Handwriting "2 of 14" on inside of back cover. - Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all,
I bought a (verified good ESN) Droid Ultra from Craigslist, for... get this... $15, which supposedly had "water damage". Well, in the process of successfully reviving it, I noticed handwriting inside of the back cover, in silver or white pen, which said "2 of 14", and since other scribbles, resembling initials. Had anyone else had their Ultra cracked open, and noticed this, or is mine "special"? The back covers are surprisingly easy to remove (I just ran my thumbnail around the seam), and there doesn't seem to be any tamper tape anywhere on this thing, although removing the back cover is all the further I got. The water intrusion sticker, which is on the upper right, inside, wasn't bright pink, but didn't have any distinct x's on it, either.
Probably isn't anything, but I had to ask.
Take Care,
Deezl
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Premium HD app

Where are you located at?
I'm curious where you are located at, most likely the device you have is a test device not meant for sale.
335Deezl said:
Hello all,
I bought a (verified good ESN) Droid Ultra from Craigslist, for... get this... $15, which supposedly had "water damage". Well, in the process of successfully reviving it, I noticed handwriting inside of the back cover, in silver or white pen, which said "2 of 14", and since other scribbles, resembling initials. Had anyone else had their Ultra cracked open, and noticed this, or is mine "special"? The back covers are surprisingly easy to remove (I just ran my thumbnail around the seam), and there doesn't seem to be any tamper tape anywhere on this thing, although removing the back cover is all the further I got. The water intrusion sticker, which is on the upper right, inside, wasn't bright pink, but didn't have any distinct x's on it, either.
Probably isn't anything, but I had to ask.
Take Care,
Deezl
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Northern Colorado. Who knows, maybe i have a special phone! I'll be selling it soon, along worth my rooted Droid Maxx, so i can get a Droid Turbo.

Related

Was your box open?

Well, I got my One X today, and the seal on the box was already broken and the phone was face down!
Did anyone else experience that?
Somebody had to put your sim card in. Didn't you notice the sim cutout in the box with it?
beaups said:
Somebody had to put your sim card in. Didn't you notice the sim cutout in the box with it?
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odd, they have always come with the simcard just in the box before. Also the big grey sticker on the back is stupid.
designgears said:
odd, they have always come with the simcard just in the box before. Also the big grey sticker on the back is stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boxes are always open to insert sim into the phone itself.
Also, you can peel the sticker and put it away. It's mainly for inventory usage and ID.
designgears said:
odd, they have always come with the simcard just in the box before. Also the big grey sticker on the back is stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of the phones in our inventory have no seals at all. I wouldn't worry about it.
Box was open and the phone was already on. I'm gonna do a factory reset just to make sure
This is why i always pick up my phone at the store
Then i can watch them open it and all the other assorted goodness that goes along with unboxing. My only complaint, no beats brand headphones.
redwraith01 said:
Then i can watch them open it and all the other assorted goodness that goes along with unboxing. My only complaint, no beats brand headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those headphones are bad anyway. Anything by Beats you should avoid like the plague.
I'll be removing "beats" from this phone the second I can.
Got mine! And yes, it was on.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Mine was powered on too. Also, the back bottom left side, right by the Mic, had a small smudge. I took it back to AT&T and made them switch it out. It was like pulling teeth.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Artimus009 said:
Mine was powered on too. Also, the back bottom left side, right by the Mic, had a small smudge. I took it back to AT&T and made them switch it out. It was like pulling teeth.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
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Click to collapse
Lucky. I just went to 2 stores (have a dead pixel) and neither would let me exchange until Sunday. Total BS, because we all know they got them in the back. :/
Oh yeah, mine was opened as well, ordered no commitment, so there was no sim installed. Also had scuff marks on back, but was able to rub them off.
A manager could have swapped it out and changed the inventory the next day.
You can do almost anything in an AT&T if you're convincing enough w/ a manager.
And there's nothing wrong for exchanging them. You're buying a brand new phone, it should be in absolutely perfect condition. Every run of phones will have small numbers of units with imperfections. It's always worth exchanging them.
For anyone who buys it on the 6th, look it over closely. Before you even walk out of the door. Stand right in front of that rep and look it over closely with the screen on.
Extremely disappointed in the packaging. For one thing, I can put in my own card. But the outer box was almost double the size of the phone box (with no packing paper or bubble wrap to secure it)...which means it was bouncing around from Texas to Chicago. Works ok, but I hope it didn't loosen anything up.
Mine was open too. I was pretty disappointed about that.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I didnt notice mine open, but the phone was not on and when I powered it on the battery was at 96%.
i really cant remember lol but i had to set it up, guess it was on, no worries
Phone seal was broken. SIM in. Phone came turned off and showed 1/2 battery
Mine was sealed but I purchased it off contract.
I purchased the phone as a family line upgrade, and I had to go from a SIM to microSIM. Yet, my box was sealed (but the uSIM was inside the phone). I guess someone put it in, and then applied the seal to the box
EDIT: The phone was switched off.
i ordered mine today for white 149.99! I hope it comes sealed, otherwise i'm storming into the att store for exchange ^_^
galaxy s3 looks like s**t so i'm going for htc!! love the design! dont need this s voice crap or lazy text to call crap
designgears i'm your fan since galaxy s1!

"DO NOT ACCEPT IF SEALS BROKEN" seals are broken

I just got it from Amazon. The first thing I thought when I got it was "wow, it's not even wrapped in plastic. someone can just open it without leaving any mark." I turned the box upside down to see what's underneath it, and there were two broken seals. They read "DO NOT ACCEPT IF SEAL IS BROKEN."
I opened the box and checked everything (without turning it on), but I was not able to find any flaw. I even saw an unboxing video on YouTube to compare, and everything seemed exactly the same.
So I have a choice to make: keep it or return it.
If I return it, I have to either wait until Monday to get it shipped or go to a store tomorrow. If I go to store, I end up spending more than $50 additionally due to tax.
If I keep it, well, I have it now.
Well I obviously wanted it as soon as possible, purchasing it on the day it became available. So I don't know what to do. Do you guys think it will be fine to just use it? I guess I can still return it any time (is it for a month for Amazon?) if it turns out to have any flaw, and because I really want to keep it, I feel like keeping it.
What do you guys think?
Well amazon do tend to break the seal to make sure everything is in there, happened to me a few times but as long as it works I don't bother with it. Zedomax had made some unboxing videos and his device also had seal broken but worked fine so if it works then I think you should be alright
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
qnfauf said:
I just got it from Amazon. The first thing I thought when I got it was "wow, it's not even wrapped in plastic. someone can just open it without leaving any mark." I turned the box upside down to see what's underneath it, and there were two broken seals. They read "DO NOT ACCEPT IF SEAL IS BROKEN."
I opened the box and checked everything (without turning it on), but I was not able to find any flaw. I even saw an unboxing video on YouTube to compare, and everything seemed exactly the same.
So I have a choice to make: keep it or return it.
If I return it, I have to either wait until Monday to get it shipped or go to a store tomorrow. If I go to store, I end up spending more than $50 additionally due to tax.
If I keep it, well, I have it now.
Well I obviously wanted it as soon as possible, purchasing it on the day it became available. So I don't know what to do. Do you guys think it will be fine to just use it? I guess I can still return it any time (is it for a month for Amazon?) if it turns out to have any flaw, and because I really want to keep it, I feel like keeping it.
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was the same, if that makes you feel better. Everything seems to be in order for me, too. Think I'll keep mine.
I did get a small ziploc that hold a small metal ring and several small black and white plastic rods, but haven't figured out their purpose, yet.
UltimateAnas said:
Well amazon do tend to break the seal to make sure everything is in there, happened to me a few times but as long as it works I don't bother with it. Zedomax had made some unboxing videos and his device also had seal broken but worked fine so if it works then I think you should be alright
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I didn't know Amazon sometimes did that. I am going to use it.
hchxoom said:
Mine was the same, if that makes you feel better. Everything seems to be in order for me, too. Think I'll keep mine.
I did get a small ziploc that hold a small metal ring and several small black and white plastic rods, but haven't figured out their purpose, yet.
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Click to collapse
I see. It looks like they do it on purpose then. I also don't know what those ring and rods are for haha.
hchxoom said:
I did get a small ziploc that hold a small metal ring and several small black and white plastic rods, but haven't figured out their purpose, yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The small ziploc seems to be delivered, I've seen it on several unboxing videos on Youtube.
I think it's containing replacement "tips" for the S-Pen, according to page 38 in this manual (in Swedish, but I think you get it anyway :fingers-crossed you can replace the tip on the S-Pen.
Edit: You can see the ziploc in this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LhHcbTsz0&feature=player_detailpage#t=46s
Pinnacle74 said:
The small ziploc seems to be delivered, I've seen it on several unboxing videos on Youtube.
I think it's containing replacement "tips" for the S-Pen, according to page 38 in this manual (in Swedish, but I think you get it anyway :fingers-crossed you can replace the tip on the S-Pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I don't know Swedish, but you are definitely right.
yeah hes right. i actually tried to pull it out and i lost it haha, thank god they gave me 5 more!
I got mine at Best Buy for in-store pickup today and immediately noticed that 1 of the 2 seals was broken. Asked them to go get me another one and both seals on it were still intact. Not sure what's going on here, lol
aimfire72 said:
I got mine at Best Buy for in-store pickup today and immediately noticed that 1 of the 2 seals was broken. Asked them to go get me another one and both seals on it were still intact. Not sure what's going on here, lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VERY ODD indeed! Mine also purchased from Worst Buy had one of its two seals broken but everything was as new.
Why do you think this is?
Jumping in with a 'one of mine was broken from Amazon' as well. That's less of a problem for me than their new shipping company just leaving my tablet outside the door to my apartment. Apparently 'signing' is too much trouble for them. Never thought I'd miss UPS
My G'Note 10.1 came wrapped in the plastic. You can see in this video when I opened the tablet, but then again maybe because it's the 3G version.
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda premium
MrJinx said:
VERY ODD indeed! Mine also purchased from Worst Buy had one of its two seals broken but everything was as new.
Why do you think this is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, the girl working the pickup counter suggested it could've happened during shipping... I think more likely an employee started to open it and then changed his/her mind, lol
Could have been a demo....
I wouldn't worry too much about it. That happens sometimes on Amazon. I think they are checking to make sure the proper item is in the box.
As long as the tablet has all of its original protective plastic on it and functions properly it is likely unused.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
Please change the title of your post to lower case. There was no need to shout this. Thanks.
I returned the broken seal one to Amazon and they overnighted me a new one!! Seal was intact on the new one.
hchxoom said:
Mine was the same, if that makes you feel better. Everything seems to be in order for me, too. Think I'll keep mine.
I did get a small ziploc that hold a small metal ring and several small black and white plastic rods, but haven't figured out their purpose, yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ring is for you to tie York wire and the rubber stick is fir you to change the S Pen Lead .
Hey guys. I'm glad to be a member in the forum.
I just received my first tablet/android device; the grey 32 GB Note 10.1 from Amazon. It came in a plain cardboard box with no Amazon markings except for the text on the return label reading: "Amazon Fulfillment Services, 172 Trade St. Lexington, KY 40511" No packing slip and no padding/popcorn. The actual product box (slightly scuffed) had both product seals broken and says "16GB" on the lid's top in the lower left corner but the a white sticker on the side of the lid says 32GB.
Does any of the above sound strange? I think I'm going to return it unless you guys suggest otherwise.

Changing blue housing to white?

I'm just curious about how I might go about changing the pebble blue housing to the white housing, if I were to purchase the parts somewhere. I've tried locating people in my area who might be interested in trading with me, but it's been futile. Obviously, I wouldn't be tearing the phone apart by myself, but does anyone know of any places that might do something like this, like Best Buy/Geek Squad?
I think it's probably impossible to change anything other than the backplate. And if it was possible it's probably a lot of expensive work that's not worth it.
Geek Squad would not have the slightest clue on how to go about that. I'm basing this off of the few times I've had them try to do anything. Their best advice was "battery pull, reboot." "What do you mean it's not fixed!?"
I'm assuming the front bezel would come off minus the screen, but turn your phone and look at the buttons, and the side bezel. All blue. It's just too much to easily replace. My .02
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I appreciate the replies, although I was crossing my fingers for some good news. But I definitely thank you both, regardless!
Nit3mare said:
I'm just curious about how I might go about changing the pebble blue housing to the white housing, if I were to purchase the parts somewhere. I've tried locating people in my area who might be interested in trading with me, but it's been futile. Obviously, I wouldn't be tearing the phone apart by myself, but does anyone know of any places that might do something like this, like Best Buy/Geek Squad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I would try to sell it on Ebay for all I could get and then use the money to get a white one. You'd probably have a lot more reliable phone in the end this way. You're looking at some major surgery to do the front cover, IMHO.
You can replace the battery cover, and they have screen covers that will change the color on the front, if you're willing to go that route. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1822228
ur better off selling the blue one on ebay and turning around and buying a white one
The home button and battery cover would be cheap and simple however the front part would be expensive as I believe the colored part (under the glass) is part of the digitizer and screen which is over $100 for a replacement.
I didn't realize that the colored screen protectors were available, I may just have to give those a go! And as far as selling it on EBay goes, I most certainly would. My only problem being, that I don't have a phone I could use in the meantime!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
do what I did
I got Verizon to send me an S III for free, because I had gotten 6 Nexus warranty swaps, all with the dreaded purple screens
I asked for white.
I didn't really want white, about 10 minutes after I ordered it I realized this.
I called back and they already sent me the phone. I was kinda pissed....
SO when it arrived, I called back. "You sent me the WRONG color!" :laugh:
lol I'm getting my blue one later today. They already make enough money and get enough from me every month!

Dropped my phone on concrete :(

And now the pristine MAO case has some horrendous chips and scratches, and I'm really pissed off.
I can't seem to find a reliable or legit looking seller on eBay that will sell a genuine MAO case, the new bevelled USB version. I'm based in the UK, but wouldn't mind buying from an international seller that ships to the UK also. Does anyone know of any good eBay sellers selling genuine HTC parts?
Failing that, does anyone know roughly how much it would cost if I were to send it back to HTC to replace it? I asked HTC support but they don't sell spare parts and can't give a quote unless I send the phone first. Any estimate would be great.
Thanks.
Anybody..?
djsubtronic said:
Anybody..?
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I'd say you're pretty lucky the screen is intact. Get some black nail polish and fill in the chips, then put one of the super thin cases/skins on it.
el_smurfo said:
I'd say you're pretty lucky the screen is intact. Get some black nail polish and fill in the chips, then put one of the super thin cases/skins on it.
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Click to collapse
The chips are pretty bad. Nail polish is gonna look hideous. Plus the whole point of this phone was to not put it in a case. I'm usually very careful with dropping a phone, this is the first time it's ever happened in my life.
I think I'm just gonna buy a housing off eBay and replace it. And if the housing turns out to be crap (even though they assure it is genuine) then next step would be to insure it and then make a claim.
Hi,
I got a MAO back cover from here: http://www.parts4repair.com/htc-one-s-back-cover/
I asked by e-mail and they say it's an original HTC repair part. I received and replaced the cover and it is indeed indistinguishable from the original. I don't know how it will hold out over time, though.
Before ordering the back cover, I asked an authorized HTC repair service in Switzerland about the repair cost; they said 59 CHF for the cover + labor costs. Like in your case, they cannot estimate labor costs without seeing the phone.
I replaced the back cover myself. It is not that difficult, but you lose warranty (there is a VOID sticker you need to puncture). Be careful that the MAO back cover is structurally different from the gray one: under the lower plastic "flap", there is another black plastic piece that needs to be removed before you can pull the phone from the back cover (first unscrew the two black cross-type screws, then pull out the plastic piece).
Good luck!
doartest said:
Hi,
I got a MAO back cover from here: http://www.parts4repair.com/htc-one-s-back-cover/
I asked by e-mail and they say it's an original HTC repair part. I received and replaced the cover and it is indeed indistinguishable from the original. I don't know how it will hold out over time, though.
Before ordering the back cover, I asked an authorized HTC repair service in Switzerland about the repair cost; they said 59 CHF for the cover + labor costs. Like in your case, they cannot estimate labor costs without seeing the phone.
I replaced the back cover myself. It is not that difficult, but you lose warranty (there is a VOID sticker you need to puncture). Be careful that the MAO back cover is structurally different from the gray one: under the lower plastic "flap", there is another black plastic piece that needs to be removed before you can pull the phone from the back cover (first unscrew the two black cross-type screws, then pull out the plastic piece).
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I knew the difference between the black and gray ones and since mine is black I just want to fix the fact that it's chipped. I'm comfortable with replacing it myself so I might just get it from the website you linked. I just have one question though, can you notice on the replacement cover you ordered whether it has the "new style" beveled USB port? I only want to bother replacing it if it has that USB bevel which indicates it won't have the chipping issue. Other than that, how long have you had it and have you noticed any chipping?
I'd probably fix it myself, it will save money and also won't have to be without a phone.
djsubtronic said:
Thanks, I knew the difference between the black and gray ones and since mine is black I just want to fix the fact that it's chipped. I'm comfortable with replacing it myself so I might just get it from the website you linked. I just have one question though, can you notice on the replacement cover you ordered whether it has the "new style" beveled USB port? I only want to bother replacing it if it has that USB bevel which indicates it won't have the chipping issue. Other than that, how long have you had it and have you noticed any chipping?
I'd probably fix it myself, it will save money and also won't have to be without a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only used it for ~1 week.
Unfortunately, I didn't know about the bevel and did not check. I don't have the phone anymore (it was the S3 version, I sold it and got an S4). If your eyes are better than mine, try looking at these photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u1kq1gdfdrq3zhj/Untitled.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wmmrv0kgmrmglyr/full.png
I would say that it does not have the bevel, but the quality is not that good. I don't have the full resolution photos either.
doartest said:
I only used it for ~1 week.
Unfortunately, I didn't know about the bevel and did not check. I don't have the phone anymore (it was the S3 version, I sold it and got an S4). If your eyes are better than mine, try looking at these photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u1kq1gdfdrq3zhj/Untitled.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wmmrv0kgmrmglyr/full.png
I would say that it does not have the bevel, but the quality is not that good. I don't have the full resolution photos either.
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Click to collapse
Ahhh yea those pics are crap. Thanks for your help anyway. I'll think it over and see what I should do.
Just thought I'd let people know. I ordered a case from no.1-tech on ebay (Hong Kong based). Only 20 GBP (including postage) and 12 calendar days later, the case arrived. And at the expense of voiding my warranty, I went ahead to swap the case myself at home. It was a lot easier than expected to do.
So far so good. Seems like a genuine part, but best of all, and much to my surprise, it is the newer beveled USB design as well. Either that or a really incredible fake. Part number matched exactly on the case I removed and it had a date stamp also.
All in all, my phone is now brand new again, with the exception of a small chip that I got on the actual plastic portion around the screen. Not much I can do about that short of getting a whole new digitizer which unfortunately only comes bundled with a screen too. Can't justify 100 GBP to fix a tiny chip on the plastic lol.
djsubtronic said:
Just thought I'd let people know. I ordered a case from no.1-tech on ebay (Hong Kong based). Only 20 GBP (including postage) and 12 calendar days later, the case arrived. And at the expense of voiding my warranty, I went ahead to swap the case myself at home. It was a lot easier than expected to do.
So far so good. Seems like a genuine part, but best of all, and much to my surprise, it is the newer beveled USB design as well. Either that or a really incredible fake. Part number matched exactly on the case I removed and it had a date stamp also.
All in all, my phone is now brand new again, with the exception of a small chip that I got on the actual plastic portion around the screen. Not much I can do about that short of getting a whole new digitizer which unfortunately only comes bundled with a screen too. Can't justify 100 GBP to fix a tiny chip on the plastic lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you please post a link of the eBay page where you got the housing? am looking to replace mine also. thanks
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
djsubtronic said:
Just thought I'd let people know. I ordered a case from no.1-tech on ebay (Hong Kong based). Only 20 GBP (including postage) and 12 calendar days later, the case arrived. And at the expense of voiding my warranty, I went ahead to swap the case myself at home. It was a lot easier than expected to do.
So far so good. Seems like a genuine part, but best of all, and much to my surprise, it is the newer beveled USB design as well. Either that or a really incredible fake. Part number matched exactly on the case I removed and it had a date stamp also.
All in all, my phone is now brand new again, with the exception of a small chip that I got on the actual plastic portion around the screen. Not much I can do about that short of getting a whole new digitizer which unfortunately only comes bundled with a screen too. Can't justify 100 GBP to fix a tiny chip on the plastic lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice work. Does the disassembly require pry tools (which I suck at) or is it all just screws?
djsubtronic said:
Just thought I'd let people know. I ordered a case from no.1-tech on ebay (Hong Kong based). Only 20 GBP (including postage) and 12 calendar days later, the case arrived. And at the expense of voiding my warranty, I went ahead to swap the case myself at home. It was a lot easier than expected to do.
So far so good. Seems like a genuine part, but best of all, and much to my surprise, it is the newer beveled USB design as well. Either that or a really incredible fake. Part number matched exactly on the case I removed and it had a date stamp also.
All in all, my phone is now brand new again, with the exception of a small chip that I got on the actual plastic portion around the screen. Not much I can do about that short of getting a whole new digitizer which unfortunately only comes bundled with a screen too. Can't justify 100 GBP to fix a tiny chip on the plastic lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone. I wonder how you even started removing the case, since it has no visible screws. I suppose there are videos out there with instructions.
evilRafael said:
Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone. I wonder how you even started removing the case, since it has no visible screws. I suppose there are videos out there with instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pop your plastic covers for starters.
dr_rick13 said:
could you please post a link of the eBay page where you got the housing? am looking to replace mine also. thanks
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the ebay link:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metal-Fra...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2a1ece2c79
Make sure you select the right option from the dropdown. The Europe based S4 black model is "A".
el_smurfo said:
Nice work. Does the disassembly require pry tools (which I suck at) or is it all just screws?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For just the case you can get by without pry tools. You need a T5 torx and a small phillips screwdriver. Once you have the 4 screws removed, apply some pressure on the inner phone assembly that is exposed at the bottom, you basicaly want to push it outwards towards the face of the phone. Obviously be careful with the pushing. It should easily give way as I found it isn't really glued into the housing. You might need a credit card or something to help you ease it out once you have made room with the pushing. I hate pry tools too and had no problem doing it this way. The one thing to be careful about is the plastic assembly at the bottom. Take a good look at how it fits in, so you don't mess it up when putting it back together.
By the way, you can buy HTC void stickers too:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-VOID-WA...K_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item337c0261f7
If I ever do need to send it back to HTC under warranty I'm sure those would do the trick
djsubtronic said:
Here's the ebay link:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metal-Fra...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2a1ece2c79
Make sure you select the right option from the dropdown. The Europe based S4 black model is "A".
For just the case you can get by without pry tools. You need a T5 torx and a small phillips screwdriver. Once you have the 4 screws removed, apply some pressure on the inner phone assembly that is exposed at the bottom, you basicaly want to push it outwards towards the face of the phone. Obviously be careful with the pushing. It should easily give way as I found it isn't really glued into the housing. You might need a credit card or something to help you ease it out once you have made room with the pushing. I hate pry tools too and had no problem doing it this way. The one thing to be careful about is the plastic assembly at the bottom. Take a good look at how it fits in, so you don't mess it up when putting it back together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how does the lower cover pop off...straight out, like the top?
el_smurfo said:
how does the lower cover pop off...straight out, like the top?
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Click to collapse
I'm really wondering about this also how to take off the bottom cover.. also smurf I have a question for you. It seems like the top contains the WiFi prong. Are you sure the one for cellular signal is on the bottom?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
ickedmel said:
I'm really wondering about this also how to take off the bottom cover.. also smurf I have a question for you. It seems like the top contains the WiFi prong. Are you sure the one for cellular signal is on the bottom?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
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It almost always is for regulatory reasons (less radiation in the dummy head) even though it makes for less signal when "you're holding it wrong". There's an anandtech review showing the antenna placement as well.
el_smurfo said:
how does the lower cover pop off...straight out, like the top?
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ickedmel said:
I'm really wondering about this also how to take off the bottom cover.. also smurf I have a question for you. It seems like the top contains the WiFi prong. Are you sure the one for cellular signal is on the bottom?
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
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Well for me I slowly pried the gap at the bottom edge. It's got adhesive on the inside sticking it onto that plastic assembly I mentioned earlier, but just keep prying it slowly so the adhesive doesn't get all messed up. It should flip open like a door with the hinges being where the beats logo is, eventually it'll open right out then just pop it out.
Hi guys,
I got similar story and want to replace my housing.
I have the EU S4 black/red model. I think its one of those with the chipping issue, but not much damage, until the drop which cut the top corner to straight 45 degree white line and scratches my finger every time I use it in landscape mode.
Anyway wanted to ask, since you already tried/used it for some time.
Is the eBay one genuine or just a good fake?
Or is the one from parts4repair a better choice?
Also after removing the bottom plastic cover, as I understand it has glue to it to keep it in place. Do I need to replace that on the reassembly or just heating it back and pressing will work with the old one? Or it has something else to keep it in place other than the glue?

How to repaint the chrome bezel?

My corners are stripped from drops and i want to resell it in january when i get my note 2. So i bought a new battery and battery cover now i just need to find a way to repaint the chrome bezel, any ideas?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
The problem is any paint is probably going to scratch off fairly quickly as its only going to be painted on the surface. They are certain spray paints that bond better with the actual plastic, but the name escapes me right now. Also, to get the bezel off, I think you have to strip it right down and remove the screen as well which needs a heat gun. I've have my system nearly apart except for the lcd/screen heatgun thing, and the bezel never came off.
Im just looking to paint over im very new when it comes to all this im just looking for a simple way to do it.
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horr1blek1tten said:
Im just looking to paint over im very new when it comes to all this im just looking for a simple way to do it.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
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Well I'm trying to tell you there isn't a simple way, if you just paint over it with a brush and some paint, it will wear off in a week as it won't bind to the plastic and will just be painted on top of the chrome finish.
You need to take it apart like here, http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+S+4G+Teardown/4977/1 to get the silver bezel off, sand it down to remove the chrome finish and create a rough surface for the paint to bond to, use a plastic bonding paint and paint it and put it back together.
I have customized PS2, PS3, Xbox, XBox 360, PSP, DS, PC's, so I'm trying to tell you the work involved to do a job that will last longer than a week. Otherwise, put a case on it so you don't see the chrome. lol. Seems the easiest way if you're not comfortable taking the system apart and heatgunning the screen off, sanding, buying the proper paint, etc.
I also think repainting the bezel is a way to mislead people into thinking its never been dropped. Which is not the right thing to do. Just tell people the truth and you will probably get a decent price. This phone wont sell for a bunch anyway. Plus if you half ass it like getochkn is telling you NOT to do the buyer can return it or do a chargeback on paypal. Especially if you dont inform them you painted the bezel.
Im not trying to mislead anyone i just want it to look nice.
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I would just not worry about it. The process is either going to look crappy or more work than it appears you are looking to do.
If you are good at taping things off you could hand sand the bezel and tape the screen off and spray it but you still run the risk of messing up.
horr1blek1tten said:
Im not trying to mislead anyone i just want it to look nice.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
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Well Eollie is right, but if you are hellbent on "pretty-fying" your phone and obviously you don't have the mechanical skill to disassemle it, the skill to replate it, let alone repainting it(yes, painting done right is actually harder then electroplating) then this would be your best option http://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html it's called chrome leafing and is by far the best option for you, other then just giving it a thorough cleaning and being done with it.
I saw a guy in the Vibrant forum complete changed the front cover to white. The kit sells on Amazon for about $70. It looks very nice 2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762191
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I just found out that the silver bezel is replaceable. It costs about $9 for a "used like new" one. Actually, most of the parts on our phone are replaceable. Let me know if u need a link to that website I saw.
Man, I got to stop reading this forum and start working on my car website.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
the issue is that the chrome isn't a paint, it's a finish that's baked on, so any sort of "touch-up" paint is going to look like crap.
You can try to polish it, but be careful since the spinny-type of polishing bits generate heat, which can damage the plastic bits on the phone if you're not careful.
Your best bet is to get a replacement part like gizmo mentioned.

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