My horrible S4 experience - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 General

First of all, let me say that I really like the S4. I sold my iPhone 5 and be able to buy it at full price when it was released. I like the size, it's just about perfect size for me, fits well in my hand. The air gestures and air views are pretty nice, they come in handy. Coming from an iPhone, having a replaceable battery is priceless, I liked being able to swap out my low battery with a full charged one.
My first S4 broke while in my pocket on 5/6, I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, was just doing things around the house, when I pulled it from my pocket there was a crack from the upper right corner down the middle of the left side. The AMOLED display under the glass is what broke, device was unusable, nothing showed on the screen except some colors on top left above the crack.
After fighting with AT&T and Asurion the entire next day, AT&T agreed to give me an early upgrade. So I bought a new one on 5/7.
I received my new S4 on 5/10, then this morning, 5/15, while at work I was squatted down, texting, and dropped it from around knee level on carpet with padding over concrete and it cracked the AMOLED display, this time in the upper right corner, with 4 cracks from the side to about an inch into the display.
This S4 had a Spigen Ultra Thin Air case on it, as well as Spigen's Glas.t Slim screen protector.
I don't expect manufacturers to make phones that are indestructible, but this seems ridiculous to me.
I was a long time Apple user before I bought the S4, I don't think I will ever go back, but I'm regretting going with Samsung now. I've spent over $900 between both devices and now they are both in the mail (as well as almost $200 in accessories that are worthless now), for Samsung to evaluate, so for the next two weeks I'm stuck with using an old S2 that likes to reboot every 15 minutes.
I've read a few posts on here about people breaking the screen under the glass like I did. So I'd be careful if you own one.

Ryanmp said:
First of all, let me say that I really like the S4. I sold my iPhone 5 and be able to buy it at full price when it was released. I like the size, it's just about perfect size for me, fits well in my hand. The air gestures and air views are pretty nice, they come in handy. Coming from an iPhone, having a replaceable battery is priceless, I liked being able to swap out my low battery with a full charged one.
My first S4 broke while in my pocket on 5/6, I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, was just doing things around the house, when I pulled it from my pocket there was a crack from the upper right corner down the middle of the left side. The AMOLED display under the glass is what broke, device was unusable, nothing showed on the screen except some colors on top left above the crack.
After fighting with AT&T and Asurion the entire next day, AT&T agreed to give me an early upgrade. So I bought a new one on 5/7.
I received my new S4 on 5/10, then this morning, 5/15, while at work I was squatted down, texting, and dropped it from around knee level on carpet with padding over concrete and it cracked the AMOLED display, this time in the upper right corner, with 4 cracks from the side to about an inch into the display.
This S4 had a Spigen Ultra Thin Air case on it, as well as Spigen's Glas.t Slim screen protector.
I don't expect manufacturers to make phones that are indestructible, but this seems ridiculous to me.
I was a long time Apple user before I bought the S4, I don't think I will ever go back, but I'm regretting going with Samsung now. I've spent over $900 between both devices and now they are both in the mail (as well as almost $200 in accessories that are worthless now), for Samsung to evaluate, so for the next two weeks I'm stuck with using an old S2 that likes to reboot every 15 minutes.
I've read a few posts on here about people breaking the screen under the glass like I did. So I'd be careful if you own one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks dude. But hey, a little advice...fix that S2! If it's rebooting like that, there's something wrong. There are several super-stable Jelly Bean roms available for flashing these days. I come from that world, so I know it like the back of my hand...PM me if you'd like me to help you make your S2 awesome.

Before anyone says this isnt a necessary thread, I think it is.
Having a 32GB and having spent money on my device and screen protector and cases I'd like to know this too, so I would love to hear from anyone else that has broken their device easily

Damn that sucks OP. I think you have bad luck with the S4, I remember when you mentioned the S4 screen cracking while it was in your pocket. I would get another phone if I were you.

I have a really hard time "feeling sorry" for people who drop and break their phones and complain.
I don't know what kind of response (pity?) that you want from people.
Drop the iphone 4 in just the right spot and it'll crack too. Every phone is the same more or less.
Don't want a broken phone? Don't drop it. You break it that way, the fault is no ones but yourself.

Felixpau86 said:
I have a really hard time "feeling sorry" for people who drop and break their phones and complain.
I don't know what kind of response (pity?) that you want from people.
Drop the iphone 4 in just the right spot and it'll crack too. Every phone is the same more or less.
Don't want a broken phone? Don't drop it. You break it that way, the fault is no ones but yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda of an ignorant comment, the OP had his screen cracked and it was just in his pocket so no drop at all. The second time it was a drop but it is his experience and I understand it especially when you purchase a device this expensive twice. Don't be rude man.

His story for breaking in his pocket was "while around the house". So whats to say he didn't accidentally smash it again something while doing housework or anything else like a table?
Dropping your phone - what do you expect? Go buy a Nokia if you plan on dropping it. Even then im sure drop proof isn't part of any phone's warranty.
Pretty straight forward. You may not like my "tone" but you can't honestly count it against the phone if you're not keeping it safe. The error is human in this case. Own up to it and take better care of your phone.
I've cracked iphones and android screens and bodies before, it was probably my fault in handling it; but you definitely won't see me running to a forum and complaining about the manufacturer having shoddy quality when it was clearly human error.

I'm starting to wonder if maybe it's the Chinese models in specific breaking like that because I have seen multiple S4's dropped now WITHOUT ANY CASE from 6 feet and survive with only scrapes to the actual frame and here you have a case AND a glass screen protector, and it falls from half the height and suffers catastrophically.
Has to be something more going on here. Reviews will also show the phone can survive falls just like any other premium metal phone and then some, so quite an odd case here
ALSO to everyone else, stop hating on the OP. Yea I have to agree it's just really vague to say your phone was just up and broken, but I'm willing to look at it as the OP is telling the truth cause at worst, even if he is lying, it really don't matter.

No offense OP, but I'm going to call bull**** here. You have to be leaving out something -- even if it's by accident. I've had smartphones with larger screens for 5+ years now, and not once have i cracked or broken a phone. The last phone that broke was the first nokia clamshell that came out -- and that was after i dropped it from standing on to a concrete floor. Even then it worked still, the plastic just cracked a bit.
There is no way you broke your phone just having it in your pocket -- unless you were wearing super tight hipster jeans with your keys in your pocket. Futhermore, dropping your phone 2 feet on to a padded floor, won't just break your phone either....it just wont.
I've dropped my s3/s4 many times on to my wood floor now without any issues (without a case).
Also, wouldn't your phone be under the 14 day return policy anyway? If anything happens in those 14 days, you get a new one?
Overall, this just doesn't make sense. I think you are omitting some key details here; these phones ARE NOT that fragile.
EDIT-- How did you figure $900 dollars between two phones plus $200 in accessories?
A new line/renewal should be about $200-250 per phone; cases run $30-35, USBs 5-10, screen protector 7-15....

You should have gotten insurance.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I'm not asking for anything, I'm just putting this info out here.
In my experience, the S4 is easily broken.
And it's not glass that broke in both of mine, it was the display under the glass, the device was not usuable after. The glass was pristine on both, for that matter the both phones were as well, just the display cracked.
You can do what you want with the info, I'm just letting people know what happened with my 2 devices.

When you keep you phone in your pocket, make sure you always keep the screen against your leg. I broke my first Galaxy S2 with the screen out in my pocket when I leaned against a table.

I am shocked that the 2nd time with having a GLAS.t tempered glass that it broke.

You spend this kind of money on phone...treat it like your car....GENTLE. I have had a smartphone for years and not even 1 scratch on any phone I have ever owned. It is like your girlfriend or wife...Gently...
Very expensive way to learn.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Let's be realistic. It's no secret this phone is easily broken. And tbh, when you say something like "it's all your fault because you dropped it is a bit ridiculous. I've dropped my gs2 more times than I can count, face down, from up high, sliding across concrete etc, and the screen is still fine, but the build quality on the gs4 is seriously lacking. I'm scared to even buy one after hearing all these stories. For now I'm sticking to my gs2
Sent from my SGH-i777 using Tapatalk 2

artvandalay22222 said:
Let's be realistic. It's no secret this phone is easily broken. And tbh, when you say something like "it's all your fault because you dropped it is a bit ridiculous. I've dropped my gs2 more times than I can count, face down, from up high, sliding across concrete etc, and the screen is still fine, but the build quality on the gs4 is seriously lacking. I'm scared to even buy one after hearing all these stories. For now I'm sticking to my gs2
Sent from my SGH-i777 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you say the build quality is lacking if you don't even have one?
Just to be safe, think of it this way, if you drop it, it WILL crack. Of course, it might not but if you think it will every time, maybe a little more precaution will be taken. It doesn't matter if it was a mistake...just don't drop it. Any phone that is mostly screen will always have a certain level of fragility and should always be treated that way. It doesn't mean the build quality is bad.

TheAxman said:
You spend this kind of money on phone...treat it like your car....GENTLE. I have had a smartphone for years and not even 1 scratch on any phone I have ever owned. It is like your girlfriend or wife...Gently...
Very expensive way to learn.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or like telling your wife about your girlfriend... handle it very carefully... like your life depends on it.

Samsung does extensive hard use testing on its handsets so I wonder if this was a bad batch or something. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hopefully we don't see a bunch of these threads popping up.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Ya my S4 broke too, dropped mine 2 or 3 feet in a case and the screen shattered, build quality is not there imo
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

well... i was just thinking about investing in a good case.. but now, i think i will buy insurance instead.. or maybe just sell it off.. really cant afford to loose an expensive phone like this.
thanks for the info.

Related

slippery grip -> cracked screen

Pretty sure most of you can tell where I am heading with this thread based on the title. I personally find the One S has a rather thin and slippery grip on the side, and I am wondering if the fellow One S owners share similar sentiments.
I had the phone for about 2.5 weeks or so, and was totally loving it, except the fact that I always had a hard time getting a good grip with the phone in my hand. One day, I accidentally dropped the phone, from maybe not more than 3ft high. And unfortunately the screen completely cracked. I was extremely upset, partially at myself for not using a screen protector, but more so at HTC.
Phone is not covered by T-mobile's warranty (no insurance), HTC could not even give me a quote for repair due to the phone was just released. So now I have arguably the latest and best android phone in the market collecting dust at home.
Sorry to hear, dude - was this the grey version?
I don't think a screen protector would have helped you as they're more to protect from scratches, not impact.
Did you buy it with a credit card? If so, you may have insurance without even knowing it.
Dude thats so bad
I new i would break my phone if i didnt get a case... after a few minutes it was slipping out of my hand...
The design is awesome, but they should have implemented so rubber grips down the sides or something..
Anyway, if you do get it fixed...... GET A CASE !! its the best thing i ever bought
Check the House Insurance (if you have it) you may be covered....mine is!
Edit:
Ebay are selling the screens
I know Discover cards have a insurance clause on some of their stuff so you should check that out like the other guy said . . but yea it's slipped out of my hands onto my jeans countless times because of the lack of grip lol .. that's why i bought a case first thing ..and as for screen protectors i've cracked 3 phones with them on (one with a case on as well) so they don't really help from drops and places should tell you that when you buy it too
Can u post a pic of the damage
sent from a guy living in a van down by the river
I dropped phone 2 times but I'm extremely lucky nothing major at all I bought case today but ya it's a bit slipper nexus s was worst
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using XDA
I just got my New One S today as I bricked mine.
:'(
My wife just dropped her One S.... Screen cracked but I'm within the 14 day insurance purchase from T-Mobile. Just got off the phone and within a few weeks we'll warranty the phone. Looking at about 100-120 after all it's a said and done. Needless to say we're lucky on this one.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using XDA
I dropped my iphone4 a countless of times on concrete and the glass never shattered. I dropped my 1S a couple of times already on ceramic tiles and still nothing except that MAO paint problem.
I think cases are butt ugly and a waste of money. I wouldn't even go for the 1S if I was going to use a case. Seriously put a 1S in a case and what does it have over the SGS3 or the 1X?
Anyway just my opinion
i actually dont believe in phone case either becuz i think they make the phone look ugly and bulky, thus ive never bought phone cases.
however, due to this phone being so thin and slippery, I felt like a grippy phone case is a must have. after surfing around the web for a little while, i found diztronic matte back phone case. Just got the case today and i love it!
high quality case, its made of TPU so it has a good amount of grip. All the holes are cut out perfectly (it doesnt cover any speaker/mic/sensor opening). The case is also thin so it doesnt make my phone bulky (sure it makes ur phone look a little thicker, but it's not a bad compromise at all). And last but not least, i really dig the look of the case, very well designed in my opinion. It also come with a screen protector in case anyone needs one.
And this is exactly why I'm putting a case on my phone for the first time ever. Sorry to hear about your phone mate.
Sent from the future using the Tardis
I've checked online and seen it listed but can I just verify that this phone has Gorilla Glass 1/2? Obviously, that doesn't make it crack proof but I work construction and end up putting my phones through their paces and found that my Milestone (Gorilla Glass) held up a fair bit better than my Desire Z (no Gorilla Glass).
And yes, in my situation a case (And insurance) is a necessity on a three year contract.
I've had the phone for all of 5 days. it fell from my hand as I put something down on a rock, litterally no drop whatsoever, but it slid a whopping 6 inches down the rock on it's face and the screen cracked and scratched. if it is supposed to have gorilla glass, I was gypped. I have no renters insurance and didn't buy it with a credit card, but I do have a plan.
-get the insurance from t-mobile, as I'm withing the 14 days
-enjoy not caring about the phone for the next 6 months
-pay the 130 for a replacement through asurion
-sell new phone for 400+ (if the release of the S3 doesn't drop the market value too much)
-buy Galaxy S3
---------- Post added at 04:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 AM ----------
oh, just to rub salt in the wound, when I got home, today, after cracking the screen, my dritztronic case, with screen protector, was in my mailbox... mocking me...
Get one of these TPU cases, very minimal and offers a good grip, easy to take on and off and has a ever so slightly raised edge around the front so even if you drop it face first the screen won't impact any surfaces. I got the clear one with the curved sand blasted part. I think I paid like $9 shipped and it came within a week.
Thanks
Thanks everyone for all the sympathetic and constructive replies. Unfortunately the phone is just right over the 14day US T-mobile insurance, and my credit card does not provide any.
I never believed in cases either, always thought it kills the design of the phone, but after this incident, I may think differently. Such a shame though, it's a such a slick looking phone WITHOUT the case. I am considering writing a complaint email to HTC, not sure if it will do any good, but worth a shot.
I had also checked screen replacement online, but they are still in the $150-$200 range.
kpnyc said:
Thanks everyone for all the sympathetic and constructive replies. Unfortunately the phone is just right over the 14day US T-mobile insurance, and my credit card does not provide any.
I never believed in cases either, always thought it kills the design of the phone, but after this incident, I may think differently. Such a shame though, it's a such a slick looking phone WITHOUT the case. I am considering writing a complaint email to HTC, not sure if it will do any good, but worth a shot.
I had also checked screen replacement online, but they are still in the $150-$200 range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt HTC is going to help you. You dropped it, and therefore are responsible. Yeah, it SUCKS.
Also, I'm surprised that this screen is Gorilla Glass, based on these reports of cracking. What's the point of Gorilla Glass if it breaks just as easy? I know it's scratchproof, but it's also supposed to be much more resistant to breaks.
arpheztwig said:
I've had the phone for all of 5 days. it fell from my hand as I put something down on a rock, litterally no drop whatsoever, but it slid a whopping 6 inches down the rock on it's face and the screen cracked and scratched. if it is supposed to have gorilla glass, I was gypped. I have no renters insurance and didn't buy it with a credit card, but I do have a plan.
-get the insurance from t-mobile, as I'm withing the 14 days
-enjoy not caring about the phone for the next 6 months
-pay the 130 for a replacement through asurion
-sell new phone for 400+ (if the release of the S3 doesn't drop the market value too much)
-buy Galaxy S3
---------- Post added at 04:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 AM ----------
oh, just to rub salt in the wound, when I got home, today, after cracking the screen, my dritztronic case, with screen protector, was in my mailbox... mocking me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL at the plan BUT what i've learned through all the warranty exchanges i did with my G2x is just call tmobile tell them the phones fine (physically) make up something so they send u out a new one and when they find out its cracked or water damaged or whatever they charge you $74.03 which is almost half of asurion or w.e the company is .. i cracked the F outta my g2x told them it was overheating and they sent me a new one called me in a couple days saying my screens cracked and they're charging me $74.03 just if you wanted my sources it's legit
icecicle04 said:
LOL at the plan BUT what i've learned through all the warranty exchanges i did with my G2x is just call tmobile tell them the phones fine (physically) make up something so they send u out a new one and when they find out its cracked or water damaged or whatever they charge you $74.03 which is almost half of asurion or w.e the company is .. i cracked the F outta my g2x told them it was overheating and they sent me a new one called me in a couple days saying my screens cracked and they're charging me $74.03 just if you wanted my sources it's legit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very hard to read and comprehend, mate... Something about paying money to... overheat... water...
chic.geek said:
Very hard to read and comprehend, mate... Something about paying money to... overheat... water...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's what they SHOULD be doing..seriously. But to explain the process:
Call tmobile
Ask for technical support
Tell them "i don't know what's wrong with my phone, the touch screen isn't working on certain parts and it keeps freezing and calling people on its own" or make up any other non physical issue you can think of.
They'll make you trouble shoot the phone and just play dumb and stick to your "my phone isn't working" excuse
Then the technical support person will tell you "okay, we're going to send you a phone exchange and you just send back the one with issues" they'll ask you if the phone has any PHYSICAL or WATER damage... SAY NO. They'll tell you if they find any damage they will charge you ___ which as the previous poster stated is A LOT cheaper charge than anything the insurance or htc or anyone else will bill you for. You might have to pay for the shipping of the new exchange and that's it.
(and if you end up getting nervous about this and chicken out when the new phone gets to you... just send the same phone back... tmobile sends you a little white box and inside that white box is the shell of the "new" phone with a pre labeled mailing slip and a little sticker to seal the box up again...no big deal)
Make sense?

s4 Insure or not?

We know from the Technobuffalo teardown video that many components are extremely easy to replace, but it is also noted that the Gorilla Glass 3 could be extremely expensive. So the question is, for a $650+ phone, what are your thoughts on insuring it? Are you going to risk it or go with a squaretrade when they give a 30% off code, even with the $99 deductible?
the other parts are never a problem the real problem like you said is the screen which is very expensive so if u can be careful around the phone no need for insuring it anyway for me i never need insurance since i always take good care of my phone=my love XD
aawshads said:
We know from the Technobuffalo teardown video that many components are extremely easy to replace, but it is also noted that the Gorilla Glass 3 could be extremely expensive. So the question is, for a $650+ phone, what are your thoughts on insuring it? Are you going to risk it or go with a squaretrade when they give a 30% off code, even with the $99 deductible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely not worth it in my opinion. Squaretrade has a $50 deductible too.
Take care of your phone, it's as simple as that. My iPhone 4 fell a few times, but I had a pretty light case from Speck and a screen protector.
Zero scratches and zero dents.
Also do note, after 2-3 years, most people will be upgrading their phone.
Nephilim-Giant said:
Definitely not worth it in my opinion. Squaretrade has a $50 deductible too.
Take care of your phone, it's as simple as that. My iPhone 4 fell a few times, but I had a pretty light case from Speck and a screen protector.
Zero scratches and zero dents.
Also do note, after 2-3 years, most people will be upgrading their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but accidents do happen. My GS3 had been in a case from day 1 with screen protectors etc, not a scratch on it. it fell from my lap onto a concrete floor, the case protected it, not a scratch. within 2 hours the screen was turning black because the fall had broken the lcd on the inside and the fluid was leaking out. I got the screen replaced (using the same glass) and it still looks like it just came out of box. I know it was an unusual case, but it does happen.
btw, the squaretrade deductible is $99.
Samsung tends to have very rugged build quality. I can't speak for the S3 as I've never had it, but I have a GS2 for a couple years, no case no protection, I dropped that thing so many times from all different heights and on different surfaces such as concrete, wooden floors, tile floors etc, my phones tend to get abused, and it never broke from any of those drops. Just a bit of barely noticeable scratching on the back plastic and around the edges of the phone. If I decide to get the S4, it's going to be treated just like my S2 was. I've never had the need for insurance and I would not get insurance this time neither.
I don't think the insurance is necessary given my experience, but, it's your call. I think you will be just fine without it providing you take care of it.
-]Megacharge[- said:
Samsung tends to have very rugged build quality. I can't speak for the S3 as I've never had it, but I have a GS2 for a couple years, no case no protection, I dropped that thing so many times from all different heights and on different surfaces such as concrete, wooden floors, tile floors etc, my phones tend to get abused, and it never broke from any of those drops. Just a bit of barely noticeable scratching on the back plastic and around the edges of the phone. If I decide to get the S4, it's going to be treated just like my S2 was. I've never had the need for insurance and I would not get insurance this time neither.
I don't think the insurance is necessary given my experience, but, it's your call. I think you will be just fine without it providing you take care of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill second that. But the S2 ( I9100) is the most sturdy Samsung smartphone of them all by far. That thing is nearly indestructible. I dropped it, it slews on its face. dropped it again from different heights and I never even had a scratch ( seriously). However the S3 is total opposite. While it's a great phone as far as battery life, user experience, support ah blah blah, the phone is so fragile. You drop it once and it's a wrap. The Note 2 is pretty good, much better than the S3. But yeah, the S2 has really strong plastic and the front was also very strong.
You can be as careful as you want - and accidents can still happen. I purchased the S3 and the NOTE2 when they first came out - and when traveling - moving thru airports each time, the phone slipped - landed just right and cracked the screen. I would never buy a phone this expensive without having insurance.
Let's say you insure your S4 with Asurion and after about a year you drop the S4 and the screen breaks. The S5 is already released so would paying your deductible get you an S4 or S5? After about a year of owning a device I begin being more careless about it, not that I don't take care of it anymore, its just I don't baby it anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
msavic6 said:
Let's say you insure your S4 with Asurion and after about a year you drop the S4 and the screen breaks. The S5 is already released so would paying your deductible get you an S4 or S5? After about a year of owning a device I begin being more careless about it, not that I don't take care of it anymore, its just I don't baby it anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i am debating the insurance myself. I am extremely good with phones and repairing them but accidents do happen. My wonderful wife decided to start fostering dogs and one of them picked my phone off the table and bit practically through it. Samsung galaxy s2 screens are super expensive can't fix it for that kind of cost.
msavic6 said:
Let's say you insure your S4 with Asurion and after about a year you drop the S4 and the screen breaks. The S5 is already released so would paying your deductible get you an S4 or S5? After about a year of owning a device I begin being more careless about it, not that I don't take care of it anymore, its just I don't baby it anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a s4?
I get insurance for a year through square trade. For as much as I enjoy using my phone, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. I only keep phones for a year max so moot point after that.
I also don't like having to worry about screen cracks or accidental water damage.
Plus, tech is a hobby of mine so I spend a little more than an average consumer and don't mind the cost.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Idontknoww said:
do you have a s4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I do not have an S4, I'm speaking hypothetically.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Galaxy S4 Active dropped on concrete - how rugged is it? (pics)

Well, I dropped my Samsung Galaxy S4 Active onto a concrete sidewalk. I am not as careful as I should be since I would drop my SII without worry since I had the Ballistics case on it. My new Active had no case. It fell directly on a corner, and of course missed the hardened rubber/plastic part and hit the outer metal shell directly. It knocked a snap out of the bottom right corner opposite the impact point. I took the case off and installed it again and everything snapped in normally.
My screen is fine and everything works normally. Aside from asthetics, nothing is different than before the drop. I have read about some regular S4 screens breaking from far less. Maybe there is something to the "rugged" nature of the active.
Anyways, a picture is worth a thousand words so here are four pics. My first time uploading pics here so hopefully they turn out ok.
Ouch! My sincerest condolences.
I would be terrified while picking it up..
Any 5 inch touchscreen device shouldn't ever be considered rugged haha
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
I wouldnt try it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Sand out the part? lol.
I dropped mine today too, which is weird because I never drop my phone. I have a scuff mark on the metal outer shell like you. Pretty disappointed it scratched so easily.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using xda app-developers app
It's not a rugged phone ladies... It's the same as an s4 just water and dirt proof.
You drop it and it will break just as easy as a regular s4.
Ouch!
Ouch that sucks! Yeah I just got my Active today and I need to get a case and screen protector ASAP.
I didn't think this phone would be drop proof. It was advertised as waterproof/dustproof.
At least the screen is not cracked.
Ouch! At least a case will cover the damage and the screen is not cracked. One of the reasons I returned mine. It is a bit slippery. The ATT manager asked why I was returning it and I said no cases, no support and he scoffed at me. I then asked him when is the last time a Galaxy Device was launched and cases were not available on that day at the store? Even my captive had a case at ATT the day I bought it...It has been over a week and you can't even get an overpriced cases from ATT? No thanks.
planoman said:
Ouch! At least a case will cover the damage and the screen is not cracked. One of the reasons I returned mine. It is a bit slippery. The ATT manager asked why I was returning it and I said no cases, no support and he scoffed at me. I then asked him when is the last time a Galaxy Device was launched and cases were not available on that day at the store? Even my captive had a case at ATT the day I bought it...It has been over a week and you can't even get an overpriced cases from ATT? No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what I was thinking. With a case it won't even show. I did buy the Best Buy protection so supposedly I can get unlimited exchanges but still...
I know it wasn't made with drop protection, but it did hold up pretty well. If a case ever comes out I will have no worries at all.
I dropped my s4 in a puddle 2 days ago fully submerged and my heart sunk. Ripped it sort let it dry. Used some alcohol to get water out and it works fine. Not an active though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Slade8525 said:
people will do amazing things to get what they want. that said, perhaps food ought to be prioritized over cell phones/random crap you want. how did you break 3 s4's? you must have the worst case of butterfingers ever. i usually buy mine off contract or unlocked, but i have yet to accidentally destroy any cell phone. not everyone has the money to shell out for new stuff whenever they need it.
fortunately i dont have to worry about money, ever, but i still take very good care of whatever i have, and i have learned not to lend things out or let people use my stuff (especially drunk friends and cell phones or idiot friends and new sports cars).
seriously, how did you manage to break 3 already? i know one guy who drops his iphone about once a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the case of "I haz monies." Paying full price 3 times sucks really really bad. I would hope you mean breaking the original, then breaking it at repair, and one more for good measure. Still, that's just crazy butterfingers, but I digress.
Op, I seriously doubt "rugged" means unchipable, or even blemish proof. If phone meets concrete from even three feet and the right angle, you'll either chip, dent, or scratch. In thing to be happy about is the glass or screen shattering. I'll take dents and chips over exploding screens any day. Still, not having cases for it is highly questionable. You'd think even Sammy would release a case, just to collect more money.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 on Tapatalk 2
I cannot believe how ****ty the active is, this phone slipped out of my pocket and fell from about 10 inches up the day I bought it. The screen cracked in two places. Upper right corner and right below the back button.
However, I called at&t and they sent me a regular s4 free of charge and let me keep the mildly broken active. Never charged me or anything. If only I could find a replacement screen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Never mind
Incarnate609 said:
I cannot believe how ****ty the active is, this phone slipped out of my pocket and fell from about 10 inches up the day I bought it. The screen cracked in two places. Upper right corner and right below the back button.
However, I called at&t and they sent me a regular s4 free of charge and let me keep the mildly broken active. Never charged me or anything. If only I could find a replacement screen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, Samsung may be able to replace it cheaper than buying parts. Of course it's on the assumption you want it fixed today.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 on Tapatalk 2
mattpayne92 said:
I dropped mine today too, which is weird because I never drop my phone. I have a scuff mark on the metal outer shell like you. Pretty disappointed it scratched so easily.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha you dropped it and expecting not to have scratches? screen on my note 2 shattered when i dropped it on the first day i bought it
Fastnova007 said:
It's not a rugged phone ladies...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand why people who purchase this phone seem to think it is shock proof, drop proof and crush proof. It's marketed as being waterproof and dustproof.
sgtmcfunky said:
Ouch that sucks! Yeah I just got my Active today and I need to get a case and screen protector ASAP.
I didn't think this phone would be drop proof. It was advertised as waterproof/dustproof.
At least the screen is not cracked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Precisely.
planoman said:
Ouch! At least a case will cover the damage and the screen is not cracked. One of the reasons I returned mine. It is a bit slippery. The ATT manager asked why I was returning it and I said no cases, no support and he scoffed at me. I then asked him when is the last time a Galaxy Device was launched and cases were not available on that day at the store? Even my captive had a case at ATT the day I bought it...It has been over a week and you can't even get an overpriced cases from ATT? No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you seen the long list of accessories here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331133
dajabec said:
Well, I dropped my Samsung Galaxy S4 Active onto a concrete sidewalk. I am not as careful as I should be since I would drop my SII without worry since I had the Ballistics case on it. My new Active had no case. It fell directly on a corner, and of course missed the hardened rubber/plastic part and hit the outer metal shell directly. It knocked a snap out of the bottom right corner opposite the impact point. I took the case off and installed it again and everything snapped in normally.
My screen is fine and everything works normally. Aside from asthetics, nothing is different than before the drop. I have read about some regular S4 screens breaking from far less. Maybe there is something to the "rugged" nature of the active.
Anyways, a picture is worth a thousand words so here are four pics. My first time uploading pics here so hopefully they turn out ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see your phone survived. I'm still going to wait for my case to come in the mail though.
dajabec said:
That is what I was thinking. With a case it won't even show. I did buy the Best Buy protection so supposedly I can get unlimited exchanges but still...I know it wasn't made with drop protection, but it did hold up pretty well. If a case ever comes out I will have no worries at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish it had drop protection. But a case should fix that. I'm just thrilled about it being waterproof.
Incarnate609 said:
I cannot believe how ****ty the active is, this phone slipped out of my pocket and fell from about 10 inches up the day I bought it. The screen cracked in two places. Upper right corner and right below the back button. However, I called at&t and they sent me a regular s4 free of charge and let me keep the mildly broken active. Never charged me or anything. If only I could find a replacement screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the reasons I got rid of my old S4 was because people were having the screen crack while in their pocket with no trauma. I haven't heard any such reports on the Active just yet. Honestly, the one time I cracked a screen it was on my Note 1 and it was a drop of similar height and I had a Trident case on it. It sucks, but I can't see blaming an electronic device when I'm the one dropping it.

Did you scratch yours already? Returning your product?

So.. I noticed I happened to scratch mine on the screen. I have no clue how and when it happened. Just noticed it. I did not have any protection for the screen. Never had them in the past. I did have a case though that lifts the screen up when placed facing down. I also never place my phone with the screen facing down. So I am assuming it happened somewhere else.
Since I bought it from Samsung directly, we have 30 days of free premium care support. Turns out that is through Assurant and they pretty much denied coverage on my device first saying it was not covered. When pressed they said they would cover it but I'd have to pay $99 for a replacement device AND that replacement device COULD be a factory refurbished device.
All bad news.. So I am deciding to return the phone back to Samsung since I am within my 14 days. The scratch is small enough and won't jump out on you... and you can't even see it if the screen is on.
Anyone with a similar experience?
:silly:
I doubt you'll find anyone willing to openly admit to also being as petty as what you've described above. How long do you think you'll keep up this game of exploiting (purchase, damage, return & repeat) before considering adequate protection to combat the OCD?!
androidbuff123 said:
So.. I noticed I happened to scratch mine on the screen. I have no clue how and when it happened. Just noticed it. I did not have any protection for the screen. Never had them in the past. I did have a case though that lifts the screen up when placed facing down. I also never place my phone with the screen facing down. So I am assuming it happened somewhere else.
Since I bought it from Samsung directly, we have 30 days of free premium care support. Turns out that is through Assurant and they pretty much denied coverage on my device first saying it was not covered. When pressed they said they would cover it but I'd have to pay $99 for a replacement device AND that replacement device COULD be a factory refurbished device.
All bad news.. So I am deciding to return the phone back to Samsung since I am within my 14 days. The scratch is small enough and won't jump out on you... and you can't even see it if the screen is on.
Anyone with a similar experience?
:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You scratched it and think you are entitled to a brand new phone for FREE?
What are you 12?
This is whats wrong with America these days folks.. smh.
My firend out right cracked his S8+, filed a claim, paid $99 and got brand new device
This early in the game, they won't have refurbished units - in a month or so probably yeah
Side note, my wife dropped hers from about 3 ft and it has a scuff on the screen - noticeable but nothing horrible. Slapped a screen protector on it and all is good again. Gorilla Glass 5 is definitely a joke cause they claim should be good from higher distance
The feeling of entitlement these days is down right ridiculous.
androidbuff123 said:
So.. I noticed I happened to scratch mine on the screen. I have no clue how and when it happened. Just noticed it. I did not have any protection for the screen. Never had them in the past. I did have a case though that lifts the screen up when placed facing down. I also never place my phone with the screen facing down. So I am assuming it happened somewhere else.
Since I bought it from Samsung directly, we have 30 days of free premium care support. Turns out that is through Assurant and they pretty much denied coverage on my device first saying it was not covered. When pressed they said they would cover it but I'd have to pay $99 for a replacement device AND that replacement device COULD be a factory refurbished device.
All bad news.. So I am deciding to return the phone back to Samsung since I am within my 14 days. The scratch is small enough and won't jump out on you... and you can't even see it if the screen is on.
Anyone with a similar experience?
:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the restocking fee are you not worried they might take more than 15% because of the damage?
Wow. The replies reflect how immature many of you are. You really think Samsung will take a scratched screen back without slapping a fee for it? When I called them to return it, I TOLD THEM IT WAS SCRATCHED. Since I'm within the 14 days and the scratch is small, they said they'll take it but may charge me a little.
I just didn't think it was fair for assurant to charge me $99 for what could possibly be a refurbished device when I'm supposedly enrolled in an insurance program.
Smh
Anyway. The post is more about how easily the screen scratches. I'd rather pay more and get a perfect phone than live with a scratched screen. I remember my first iPhone 6. that I had bought and my kid scratched it. Apple replaced it for a brand new one since it was only 3 days old.
androidbuff123 said:
Wow. The replies reflect how immature many of you are. You really think Samsung will take a scratched screen back without slapping a fee for it? When I called them to return it, I TOLD THEM IT WAS SCRATCHED. Since I'm within the 14 days and the scratch is small, they said they'll take it but may charge me a little.
I just didn't think it was fair for assurant to charge me $99 for what could possibly be a refurbished device when I'm supposedly enrolled in an insurance program.
Smh
Anyway. The post is more about how easily the screen scratches. I'd rather pay more and get a perfect phone than live with a scratched screen. I remember my first iPhone 6. that I had bought and my kid scratched it. Apple replaced it for a brand new one since it was only 3 days old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you pay for return shipping also. Then you get to wait for them to process the refund. That tiny scratch costs you almost $150 if you consider time and shipping/insurance.
But have you guys scratched your phone too? I don't mind a case. Just don't like them screen protectors that much. It beats the purpose imo
androidbuff123 said:
But have you guys scratched your phone too? I don't mind a case. Just don't like them screen protectors that much. It beats the purpose imo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never scratched any of my phones screens and i never use screen protectors because i hate them also.
scratched my screen, pretty small, not sure how it happened either, typically haven't had any problems with phones in the past, and have been careful
i'm just gonna pay to have the screen replaced in a couple months
954wrecker said:
I've never scratched any of my phones screens and i never use screen protectors because i hate them also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here: am always careful and use a lightweight case on all of my phones.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Mine came right out of the box with a scratch. It was a pre-order and head clearly been played with. I immediately called TMobile and filed for a return and ordered a new one. Now my new one might have the home button issue ?
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
just opened mine yesterday. I kept the film on there was on, and added more tape to make sure i wont get scratches.
I am waiting on screen protectors for back and front
So I returned my S8 to the store and it happened to have a very very faint small scratch on the screen even though I was careful with it and never rubbed it against anything. I don't know how it got there or if it was on it when I opened the box. BB didn't care though, and I returned it cause I was having other issues with the device. My new one came with a screen protector on it (t-mobile version) that didn't have any print on the protector so I've just left it there and you can't even tell lol. But I did find one screen protector I bought that had good reviews. Link here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XV9X72L/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
What issue did you say them?
deathshead said:
You scratched it and think you are entitled to a brand new phone for FREE?
What are you 12?
This is whats wrong with America these days folks.. smh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So let me get this...according to your logic it is ok for samsung to sell phones with the worst glass quality ever? There are complaints all over the place regarding the fact that S8 scratches very easy comparing to any other previous version. I also experience issues with this poor gorilla glass 5...having scratched the display after only 2 weeks although I was being extremely careful with the device. We are all having just bad luck? I doubt it.
I'm sure that the only solution is to have a class action lawsuit against Samsung...otherwise their answer will always be that it's the consumer's fault. Unfortunately it doesn't explode like the Note 7 in order to draw so much attention and force Samsung to admit the problem.
I just noticed a giant scratch on front screen. Phone owned less than 1 month never dropped and never mingled together with hard items like keys. This seems almost impossible. I've owned a smartphone since iPhone 4 and I've never seen a phone scratch this fast for no reason.
Corning has some explaining to do as I believe they are fully responsible. They have taken an easy piggyback ride on the smartphone industry and have advanced beyond their wildest dreams because of it. Now it's 2017 and they are releasing products which do not meet standards.
I totally agree. Corning and Samsung must give an explanation about the scratch resistance of the glass they have put on the S8. I never had problems with scratches on my Samsung devices since gorilla glass 3. What happened this year? Is it a mistake of Corning or Samsung? Do other devices with gorilla glass 5 scratch so easily? I personally bought an ultra thin case (it's the first time i put a case) just to prevent any more scratches.
They made gorilla glass 5 softer to make it more shatter resistant which in fault causes it to scratch easier.
Harder glass= more shatter/less scratches
Softer glass = reduction in shatter/ more scratches.

Durability

Before I post this, I have a Pixel 2 on order and am in no way bashing for the sake of it. That being said, its pretty disappointing that the pixel 2 fairs so much worse that the original pixel. The bend at the end is especially sad to see, not sure why they put a weak point in the frame almost in the middle of the one side. That being said, not planning on cancelling as it ticks all the boxes I care about and I certainly don't plan on bending/sitting on my phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVKnt7H4zVc&t=0s
What are your guys thoughts?
i am getting the 2 xl but
i am somewhat disappointed in the bend test the rest was ok
After seeing the jerryrigeverything test, I definitely feel more cautious about how I handle the phone. I didn't want to get a case and instead opt in for just dbrand skin and screen protector. Now it looks like I at least need to purchase a bumper case
I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.
krelvinaz said:
I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point he made was pretty crucial though. If material of pockets etc can discolour the paint on the phone, thats a disaster from the start.
The OG Pixel was very poor when it came to durability due to the soft aluminium used as opposed to the harder aluminium of more premium devices like iPhone and OnePlus 5.
The paint used will fare even worse, and unlike anodized aluminium, minor scratches wont simply "rub off", and rather, will likely be permanent.
Thats not even considering the fact that it will chip from any impact.
Also the OG Pixel suffered even when protected with the best case. A tiny piece of dirt can cause chaos if it manages to get in between the phone and case due to the soft metal, so the same will likely apply here.
Baffles me that Google have dropped the ball on hardware again.
To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out
wazka2 said:
To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree I had a 6 plus when bend gate went down. I thoroughly in a UAG case and didn't worry about it. I the. Gave it to my 13 yr old daughter and she had no issues. Really I cant recall even snapping a phone ever.. this is a non issue. I feel good about going with the Pixel 2 over the XL I feel it's been less issue prone.
I am in construction, and my phone sits in my pocket all day while I am working. It was in my pocket without a case all day on Friday, since my Otterbox hadn't arrived yet, and it did just fine. Since then I have had the case on it, and I don't worry about it.

Categories

Resources