Related
April 28th I used my upgrade for this phone. It was great up until that first "update", then it was 5-10 reboots daily.
Since then I'm on my 3rd thunderbolt. I've had a store rep lie to me saying I needed to go back to the place I bought it at to get a replacement phone, same rep voided the warranty after they transfered service back to my D1. Then Verizon tried to charge me the $570 fee for not sending back my 2nd thunderbolt.
After all this hassle & frustration the local manager gives me a free extended battery. Almost worth the $310 to buy out my contract if this is what the future looks like.
JillyBohnson said:
April 28th I used my upgrade for this phone. It was great up until that first "update", then it was 5-10 reboots daily.
Since then I'm on my 3rd thunderbolt. I've had a store rep lie to me saying I needed to go back to the place I bought it at to get a replacement phone, same rep voided the warranty after they transfered service back to my D1. Then Verizon tried to charge me the $570 fee for not sending back my 2nd thunderbolt.
After all this hassle & frustration the local manager gives me a free extended battery. Almost worth the $310 to buy out my contract if this is what the future looks like.
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Click to collapse
Did you buy your phone from an authorized retailer or a Verizon company store? Lots of times, authorized retailers are only worried about a sale and not customer service.
I've also heard great things about Best Buy Mobile.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I'm on my launch day TB, Never had a reboot, shut down, or problem rooting, flashing any rom, theme, font or sim failure. I am however in a Non 4g area.
Knock on wood.
crap
My wife and I both had our phones replaced. Mine is not as bad as hers but she can't hit the home button with out the phone freezing or loosing the touch functionality. Anyone know if its possible to swap for a different phone?
tekkski said:
My wife and I both had our phones replaced. Mine is not as bad as hers but she can't hit the home button with out the phone freezing or loosing the touch functionality. Anyone know if its possible to swap for a different phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call *611
If its a manufacturing defect then its covered. If you dropped it then I hope you have insurance.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
CanesDrew said:
Did you buy your phone from an authorized retailer or a Verizon company store? Lots of times, authorized retailers are only worried about a sale and not customer service.
I've also heard great things about Best Buy Mobile.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did buy it from a authorized retailer. Thing that frustrates me to no end is the customer service or better yet the lack of it. To have a rep knowingly activate my old phone thus voiding my warranty is beyond inexcusable.
Then the whole trying to charge me $570 for a device that I did send back, its almost like they want me to cancel my contract. I mean do I have to take a manager with me to fed ex to ship my old broken phone so they don't make the same mistake?
Maybe its too much to ask for that I get a working phone that I paid good money for & god forbid anything happens to it that they will try to help. Sorry that my phone broke & you have to spend 5 min helping me order a refurb. Perhaps if I tipped the rep then maybe they could help me even though its not a sale.
I had a crapload of problems after the MR1 OTA, including random reboots, overheating, crappy GPS, you name it. Instead of trying for a replacement, I re-flashed the full MR1 zip from my SD card, and all of my problems went away even when using MR1. MR2 made everything even better, although I'm no longer running a stock install.
My question is, have you guys tried re-flashing with the full RUU? It seems like a lot of the problems could be the result of a bad flash/faulty upgrade.
Great news! Now this phone is starting to reboot. Maybe its just time to root so my $300 phone will work
I know it's a dead horse. And some people get have different results. But yesterday I tried to exchange my G2X due to freezing, reboots, and lock ups while on wall charger (running official GB). (This is still my first G2X, my past exchange attempt was to get less screen bleed which failed.)
This time the agent told me they are aware of issues post update install and can do nothing. Then they told me I have to wait until LG has a fix. This is the same results I got when I complained of screen bleed and was denied a replacement due to that.
I usually don't get too excited, but based on principal this is beat. I know it's nothing new to some of you but I'm not sure where to go next. I really want to see if LG will ever own up to this and anything else, but I'm sure my issues are hardware based.
T-Mobile: There is a known issue with this phone after the 2.3 update. At this time, there is no further information I need.
T-Mobile: LG is aware of this issue and are working closely to resolve the issue.
Francis Scardino: ok.
T-Mobile: I am unable to process an exchange for you.
T-Mobile: I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Francis Scardino: So what do I do?
T-Mobile: You would have to wait until LG comes to a resolution for this issue.
Francis Scardino: I was told that last time about the light bleeding through the screen issues. The phone is not really reliable right now and I need it for work and do not have a home phone. There must be another resolution.
T-Mobile: I definitely understand, Francis. However, this phone does have a few known issues. This is the only thing that we can advise you of.
Francis Scardino: That's quite disappointing. I understand you can only do what you are allowed to do, but I have to find some other resolution. I cannot afford for my phone to turn off while charging at night, my job requires 24 hour on call.
Francis Scardino: Is there an escalation contact I can call. I have to come up with something other than buying a new phone. This one is not very old.
Francis Scardino: I just changed my contract to 2 years, and there is no equipment discount. I'm stuck.
T-Mobile: Unfortunately, there is no escalation process for this issue.
T-Mobile: We can set up call forwarding so that whoever calls your cell phone it will go to another phone.
Try to actually go into a T-Mobile store and make a big deal there
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I hate to say it, laissez-faire kinda guy that I am, but we need some kind of consumer protection legislation to prevent this kind of passing the buck.
Get on the phone and call a live person - ask for tech support, not a customer rep.
Sorry to hear that. I am currently on my second (freezing 3x a day) phone and I was offered another G2X exchange but I refused it. I told them they were just passing around refurb junk sent in by other G2X owners. To my surprise, I was offered a full upgrade (Got Tmobile in April 2011 with 2 year contract). It was a customer service rep that actually gave me that. I thought it was bs so I called back a week later to verify that the early full upgrade was noted in my account and it is. I would only be able to get a phone at the Tmobile website or at a corporate store. They said it would be 80% off the retail price. I am waiting for the Samsung Hercules to use that early full upgrade. I'm pretty sure they log every time you called in with notes of the reason of the call. I called in about 5 times (at least) so I think that's why I was offered the early upgrade. I would try calling in again at a different time. Try early morning around 7AM and then 8PM. That way you wont get the same person. You will get different results with different people you speak with. Call them again and good luck.
I was able to get another replacement overnighted to me yesterday... It should be here today. I did it all through the Live Chat online. I told them my phone would shutoff by itself, and it would require a battery pull, and he issued a replacement for me.
If I were you, I would just keep on trying until they offered to send you a replacement. It's worth multiple tries.
Spyvie said:
I hate to say it, laissez-faire kinda guy that I am, but we need some kind of consumer protection legislation to prevent this kind of passing the buck.
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Click to collapse
And you care about concealing water damage for the purpose of returning it to these thieves? T-Mobile knows for a damn fact there is good G2X's out there. They just don't want to give this gug another one in fear he might get another damaged G2X since it appears to be a 75% chance he would. Exchanging phones cost them money but they could give a **** less that we spent our hard earned money for a phone that we sometimes can't even use.
We signed a contract with T-Mobile and they entered into a contract with us to provide use with products and service as advertised. You see. I believe in a eye for a eye and two wrongs do make a right. You **** me over and I will **** you over twice as bad
Tmobile customer service is going to ****. Hear you have someone who's phone is not working as expected but they don't want to exchange it because it costs them money. T-Mobile knows there are good G2X'w out there. If all of them had problems then every customer who has one would be calling. I don't even care about the merger anymore. Its apparent T-Mobile is prepping for it quite well.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
I will certainly try again. I just can't wonder if this whole debacle will ever bring a full resolution. Is LG working on something? Are they just buying time to phase it out? What will those who have similar results like me have in the future? Will a fully fixed G2x ever hit the shelves..?
Anyone who got a replacement within the last week, what model number phone did you get?
jrwingate6 said:
And you care about concealing water damage for the purpose of returning it to these thieves? T-Mobile knows for a damn fact there is good G2X's out there. They just don't want to give this gug another one in fear he might get another damaged G2X since it appears to be a 75% chance he would. Exchanging phones cost them money but they could give a **** less that we spent our hard earned money for a phone that we sometimes can't even use.
We signed a contract with T-Mobile and they entered into a contract with us to provide use with products and service as advertised. You see. I believe in a eye for a eye and two wrongs do make a right. You **** me over and I will **** you over twice as bad
Tmobile customer service is going to ****. Hear you have someone who's phone is not working as expected but they don't want to exchange it because it costs them money. T-Mobile knows there are good G2X'w out there. If all of them had problems then every customer who has one would be calling. I don't even care about the merger anymore. Its apparent T-Mobile is prepping for it quite well.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mo doesn't want o give him another phone because they will have to pay for it out of their own pocket. LG will not give you a new phone because they are incompetent manufacturers, along with being liars and thieves, ...while T-Mo simply can't afford to give away phones that they have to pay for.
Spyvie said:
T-Mo doesn't want o give him another phone because they will have to pay for it out of their own pocket. LG will not give you a new phone because they are incompetent manufacturers, along with being liars and thieves, ...while T-Mo simply can't afford to give away phones that they have to pay for.
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T-Mobile can afford it. Their a multi billion dollar company. They sold you a phone to use on their network and it is up to them to make sure it works as advertised for 1 year from purchase. After this ends, T-Mobile can try to recupe their losses from LG but its known policy, their responsible for making sure that phone works within the first year providing the damage was not done by the customer. There is no ifs ands or butts about it. It is what it is and their beating around the bush. Do you think the middle class wooing man has enough money to keep buying phones because its provider wont provide him with a working one? This is bad business and you know it. I don't care if returning G2X's placed them into bankruptcy. The customer is always right and they must fix it.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
it is up to them to make sure it works as advertised for 1 year from purchase.
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Incorrect.
The manufacturer is responsible for the warranty in virtually every industry.
Yeah I had no luck with chat support I had to call in when the replacement was bad.
Spyvie said:
Incorrect.
The manufacturer is responsible for the warranty in virtually every industry.
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Click to collapse
Yes, the manufacture is ultimately responsible for the warranty but it is up to your providor to be the middle man and exchange the phone for you. They then send the defective phone back to the manufacture to be fixed, replaced or reimbursed.
It is up to the company you purchased the phone from to replace the phone. I didn't buy a phone from LG. I gave my money to T-Mobile who purchased the phone from LG. If I purchase the phone through Amazon then I would contact them for a replacement. If I buy a phone from a middle man than I expect that middle man to fulfill their end of the deal by making sure the device they sold me is not defective and can be used as advertised.
Its a very simple concept for anyone to understand. I know this to be the case since T-Mobile, the middle man exchanges multiple phones every single day.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
If you purchase a product from Best Buy or Walmart, and that product fails after the retailer's return policy has expired you are almost certainly responsible for contacting the manufacturer yourself. Most retailers have 30 day or even 14 day return policies depending on the product.
Arguing with you is like shooting fish in a barrel... you haven't made a valid point yet!
This whole G2X thing is garbage anyways.
Three months ago, I called into T-Mobile and did a contract renewal. I ordered 4 G2X's and 1 Defy for my 11 year old daughter...never would I have thought the Defy would be the best device in the bunch. It just works.
I called in within the first week about the phones shutting off, GPS taking over 25 minutes on 1 device to get a lock and was assured its all software and that LG is getting ready to release a software upgrade that will fix the issues, I should have sent them back and been done at that point instead of trusting what T-Mobile told me. Instead I had 4 replacements sent at one time, sent 3 of them back as they were worse than the originals. T-Mobile then sent me 3 more, fail. When I called back I asked to just send them back and was told i was past my 14 day period, even though it was noted on my account that I had called in previously in regards to sending them back and was told about the software update...that didnt change anything.
Next they decided the batteries were bad so they sent me 4 batteries, well that didnt solve a damn thing. They had me at that point contact LG, that got me a big "your a consumer, we cant offer any details on an updated software, but if you like you can send your phones back to us and we will send you replacements or fix the ones you have". Basically no go with that either.
Back to calling T-Mobile as I noticed now I had $100.00 charge on my bill for them sending me replacement phones!! The lines with insurance were only charged 5 bucks, the other 2 were charged $20!! They were unwilling to waive the fee's when I called about them! However they offered me replacement phones again if I wanted, and naturally at $50 bucks shipping again, I said no I wont pay for shipping again and finally got to loyalty and they waived the shipping if I wanted to try again, which knowing it wouldnt help did anyways just for the chance..I was right, it didnt help.
Then finally the wonderful, magical, all ending software update came...ta-da! Finally! Nope, wait. Still have the same issues, just not nearly as often as before. It seems to be about once a day now that one of the phones will shut off randomly, The GPS is a bit better on 3 of the phones but mine, nope. Still takes a good 10 minutes to get a lock.
When I called T-Mobile to tell them this great "fix" they were promising me didnt do a damn thing they said they know, and that the software update had been recalled but LG is currently working on a fix and to just give it time, they would not offer me anymore replacements as it doesnt seem to fix "MY" issues..lol, wtf T-Mobile. Kiss my ass.
I ended up filling a complaint with the BBB, I dont know if it will help or do anything at all but honestly, way I see it is it cant hurt. That was Sunday evening, I dont know how long it takes to hear anything back, or if I will at all but we will see.
T-Mobile use to be awesome, I am an old SunCom customer and when T-Mobile took over SunCom I was leery of what may become of the company I loved, T-Mobile really stepped it up and I had no complaints, recently though they pretty much just suck. I dont know what provider I will go with next but it wont be T-Mobile, yet I hate Verizon, Sprints horrible, AT&T with the merger..maybe I dont need phones anymore lol ffs.
techboydino said:
I will certainly try again. I just can't wonder if this whole debacle will ever bring a full resolution. Is LG working on something? Are they just buying time to phase it out? What will those who have similar results like me have in the future? Will a fully fixed G2x ever hit the shelves..?
Anyone who got a replacement within the last week, what model number phone did you get?
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Click to collapse
My replacement just came in about an hour ago with Gingerbread pre-installed. The model number is LG-P999DW. (Checked LG Updated), so it is NOT a refurb!
Dude this is EXACTLY what's happened to me. I've had 4 exchanges and the caller rep said very matter of factly 'Sorry, we can no longer offer you a G2x exchange. Either keep the G2x you have or we'll send you out a comparable phone, the G2.' I got into explaining how that decision doesn't make any sense since I'm holding up my end of the deal by paying my bill...blah, blah, blah. And he said 'The device I'm told I can offer you today is the G2.' By some of the responses, I guess I'll just keep calling in until someone breaks down. I would LOVE to get $$ toward a Hercules, but it sounds like that's the good fortune of who you talk to.
Dude this is EXACTLY what's happened to me. I've had 4 exchanges and the caller rep said very matter of factly 'Sorry, we can no longer offer you a G2x exchange. Either keep the G2x you have or we'll send you out a comparable phone, the G2.' I got into explaining how that decision doesn't make any sense since I'm holding up my end of the deal by paying my bill...blah, blah, blah. And he said 'The device I'm told I can offer you today is the G2.' By some of the responses, I guess I'll just keep calling in until someone breaks down. I would LOVE to get $$ toward a Hercules, but it sounds like that's the good fortune of who you talk to.
Spyvie said:
If you purchase a product from Best Buy or Walmart, and that product fails after the retailer's return policy has expired you are almost certainly responsible for contacting the manufacturer yourself. Most retailers have 30 day or even 14 day return policies depending on the product.
Arguing with you is like shooting fish in a barrel... you haven't made a valid point yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy and Wal-Mart provide you merchandice but not a service. You don't pay them a monthly fee to lease a product from them. If you sign a contract and purchase a phone for the subsidized price, you are pretty much leasing the phone.
T-Mobile has been exchanging devices with the first year since I can remember. Hell, they exchanged 5 G2X's for me and 3 Sensations within the past 4 months. You can provide a service for one of your customers and not the next. An attorney would eat this alive in a court of law. By their POLICY they need to provide you with a working replacement or exchange your device for another comparable one of equal or lesser value. They CANT just tell you to suck it up and keep paying them monthly for something that doesn't work.
I don't understand why you can't comprehend this. Instead you want to compare Best Buy to a mobile service providor which is apples and oranges. Last time I checked. You don't enter into a contract or pay a monthly fee for a service to Best Buy.
Get off Tmobiles nuts and realize your wrong.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Very interesting discussion...
I can tell you in no uncertain terms that ultimately LG is responsible for the product. The argument that you "Bought" the phone from T-Mobile, or you "leased" the product from T-Mobile is invalid. Your warranty is with LG.
We were all allowed 14 or 30 days to return the phone. Of course most of us held out for the "update/fix" until it was too late to return.
THIS is why I worked to find another remedy to the situation and ultimately had the class action law suit filed.
For any of you wanting further information about the CAL, contact my attorney directly.
http://www.doylelowther.com/class-action-against-lg-electronics-p999g2x/
So if I want to return the Verizon SGS3, what's the best way to do this? The only reason is the locked bootloader, and I haven't received the box yet (nor obviously opened it.)
Is it best to return it as a defective device? (Without opening it, as I was relying upon the assumption that it would be unlocked like all of Samsung's previous devices, which have been all unlocked, including other carrier's SGS3s, and furthermore that it would be substantially similar to the SGS3 available to other carriers.)
Is there a good way to avoid a restocking fee?
Would it be better to ebay it and pick up a Nexus (though I hear that the camera sucks.)
Would it be better to switch to another carrier? Is there an obvious ETF loophole? Do I avoid ETF if I just return the device before activating it?
Sprint has unlimited and they have an unlocked SGS3. Does it have LTE inside? Will it work with their upcoming LTE network?
This bootloader lock is ridiculous. I want to go as close to AOSP as possible on the best possible hardware, which appears to currently be the SGS3, but I don't intend upon sticking with the carrier's software update strategy over the next 2 years of a contract.
I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.
Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.
The Nexus camera isn't that bad.
Just sell the GS3 online and you'll make a killing from someone who has no upgrade to use.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I second the package refusal. They can't charge you if you never received it. How much is the restocking fee anyway?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Has yours even shipped? If not go to the pre order page hit check status and type your information in then hit cancel and enter the last 4 of your SSN.
No need to return.................
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1756885
I called their Online Sales.. 1-866-338-7390
My order has completed, but hasn't shipped yet, so they will create a ticket to *see* if the warehouse can cancel before it ships, then will send an email to you...
So you can try .. I'd do it ASAP if your looking to do this .. they just opened for the day..
bbeelzebub said:
I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.
Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.
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Click to collapse
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...
macdroid01 said:
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...
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Click to collapse
Same here, i'm waiting to see what happens, if it is in fact encrypted i'm returning (it would be a long while b4 anything happens w/ an unlock, if it happens at all) if its not encrypted and just locked i'll wait until one of the marvelous devs of the XDA community crack it, hell they already got root.
But if its encrypted i will politely and firmly tell VZW to shove it and refund me or give me a nexus, no way in hell i'm paying restocking fees
Since it appears that we can write to the internal flash, AND boot from an unsigned recovery partition, (and also write a modified system.img!?) I think we're going to be ok here. Booting from an unsigned recovery means that we can basically do anything. It's still a pain, but much less of a PITA than if booting from unsigned partitions at all was restricted. (So it appears this is somewhere between a HTC-esque S-ON and S-OFF.)
Mine has already shipped.
macdroid01 said:
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the unit work as intended in Verizon's eyes? Are you trying to do something you shouldnt but a designed protocol is preventing you from doing it? If the answer is yes to either question, then its not defective.
I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out. Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us. I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly. Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.
My plan is buy the phone on the 10th, if this isn't fixed by the return window I'll return it as defective and be asking for my money back for the SD card I purchased, along with anything else I buy for it, since I won't need them with the Galaxy Nexus.
Sent from my DROIDX
burpootus said:
I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out. Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us. I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly. Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.
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Click to collapse
I hope I will be able to swap mines out for a nexus. I pre ordered mine in store. What really grabbed me about the s3 was being able to watch videos while texting. I have a really long story about how my pre order went down as well, but I won't get into that.
I don't even have my phone yet, and I feel extremely disappointed.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
What if my phone is accidentally dropped before the 14 days are up? Can I still return it and get charged only the restocking fee? Maybe the fed-ex wasn't careful with the phone?
burpootus said:
I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out.
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Click to collapse
This is exactly what has me worried. I have a DX that I am greatly anticipating getting rid of (even though Jonman's CM9 port is rockin') and I pre-ordered the SGS3 largely BECAUSE it had an unlocked bootloader.
Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.
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Click to collapse
2nd-init doesn't allow you to run a custom kernel. There are other methods that will allow you to boot a custom kernel, but they lack basic functionality, like CDMA radios, partly because much of that is built into the kernel. 2nd-init does allow you to run a custom OS on top of the stock kernel. This is where a lot of the difficulties come in. Right now, for example, I am running a GB kernel with an ICS rom (CM9). Getting drivers that talk to the GB kernel and the ICS API is tricky, to say the least. Again, Jonman's CM9 is BOSS and continually getting better, but it is noticeably crippled because of the locked/encrypted bootloader.
We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I agree with you. IHMO, they should be sued for anti-trust violations. They have the best product, in terms of their network, and they are using that as leverage against their customers and preventing an open market. Pretty much all the major carriers do this to some degree, but Verizon is the worst offender.
I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly.
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As of 28 June, 2012 (about a week or so ago), this is already true. That's why I pre-ordered the SGS3 when I did. I was eligible for a contract renewal (and therefore a subsidized phone) on July 20th, and I pre-ordered on the 21st. You can continue on the same contract indefinitely, but if you want a subsidized phone, you have to switch to their "shared everything" plan.
Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.
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Click to collapse
Part of my point on the anti-trust violation, especially when you consider the practice of subsidized phones and the issue mentioned directly above.
ez unlock
satadru said:
Sboatloader with an app calledc want to return the Verizon SGS3, what's the best way to do this? The only reason is the locked bootloader, and I haven't received the box yet (nor obviously opened it.)
Is it best to return it as a defective device? (Without opening it, as I was relying upon the assumption that it would be unlocked like all of Samsung's previous devices, which have been all unlocked, including other carrier's SGS3s, and furthermore that it would be substantially similar to the SGS3 available to other carriers.)
Is there a good way to avoid a restocking fee?
Would it be better to ebay it and pick up a Nexus (though I hear that the camera sucks.)
Would it be better to switch to another carrier? Is there an obvious ETF loophole? Do I avoid ETF if I just return the device before activating it?
Sprint has unlimited and they have an unlocked SGS3. Does it have LTE inside? Will it work with their upcoming LTE network?
This bootloader lock is ridiculous. I want to go as close to AOSP as possible on the best possible hardware, which appears to currently be the SGS3, but I don't intend upon sticking with the carrier's software update strategy over the next 2 years of a contract.
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You can now unlock your boatloader with an app called ez unlock!
Rbh0909 said:
You can now unlock your boatloader with an app called ez unlock!
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Click to collapse
why did you necro this thread? im sure after 2mo that person figured out what ez unlock is lmao
I got my phone insurance through best buy ssome days ago. My phone is still perfect and new but now I realized I really want Verizon insurance instead. Is there any way I can change that? Maybe bring in the phone so they know nothing is wrong whatsoever just a bad decision I made?
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
salas2324 said:
I got my phone insurance through best buy ssome days ago. My phone is still perfect and new but now I realized I really want Verizon insurance instead. Is there any way I can change that? Maybe bring in the phone so they know nothing is wrong whatsoever just a bad decision I made?
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
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I don't think you're contractually bound to Best Buy's insurance agreement, are you? As far as I remember, when I had it and had it voided by rooting my phone, I just called and cancelled it.
Just out of curiosity, what makes Verizon insurance better than Best Buy's?
internalrage said:
I don't think you're contractually bound to Best Buy's insurance agreement, are you? As far as I remember, when I had it and had it voided by rooting my phone, I just called and cancelled it.
Just out of curiosity, what makes Verizon insurance better than Best Buy's?
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If I lose my phone Verizon will replace it. Bestbuy won't take phones that are "drowned" and yes I know about cancelling I voided my warranty that way too but they don't know. I just wanna have peace of mind knowing if I get robbed Verizon will at least replace my phone
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
salas2324 said:
If I lose my phone Verizon will replace it. Bestbuy won't take phones that are "drowned" and yes I know about cancelling I voided my warranty that way too but they don't know. I just wanna have peace of mind knowing if I get robbed Verizon will at least replace my phone
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
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By "drowned" I'm assuming you mean water damage. And if so, the Best Buy rep told me that if I chucked my phone into a pool and brought it in, they would replace it. That was about 2 years ago, so I don't know if that policy changed since then. Then again, I don't know if what the Best Buy rep said was true since I never needed to test him on it.
I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other. I just thought Best Buy did cover water damage is all.
Google has a lot of posts on people misinformed by bestbuy reps
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
If I bought insurance on everything I purchased I would be insurance poor
salas2324 said:
I got my phone insurance through best buy ssome days ago. My phone is still perfect and new but now I realized I really want Verizon insurance instead. Is there any way I can change that? Maybe bring in the phone so they know nothing is wrong whatsoever just a bad decision I made?
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
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Click to collapse
Yes, you are within your return window. Call and cancel your insurance with Bestbuy and take the phone into Verizon and have them activate insurance on your account. Considering I've worked for 3 wireless companies (including Verizon) as a sales rep in the past 5 years, you can take my word on it.
Also, if you root your phone, don't call any cancel like some idiot said he did here. If your phone breaks, drowns, or just quits working, then they will have no way of knowing. Most don't care anyways, because half of the reps root their phones too. Still to be safe, if problems occur, and the phone is still working (software, minor quality control issues), just simply unroot before taking the phone into the store.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
nikeman513 said:
Yes, you are within your return window. Call and cancel your insurance with Bestbuy and take the phone into Verizon and have them activate insurance on your account. Considering I've worked for 3 wireless companies (including Verizon) as a sales rep in the past 5 years, you can take my word on it.
Also, if you root your phone, don't call any cancel like some idiot said he did here. If your phone breaks, drowns, or just quits working, then they will have no way of knowing. Most don't care anyways, because half of the reps root their phones too. Still to be safe, if problems occur, and the phone is still working (software, minor quality control issues), just simply unroot before taking the phone into the store.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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THANK YOU-! And instead of calling can I just go to best buy and Verizon stores since they are in the same parking lot and will I have to show I'd or account info? So I can take the account holDer my brother in law
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 4G LTE
nikeman513 said:
Also, if you root your phone, don't call any cancel like some idiot said he did here. If your phone breaks, drowns, or just quits working, then they will have no way of knowing. Most don't care anyways, because half of the reps root their phones too. Still to be safe, if problems occur, and the phone is still working (software, minor quality control issues), just simply unroot before taking the phone into the store.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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Hi, I'm the "idiot" that called and cancelled due to having a rooted phone. I have to admit that if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have cancelled but being a paranoid noob at the time, I didn't know any better since so many people were telling me that rooting could easily be traced back. I know that's not true now. Normally, I would take offense to someone calling me an idiot but that was an idiotic move I made 2 years ago. And just so we're clear, I was never suggesting to the op to do what I did; I was just making a point about how I cancelled my Best Buy insurance.
So I know this type of discussion isn't really related to developing but since this forum was basically THE Android forum for me, I would like to get the word out here. I don't want another victim like me to happen; I hope this will help any future phone buyers from falling into the trap I did. This is going to be a long story but I hope I can clear up all this confusion about used phones, so strap in!
I bought an iPhone 4S last year from a guy on Craigslist; he offered to meet at an AT&T store to verify the clean IMEI and this action alone made me go against my gut instincts, which were telling me this guy looked kind of sketch. He was a white male in his late thirties, pot belly and dressed really sloppily; also had a slight hunch. But you can't judge a book by it's cover right? His story was that this was his wife's iPhone and that he sold his own a few days ago because he wanted a Samsung Galaxy S3; the phone had one more year on-contract and came with the original box so I knew it wasn't stolen. I gave him my $400 after inspecting the phone and left. Fast-forward to this week...
The phone was given to my dad to use on AT&T a month ago; I used the phone on T-Mobile for almost a year and nothing unusual came up. Just two weeks ago, my dad started getting messages saying "This device has been blocked from network use. Please call your service provider..." Not making much of it or even feeling any panic because I was that naive, I thought to myself "no way the previous owner would call in a year later to blacklist his phone. Who would even do that?" I called AT&T and after an hour, the representative was getting annoyed and said "I'll open up a case; wait three days." Three days pass and I had no word from them; I called in again and after another hour l found out my case was closed and got transferred to the supervisor. To sum up what he said: the phone was fine on T-Mobile until it was registered in the AT&T system, the owner can block a phone years down the line because the "30 days since it's loss" translates to "30 days since it's last been used by ANYONE," and that even if I have proof I bought the phone, only the original owner can remove it from the blacklist. So wireless carrier's have this huge hole in their policy that creates victims for people who buy phones secondhand and they honestly don't give a crap because it earns them money. I asked "so there is NOTHING to protect people like me? You can't even tell the police who this guy is?" He brushed me off and told me to call the police and open up a case, even if the police do get involved though, he said their company will stay quiet.
So I ended the call, speechless and dumbfounded. Lost, confused, and frustrated, I went to the police station in my city, but it turns out I lived outside the city limits so I had to call a dispatcher in another county; after the short conversation, the dispatcher told me to wait for an officer to call. The straightforward police officer, being much more friendly and understanding than the people at AT&T told me "since the phone wasn't actually stolen, it's a civil issue; the only thing you can do is try to find this guy and take it to court. We don't get involved in these kinds of matter. I know it's tough to accept but the wireless companies just want profit and this policy that creates victims like you gets them what they want. This happens all the time and us police officers can't do anything about it. I'm sorry for your loss and I really wish I could help but this is the truth; you're left to your own devices now. Whenever you buy a phone secondhand YOU TAKE A HUGE RISK!" I'm hung-up the the phone in a better mood than I was because someone actually had sympathy for what had happened to me. Left here with just an e-mail address, I knew there was no hope of finding this guy; this person that was a criminal in a moral sense, and yet was not in a legal sense. What this guy did, the police officer said it's COMPLETELY LEGAL!
So the best I could do was go on Craigslist again and find someone who wanted a phone with a bad IMEI for parts or use overseas; I guess luck and karma were on my side and this guy quickly responded, wanting to buy the phone for $200. It turns out he worked for a company that fixes phones and ships them overseas to sell. I knew this guy, who was in his late twenties and rotund, was trained in buying phones; he brought a toothbrush, SIM card remover, and various other tools to inspect the device. I was uneasy during and after the deal; left scarred and paranoid from the previous Craigslist experience. To show how paranoid I was, I even went to a bank teller, asking him to check if the money he gave me was fake. After this ordeal, I realized that spending that extra $300 to buy a brand new phone is worth it; all this stress, mental exhaustion, and time is worth saving by putting down that extra money.
But the problem wasn't over; I bought a T-Mobile HTC One on Swappa for myself when I gave my iPhone 4S to my dad, although from a trusted seller, I knew I could not risk it anymore. Even though I know this guy's name, address, PayPal account, and had proof of purchase, I was still powerless; the wireless and insurance companies don't care about the facts. The merit of facts flies out the window and all they do is put their fingers in their ears and scream "OUR POLICY!" But I remembered during the escapade with the AT&T supervisor, he said I could have transferred the ownership of the phone. To get my facts straight, I went to T-Mobile with all the evidence I had saying I bought this phone from Swappa; I didn't bother with the bottom-feeders and went straight to the manager. Guess what he said? "We can't tap into the system and transfer ownership of a phone since it's tied to a contract. The best we can do it make a note on YOUR account that you bought this phone; this won't prevent it from being blacklisted but it will help if you decide to escalate the issue to Asurion (the insurance company)." Now I thought to myself, "would Asurion even give a damn?" The answer: NO; no they would not. They would most likely try to push the responsibility to someone else and dismiss this huge hole that creates helpless victims because their business runs on customers "losing" their phones or getting it "stolen," and then paying them to replace it.
After all this time wasted trying to get to the bottom of things, I'm left with the cold hard truth: you WILL get burned if you buy a used phone and there is NOTHING you can do about it! NOTHING! The best you can do is to take matters into your own hands and sue; the companies don't care and the police can't help! Save yourself from what has happened to me; just spend that extra $300 to buy a new phone. It's worth every penny for that extra security because this world is full of people who will take advantage of you! I can already feel my idealism fading...
yorkies88888 said:
I bought an iPhone 4S last year from a guy on Craigslist.
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I'm sorry this happened, but you purchased the phone off of craiglist!! You should of known better a simple google search would of told you about the dangers.
That was a long read but well worth it sorry that happened to you man, But i think recommending people not buy a second hand phone is somewhat extreme not everyone is a crook and are out to get you.
Anyway glad you were able to recoup half of the money back.
I often meet with someone on the way to sell me a second-hand mobile phone, I did not bother these people.
I bought my HTC one s from a local pawn shop. It was a fido phone which I unlocked and use on Telus network. So basically as long as you buy a phone which was not on the carrier you are going to use it on, then you are completely safe right?
Could you not have still switched that iPhone back to T-Mobile?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
350Rocket said:
I bought my HTC one s from a local pawn shop. It was a fido phone which I unlocked and use on Telus network. So basically as long as you buy a phone which was not on the carrier you are going to use it on, then you are completely safe right?
Could you not have still switched that iPhone back to T-Mobile?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Well the problem is that carriers in the U.S. are starting to share the same blacklist; AT&T, T-Mobile, and the other smaller wireless companies under them share the same list. Once you get blacklisted on one carrier, you're blacklisted by most now.
Thanks for the info.. glad you told.the story. I know this now heh.. sorry for what happened
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the story.
I think it is pretty safe to buy second hand unlocked phone...
Sent via Tapatalk 2
yorkies88888 said:
Well the problem is that carriers in the U.S. are starting to share the same blacklist; AT&T, T-Mobile, and the other smaller wireless companies under them share the same list. Once you get blacklisted on one carrier, you're blacklisted by most now.
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Click to collapse
This applies to me as well. Without getting into too much detail: Purchased a late model android phone from Craigslist, an unlocked AT&T branded device and I use T Mobile. Fast forward until 2 weeks ago the phone would no longer make calls and gave me a specific error code which I forget now. Turns out that code meant "stolen or lost device" and it would no longer work on any US cellular networks.
Someone who isn't me was unsuccessful in changing the number that shall remain nameless in order to get the phone working again.... that is all
yorkies88888 said:
Well the problem is that carriers in the U.S. are starting to share the same blacklist; AT&T, T-Mobile, and the other smaller wireless companies under them share the same list. Once you get blacklisted on one carrier, you're blacklisted by most now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now i am living in europe, so this doesnt really bother me, yet i am still curious: what if you buy a htc one (for example) that someone had with contract, and root it? Would it still be in a blacklist? And for the iphones: does a jailbreak do the trick to get the phone going again?
Also, sorry for your experiences :/
Greets Vauvenal7
Sent from my HTC MyTouch_4G_slide
Vauvenal7 said:
Now i am living in europe, so this doesnt really bother me, yet i am still curious: what if you buy a htc one (for example) that someone had with contract, and root it? Would it still be in a blacklist? And for the iphones: does a jailbreak do the trick to get the phone going again?
Also, sorry for your experiences :/
Greets Vauvenal7
Sent from my HTC MyTouch_4G_slide
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Nope. Software modifications won't do anything as your IMEI has been blacklisted. The only way around that is a new motherboard.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
@ yorkie8888
*Interesting read, Sorry to hear what happened, everyone else, I'm from London UK and was wondering if anyone else had experienced anything similar to yorkie here in the UK?
Sent from my Revolutionary Htc One X
Anyone know if this affects Canada the same? For example using an unlocked fido/rogers phone on Telus. Do they share a blacklist too?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
This I feel has to be said:
Your spent $400 on a USED iPhone?
Buying used phones entails some downsides, like not getting to claim warranty, and this blacklisting thing is really sad, but, meh, that's why we buy them cheap.
Also, I feel the lesson here is, take precautions when buying second-hand, for instance, leave the phone unused for 31+ days. Buy a bat and work out. Take incriminating photos of the seller, etc.
Anyway isn't it possible -although illegal, I know- to change your IMEI?
Seems to be "common" losing/changing it when flashing ROMs.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for the info
Sent from my HTC Explorer A310e using xda app-developers app
Thanks for sharing this info.
So what is the point of someone blacklisting a phone a year later? Do they get a insurance claim or something.
I have bought used sprint phones for years, but now that I am using a phone (tmobile) with a sim card/imei it seems that you are more likely to get screwed.
Does swappa and PayPal not protect against this issue? And if not what the hell is swappa charging the customer $10/transaction for?
I am almost positive I got this same error a couple of years ago on a phone purchased directly from AT&T. It was a bad SIM card. I wasn't able to make calls or anything. They replaced the SIM and it worked. So for those who buy a used phone and get that error, check your SIM card first.
I've been buying and selling used phones for the last 2 years and never had an issue. I've don't buy off craigslist though, I stick to swappa or ebay where you have some protection via paypal. Yes you always run the risk of someone reporting the device lost/stolen after the sale, but that's why you only buy from reputable/rated sellers and skip on anything that looks too good to be true.
I'm sorry to hear you got screwed on your iphone, but I wouldn't consider your experience the norm. As for the warranty/insurance issue on your other phone, that's just how it is, do your research. The warranty only applies to the original buyer of the device (when bought through an authorized retailer). Same with insurance, you can only add it in a certain time frame when you've bought the phone from an authorized retailer.
However, some carries do have an "open enrollment" where you can add insurance to your device regardless of when/where you bought it. Verizon actually has it going on right now through Dec 2.