them about all these things and they didnt want anything to do with me. They told me to go to the store.

The thunderbolt doesn't seem to have as good of build materials as some other phones HTC has made recently. Desire, nexus one, and desire s in particular. But its still decent enough, just not top notch.

The only problem i've noticed is the power button sinking in. If it gets to be a big problem hopefully there will be a recall
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

The ffc isn't supposed to be offset?

My only real complaint is the kickstand/usb configuration.

one major design flaw i dont like is the placement of the LED, being inside the ear piece makes it difficult to see sometimes when you have a notificiation, espeically at an angle.

digitalscars said:
one major design flaw i dont like is the placement of the LED, being inside the ear piece makes it difficult to see sometimes when you have a notificiation, espeically at an angle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats not really a flaw, they did the same thing with the evo

The Front Facing Camera IS SUPPOSED TO BE a little to the Right with black on the left. ITS MADE LIKE THAT. Google Pictures of it and you will see they are all like that.

mitchell4500 said:
What do you think of this phones build? Initillay I thought it was great and solid... After some use Im starting to think its worse then I thought.
Why:
Screen Scratches and Cracks easily.
Power Button is sinking in.
Light Leaks
Bottom Lip Peals?
Location of charging port (Kinda Stupid)
Battery Life... (Not really build quality but still)
Kickstand Coating peels?
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the volumbe buttons are terrible they get stuck some times and become untactile and sink in.
Also on three different thunderbolts I have had issues with the headphone jack losing sound to the left speaker if the the plug turns to a certain point or is pushed gently to the right. Driving me nuts.

mitchell4500 said:
What do you think of this phones build? Initillay I thought it was great and solid... After some use Im starting to think its worse then I thought.
Why:
Screen Scratches and Cracks easily.
Power Button is sinking in.
Light Leaks
Bottom Lip Peals?
[*]Location of charging port (Kinda Stupid)
[*]Battery Life... (Not really build quality but still)
Kickstand Coating peels?
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two bolded ones are the only biggies I have had. The former much worse than the latter. I have slight light leaks, but honestly if I had never seen a post about it I would have never even known it was there. The only thing I would add is the speaker location, or at least put holes in the kickstand. I still kinda miss my HW keyboard, as I am much slower with the OSKB. But really that is just a preference issue that LTE more than makes up for. I do kinda wish it had a builtin HDMI, but still LTE makes up for that too. The only thing that really aggravated me was the kickstand direction/charging port location. Personally I wish they would just put the usb on the bottom like the evo. But that is just me. That's really about all I can add.

nosympathy said:
me personally, i have not had any of these issues. I had the light bleeding issue real bad, and exchanged my phone and have been issue free since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this too and the phone I got doesn't bleed much...but the vibration motor is ROUGH (feels like it vibrated loose) and the plastic chin piece is pretty much just hanging there. I'm going to a more helpful Verizon store this time and making sure I get a good one. If I pay this much for a phone, it better be built pretty well.

I personally noticed the light leak the night I got my thunderbolt, which is the night of the launch, and it's really getting on my nerves. Coming from an eris, I'm used to the light leak from the lights behind the menu buttons at the bottom, but my thunderbolt has extra light leaks around the bottom casing. My only thought is that if light can get through, so can water. Being a daily swimmer, I want my phone to be as waterproof as possible. I bought a silicon case and screen cover for the phone, mostly to cover up the light leak and atleast for me, the bacl cover creaks ever so slightly... I dont know if thats just because it's on wrong or what... I'm afraid to take it off again cause it's so tight. Having just dropped $300 and signed my soul into another 2 year contact, I want my phone to be as perfect as possible, and I truly think I found this in the thunderbolt. Has anyone had these problems in later models (were they just early manufacturing defects?) I'm contemplating returning my thunderbolt for a new one. Also... Did I mention I'm an android developer and that's where the money came from to buy my thunderbolt?? Haha
Sent from my rooted s-off Thunderbolt

Related

Cuts my hand?

Hi all,
I got my Nexus one and ever since I am bugged with this "defect"?. I checked with one of my friends and his N1 got this defect too. Do you all have it?
The defect is that; Right above the volume control buttons, the back cover doesn't fit. Part of the front casing (being hard and all) cuts my fingers when i try to hold this thing in my right hand. And that's my hand I use for reading stuff..
My questions are:
- do you have the same problem?
- if not, how can I order a back cover that fits perfectly? since I am really really annoyed with this?
- if there's another way of fixing this issue, what would that be?
best,
kirpi
I am from Turkey and one of my friends brought this n1 to me by the way, so rma is not an option [and I actually unlocked the bootloader already anyways]
mine does not have this defect
http://www.htc.com/www/support/nexusone/
they might still get you a replacement part for a hardware defect that cut you.. id call or email them and ask
Mine is fine.
My first Nexus One did not have this defect. My replacement does.
Call HTC and have them send you a replacement battery cover. If the replacement doesn't fit, have them send you a new phone.
Yes, I noticed it too and looked all over the web to see if it was normal. Seeing as others have noticed it to and some have even had one that fits properly and one that doesn't I think I'll try to call HTC and have them send a free cover. Has anyone tried this and been successful?
well, apparently it is not normal. so I asked htc how can i replace the cover.
i actually wait for any vendor /chinese etc/ to produce spare parts so that i can buy one in case htc cannot provide the cover to turkey
The back cover is off for me as well, however, I would suggest manual labor to toughen up your hands.
kirpi said:
well, apparently it is not normal. so I asked htc how can i replace the cover.
i actually wait for any vendor /chinese etc/ to produce spare parts so that i can buy one in case htc cannot provide the cover to turkey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you speak to someone at HTC? Did they offer to send a replacement cover? The thing is I can't tell if it's the cover that is off or if the phone part is off.
The back case is a little off. And from all the pictures of nexus one... it seems to be the case for everyone. However, nothing that will cut finger. I rubbed my finger on it for 2-3 minutes..nothing.
Everyone else.. look closely.. the metal part between volume and power is slightly visible as compared to smooth side of left. It is very slight and looks like a design change HTC made for placing volume and power key.
Called HTC and they agreed to send out a replacement battery cover so we'll see if that changes anything.
My first phone did not have this. My second did. I am now on my third and it has the slightest of a lip. You couldn't even notice it unless it was up to your eye. However my issue is with the screen. The right side of the screen is not flush with the phone, and there is a jagged lip that is horrid. I've been waiting for them to close my current ticket ( It's been 2 weeks, and have my money back in my back, but it still says testing phone ( yes , it was unlocked =) )). My old phone had massive dust under the screen.
Anyone else have this screen to phone edge problem? I almost regret selling my iPhone as the quality control seemed better. But I love my openess
I have no edge issues on the back cover...
muncheese said:
The back cover is off for me as well, however, I would suggest manual labor to toughen up your hands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah if that cut him WOW!!! hahahaha
What kind of moisturizer do you use? Your hands must be silky smooth! Like buttah!
I just noticed this defect today! I only noticed it after dropping it though (while sitting on the toilet it fell out of my pocket) so no damage of course but didn't notice before hand
well i am not that silky smooth but my skin may be a little too sensitive, i admit (allergetic person here)
However, the off part is not that much small in my casing.
Also it might be related to how I handle the phone. I use my right hand to hold it and my index finger and middle finger hovers around that problematic edge all the time while using it. I changed my handling (since i cannot change jobs for a manual labor that easily )
anyways, HTC has agreed to send me a back cover without even asking too many questions (obviously to a friend of mine in america) It made me think that, this is a well known issue. If that defect is with the chassis than I'll just wait for HTC desire sell mine after that
I received my replacement battery cover today and unfortunately it also does not fit. I called HTC and they are escalating the issue to the accessories department to have them investigate the battery covers not fitting the recently built Nexus Ones.
cekle
it is saddening to hear that.. the rma life cycle is like hell for me (since i reside in turkey) well, please let us know if ever a fitting cover is sent to you and i will re apply.
I think all the N1s have this defect. Mine is about a quarter of a millimeter off just above the battery. It is actually common in electronics for covers to not fit perfectly.
Do I really care about something being .25 mm off? No.
The better question is, should that be enough to cut your hand or even scratch it?
In any manufactoring there is a "tolarence" that defects have to be under in order to be shipped out. In reality, everything has a defect.
The amount this cover is off is certiantly within most manufactoring tolarences. The N1 isn't going on a space shuttle so there is no need to have a tolarence of .001 mm.
There, you learned somethhing amount engineering and manufactoring.
In all honesty, do I think the tolarence for the cover was a big too high? Yes, but you are building something that costs $175 to make and then turning around and selling it $179 already, some corners must be cut.
arkavat said:
The back case is a little off. And from all the pictures of nexus one... it seems to be the case for everyone. However, nothing that will cut finger. I rubbed my finger on it for 2-3 minutes..nothing.
Everyone else.. look closely.. the metal part between volume and power is slightly visible as compared to smooth side of left. It is very slight and looks like a design change HTC made for placing volume and power key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine does not have a gap.
It looks the same on both sides for me.

Gorilla Glass

Thought you guys might enjoy this story:
I went to AT&T to buy my Captivate on Wednesday. A samsung rep was there and I was schmoozing with him. Anyways, he takes out a knife and stabs (hard!!!) the demo Captivate. Nothing happened to the screen. It was awesome!
coldbeverage said:
Thought you guys might enjoy this story:
I went to AT&T to buy my Captivate on Wednesday. A samsung rep was there and I was schmoozing with him. Anyways, he takes out a knife and stabs (hard!!!) the demo Captivate. Nothing happened to the screen. It was awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a video on youtube of an asian guy beating the heck out of the screen. Basically the only thing that scratched it was an exacto knife. Then he dropped it from like five and a half feet and the screen imploded lol.
Funny
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I was just wondering if my Captivate has regular glass or not, this is good to know. It's funny this information is not advertised like the iPhone 4 gorilla glass, which is plastered on every site that shows phone specs.
While we're at it, does the Captivate have noise cancellation? I only asked cause i had my Captivate hooked up to my car speakers and kept getting a loud piched echo sound while I was on a call today. The same annoying sound I used to get on my iPhone 3G.
Thanks in advance
logicrulez said:
I was just wondering if my Captivate has regular glass or not, this is good to know. It's funny this information is not advertised like the iPhone 4 gorilla glass, which is plastered on every site that shows phone specs.
While we're at it, does the Captivate have noise cancellation? I only asked cause i had my Captivate hooked up to my car speakers and kept getting a loud piched echo sound while I was on a call today. The same annoying sound I used to get on my iPhone 3G.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the iphone actually has Gorilla glass. I think it has an equivelent type of panel that some have said is used is the aeronautics industry.
I agree that they should use this is a marketing tool.
The Captivate has a noise reduction circuit, but does not have multiple mics for noise cancellation. I'd says the echo is some kind of feedback.
logicrulez said:
While we're at it, does the Captivate have noise cancellation? I only asked cause i had my Captivate hooked up to my car speakers and kept getting a loud piched echo sound while I was on a call today. The same annoying sound I used to get on my iPhone 3G.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no cancellation. Do you get the feedback when plugged into the charger and stereo or just the stereo. Never got it on my old fuze but do get it on the wifes 3g and my captivate. Only happens when we have the phone plugged in to charge. Pitch gets louder as the rpms get higher.
Sent from my captivate
The cappy just has noise cancellation circuitry but it works really good. I was in a club on a friday night with some friends and my girlfriend called me and she could clearly hear me talk over the loud music. She said she could also hear the music but she could hear me without any strain and I wasn't yelling into the phone or anything..
^cappy? Really, did you just call it that?
Clienterror said:
There's a video on youtube of an asian guy beating the heck out of the screen. Basically the only thing that scratched it was an exacto knife. Then he dropped it from like five and a half feet and the screen imploded lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine survived a good beating, but a few days ago I dropped it from the top of my stairs to a tile floor below, glass didn't break but the lcd inside was cracked to bits. Glad I actually got the insurance this time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
matt310 said:
^cappy? Really, did you just call it that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea lol, I'm running JH3 rom, JP3 Modem.bin off the i9000 phones, and the Vibrant kernel. This thing is Frankensteined to hell ATM, BUT HSUPA is working muhahahah.
This dude managed to break his Gorilla Glass dell streak like the first day he got it rofl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuuWRB43HCE
Does Gorilla glass even protect against the glass from breaking? I thought it just protected against scratches, etc.
From the video he was saying it was indestructable...which glass obviously is not. I have heard that Samsung is testing some kind of super hard plastic for the OLED screens so they can bend a little.
Im thinking of taking off the screen protector, if it is indeed gorilla glass or similar, but my first captivate got 2 small tiny scratches on it and it really pissed me off. I got a bodyguardz on it now.
Can you link to the specific bodyguards item? Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Actually Gorilla glass is more resistant to breaking than regular glass, not scratching. However, most screens are a type of plastic, maybe acrylic or polycarbonate. Any type of glass is MUCH more scratch resistant than these plastics. I've read that the edges are still vulnerable so a silicone case or something similar should help a lot. I'm really enjoying the feel of the glass so I think i'm gonna skip on the screen protector.
I've got strange discoloration in the upper right corner of my captivate - not on the screen itself, but on the glass to the right of the ATT logo. Seems really aparent when I run my finger over, looks like the upper right of the screen is lighter, and its really apparent when there is finger oil or in sunlight.
Anyone see the upper right of their captivate screen, some sort of lighter discoloration? Not sure if I somehow messed with that part of the glass but it seems a perfect oval.
This probably makes no sense and i'll try to take a picture.
logicrulez said:
I was just wondering if my Captivate has regular glass or not, this is good to know. It's funny this information is not advertised like the iPhone 4 gorilla glass, which is plastered on every site that shows phone specs.
While we're at it, does the Captivate have noise cancellation? I only asked cause i had my Captivate hooked up to my car speakers and kept getting a loud piched echo sound while I was on a call today. The same annoying sound I used to get on my iPhone 3G.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When your a company that makes high end products, you dont have to advertise it. The people should already "know" lol. Software might not be that good right now, but the hardware is top notch on this phone.
nickbarbs said:
I've got strange discoloration in the upper right corner of my captivate - not on the screen itself, but on the glass to the right of the ATT logo. Seems really aparent when I run my finger over, looks like the upper right of the screen is lighter, and its really apparent when there is finger oil or in sunlight.
Anyone see the upper right of their captivate screen, some sort of lighter discoloration? Not sure if I somehow messed with that part of the glass but it seems a perfect oval.
This probably makes no sense and i'll try to take a picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok well we might have a small issue then with the glass. Please refer to my pictures to see what I mean.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TdI4syHFOLz3nwksMwZm2A?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9beQtnvaGYLFPW8vQxzhCg?feat=directlink
Hope that link works for you guys.
Basically my theory is that the anti smudge coating is wearing off quite quickly on the machine. That smudge that you see is right where my leg was rubbing in my pants pockets this weekend while I had 4 days in amsterdam. Walked a LOT with this thing in my pants pocket and noticed just getting back home this strange smudge that wouldnt come off.
Its very apparent most of the time, its not GLARING as you can see by some of the no flash shots I took.. obviously its not great and if you zoom in with my pics you will notice a wearing down pattern.. makes me nervous the coating on this thing isn't built to last. Certainly it didnt last a weekend in amsterdam admittingly my jeans are pretty tight generally (dang europeans!)
Anyways the glass might not scratch but the coating comes off and i'm sure others will see this soon. My friend with a Vibrant has been playing non stop emulators on it and he says there are "holes" on the screen where his virtual buttons are. He freaked out but now figured he'll just wear down the whole screen in the same way anyway.
Obviously in my case its just the top easy to ignore but not great.. just watch out i guess guys. my case is getting to me in a few days - a few days too late LOL it might have been saved had I had the case earlier.
nickbarbs said:
Ok well we might have a small issue then with the glass. Please refer to my pictures to see what I mean.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TdI4syHFOLz3nwksMwZm2A?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9beQtnvaGYLFPW8vQxzhCg?feat=directlink
Hope that link works for you guys.
Basically my theory is that the anti smudge coating is wearing off quite quickly on the machine. That smudge that you see is right where my leg was rubbing in my pants pockets this weekend while I had 4 days in amsterdam. Walked a LOT with this thing in my pants pocket and noticed just getting back home this strange smudge that wouldnt come off.
Its very apparent most of the time, its not GLARING as you can see by some of the no flash shots I took.. obviously its not great and if you zoom in with my pics you will notice a wearing down pattern.. makes me nervous the coating on this thing isn't built to last. Certainly it didnt last a weekend in amsterdam admittingly my jeans are pretty tight generally (dang europeans!)
Anyways the glass might not scratch but the coating comes off and i'm sure others will see this soon. My friend with a Vibrant has been playing non stop emulators on it and he says there are "holes" on the screen where his virtual buttons are. He freaked out but now figured he'll just wear down the whole screen in the same way anyway.
Obviously in my case its just the top easy to ignore but not great.. just watch out i guess guys. my case is getting to me in a few days - a few days too late LOL it might have been saved had I had the case earlier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not seen any mention of a coating on the glass by Samsung or by Corning (if our phones do have Gorilla Glass). The only phone that ever advertised a coating (that i know of) is the iPhone 3GS.
I would just like to see some mention of coatings - kind, purpose, etc. from some official source before i worry about it.
Gorilla Glass Official
It is on all Galaxy S models: Captivate, Vibrant, etc. It is listed on their website.

[Q] Creaky creaky!

I hate to nit-pick and I'm generally happy and relieved that I simply even got a unit, but both my left and right side are now creaky.. even the bottom is starting a bit.
I still have a week left, what should I do? Should I just return the unit and wait it out? Do anything think theres a way to stop the creaking?
Mine does the same, I am going to just accept it as others have this issue as well.
define creak? Mine has some flex in the back but no actual sound accompanying it.
docangle said:
Mine does the same, I am going to just accept it as others have this issue as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I've read that it's fairly widespread, but does yours creak on 3/4 of the sides? or just the left side?
seshmaru said:
define creak? Mine has some flex in the back but no actual sound accompanying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
definitely with sound. it clicks
Nope none of that.
PS: I've had it for 2 weeks now.
Mine creaks on the 3/4 of the right side. That is if i press it/hold it hard enough. Usually I'm cradling it with both hands or having it attached to the keyboard dock, so it's not that big of a deal for me.
And we wonder how they got this tablet down to $400 Mine creaks on the upper right if I apply a little pressure (like if I hold it with one hand on that side), but it's not like it creaks enough to drive me crazy, or even drive me irritated. You sacrifice build quality for hitting that magic $400 price point, it is what it is.
If there is flex, then there means that there is empty space. If that's the case, why isn't the TF slimmer?!
dfin13 said:
And we wonder how they got this tablet down to $400 Mine creaks on the upper right if I apply a little pressure (like if I hold it with one hand on that side), but it's not like it creaks enough to drive me crazy, or even drive me irritated. You sacrifice build quality for hitting that magic $400 price point, it is what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but that's simply false
My European HTC hero back cover creaked from the start and that thing has only seen torment for the past 2 years (7 ft. plus drops multiple times a week, don't ask ;_; ) and it's in full working order, undamaged. Creaky plastic does not signify build quality.
Mine creaks on the right hand side but I generally hold it with my left hand on the back of the unit or rest it on my stomach when in portrait mode, feet up sitting in my La-Z-Boy.
Had mine for 2 weeks and don't have any creaking in any orientation.
I have quite a bit of creaking as well, along with a gap on the left-hand side of the screen. I'll probably swap mine out before my 30 days is up with Amazon, and when stock is more available. I'm hoping that's how it works out, anyways.
seshmaru said:
I'm sorry but that's simply false
My European HTC hero back cover creaked from the start and that thing has only seen torment for the past 2 years (7 ft. plus drops multiple times a week, don't ask ;_; ) and it's in full working order, undamaged. Creaky plastic does not signify build quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And neither does light bleed, gaps, dust under the screen, or sharp edges, I guess Look I'm fine with some cut corners, it's what you have to expect when something seems to affordable too be true. I'm not saying that the Transformer is going to fall apart in your hands, but creaky build quality is usually a result of cutting corners.
dfin13 said:
And neither does light bleed, gaps, dust under the screen, or sharp edges, I guess Look I'm fine with some cut corners, it's what you have to expect when something seems to affordable too be true. I'm not saying that the Transformer is going to fall apart in your hands, but creaky build quality is usually a result of cutting corners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everyone has lightbleed and even the iPad and iPad 2 had lightbleed issues, I doubt those were because of shoddy manufacturing.
Also the sharp edges are part of the design, I can't really relate to anyone complaining about the "sharp"corners since the angular bezel edge design really isn't that bad on your finger tips or hands.
Also my HTC hero has a dust spec under the screen, just because something isn't perfect in design doesn't mean it's shoddy manufacturing or cutting corners in manufacturing, it's just a flawed design.
Not sharp corners, sharp edges -- run your fingers along the back edge of the tablet and you'll see. Look, I don't care much about the build quality, it's satisfactory to me, but some of you are in denial
dfin13 said:
Not sharp corners, sharp edges -- run your fingers along the back edge of the tablet and you'll see. Look, I don't care much about the build quality, it's satisfactory to me, but some of you are in denial
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not denial, my point is it's flawed design, not build quality.
Sharp edges on plastic, enough to cut if you were the careless type, are not bad design, it's cutting corners, which is build quality. Exposed plastic like that would normally be dulled so as to not be so sharp, but leaving it raw like that is a cost-cutting move, and is a build-quality issue. So is light bleeding, screen dust, and creaking.
I can't poll every Transformer owner to see if they all have the same build quality issues, but I bet if a good number ran their fingers along the back edge to check for sharpness, applied pressure to the case to hear it creak, or checked for light bleeding, they'd have one, if not all three. Things to be expected during a first run, and definitely expected when you've undercut the competition by so much. My position is if those things bother you, return it. I'm keeping mine.
dfin13 said:
Sharp edges on plastic, enough to cut if you were the careless type, are not bad design, it's cutting corners, which is build quality. Exposed plastic like that would normally be dulled so as to not be so sharp, but leaving it raw like that is a cost-cutting move, and is a build-quality issue. So is light bleeding, screen dust, and creaking.
I can't poll every Transformer owner to see if they all have the same build quality issues, but I bet if a good number ran their fingers along the back edge to check for sharpness, applied pressure to the case to hear it creak, or checked for light bleeding, they'd have one, if not all three. Things to be expected during a first run, and definitely expected when you've undercut the competition by so much. My position is if those things bother you, return it. I'm keeping mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off light bleeding is a fault of the LCD manufacturer. LG was at fault for the bad iPad 2 screens. Apple used both LG and Samsung, and only the LG ones had the issue quite regularly.
I don't have any plastic edges on mine. My plastic backing definitely fits inside the aluminum frame. I cannot feel any sharp edges along my back, and I'm trying to be nit picky for the sake of your argument. I have a slight creek in one spot on the right edge, that is the only build quality issue I have of all, and it is slight. My suggestion if you see separation or your plastic back is not inside the frame RMA it to Asus, or return to the store. It could be as simple of a fix of them taking it apart and putting it back together with more care.
I think the point is being missed here. I'm fine with the sharp edge -- hell, mine stays in the Asus case, I don't even feel it. The argument was whether or not build quality was compromised (and that includes parts from companies other than Asus, cost is cost), and I think it was. If you told me I could get a $400 tablet with an IPS screen, and I'd have to deal with a sharp edge and some creaking (I don't notice light bleed and I don't want to look for it because I don't want to notice it! ), I'd jump all over it. No need to get defensive, in the end it's just a piece of consumer electronics.

Anyone's TF developing creaks?

Normally I'm not one to obsess over this sorta thing but... My one month old TF seems to creak a lot when I press on the left edge (below the buttons) and either I'm going mad (quite possible) or it's getting worse...
If I grab it by the black bezel it's solid, it's when my thumb happens to rest on the bronze edge that it feels off and creaks audibly, I can seemingly push it back against the plastic back and feel it snap in or something. The other side has a tiny bit of it but it's nowhere near as bad... I'm just worried it might be stressing the screen or could loosen even more.
Mine doesn't feel very solid as well.It's a B50 model. I don't think there is any space between screen and glass. But a lack of strength is noticeable especially compared to iPAd2.
RAMBO29 said:
Mine doesn't feel very solid as well.It's a B50 model. I don't think there is any space between screen and glass. But a lack of strength is noticeable especially compared to iPAd2.
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Click to collapse
Agree..Price to Quality rato on TF...as well with anyother company. A reason why Apple commands a premium for QC.
I have exactly the same problem and think the creaks got worse since I bought my TF. Otherwise it's a great device but the browser is bad. And I spend 70% of the time on the tablet using it.
Mine developed the same problem down the left hand side after a couple of days of receiving it and just got worse and worse. sent it back after a week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zfqx9-VHuE
The replacement doesn't creak like the old one but if i squeeze the edges around the power/volume buttons the back moves in so there's some looseness. Right now i don't notice it in normal use and considering it took a month to get a replacement it's not worth sending it back. But i reckon at some point in the future i'll have to sendit in for repair.
I really like this device, and have to say i'm really impressed with the updates and that Asus seems to be listening to their customers - but the build quality in my experience is not good, i'd have happily paid an extra £50 for a more solid/robust build.
Impulses said:
Normally I'm not one to obsess over this sorta thing but... My one month old TF seems to creak a lot when I press on the left edge (below the buttons) and either I'm going mad (quite possible) or it's getting worse...
If I grab it by the black bezel it's solid, it's when my thumb happens to rest on the bronze edge that it feels off and creaks audibly, I can seemingly push it back against the plastic back and feel it snap in or something. The other side has a tiny bit of it but it's nowhere near as bad... I'm just worried it might be stressing the screen or could loosen even more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of answers here if you search.
I agree it's super annoying.
But to venture a guess........the 3G transformer has a SIM slot in the exact location of the creaky side, soooooooo, it must be the lack of the SIM slot and included hardware that makes this thing creak. it would have been nice if Asus had stuffed something else into the WIFI model to fill the void. This is my only complaint with this device.
Mine uused to creak only on the right side bottom quarter... but I've noticed that it's been creaky in other places lately too. :/ But then again, it's not really as bad as some of what I've heard, and it's definitely more solid than my HP (which of course, was not of the envy line).
Mine creaks in the same spot as yours (OP) but I have it in a pretty nice carbon-fiber case now and it's a non-issue.
ExploreMN said:
Mine creaks in the same spot as yours (OP) but I have it in a pretty nice carbon-fiber case now and it's a non-issue.
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Click to collapse
What is the Carbon Fiber Case you have? Where is it from?
wilx said:
What is the Carbon Fiber Case you have? Where is it from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17192114&postcount=283
Mine creaked and felt a little loose at first, then it stopped and everything feels really tight, i think messing with it one night i clicked something in place, the glass seems to sit more even as well.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Hmm, thanks for the feedback guys... I guess if it ever gets worse I might put the warranty to good use. Right now it's sorta irksome but not bothersome enough for me to bother just yet.
I can sorta recreate the sound from that YouTube clip but only if I push back on the copper border the press in from the plastic back (ie pushing that section back and forth from both directions)... Meaning, if you obsess over it then it'll definitely drive you crazy and you'll probably even make it worse in the long run.
During normal handling mine definitely doesn't creak quite as much. I've sorta gotten into the habit of putting more of my hand around it when picking it up (when I've noticed it creak the most) versus just grabbing it by the very edge, which pretty much mitigates the issue. No creaking at all around the longer sides without the excess wrap around border so I don't even notice in a portrait orientarion (which is how I do most of my reading).
Honestly, if this continues to be my biggest complaint after a few months, I'll be pleased as punch. I just hope it doesn't get proggresively worse. I definitely wouldn't pay $100 more for a sslightly more solid feeling device without as many ports or forms of expansion (dock/microSD), but that's just me.
Likewise, if i don't obsess over it, it's not gonna bother me - not worth sending it off for a month at the moment. But at least we've got the warranty there if it gets worse.

Physical Drop & Scratch Resistance Report

Hi everyone,
The Essential company claims that the phone is very drop and scratch resistant thanks to the premium materials used in the phone, but sadly there are no official Essential drop tests available anywhere which is mainly due to all the problems Essential seems to be having with supplies and rolling out their first manufactured devices. There are also some reports surfacing from the very early adopters of the phone of some scuffs and scratches which never go beyond a mere mention.
I thought I would start this thread where people who have the phone can report about how the phone handles inadvertent drops and scratches and scuffs to the screen and the ceramic back. When posting, please also include a little bit of explanation as to how it happened and if possible a picture of the supposed damages to the phone.
Cheers.
dropped mine twice. 2 nicks in screen, but ceramic and titanium are fine.
This also came out today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9QxIvm7T90
ack154 said:
This also came out today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9QxIvm7T90
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I watched the video. Mous of 7 or better on the ceramic. The finish in the titanium can be damaged but noting like aluminum.
Forget about bending the phone. The phone is pretty tough. A case will protect th cosmetics.
https://www.cnet.com/videos/we-destroyed-the-essential-phone/
Seems like this will be a very durable device.
Ya for what its worth it is way way way better than any aluminum phone would do. This they got right but its the software and camera that hold it back
jerflash said:
Ya for what its worth it is way way way better than any aluminum phone would do. This they got right but its the software and camera that hold it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only complaint is the camera software.
Other than that, I don't have any issues.
I would like a case, but only for cosmetics.
Know what really does it for me? Stock Android is a bit too stock also. I have gotten really used to how the pixel works and really like it with all it's slight tweaks to stock.
The cameras sensors are still too small to be on the level of the the other flagships too. Not only software. The Google camera does pretty well though
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
jerflash said:
Know what really does it for me? Stock Android is a bit too stock also. I have gotten really used to how the pixel works and really like it with all it's slight tweaks to stock.
The cameras sensors are still too small to be on the level of the the other flagships too. Not only software. The Google camera does pretty well though
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Nova, so Android is never really stock for me.
I use Nova Launcher because I can restore my device layout on any device.
As far as the camera, I'm not that concerned about the quality.
For me it's a case of not having a better camera and just getting the picture is important.
If I really wanted a good photo, I'd use one of my"real" cameras.
tech_head said:
I use Nova, so Android is never really stock for me.
I use Nova Launcher because I can restore my device layout on any device.
As far as the camera, I'm not that concerned about the quality.
For me it's a case of not having a better camera and just getting the picture is important.
If I really wanted a good photo, I'd use one of my"real" cameras.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy you like it man! It's not for everyone for sure. I thought it was my dream phone but for me... It's just not their yet. The next one maybe and still super happy with what they were able to make!
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
I've dropped this phone in 1 week more than I've dropped my Pixel XL in the past 3 months, just because of how slippery the little bugger is. No damage as a result of dropping it, though.
I do have some very light scratches on the ceramic back, from sliding across my desk or countertop at home, which I was *not* expecting. Both the top, by the mod indentation holes, and at the bottom left, too. I know they aren't from dropping it, as every time it's fallen, it's landed on its side or a corner, never flat on its back.
PhaseBurn said:
I've dropped this phone in 1 week more than I've dropped my Pixel XL in the past 3 months, just because of how slippery the little bugger is. No damage as a result of dropping it, though.
I do have some very light scratches on the ceramic back, from sliding across my desk or countertop at home, which I was *not* expecting. Both the top, by the mod indentation holes, and at the bottom left, too. I know they aren't from dropping it, as every time it's fallen, it's landed on its side or a corner, never flat on its back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop being so rich with your diamond crusted desks and counter tops ?
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
jerflash said:
Stop being so rich with your diamond crusted desks and counter tops ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I actually was checking out these:
https://egrips.com
Was tired of all my phones falling out if my pockets or slipping thru my hands...
jerflash said:
Happy you like it man! It's not for everyone for sure. I thought it was my dream phone but for me... It's just not their yet. The next one maybe and still super happy with what they were able to make!
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definitely not the phone for everyone. Build quality is for everyone.
There are some software shortcomings. I think they can sort those out.
I sold my 6P. SO I have the Essential for the long haul.
I have my replacement phone arriving today. I have gone through 2 glass screen protectors that due to the fit of them (not sticking to the edges) I have a nick in the glass at the top left and the screen is completely shattered on the bottom left, I can see gold metal under it and it has a crack running diagonally from left to right from the bottom left. I know I never dropped this phone from more than 2 feet high. I also have the scratches on the ceramic back near the mods ports. I've only used my 360 a couple of times. I'm definitely getting a case and moving to a plastic wet install screen protector.
I haven't dropped this phone yet, but I have several hairline scratches on the back ceramic. I guess I'm around a lot of minerals or dust particles that are > 8 hardness, which I find interesting.
Also on the glass I notice a patch of hairline scratches. I'm usually real careful about my phones (of course, everyone says this) but I think that's more of Corning's fault this time around. They're really small but knowing they're there bothers me. I wish I could buff them out. I'll be getting a screen protector I guess.
808phoneaddict said:
So I actually was checking out these:
https://egrips.com
Was tired of all my phones falling out if my pockets or slipping thru my hands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow, those are cool
My back panel got scratched (micro scratches) that's so weird. Got ceramic Xiaomi mi2 and it was perfectly strong....not like this one.
I dropped mine screen facing the floor from about 4 feet. Screen survived, minor scratches. Not a single crack. I didn't expect the screen to survive.
-Nav
I have a step from main floor to foyer. Placed my phone near the edge and my dog pushed it down to tiles. Face down smashed!
2 line of scratches at the bottom bezel.
small dings on top left and bottom left corner display.
Sigh... thought it would survive...

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