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LifeProof Defective Battery Door

For anyone out there who are currently using or have used the LifeProof Fre; did you ever have any problems with the battery door cracking? I, just last week, received my second case from a warranty claim in under a year. Both times, my battery door has suddenly had a very tiny horizontal crack right at the bend just under the snap. The first time I was kinda worried that the crack may have been from a drop I had almost 2 months prior. There was no visible damage and the only way I knew something was wrong was that when closing the door, I no longer heard the familiar snap. The 2nd time I noticed the door had cracked I had been able to decidedly rule out any type of drop being the cause. The only visible signs of anything were normal wear and tear (small scratches on the back plastic from putting in and taking out of pockets), and on the sides where I had removed the case twice before.
Anyway, I was just curious how many others have had this happen to them. I would assume quite a few as mine cracked for almost literally no reason at all.

lordcheeto03 said:
For anyone out there who are currently using or have used the LifeProof Fre; did you ever have any problems with the battery door cracking? I, just last week, received my second case from a warranty claim in under a year. Both times, my battery door has suddenly had a very tiny horizontal crack right at the bend just under the snap. The first time I was kinda worried that the crack may have been from a drop I had almost 2 months prior. There was no visible damage and the only way I knew something was wrong was that when closing the door, I no longer heard the familiar snap. The 2nd time I noticed the door had cracked I had been able to decidedly rule out any type of drop being the cause. The only visible signs of anything were normal wear and tear (small scratches on the back plastic from putting in and taking out of pockets), and on the sides where I had removed the case twice before.
Anyway, I was just curious how many others have had this happen to them. I would assume quite a few as mine cracked for almost literally no reason at all.
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Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.

Wittyusernametaken said:
Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.
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This. I used to work at a store that sold them and I would often have to open the packaging to show people what it looks/feels like. Definitely noticed a difference.

Wittyusernametaken said:
Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.
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mojito13 said:
This. I used to work at a store that sold them and I would often have to open the packaging to show people what it looks/feels like. Definitely noticed a difference.
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Thanks for the replies. The only reason I'm still using the LifeProof is that they send me another free case when it breaks. I most certainly wouldn't still be using it if I had to keep paying full price for another. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem. You would think that there would be more reports on this, but I haven't seen mention of it on this site...

There were when I was using LifeProof a few months ago...

Susceptibility to bendability?

Has anyone heard/seen anything about the Ascend Mate 7 having the same issue of being bendable because of the metal body that the new iphones have?
Or, is this due to the entire body being made of metal? I think the Ascend Mate 7 and the other metal phones are only framed in metal.

I highly doubt it. It's very unlikely that they use the same type of aluminum so the problem shouldn't be present on the Mate 7.

That we know of...
jasonleb1 said:
I highly doubt it. It's very unlikely that they use the same type of aluminum so the problem shouldn't be present on the Mate 7.
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Well, this is why I'm asking. We don't know yet. Yet, the issues with the iPhone seem to surface within a week or two of users getting them. So, hopefully, by the time the US-variant is released, we'll know if it's a design flaw in just using aluminum/metal frames or if it's only iPhone-design related.
Now, I really don't mind waiting. Just wish there would be SOME news as to when the US-compatible version will be released.

I've been using an HTC One for the last year and a half which has a completely aluminum body. No bending whatsoever, not even if I forcefully try to do so. I've always been drawn to aluminum phones, never have any of them bent even a little bit nor is it a widespread problem among aluminum phones in general. This is pretty obviously a localized problem to the iPhone.

interesting
jasonleb1 said:
I've been using an HTC One for the last year and a half which has a completely aluminum body. No bending whatsoever, not even if I forcefully try to do so. I've always been drawn to aluminum phones, never have any of them bent even a little bit nor is it a widespread problem among aluminum phones in general. This is pretty obviously a localized problem to the iPhone.
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Thank you for the clarification in terms of the HTC One.

Has your glass shattered yet?

I just purchased 2 of these during black friday and the back of my wife's phone just shattered in her hand. Mind you she has a case on it. It's 28 degrees F here today, and she went outside during her break and sent me a text saying the phone just shattered in her hand. The phone has never been dropped. Mine is still fine so far and I'm praying it doesn't happen to me lol. Has anyone experienced this yet?

the heat made the glass expand probs RIP

I got that into moto G. I was into my vehicle and the AC was on the phone holder was fixed above the AC vent , so the cool air was hitting the device back . in my country ( Qatar ) we have a very hot days and that days was 45C . so when I went out of my vehicle it cracked right away ! . always if u have this situation u need to just open the door open and make the air come's into ur vehicle then u can get ur phone out . GD Luck !.

You would of thought Wuawei would of conducted extreme temperature testing specifically after using a new technique and materials for the manufacturing of the rear cover.
Thanks for the heads up l have to be extremely careful now when lm in hot countries..
PS: I would contact Vmall/Huawei/Honor as this is a manufacturing flaw and they need to address this as your using your device in a normal manner.

Got another one on the way, hopefully we won't run into this issue with the new one. I've been super nervous about this. I really hope the the glass used on that phone was defective. Here's a pic. Notice it looks as if it starts where the flash is.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-OvCAC1jreiRkhfOFRvWmVxOGs

BonezMontana said:
Got another one on the way, hopefully we won't run into this issue with the new one. I've been super nervous about this. I really hope the the glass used on that phone was defective. Here's a pic. Notice it looks as if it starts where the flash is.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-OvCAC1jreiRkhfOFRvWmVxOGs
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I'm sorry but I don't buy self exploding glass stories I read on forums.. The picture shown clearly shows the point of impact at the very top of the camera flash.. i'm not sure what kind of case she had but it probably was not strong enough to absorb the impact
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shook187 said:
I'm sorry but I don't buy self exploding glass stories I read on forums.. The picture shown clearly shows the point of impact at the very top of the camera flash.. i'm not sure what kind of case she had but it probably was not strong enough to absorb the impact
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Did you not read the op? Impact from what? The phone was never dropped or hit by anything. I don't do a lot of posting, but when I do, it's not to come post lies, or exaggerations, especially on a forum dedicated to mobile devices. On top of that, the case that's on the phone adds about 2cm to the back, but that's beside the point, simply due to the phone not even being in a situation that required the case or phone to take any impact what so ever.

BonezMontana said:
Did you not read the op? Impact from what? The phone was never dropped or hit by anything. I don't do a lot of posting, but when I do, it's not to come post lies, or exaggerations, especially on a forum dedicated to mobile devices. On top of that, the case that's on the phone adds about 2cm to the back, but that's beside the point, simply due to the phone not even being in a situation that required the case or phone to take any impact what so ever.
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I'm not calling you a liar and I did read the OP... with that said a phone doesn't have to be dropped... damage could occur right from someone's pockets, pocketbook or purse.
And in this case it was your wife I'm not sure where she stores or carries her phone, if she's like my wife or a typical woman its probably in her purse. Could have dropped her purse, someone could've sat on her purse who knows.. Close a car door on her purse?
But I'm sorry I stated again phones don't just crack on their own.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_glass_breakage. It's a wiki but references cited.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

damn didnt expect it to be that bad, wont it happen again tho when she walks out into the heat?

ritchea said:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_glass_breakage. It's a wiki but references cited.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
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If you look up images of spontaneous glass breakage none of the images look like the OP phone which you can clearly see a point of impact.
I'm sure It probably could've happened but so is getting hit by lightning
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shook187 said:
I'm not calling you a liar and I did read the OP... with that said a phone doesn't have to be dropped... damage could occur right from someone's pockets, pocketbook or purse.
And in this case it was your wife I'm not sure where she stores or carries her phone, if she's like my wife or a typical woman its probably in her purse. Could have dropped her purse, someone could've sat on her purse who knows.. Close a car door on her purse?
But I'm sorry I stated again phones don't just crack on their own.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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The phone was in her hand when it cracked. She was taking pictures of herself, using the rear camera (which she obviously noticed that it wasn't broke at the time), sent me a pic, then she took another and this time noticed that it was shattered. Phone never left her hand as she was outside vaping. So I don't see what could have impacted the phone other than cold weather. It's very possible that the glass could have been defective, or it was forcibly assembled, in which would have caused pressure in the flash area due to it having a slight bevel around it. I just don't see how this is "impossible" when people buy defective items everyday. I posted to see if any other user has experienced this, not to argue or defend myself about how it happened. If you don't believe that things like this can happen, then why did you feel that you had to post your opinion?

My wife's iPhone cracked on its own.. we woke up in the morning and there was one straight crack just above the middle from each side of the bezels. We called Apple and they just needed pictures of the crack and they approved the free repair. So these random cracks do happen.

In any case, the phone came out in, I think, August? I haven't seen or heard of any similar reports of this happening, so unless lots of people's phones start shattering spontaneously from temperature shifts due to colder weather it's probably just a random crappy thing that can happen happening. I won the dead on arrival Core i5 4690K lotto when I built a friend's roommate a PC two or three years ago. **** happens sometimes.

BonezMontana said:
The phone was in her hand when it cracked. She was taking pictures of herself, using the rear camera (which she obviously noticed that it wasn't broke at the time), sent me a pic, then she took another and this time noticed that it was shattered. Phone never left her hand as she was outside vaping. So I don't see what could have impacted the phone other than cold weather. It's very possible that the glass could have been defective, or it was forcibly assembled, in which would have caused pressure in the flash area due to it having a slight bevel around it. I just don't see how this is "impossible" when people buy defective items everyday. I posted to see if any other user has experienced this, not to argue or defend myself about how it happened. If you don't believe that things like this can happen, then why did you feel that you had to post your opinion?
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already said than random cracks happened due to weather changing with the phone .
First ( Changing The Place Hot to cold or opposite )
Second ( Charging The phone while battery id very low will make device very hot and it the glass touch any cold material might crack .
Third : using the phone for long time while playing games will make the device hot from the back and if it touch a cold materiel might crack Also ! .
and there is many reasons to having a crack,

jkccl9 said:
the heat made the glass expand probs RIP
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when did that happen

xdanewbiedude said:
when did that happen
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read my posts !

xdanewbiedude said:
when did that happen
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Not to me

Sudden changes in temperature can really damage a device. But I didn't thought that Gorilla Glass will break that way.

gopinaidu77 said:
But I didn't thought that Gorilla Glass will break that way.
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that should be confirmed by Huawei !

Durability

Before I post this, I have a Pixel 2 on order and am in no way bashing for the sake of it. That being said, its pretty disappointing that the pixel 2 fairs so much worse that the original pixel. The bend at the end is especially sad to see, not sure why they put a weak point in the frame almost in the middle of the one side. That being said, not planning on cancelling as it ticks all the boxes I care about and I certainly don't plan on bending/sitting on my phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVKnt7H4zVc&t=0s
What are your guys thoughts?

i am getting the 2 xl but
i am somewhat disappointed in the bend test the rest was ok

After seeing the jerryrigeverything test, I definitely feel more cautious about how I handle the phone. I didn't want to get a case and instead opt in for just dbrand skin and screen protector. Now it looks like I at least need to purchase a bumper case

I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.

krelvinaz said:
I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.
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The point he made was pretty crucial though. If material of pockets etc can discolour the paint on the phone, thats a disaster from the start.
The OG Pixel was very poor when it came to durability due to the soft aluminium used as opposed to the harder aluminium of more premium devices like iPhone and OnePlus 5.
The paint used will fare even worse, and unlike anodized aluminium, minor scratches wont simply "rub off", and rather, will likely be permanent.
Thats not even considering the fact that it will chip from any impact.
Also the OG Pixel suffered even when protected with the best case. A tiny piece of dirt can cause chaos if it manages to get in between the phone and case due to the soft metal, so the same will likely apply here.
Baffles me that Google have dropped the ball on hardware again.

To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out

wazka2 said:
To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out
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I agree I had a 6 plus when bend gate went down. I thoroughly in a UAG case and didn't worry about it. I the. Gave it to my 13 yr old daughter and she had no issues. Really I cant recall even snapping a phone ever.. this is a non issue. I feel good about going with the Pixel 2 over the XL I feel it's been less issue prone.

I am in construction, and my phone sits in my pocket all day while I am working. It was in my pocket without a case all day on Friday, since my Otterbox hadn't arrived yet, and it did just fine. Since then I have had the case on it, and I don't worry about it.

Anyone else already have a crack on the side where the antenna lines are?

My phone is about 14 days old. Already have a crack along the antenna line. love the phone otherwise and just want to know if anyone else has the issue. I always have it in a case.

Ksams said:
My phone is about 14 days old. Already have a crack along the antenna line. love the phone otherwise and just want to know if anyone else has the issue. I always have it in a case.
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=yyqNR6W_MUQ
Don't know what kind of case you have. I bought the tech 21 it's really rigid. I won't be sitting on this phone lol. In the video he use an awful lot of force I'd never put that kind of force on my phone.

wolfu11 said:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=yyqNR6W_MUQ
Don't know what kind of case you have. I bought the tech 21 it's really rigid. I won't be sitting on this phone lol. In the video he use an awful lot of force I'd never put that kind of force on my phone.
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I have a case that is more on the soft side but I haven't really done much to my phone besides put it in my pocket.

Wow that is so sad! I saw Jerry rigs strength test and it cracks during the bend test at 4 points where the antenna is. Oh god this phone is a nightmare then

Well.. send it it since you still have warranty?

Let's see how widespread an "issue" this is really going to be. I bet it won't be at all. [emoji1]
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Ksams said:
I have a case that is more on the soft side but I haven't really done much to my phone besides put it in my pocket.
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Was it your back pocket?

I smell a troll that saw a youtube video! LOL

I called support yesterday after reading the reports. Tier 1 rep went to Tier 2 to find out. He claimed that this would be covered by warranty barring other evidence of accidental damage - ie; fired from a cannon directly into a woodchipper. I guess I can't play hacky sack with the thing.

100rabh7791 said:
Wow that is so sad! I saw Jerry rigs strength test and it cracks during the bend test at 4 points where the antenna is. Oh god this phone is a nightmare then
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Why exactly does that make this phone a nightmare? The pressure they put on this phone in the test is WAY more than anyone would typically put on it. Put it in your back pocket and sit down, probably, but that would likely be any phone. I've had a ton of different phones, and never, ever had one bend. Even my Blackberry pearl, EVO, or nexus s. Those were way before phones were very sturdy. I seriously doubt most folks will bend this phone.

gettinwicked said:
Why exactly does that make this phone a nightmare? The pressure they put on this phone in the test is WAY more than anyone would typically put on it. Put it in your back pocket and sit down, probably, but that would likely be any phone. I've had a ton of different phones, and never, ever had one bend. Even my Blackberry pearl, EVO, or nexus s. Those were way before phones were very sturdy. I seriously doubt most folks will bend this phone.
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he forgot this wasn't a reddit post.

No cracks BUT I have official Google case for the xl (grey fabric) and just from taking it in/out of case some of the paint near the seam is coming off. WTF Google!!?? All black variant so I'm pretty pissed. Love the case but how the hell!? It's been in a case since minute 1 and never spent a second naked in my pocket or otherwise.

Ippolito1971 said:
No cracks BUT I have official Google case for the xl (grey fabric) and just from taking it in/out of case some of the paint near the seam is coming off. WTF Google!!?? All black variant so I'm pretty pissed. Love the case but how the hell!? It's been in a case since minute 1 and never spent a second naked in my pocket or otherwise.
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Seems like it's a big F for the glossy finish for the black variant. You could try to warranty it out and see what happens.

Ippolito1971 said:
No cracks BUT I have official Google case for the xl (grey fabric) and just from taking it in/out of case some of the paint near the seam is coming off. WTF Google!!?? All black variant so I'm pretty pissed. Love the case but how the hell!? It's been in a case since minute 1 and never spent a second naked in my pocket or otherwise.
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So as soon as you put it in the case this happened? Well it had to have since it was never outside a case for even a minute. But then you are taking it in and out of the case therefore it's been out for some time. I'm slightly confused as to if it's been out of a case or not. Nonetheless, I had a fabric case on my P3a and that thing is nearly impossible to get off. I did take it off once before the final time and it took me quite some time to get the phone out without damaging it. I'm not sure if the 4xl is the same but you definitely should get a replacement, put it in the case and leave it there.

I agree. I have the Pixel fabric case and find it impossible to take off. I find a good way is to take off the left side completely first. Don't try to take off from the top or bottom.

bobby janow said:
So as soon as you put it in the case this happened? Well it had to have since it was never outside a case for even a minute. But then you are taking it in and out of the case therefore it's been out for some time. I'm slightly confused as to if it's been out of a case or not. Nonetheless, I had a fabric case on my P3a and that thing is nearly impossible to get off. I did take it off once before the final time and it took me quite some time to get the phone out without damaging it. I'm not sure if the 4xl is the same but you definitely should get a replacement, put it in the case and leave it there.
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Sure I take it out but it's never touched a surface and never been in my pocket without a case. Primarily using new Pixel 4XL case from Google. It's pretty upsetting.

Probably the taking in and out of the case that's doing it. The stock Google cases fit very tightly, something that holds true with the two aftermarket cases I've also purchased. None of them were easy to get the phone in and out of and were/are tighter than I expect from a case. I mean so far the thing I've done with my phone that is most likely to break a phone is putting it in the cases I've owned.
On the bendy thing I don't buy it at all; it's not just a significant force applied but also done so in a very particular way on the very tip of the ends with a fulcrum in the middle. Try and imagine how you will apply a similar loading to the frame in actual use and it isn't easy to come up with a scenario. Not saying they wont bend or cant be broken but I am saying that I would be very skeptical of anyone claiming they encountered this damage in normal use.
One last thought here is that I wonder or question where the bar is, how strong should the phone be? Obviously it should be able to stand up to the rigors of the day to day but are we starting to expect too much? I'm actually asking, not sure if I can define a realistic expectation for a phones strength. I do feel however that some people are asking too much from what with current technology is inherently going to be a somewhat fragile piece of electronic equipment.

One question did they ever have a bend test for flip phones? Short answer no! Why they would snap in half. I agree I think we are expecting these phones to be tanks.

Here is a better question. Who puts a 1,000 dollar device in their back pocket like it's a .25 cent pack of gum? ?

ZeroKool76 said:
Here is a better question. Who puts a 1,000 dollar device in their back pocket like it's a .25 cent pack of gum? ?
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The real question is where are you finding packs of gum for 25¢?