I recently got a gs4g and I've noticed two things, 1. there's a ray of light that bleeds from the home button and 2. the menu button likes to press itself once in a while.
I was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and what their experience was like doing a return through tmo or samsung. Apparently tmo wants me to pay shipping, they won't send me a replacement first (even if I temporarily pay full price), and it will take 3 to 4 weeks. Samsung will pay for shipping, but they take just as long, don't guarantee anything, and at best send me a refurb back (no replacements).
These 2 problems are surprisingly minor in terms of usability (especially the menu button thing), so I've just kept the phone and it hasn't really pissed me off too much yet. What do you think I should do?
BTW this phone is out of the 20 day return period, I noticed the menu thing on like day 22.
lexman098 said:
I recently got a gs4g and I've noticed two things, 1. there's a ray of light that bleeds from the home button and 2. the menu button likes to press itself once in a while.
I was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and what their experience was like doing a return through tmo or samsung. Apparently tmo wants me to pay shipping, they won't send me a replacement first (even if I temporarily pay full price), and it will take 3 to 4 weeks. Samsung will pay for shipping, but they take just as long, don't guarantee anything, and at best send me a refurb back (no replacements).
These 2 problems are surprisingly minor in terms of usability (especially the menu button thing), so I've just kept the phone and it hasn't really pissed me off too much yet. What do you think I should do?
BTW this phone is out of the 20 day return period, I noticed the menu thing on like day 22.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take that thing back to the TMOB store and tell them you want a new one. When they tell you that it's passed the grace period start to get a little loud. Keep getting louder until they either replace it for you or you are asked to leave by a security guard.
I was under the impression that the stores are separate entities from online sales with different prices and procedures. Has anyone taken a phone back to the store that was bought online? I have a feeling they'd tell me they couldn't do anything and to ship it back.
Check that it is a "company store" and not a franchise.
http://locator.t-mobile.com/
"T-Mobile Store" is what you are looking for, not a "T-Mobile Preferred Retailer"
I just got an exchange from tmobile and have the exact same issue with the light pertruding from home button, I don't have issue with menu button though. I noticed this on day one. But another issue I received with phone is if i shake or tap the phone I can feel the vibrator (its very faint but I can feel it) I even checked my old device to see if it did the same or if I was just crazy, and wouldn't you know it did not do it. I called tmobile and told them about it and of course got disconnected in middle of conversation, so rather than going through the issue with another rep (annoying) I am just dealing with it. Was thinking it was a bad lcd or could maybe cause it to fail prematurely that's why I called. Now that I see someone else has same light issue I think I'm gonna call them back
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Yeah I think mine has that vibrator issue too, but I thought it was just natural vibration since the thing is so thin. That really doesn't bother me at all. It's amazing how benign these problems are, but I'd at least like to get that menu button fixed if it wasn't such a hassle.
I too have the home button light issue but not the menu button issue. And I can also feel it vibrate when I tap it a little. It never bothered me so I left it alone. I've had the phone for over a year and a half already and nothing seems to be malfunctioning.
lexman098 said:
Yeah I think mine has that vibrator issue too, but I thought it was just natural vibration since the thing is so thin. That really doesn't bother me at all. It's amazing how benign these problems are, but I'd at least like to get that menu button fixed if it wasn't such a hassle.
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Click to collapse
Heh, my phone has the opposite vibrator problem. So friggin strong. But I won't complain
I've had four of these phones through warranty replacement over the last few years. Everyone one of them had the home button light ray design flaw. My current handset had it until I dropped it and cracked the screen then it went away, so there's your fix
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
htaak said:
I've had four of these phones through warranty replacement over the last few years. Everyone one of them had the home button light ray design flaw. My current handset had it until I dropped it and cracked the screen then it went away, so there's your fix
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Click to collapse
How did you get the replacement?
lexman098 said:
How did you get the replacement?
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Click to collapse
Handset protection on my TMobile account 2 times, and the first time I told them I couldn't get any signal after the kies update to GB.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Update: They *just* stopped selling this phone (possibly due to Apple's lawsuit), so t-mobile won't replace it anymore. The best they can do is the exhibit 4g (no thanks). I'm glad I snatched it when I did, just wish I noticed this problem sooner. I think I'm going to send it to Samsung for refurb.
lexman098 said:
Update: They *just* stopped selling this phone (possibly due to Apple's lawsuit), so t-mobile won't replace it anymore. The best they can do is the exhibit 4g (no thanks). I'm glad I snatched it when I did, just wish I noticed this problem sooner. I think I'm going to send it to Samsung for refurb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So our phone is like... discontinued? Cool
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
pisherthefisher said:
Cool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so cool actually. For reasons like this plus lower supply = higher prices and lower community support, so be sure to thank the ROM devs every chance you get
Follow up: So I sent the phone back to Samsung for repairs. I told the guy on the phone about the menu button problem in great detail and he sent me an email with return info etc. I receive an email a few days after they receive it that basically says they ran some standard tests and couldn't determine that anything is wrong with it so please provide them more info. It didn't say how to provide them with more info so I just replied to the email with a very detailed description of how to reproduce the problem (basically just leave the phone on the table with the screen on). They send me back the phone, un-repaired, with a note about how nothing is wrong with it.
Moral of the story: Do not buy any Samsung product without also buying an extended warranty from the retailer. Samsung does not honor their warranty when it comes to intermittent problems that are not immediately reproducable.
Related
Just got off the phone with tmobile.. They have to send me my now 3rd Mt4g.. Damn things just randomly stop powering on..
Not happy with this at all. But I Guess I get to feel retro for a few days as I am rocking My MDA..
are you using a certain color? is it made in china?
I'm on my 3rd as well. First was the bad display model and had debris under the glass. The second was a good display but the power button stopped working. 3rd is a good display too and is still working great.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Lolwut, I'm on my first one since like November and it's perfectly fine...
1st was a China with a georgous screen, but the FFC was pointed off into never never land.. 2nd is a Taiwan with the crap screen, but the FFC was almost dead on..
I am hoping for another china model since I have never used the FFC the screen would be more desirable..
Also both were black.
Did any of you root your phone before t-mobile sent you a new one? The reason I ask is I am curious if t-mobile will honor the warranty if there is a hardware problem not a software problem.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
I am in the same situation. Damn it. Debris under the screen, too.
U got bad luck.i sill got my 1st mt4g with no problems at all. Maybe its u not the phone?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
3rd one for me. first had power button issues second hard bricked itself. 3rd one is good screen but ffc is a tad off not much of a bother though.
Third for me as well. First had a bunch of dead pixels and the crappy display. Second had the brilliant display, but a DOA power button; this one was creaky, leaked light and eventually had dust under the screen. Third is nice, but the power button feels weak again. Also, I'm having massive problems with WiFi calling (getting errors or 'Limited Service', whereas the others were rock solid).
I think that HTC needs to slow the hell down, and really improve the durability of their phones. Great device, solid design save for T-Mo's choices; but HTC has a track record of crappy power button plungers.
My1st was perfect! Thank God! I'm usually the one that gets the dud. Hahaha
Sent from my Dell Streak 7 using XDA App
well I got the replacement today & hot damn it's a China with the good screen.. FFC hasnt even been loaded to see if its straight, but it looks to be fairly straight.
Now let the rooting commence.. Also is there a reason to do any of the more advanced roots past visionary+ ?
Why wouldn't you check the camera first before going through the troubles of rooting? It literally takes less than a minute to load the app and switch the camera view. Unless the camera isn't a big deal to you.
I had one from China with the good screen and the FFC looked okay on the phone but it was horribly off center when I loaded the camera app.
So is having a bit of dust under the screen a reason for warranty? I have the bad screen, but I can't get cust svc OR my local tmo store to acknowledge a "bad screen" even exists. All us forum users are a bunch of whackos...
BUT I do have some dust under the screen. Maybe that will work?
TJBunch1228 said:
So is having a bit of dust under the screen a reason for warranty? I have the bad screen, but I can't get cust svc OR my local tmo store to acknowledge a "bad screen" even exists. All us forum users are a bunch of whackos...
BUT I do have some dust under the screen. Maybe that will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes people have gotten their phones replaced for dust under the screen.
Grrr. Ok So I have heard of many people who bought their phones used who have the mfg warranty honored when they have an issue. I spoke with both a regular rep AND customer retention and both are saying as soon as I put a different SIM card in the phone the warranty was voided. WTF.
The phone is less than a year old, has no physical damage but has some dust under the screen. They say their system shows "no warranty" for my device under my account and their hands are tied. How did some people get past this?
The big "trade secret" the rep told me about that they "don't normally share with people" was to call the original owner and have them do a warranty exchange for the issue. WOW.
LOL that is funny
The power button issue is definitely annoying. Had the issue on my second. And I fear it will start on my third. I really wish I could remap without rooting.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
So I exchanged my G2X yesterday and brought the new phone yesterday. Unfortunately, the store where I exchanged is a kiosk in a mall so I couldn't really test for bleeding; however, when I got home the bleeding was worse on the replacement. Has anyone spoken with T-Mobile about this? I am thinking of waiting for new shipments to be sent out and then using the warranty rather than returning the phone (the store refunded me and charged me again, which is kind of a pain when keeping track of credit card balance). Any advice? Does anyone have a phone with absolutely no backlight bleeding?
I'm heading out right now to exchange my first one. I'll let you know how lucky I get.
Beggars1923 said:
So I exchanged my G2X yesterday and brought the new phone yesterday. Unfortunately, the store where I exchanged is a kiosk in a mall so I couldn't really test for bleeding; however, when I got home the bleeding was worse on the replacement. Has anyone spoken with T-Mobile about this? I am thinking of waiting for new shipments to be sent out and then using the warranty rather than returning the phone (the store refunded me and charged me again, which is kind of a pain when keeping track of credit card balance). Any advice? Does anyone have a phone with absolutely no backlight bleeding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got my original from the "pre-order" so i only could get one in the mail... sense it was a known issue they sent me a NEW G2x while i was still using the first one i got.... waived shipping all that.... (didnt have to send original one in before they sent another)
when i got it yesterday i noticed on bootup that its worse than my original...
they said it is a know LG issue and will be UNDER WARRANTY...
i am returning the worst one.... and will wait for the fix (if LG ever fix's it)
in that case you can use the warranty of the phone to get a "refurb" witch might be fixed if it was sent in for back light bleeding...
thats what im gonna do
Yes, I mean this is simply not acceptable.
Would a problem like this be acceptable on the iPhone? No. people would go ape nuts.
If you don't make a stink about this and return the phones with the bad backlights, you are actually making the problem worse by not getting the bad units back to LG.
Are there devices out there without the issue? Or does every device have it and some are worse than others?
strung said:
Yes, I mean this is simply not acceptable.
Would a problem like this be acceptable on the iPhone? No. people would go ape nuts.
If you don't make a stink about this and return the phones with the bad backlights, you are actually making the problem worse by not getting the bad units back to LG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EXACTLY!
i have two phones one that i got originally and one they sent me..... both have BAD backlight bleeding but the newst (dated 4/19/11) is the worst!
CSR from Tmo said they have made it aware to LG that there is a major problem and ive herd almost 60% of the G2x users have called in about this issue..... some not as bad as others but the few ive seen and the two ive had i can tell you the only way to get it fixed is by sending the "defective" device back to tmobile to get it sent to LG for the to refurbish it!
hopefully within the next month or two all of the junk ones are fixed and i can get one with none... but for now i guess ill deal with the less visible of the two
Beggars1923 said:
Are there devices out there without the issue? Or does every device have it and some are worse than others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at my first phone here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1050691
It was really bad. I went back the the t-mobile store and they let me replace it although they said this was the LAST time they would allow it and if I got a dud or one that was worse I just had to live with it. I took the chance and asked for a replacement and WOW I got lucky. I have hardly any screen bleeding at all. I mean its not perfect like the samsung vibrant or iphone because it is so slightly lighter on the very top of the screen however its not noticable at all anymore unless the screen is pitch black and there are no lights on at all in the room. I mean it has to be straight pitch black to see any bleeding (if you even want to call it bleeding). So basically YES, I exchanged it and got a good one. I was worried I would just get another dud but Im glad I took the time to do it.
I will say the manager at the store was a little weird. She said there hasnt been a single complaint about this and I was worried over nothing. However another guy that worked at the store said there have been over 20 complaints just to that store since friday. Weird how they are changing the storry up. Kinda shady.
I'm not going back to the store, this is going to be handled through CS. I am don't want to have to refund then repurchase the phone. Anyway, they can't tell you that you can't exchange, you have 14 days.
jrharvey said:
Take a look at my first phone here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1050691
I will say the manager at the store was a little weird. She said there hasnt been a single complaint about this and I was worried over nothing. However another guy that worked at the store said there have been over 20 complaints just to that store since friday. Weird how they are changing the storry up. Kinda shady.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably each store trying to cover their ass and not want to be sending a lot of units back lest they look bad to corporate. Don't let them push you around like that! That's unacceptable, this is an iphone class device--nobody would accept a defect like this on an iphone.
I just tweeted to @tmobile about this and encourage others to do too.
jrharvey said:
Take a look at my first phone here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1050691
It was really bad. I went back the the t-mobile store and they let me replace it although they said this was the LAST time they would allow it and if I got a dud or one that was worse I just had to live with it. I took the chance and asked for a replacement and WOW I got lucky. I have hardly any screen bleeding at all. I mean its not perfect like the samsung vibrant or iphone because it is so slightly lighter on the very top of the screen however its not noticable at all anymore unless the screen is pitch black and there are no lights on at all in the room. I mean it has to be straight pitch black to see any bleeding (if you even want to call it bleeding). So basically YES, I exchanged it and got a good one. I was worried I would just get another dud but Im glad I took the time to do it.
I will say the manager at the store was a little weird. She said there hasnt been a single complaint about this and I was worried over nothing. However another guy that worked at the store said there have been over 20 complaints just to that store since friday. Weird how they are changing the storry up. Kinda shady.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well calling into customer service and talking to a "android specialist" (lol)
they know its a issue.... EVEN IF THEY SAID AT THE STORE THAT YOU CAN ONLY EXCHANGE IT ONCE.... it will be covered under the warranty.... so if it starts coming back.... get a hold of CUSTOMER LOYALTY! they will fix you up nice
(ive had over 4 vibrants sent to me and now 2 different G2x's...... they stand behind there product like a real company should!)
nate420 said:
well calling into customer service and talking to a "android specialist" (lol)
they know its a issue.... EVEN IF THEY SAID AT THE STORE THAT YOU CAN ONLY EXCHANGE IT ONCE.... it will be covered under the warranty.... so if it starts coming back.... get a hold of CUSTOMER LOYALTY! they will fix you up nice
(ive had over 4 vibrants sent to me and now 2 different G2x's...... they stand behind there product like a real company should!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I agree. One reason I stand behind t-mobile so much is because of their amazing customer service. That manager was the first and only time I have ever felt like they were not doing everything they could to make me happy lol.
strung said:
Probably each store trying to cover their ass and not want to be sending a lot of units back lest they look bad to corporate. Don't let them push you around like that! That's unacceptable, this is an iphone class device--nobody would accept a defect like this on an iphone.
I just tweeted to @tmobile about this and encourage others to do too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A completely agree with you there. This would be all over the news, newspapers, internet and radio if it was an iphone. To be honest, I think this phone is even a whole class above the iphone. Only think iphone has even remotely in the same league is its display and even then id still chose this oh so slightly less quality 4" over their supperior 3.5" Im sure LG will do something about this and fix all their NEW phones but I honestly think us early adopters are probably stuck with the problem. I doubt they will do a recall on all devices sold with the defect.
jrharvey said:
A completely agree with you there. This would be all over the news, newspapers, internet and radio if it was an iphone. To be honest, I think this phone is even a whole class above the iphone. Only think iphone has even remotely in the same league is its display and even then id still chose this oh so slightly less quality 4" over their supperior 3.5" Im sure LG will do something about this and fix all their NEW phones but I honestly think us early adopters are probably stuck with the problem. I doubt they will do a recall on all devices sold with the defect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well to recall all of the phones that where sent out is not gonna happen way WAY to much money... but if LG does fix the issue and comes out with a REVAMPED G2x ill bet all my money that the people who got the "defectives" will be able to get the new one at little to no cost (maybe just a restock fee or shipping charge)
as it was not our fault that we wanted a device and got a defective one....
kinda like the whole moto cliq thing that happened
jrharvey said:
...I'm sure LG will do something about this and fix all their NEW phones but I honestly think us early adopters are probably stuck with the problem. I doubt they will do a recall on all devices sold with the defect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt they will do a recall either, but you still have the right to return within 14 days or exercise your warranty.
I am calling CS to see what they suggest - i.e., should I return the device or wait for new devices to be released and exercise my warranty.
Beggars1923 said:
I doubt they will do a recall either, but you still have the right to return within 14 days or exercise your warranty.
I am calling CS to see what they suggest - i.e., should I return the device or wait for new devices to be released and exercise my warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honestly if you got it from a store try to exchange it for a less noticeable bleeding screen (if thats your only issue)
if you got it online/phone order
call customer service and ask to speak to CUSTOMER LOYALTY
when you get to the loyalty department STRESS you dont want to go "days without a phone" and they will set a new order up for a NEW G2x not a refurb!
id do the exchange before the 14day just to try to get a "better" device
only exercise your warranty down the road... (a few months from now)
but make sure when you call you make it know that its a "issue" so they put that your unhappy in your account memos for later down the road when you do want to use the warranty!
jrharvey said:
Take a look at my first phone here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1050691
It was really bad. I went back the the t-mobile store and they let me replace it although they said this was the LAST time they would allow it and if I got a dud or one that was worse I just had to live with it. I took the chance and asked for a replacement and WOW I got lucky. I have hardly any screen bleeding at all. I mean its not perfect like the samsung vibrant or iphone because it is so slightly lighter on the very top of the screen however its not noticable at all anymore unless the screen is pitch black and there are no lights on at all in the room. I mean it has to be straight pitch black to see any bleeding (if you even want to call it bleeding). So basically YES, I exchanged it and got a good one. I was worried I would just get another dud but Im glad I took the time to do it.
I will say the manager at the store was a little weird. She said there hasnt been a single complaint about this and I was worried over nothing. However another guy that worked at the store said there have been over 20 complaints just to that store since friday. Weird how they are changing the storry up. Kinda shady.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A store can't tell you that you can't return something anymore if your still within the time given by that company. If that store gives you any more problems then just go to a different one. I exchanged my G2X's at 2 different stores with no problems. I would have told that manager to go **** herself. It's not her phone and she doesn't have to live with it.
On the T-Mobile community site someone is reporting that they were denied an exchange because the "floor model" had bleeding issues and thus they all must have bleeding issues:
I can't post the link because I'm a noob.
Wow, so far both of the reps i've called have no idea what the screen bleeding issue is, when i try to explain to them they just don't understand
So trying my luck again later today..
xShadoWxDrifTx said:
Wow, so far both of the reps i've called have no idea what the screen bleeding issue is, when i try to explain to them they just don't understand
So trying my luck again later today..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you talking to a regular rep?
if so ask to be sent to ANDROID TROUBLESHOOTING!
a customer service rep will not know any issues or problems with devices only the "android specialists" will!
This is some bull****. I had to convince the store rep today to let me exchange my first bad one. Now this new G2x is much much worse. I think the only option right now is to return the phone and wait a month or more for LG and T-Mobile to get their **** straight. I don't care what anyone at the store or here says about bleeding and to just "deal with it it's not that bad." I will keep exchanging until I get one that has no problems. They rushed this phone, not me. I would have been fine waiting another month for the G2x to release if it meant we all wouldn't have these stupid bleeding issues.
Is anyone having a problem with the screen, well the phone, clicking when you touch the corners? Over the past few days it seems like the actual phone and back cover are not connected tightly resulting in a click sound and feel when typing on the keyboard. I have tried to re-seat the back cover with no luck. I am going to try and get an exchange today but the whole design around a uni body phone worries me long term.
I've posted the same thing and you're not alone. What you can do is put a paper inside the case and it'd resolve your problem for now
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
You need to return that **** asap!
Sent from my HTC Feeling.
There appears to be some build quality issues with some devices out there last night I discovered that vibrate doesn't work on my phone.
check out my 1st and 2nd post in this thread just called T-Mobile and they're overnighting my phone, I love this phone but this is the first phone I had to exchange twice
Mcp,
Unfortunately I have to go threw hell to get mine replaced since my wife is an employee.
Bad vibrations... lol
I noticed on mine the vibration is very mild compared to say the MyTouch 4G.
RickCain said:
Is anyone having a problem with the screen, well the phone, clicking when you touch the corners? Over the past few days it seems like the actual phone and back cover are not connected tightly resulting in a click sound and feel when typing on the keyboard. I have tried to re-seat the back cover with no luck. I am going to try and get an exchange today but the whole design around a uni body phone worries me long term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have it to, actually dont know if I should take it so seriously.
Yhe it clicks a little but nothing serious.
Yup, my one day old sensation also clicks and make that noise when I press on the bottom right of the screen, just like yours. Also, the capacitive buttons are unevenly lit. This is my second unit, and I am very disappointed. I returned the first one because of a wacky battery. Build quality on that one was perfect. I might return this unit also.
Any other folks with the same issue?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
darkdelusions said:
Mcp,
Unfortunately I have to go threw hell to get mine replaced since my wife is an employee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just called walmart and they're out of stock and I can only return/exchange at that walmart I would just return it and go to another store but its more expensive. Guess I'll call tomorrow and do a warranty claim
mcp2009 said:
Just called walmart and they're out of stock and I can only return/exchange at that walmart I would just return it and go to another store but its more expensive. Guess I'll call tomorrow and do a warranty claim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would you know if T-Mobile would do the warranty claim with a new device?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
i got the same problem.. didnt think it was a big deal.. im more concerned about data issues and root.. got mine on craigslist so i cant exchange right? i would have to take it up with htc correct?
when you exchange it.. do they charge you again?
i sent in my phone and they ordered me a new phone i received a charge of 291 dollars ontop of the previous 280
mike2518 said:
How would you know if T-Mobile would do the warranty claim with a new device?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already talked to them and they were ready to overnight the replacement phone but they said they couldn't because I'm in my buyers remorse period
the bottom right corner seemed loose for me too, but i din't care that much and now, after using it for about 2 weeks it fits tight. don't know what happened.
anyone with loose buttom right corner and now its tight ???
what did you do ??
mine is loose too !!!
thats my second unit too... the first one made crackling noises when typing messages. this one is better ... but with loose corner !!!
mine is more like a loose right side. you can physically feel the screen go in to the back cover
xnifex said:
mine is more like a loose right side. you can physically feel the screen go in to the back cover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my first unit was flawless, I would have kept it if not for the wacky battery. This one annoys me every time I press on the right lower portion. I'm weighing my options, I only have 3 days left to exchange/return it to walmart
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Got the same problem.
Tomorrow i am gonna switch back covers and see if it is the issue.
I think when you take the back cover of to many times the right side will show this problem.
Greetz.
Happens to my phone as well only if I press the right point. That sounds come from the battery. Pull the backcover and press on the battery then you'll hear some clicks. But I couldn't figure out how to solve that. Even putting paper didn't help.
So, I broke the glass on my Infuse a week ago. The LCD touchscreen beneath it is in perfect condition without any noticeable defects. I have dropped my phone from over 5' onto concrete multiple times in the past and nothing broke those times, but I went to get out of my car and it slipped out of my pocket and fell one foot onto asphalt and the screen shattered, at least the bottom half. It sucks, but it happens, right? That is why I pay $5 /month for insurance, it is an expensive phone that i don't want to replace out of pocket. Well, it turns out that the last time I had to file an insurance claim they hadn't updated their pricing policy. It use to be $50 for a claim, but now it is $200! Ridiculously expensive if I say so myself. I went onto ebay and found that they sell the LCD, glass, and tools for $190, but this is an outdated phone, well AT&T doesn't sell it anymore at least. Why would I want to spend close to $200 for a new screen when I only spent $80 to buy the phone 15 months ago???
Now onto my real question:
1) Should I buy the screen replacement and fix it myself? I'm generally really good with electronics... and I've replaced screens in flip phones before.
2) Should I open a new line on my existing account for $10 a month and get the galaxy s3 for $170 and just put my sim card in the phone?
3) or should I go through AT&T's replacement service and get w/e phone they want to give me? (What phone replaced the Infuse anyway?)
What do you guys think I should do?
I have cracked glass on my Infuse (LCD still works fine in my case, I assume it does for you as well).
Here are what I think are the three best options (no particular order)
1 - Send it to Samsung for repair. They'll do it for about $156, including shipping both ways (they send you a shipping envelope). But you'll lose your phone for 1 to 2 weeks.Contact phone number: 1-888-987-4357
2 - Get a used phone on ebay, craigslist, etc.
3 - Live with it and hope it gets better. This may sound wacky, but I have a cracked phone glass and it really honestly seems to have gotten "better" over time. I'm not kidding.
Part of is switching your apps to dark background so you don't notice the cracks as much (and save battery anyway)..
part of it is getting used to the cracks so they don't catch your attention...
and here's the wacky part ... in my case some of the cracks have "gone away" or gotten smaller since the initial damage. I know that sounds silly and I certainly can't explain why it did that (other than to say this is not normal glass), but that is what I observed with my own eyes.
I don't think replacing the whole LCD unit is an attractive option. It costs $150 and you can get a new phone or have Samsung fix it for that much. It is a somewhat delicate procedure from what I have heard so after spending tht $150 there's a small chance you may not have fixed anything.
There is also Infuse Glass for sale for $10 or so but it is apparently unusable... can't replace glass without replacing the entire LCD unit (they're glued together)
you might want to double check ATT website. i got my refurbished infuse for 1 penny. flawless, looked and worked like brand new. so good, i got one for my sister too.
I have an infuse that I'm willing to sell for 150. Everything works besides the USB port being wonky at times...sometimes it works, others it doesn't. So for 150 you could repair your phone and gain another battery/everything else for the same price as sending it to Samsung.
I advise against adding a line...yeah its 170 up front but add another 240 for 10 bucks a month extra over two years. So that's paying essentially 410 for that s3...same with buying it for a penny online...paying 240 for another infuse over two years.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
electricpete1 said:
3 - Live with it and hope it gets better. This may sound wacky, but I have a cracked phone glass and it really honestly seems to have gotten "better" over time. I'm not kidding.
Part of is switching your apps to dark background so you don't notice the cracks as much (and save battery anyway)..
part of it is getting used to the cracks so they don't catch your attention...
and here's the wacky part ... in my case some of the cracks have "gone away" or gotten smaller since the initial damage. I know that sounds silly and I certainly can't explain why it did that (other than to say this is not normal glass), but that is what I observed with my own eyes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Attached are pictures immediately after I dropped my phone. I took them using front-facing camera mode.
Here are photos of the same phone (not repaired) today, about 5 months after I dropped it.
I was not able to recreate the exact same view (not sure how I originally managed to use front-facing camera and mirror to get photo of screen without seeing picture within picture type thing).
But I hope you can see it is a lot better. Tough to capture in pictures but there is no doubt in my mind the cracks somehow got better.
Your cracks got better likely because of the adhesive on your screen protector. That is a decent idea for the op to try though...if no chunks of glass are missing, they could try seeing if a screen protector makes the cracks less noticeable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I have a screen protector on the phone right now and that is the only reason I'm able to use it. I'll post some pictures in a few showing how it looks.
captemo: How were you able to get an Infuse for $0.01? Was it an upgrade/new line/new customer deal?
electricpete1: they showed up when I posted my reply. Interesting...Makes me wonder what type of nearly self healing glass they implemented on your phone! lol Well, that is interesting, I can still see the impact site on the 5 months after photos, but the cracks seem to be nearly invisible now. [[]]edit[[]]For some reason your images are not showing up.[[]]edit[[]] I'll take a look on another browser and see what it looks like. But I am using a screen protector already.
welchertc: I was actually ready for an upgrade in a month but the account holder was a few hours late on his scheduled payment for an over due account and it bumped my upgrade deadline to July next year. So I would technically keep the new line for 7 months, then deactivate my current line and transfer the number over. (I believe that it possible...correct me if I am wrong though) I'll think about buying your infuse. Could you either show a picture of the screen or describe its condition? Mine was flawless, until it dropped that is.
So, my options are either buy a used one for $50 less, claim insurance, send to samsung (Should I keep the custom rom on the phone or will this send up red flags? I'm running Jellybean), or live with it until I can upgrade?
welchertc said:
Your cracks got better likely because of the adhesive on your screen protector. That is a decent idea for the op to try though...if no chunks of glass are missing, they could try seeing if a screen protector makes the cracks less noticeable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have the same screen protector on there now that was on there when it cracked (didn't change it).
Maybe the screen protector somehow played a role in the appearance of cracks going away (even though it's the same screen protector).
Maybe the adhesive is soaking into the cracks. Maybe the protector started to pull away from the crack so hides it a little.
Beats me.
Rhamza161 said:
But I am using a screen protector already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as I was. For whatever reason, the screen that looked horrible 5 months ago after I dropped it looks great now... and I didn't do anything (including didn't change screen protector). I was on the verge of spending $156 to have Samsung fix it, and the only reason I didn't was that I didn't want to give up my phone for the period of 1-2 weeks required for that shipping/repair. Now, based on all the factors I mentioned (using black background, getting used to it, and cracked appearance going away somewhat) I'm glad I didn't spend that money.
here are the pictures:
To me, it looks similar to how mine looked. Heavy damage in one corner with cracks spreading accross the screen.
You could try waiting a month or two (three tops). If you see no change, then go ahead and find your replacement. But you might be pleasantly surprised with substantial improvement in appearance (like I was). In the meantime, set your apps and wallpaper to black for very dark backround.
I think I'll wait and see if I can live with it for a month, and if I cannot...then I'll see about replacing the screen first. I'll start the contact with samsung within the week though. I'd rather get the information now and be able to get the replacement screen as quick as possible if I decide to go that route.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Rhamza161 said:
I think I'll wait and see if I can live with it for a month, and if I cannot...then I'll see about replacing the screen first. I'll start the contact with samsung within the week though. I'd rather get the information now and be able to get the replacement screen as quick as possible if I decide to go that route.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I think it was about two months before I noticed the change. I wasn't expecting a change and therefore wasn't looking for a change, so may not have been really observant. You on the other hand have very good quality pictures of screen and will be watching closely.
** Please do come back here and let us know how it turns out.
(I have zero doubt about what I saw, but I also understand it's difficult for anyone else to believe... would feel better if someone else reports similar observations)
I'm always on the forum, but rarely post because the only threads I usually watch are the ones dealing with development. I'll be sure to let you know about the glass though,
Rhamza161 said:
3) or should I go through AT&T's replacement service and get w/e phone they want to give me? (What phone replaced the Infuse anyway?)
What do you guys think I should do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know what phone replaced the infuse too, especially since its officially considered an obsolete phone now.
As a matter of fact Rhamza, that's the case you should build to AT&T-that the phone is obsolete. I've heard plenty of cases, including myself, of complaints to service providers and getting whatever it is you want, so long as your nice and get a compliant tech in the line.
Tell them (if u want) that "my cat knocked my phone off the table, breaking my screen. I see that this phone is totally obsolete and unavailable to purchase at any authorized att retailers... I feel I deserve a replacement because"...etc..
I've heard of people getting galaxy phones for the infuse, so it always worth shot. The worst that could happen is they say no.
In this economy never pay a dollar more for something if you don't have to. Millionaires don't.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Hm, interesting. I'll give it a try. I mean it is worth a shot.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app on jellybean rom.
I finally just went ahead and called samsung and they said the replacement screens including the LCD would cost exactly $155.88 including shipping. I don't think I'll go that route. I get paid Thursday for over 50 hours so AT&T will be contacted about a broken screen.
electricpete1: I have noticed that some parts of the screen do actually look better, however the 4 buttons on the bottom of the screen are starting to not work because of lost glass even after placing a screen protector over the loose pieces. I think they just came off of the LCD portion.
Sliding the unlock to the right on JB (CM10 unofficial) is starting to require a little more pressure than normal.
honestly i'd send it to samsung unless you have insurance, i had bad luck with replacement parts from china despite them having official "samsung" branding and looking legit. the insurance might get you a phone you don't wan't. since i think (not sure) they deal in refurbed phones for insurance but it might however get you an i-777 sgs2 (a nice upgrade if you like the smaller size) since it looks like hey still have new and refurbed i777s in stock online depited it being long out of production like the infuse. but if they a replacement phone you don't want then samsung is the best way to go unless you find a repair service that has a good warranty policy. i've replaced the screen on one of my infuses myself for a single crack across the screen that was barely visable, the replacement screen burned out in under 2 months and it cost me more than what samsung quoted you to fix yours,at the time i didn't want to be without my phone while waiting for a repair and it cost me.
Well I went ahead and went through the insurance company. Supposedly I coudl have had a choice in the phone I was given, but when I clicked on the "Choose more" button it sent me to the same phone, the Galaxy S2 Skyrocket and it said "If you click on 'more options again, you'll be directed to an associate who will attempt to help solve your problem and will not be allowed to continue online at any point" So I stayed with the Skyrocket for now...I'm honestly not sure how I'll like it. Some websites say that the screen is 0.2" smaller than the infuse, other say it is the same. I love my Infuse, but I would rather get a new phone, not one that is a year old already (the skyrocket came out last year in October after all). The phone should be here tomorrow sometime, so I'll report back and let you guys know if it is refurbished or new. In a way I hope that there is something wrong or something I dislike so I can justify attempting to get a nicer, newer phone.
But at least it is coming with ICS and the screen is not broken and there is a modding community here that is amazing! So even if it isn't the best phone I've ever used, it'll still be better than nothing and I can have JB on it within the hour of it arriving. lol
well there was something wrong with it out of the box. (Of course right?) I called Asurion and she said "we'll send you a shipping label and you can send it back to us and when we receive it we'll send you another one right back."
"Wait, I don't have another phone to use while this one is being processed and shipped. What will I do without a phone? I need it for work!"
"Well, go to AT&T and see if they will loan you a phone for about two weeks while we send you another one, but I've never heard of them doing it before."
"Why can't you send me a new phone and when I receive it, I'll send the defective one back?"
"It doesn't work like that."
"If AT&T doesn't hand out a phone for a loan and I miss work because of it, will your company compensate me my $10/hr wage and contact my bosses and explain to them that it is your fault that I missed work?"
"Um, no we can't do that either."
"[[]]sigh[[]] just send me the shipping label and be done with it. This is ridiculous."
"okay. Have a good night." and she hung up the phone.
wth? Rude and not helpful at all. The new phone that I was sent had a defective mic, both on normal calls and speaker phone calls. The AT&T customer service person was really polite and helped me though their trouble shooting guide for the phone and ended up having me go down to AT&T to get a new SIM card. That didn't work, but they activated the new SIM and added the phone to my plan. So the next AT&T rep sent me a phone number to Asurion to get it replaced, because I have 30 days to report a defective device. Well the previous conversation ensued and I find that I am really not satisfied with their representatives. I should have been recording it! jeez.
Here are some photos I took of my Infuse before I put it into the shipping box three days ago.
Hi guys,
I guess I am the unlucky one. Received my N5 yesterday, started playing with it late evening (21:00'ish). Installed apps, copied over some music, etc - everything worked perfect! I went to sleep...
This morning when I woke up, I saw THIS (see attach). It is clearly a hardware issue - either the screen or GPU. When you switch the phone on, the "vertical lines" appear after about a second. They may change intensity or pattern when you flick desktops, etc. They may even go away after you have had your screen on for some minutes (once it gets "warm" enough). Switch the phone off, wait for some 20 seconds, switch it back on - voila! It's back!
Anyone else experienced this? (hopefully not)
Wow that sucks big time. I dont have that issue on my Nexus 5 16gb. Hope you get a replacement soon.
Just called Google. The support was very good, no silly questions like "have you tried switching it off and on again?". A replacement device will be with me within some days *fingerscrossed*
temka said:
Hi guys,
I guess I am the unlucky one. Received my N5 yesterday, started playing with it late evening (21:00'ish). Installed apps, copied over some music, etc - everything worked perfect! I went to sleep...
This morning when I woke up, I saw THIS (see attach). It is clearly a hardware issue - either the screen or GPU. When you switch the phone on, the "vertical lines" appear after about a second. They may change intensity or pattern when you flick desktops, etc. They may even go away after you have had your screen on for some minutes (once it gets "warm" enough). Switch the phone off, wait for some 20 seconds, switch it back on - voila! It's back!
Anyone else experienced this? (hopefully not)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not the only one, I have it also but arguably worse. Below is a picture of mine (the only post with a picture on that page).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2509455&page=14
xenophyte said:
You are not the only one, I have it also but arguably worse. Below is a picture of mine (the only post with a picture on that page).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2509455&page=14
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shhiiieeeeeeete....
Yes, that is exactly what I have, but on mine only lower 3cm of the screen are affected. The 'banding' sometimes goes away if I play with the phone for a while. Sometimes it comes back. Sometimes it flickers.
Replacement device is already on its way, I suppose?
Humn. Odd that it cuts off at that fraction of the screen...or I'd say GPU banding.
I'm guessing screen. That sucks man, sorry to hear that!
But yeah...Google seems to give the customers the benefit of the doubt in terms of not making them feel like idiots.
May I ask...
Are they sending a replacement before you send yours in?
And I'm assuming a "new" device and not a "refurbished" (doubt they even have 'em at this point) device?
Major bummer if not. If so...that's pretty cool, and I suppose you can deal with a shotty screen for a few days.
Jubakuba said:
Humn. Odd that it cuts off at that fraction of the screen...or I'd say GPU banding.
I'm guessing screen. That sucks man, sorry to hear that!
But yeah...Google seems to give the customers the benefit of the doubt in terms of not making them feel like idiots.
May I ask...
Are they sending a replacement before you send yours in?
And I'm assuming a "new" device and not a "refurbished" (doubt they even have 'em at this point) device?
Major bummer if not. If so...that's pretty cool, and I suppose you can deal with a shotty screen for a few days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the 'return' and 'replacement' happen independently. It works like this:
1) Some 30 mins after we spoke, the guy emailed me a link. I click on it and order a replacement device, delivered to my address.
2) An amount of GBP 349 is getting *frozen* on my Google Wallet account (they do not take the money, but reserve it as a deposit). My Wallet is linked to a debit card, I checked it and I see 349 GBP reserved.
3) The old phone is to be sent to them via UPS. I should attach a "Prepaid UPS label" to the package so that Google could cover the return shipping costs.
4) once they receive the broken phone, the money on my Google Wallet account are released.
I can send an old phone to them now, or I can wait for the new one to arrive. They have asked me politely to use good packing materials, so I'll probably wait for the new phone to arrive and then will just cannibalize the card box
And as far as I know, it HAS TO be a brand new phone. I have called them some hours after opening the box, so technically I could have just returned it under the 'distance purchase' regulations and claimed my money back (to buy another phone afterwards).
temka said:
Well, the 'return' and 'replacement' happen independently. It works like this:
1) Some 30 mins after we spoke, the guy emailed me a link. I click on it and order a replacement device, delivered to my address.
2) An amount of GBP 349 is getting *frozen* on my Google Wallet account (they do not take the money, but reserve it as a deposit). My Wallet is linked to a debit card, I checked it and I see 349 GBP reserved.
3) The old phone is to be sent to them via UPS. I should attach a "Prepaid UPS label" to the package so that Google could cover the return shipping costs.
4) once they receive the broken phone, the money on my Google Wallet account are released.
I can send an old phone to them now, or I can wait for the new one to arrive. They have asked me politely to use good packing materials, so I'll probably wait for the new phone to arrive and then will just cannibalize the card box
And as far as I know, it HAS TO be a brand new phone. I have called them some hours after opening the box, so technically I could have just returned it under the 'distance purchase' regulations and claimed my money back (to buy another phone afterwards).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I was just curious as mine is "out for delivery" today.
Fingers crossed :laugh:
Looks to be a GPU related issue.I used to repair phones for a living and see a LOT of this with the HTC one and the one x. Great that Google are replacing no questions. Hope is isolated and not a manufacturing defect.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Davies_90 said:
Hope is isolated and not a manufacturing defect.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm seeing a lot of the defects are non-US units
Enddo said:
I'm seeing a lot of the defects are non-US units
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true at all.
thats too bad ur so lucky btwP i waiting to arrive i can't wait also i dont know if i would upgrade from my n4 to n5 what do you think?
Ok. After RMAing the first device due to a faulty screen (GPU banding) I have finally received a replacement one.
- no dead pixels (at least after a quick test using PixelTest)
- almost no rattle (I mean I can move the buttons with my finger and they'll probably become looser, but no rattle now, shaking my phone as much as I want ))
- screen is good - no GPU banding, otherwise I wouldn't have been writing this.
- no lightbleed noticed (again, using PixelTest on 'very dark' backgrounds)
- vibration sounds quiet. As it should.
- vibration strength is probably a liiiiiiiittle bit weaker than on my 1st N5 when pressing softkeys, unlocking, etc. For calls - it buzzes very well.
All in all, I think, I have finally got a very good device *fingers-and-toes-crossed-ten-times*.
..