For years now, I've been hearing about and seeing examples online of knockoff phones floating around. I never thought I would actually come across one, however, until today.
I work at a major retailer and a customer comes up to me today with a manilla envelope and says that she wants me to setup her phone. She had bought a SIM online from prepaid service and came to the store to buy an airtime card. She then pulls out a phone from the envelope. I see a white "Samsung" phone. It looked to be something similar to a Galaxy S III Mini or Galaxy Express. I didn't think of anything when I first saw it, but I did first look for carrier branding to make sure it wasn't carrier locked. I saw none. The phone also had a hard plastic case on it with a strangely-skewed Android logo on it.
Upon closer inspection when I took the phone over to my work counter, I noticed some oddities. The screen seemed a bit strange. It was resistive. That was the first alarm. I then noticed that the "Samsung" logos on the phone were actually decals or stickers stuck to the front and back of the phone as opposed to being screen printed on, like they should be. After prying the back off, I noticed a really lightweight, cheap looking battery, with no branding whatsoever. There were also two SIM slots with two different IMEIs. I know that some international variants of certain phones have two SIM slots, but I've never actually seen one. Another alarm was something that was printed on the back of the phone under the battery: "Model: i9300." This was defiantly not a Galaxy S III.
I called into the carrier and had the SIM activated. Everything on that end seemed to go through just fine. I put the SIM into the phone and booted it up. I was greeted with a really cheesy boot animation of a stylized Galaxy S logo. When the UI finally loaded, I noticed something reminiscent of a Gingerbread-based TouchWiz homescreen. The fonts were some really pixelated serif fonts and all of the icons and "widgets" on the homescreen were really bad looking icons. When I finally found the settings menu, I dug around looking for APN and after quite a while, I finally found them. I struggled to use the onscreen keyboard with a stylus and put in all the correct settings. I rebooted the phone and was unable to make any calls. A few other oddities that I noticed were an articulating extendable antenna popping from the top of the phone and a "WiFi" logo under the battery. I could find no actual WiFi functions in the software. After playing around with all the call and APN settings, I decided to break the news to the customer.
She said that a "tech-savvy" friend of hers bought the phone for her online for $80. It was hard to tell someone they just basically bought an $80 paperweight. She left and then came back after a short time (after saying she had cried) wanting to buy a "real" Samsung phone. So about $150 later, she had an actual Samsung that was actually able to function as a smartphone should.
Not sure what I want anyone to get from this story; I just thought it was interesting and I thought I'd share it. I just wish I had gotten pictures of the actual phone. Oh well.
Just wow. I've heard about good "fakes", but it's sad that that one was completely unusable.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
beanboy89 said:
For years now, I've been hearing about and seeing examples online of knockoff phones floating around. I never thought I would actually come across one, however, until today.
I work at a major retailer and a customer comes up to me today with a manilla envelope and says that she wants me to setup her phone. She had bought a SIM online from prepaid service and came to the store to buy an airtime card. She then pulls out a phone from the envelope. I see a white "Samsung" phone. It looked to be something similar to a Galaxy S III Mini or Galaxy Express. I didn't think of anything when I first saw it, but I did first look for carrier branding to make sure it wasn't carrier locked. I saw none. The phone also had a hard plastic case on it with a strangely-skewed Android logo on it.
Upon closer inspection when I took the phone over to my work counter, I noticed some oddities. The screen seemed a bit strange. It was resistive. That was the first alarm. I then noticed that the "Samsung" logos on the phone were actually decals or stickers stuck to the front and back of the phone as opposed to being screen printed on, like they should be. After prying the back off, I noticed a really lightweight, cheap looking battery, with no branding whatsoever. There were also two SIM slots with two different IMEIs. I know that some international variants of certain phones have two SIM slots, but I've never actually seen one. Another alarm was something that was printed on the back of the phone under the battery: "Model: i9300." This was defiantly not a Galaxy S III.
I called into the carrier and had the SIM activated. Everything on that end seemed to go through just fine. I put the SIM into the phone and booted it up. I was greeted with a really cheesy boot animation of a stylized Galaxy S logo. When the UI finally loaded, I noticed something reminiscent of a Gingerbread-based TouchWiz homescreen. The fonts were some really pixelated serif fonts and all of the icons and "widgets" on the homescreen were really bad looking icons. When I finally found the settings menu, I dug around looking for APN and after quite a while, I finally found them. I struggled to use the onscreen keyboard with a stylus and put in all the correct settings. I rebooted the phone and was unable to make any calls. A few other oddities that I noticed were an articulating extendable antenna popping from the top of the phone and a "WiFi" logo under the battery. I could find no actual WiFi functions in the software. After playing around with all the call and APN settings, I decided to break the news to the customer.
She said that a "tech-savvy" friend of hers bought the phone for her online for $80. It was hard to tell someone they just basically bought an $80 paperweight. She left and then came back after a short time (after saying she had cried) wanting to buy a "real" Samsung phone. So about $150 later, she had an actual Samsung that was actually able to function as a smartphone should.
Not sure what I want anyone to get from this story; I just thought it was interesting and I thought I'd share it. I just wish I had gotten pictures of the actual phone. Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend got suckered into buying a phone that's similar to be the one you described. I took some pics of it. He's pissed as he paid $300 expecting a real GS3.
I just found the app Perfect Screenshot while looking for a replacement to Screen maker(an app I paid for) since they haven't added the M8 yet. Perfect Screenshot works great and it is free.
Yes, just came here to post about it, good thing I searched first... But I see you forgot the link, which I came here ready to share, so here's that: Google Play: Perfect Screenshot.
Sure adds an extra dimension, an air of authenticity to screenshots, doesn't it?
Oh, I'll also caution that it's 43MB, so you might wanna grab a WiFi connection if you have a low data plan. I have 2GB... Ironically I had to really watch it that first month (came from a 5GB plan), but didn't get anywhere close the next month. Now one week into the third month I'm only 1/8th of the way through, so I'm not too worried.
And as you can see there's no Verizon logo, so it's just the international version... but I'm not worried. My Verizon logo's covered with my FlyGrip. Nothing against Verizon, they just happened to put their logo where the FlyGrip would naturally go. If they'd stuck it above the HTC logo, I wouldn't have it covered and wouldn't worry much about it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mikedepaul.perfectscreenshot
Hello all.
Any help would be appreciated
I've had my nexus for a while and ended up cracking the glass on the screen.
While the digitizer was still working, i planned on fixing it whenever I had the chance to.
As few weeks later, I took a nice chunck out of the screen (Which still left the half of the screen working)
I knew a complete screen replacement would cost around ~$120 at the time I bought one.
My mentality is that buying a complete screen w/ frame of ebay would be cheaper then sending it back to Google and/or LG.
Which I should've done.
But anyways, my arrogance drove me to buy this.
Delivery was swift, and suddenly got to work as soon as I came home.
Disassembled my nexus (Surprisingly easy) and attach my new screen.
When I powered up my phone, i was greeted with this .
This kind of upset me, but the fact that everything was working compared to how the screen was previously blinded me from troubleshooting the issue.
What got me, if you zoom into the top right of the screen, is there is an natural curve/crack inside the lcd which leads me to believe that my new screen wasn't 100% working.
This bar was constantly there. Not of the most annoyance, but still was there.
Fast forward a few days, then all hell breaks loose. Previously with my old screen, I had red bars/line run vertically on the screen, almost blinding the actual content.
Then this started happening with the new one. At this point, the coincidence led me to believe that the circuitry in the on-board was damaged as well.. OR the new screen has the same exact issue. Which i believed to be less likely.
I closely inspected my on-board through-out my phone, and noticed no damage. (At least at visible level)
As days went on, the effect got worse. Whenever I'd lock my phone, and turn it back on, the streaks were gone.
Then slowly faded back after a few seconds of having the lcd on.
I've already spent $110 on a new screen, which didn't end up working.
I've probably voided my warranty by having done it myself (Regret it completely)
Ebay seller requires returns to be shipped back in the state it was, which im sure i've thrown out the box that contained some stickers etc. that were initially on the new screen.
What should I do? My phone contract is up in two months. Should I get another nexus 5 with the 6 being already out?
Should I send this to LG/Google ? (i bought it through the play store)
Should I give up on this 90% functional phone?
Should I send back the dysfunctional screen? (But it also could be the on-board causing issues)
Im a Canadian user on Fido.
Thank you for your time
Hoping to get my Nokia 8 today. Who else pre ordered and is excited?
I'm torn. I've had it in the shopping cart three times, but haven't pulled the trigger. It lacks some bands I need for Tmo here in the US.
I'm sure you are gonna love it! I may put in an order later this week.
Only reason I haven't bought yet is because of the looked bootloader :/
Got mine yesterday, and it's a world class handset... going to sell well I think...
Love it to bits...
Been using mine for a day now. The software isn't the fastest (I'm coming from a Pixel) but the build is nice, and the screen is one of the best lcd ips screens I've used.
I want to root it though just to increase the headphone volume as its so low
1 week with the 8 now and I'm thinking about returning it.
nuggeo said:
1 week with the 8 now and I'm thinking about returning it.
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Click to collapse
How come?
OS is laggy and slow, random freezes in multitasking even after updates and reboots. The phone is a lot slower than my OP3 which is cluttered with apps from over a year of usage.
Power button is horrible, you cant press it straight on from the side, you have to kinda press it upwards towards the screen.
Camera was advertised as being somehow superior to all, it is not.
Loudspeaker is really clear but not very loud.
Oh and the Sim-Card tray leaves a nasty sharp crack, this should be flush on a phone that costs 600€ no exceptions. This is not acceptable.
OS needs option to switch back and recent buttons.
OS lacks proper screenshot app.
Bothie camera crashes more often than it doesn't. Also there is not clear indication if the bothie picture will be a 50-50 / 20-80 or in what corner of the picture frame the selfie-cam picture will be.
Have you already bought an LG V60 ThinQ from AT&T? Do you plan to? AT&T and LG are gifting a Dual Screen attachment to early adopters while supplies last. The purchase deadline is April 30.
Submit your info below:
https://www.awardlink.com/awards/my.rewards/ATTLGV60DualScreen.html
I bought my phone on March 20, and submitted my online redemption form today.
Done, and done. Says 3-6 weeks out.
3 to 6 weeks redemption.
I have as well yesterday and the estimate is three to six weeks.
So I just got a tracking number from UPS stating a package will be shipping today and arriving tomorrow. I have nothing else ordered so I believe it is my dual screen, hopefullly!
ROE_HUNTER said:
So I just got a tracking number from UPS stating a package will be shipping today and arriving tomorrow. I have nothing else ordered so I believe it is my dual screen, hopefullly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received my Dual Screen today. That was fast, perhaps because I live not far across the DFW metroplex from the fulfillment center.
The screen and case are a nice addition. The result is a big chunk of a phone - really a personal portable computer, which all modern smartphones really are. Unfortunately, the second screen prefers the factory launcher for its gestures and app drawer, so we'll need to prod the makers of our favorite launchers (mine is Nova Launcher) to figure out a way to support it. Same goes for messaging apps, keyboards, etc. Some other hacking may yield results. Otherwise, having the extra screen is great for running multiple apps, cut-and-paste, etc.
Free is good.
rickzotz said:
I just received my Dual Screen today. That was fast, perhaps because I live not far across the DFW metroplex from the fulfillment center.
The screen and case are a nice addition. The result is a big chunk of a phone - really a personal portable computer, which all modern smartphones really are. Unfortunately, the second screen prefers the factory launcher for its gestures and app drawer, so we'll need to prod the makers of our favorite launchers (mine is Nova Launcher) to figure out a way to support it. Same goes for messaging apps, keyboards, etc. Some other hacking may yield results. Otherwise, having the extra screen is great for running multiple apps, cut-and-paste, etc.
Free is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine today as well, just now starting to use it. Love it so far
Took me about a week to receive mine. Great deal from ATT. It's pretty neat, but seems limited with what apps work with it. If that expands, them this will be great.
Blueoval24 said:
Took me about a week to receive mine. Great deal from ATT. It's pretty neat, but seems limited with what apps work with it. If that expands, them this will be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the app "WideMode for LG"
ROE_HUNTER said:
So I just got a tracking number from UPS stating a package will be shipping today and arriving tomorrow. I have nothing else ordered so I believe it is my dual screen, hopefullly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When did you submit for it?
ROE_HUNTER said:
Get the app "WideMode for LG"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is definitely a good solution, thanks so much for the suggestion. Some apps don't work 100% as intended, but it's better than nothing!
KIRK1967 said:
When did you submit for it?
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Click to collapse
3/26, the day I got the phone. Had confirmation of approval same day.
---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 PM ----------
Blueoval24 said:
This is definitely a good solution, thanks so much for the suggestion. Some apps don't work 100% as intended, but it's better than nothing!
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Click to collapse
Just got my tracking number and it looks like i will have my dual screen today or tomorrow
KIRK1967 said:
Just got my tracking number and it looks like i will have my dual screen today or tomorrow
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Click to collapse
Good news!
Thanks to the OP for the link. It pushed me from "eehhh, I dunno" to "impulse buy" territory.
The phone is a big step up from my beloved LG V30, and I can't wait to get the dual screen.
That said, it's a bummer to hear that Nova Launcher apparently doesn't properly support it.
I use a combination of Nova Launcher and Fluid Navigation Gestures to replace the stock Android 10 gestures.
If my current setup won't work on the second screen, I doubt I'll be using it that much.
That said, I got my phone on 4/1 (ordered 3/31), and submitted my claim for the offer on 4/1 as well.
Got the usual 3-6 weeks notification. But I did receive a UPS shipping notification for a package coming out of Texas (I think) with no accompanying email from a retailer such as BestBuy or Amazon.
Due to arrive by tomorrow evening. Here's hoping it's the dual screen!
If it's shipping from texas then its the duel screen.
Mejilan said:
Thanks to the OP for the link. It pushed me from "eehhh, I dunno" to "impulse buy" territory.
The phone is a big step up from my beloved LG V30, and I can't wait to get the dual screen.
That said, it's a bummer to hear that Nova Launcher apparently doesn't properly support it.
I use a combination of Nova Launcher and Fluid Navigation Gestures to replace the stock Android 10 gestures.
If my current setup won't work on the second screen, I doubt I'll be using it that much.
That said, I got my phone on 4/1 (ordered 3/31), and submitted my claim for the offer on 4/1 as well.
Got the usual 3-6 weeks notification. But I did receive a UPS shipping notification for a package coming out of Texas (I think) with no accompanying email from a retailer such as BestBuy or Amazon.
Due to arrive by tomorrow evening. Here's hoping it's the dual screen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mejilan said:
Thanks to the OP for the link. It pushed me from "eehhh, I dunno" to "impulse buy" territory.
The phone is a big step up from my beloved LG V30, and I can't wait to get the dual screen.
That said, it's a bummer to hear that Nova Launcher apparently doesn't properly support it.
I use a combination of Nova Launcher and Fluid Navigation Gestures to replace the stock Android 10 gestures.
If my current setup won't work on the second screen, I doubt I'll be using it that much.
That said, I got my phone on 4/1 (ordered 3/31), and submitted my claim for the offer on 4/1 as well.
Got the usual 3-6 weeks notification. But I did receive a UPS shipping notification for a package coming out of Texas (I think) with no accompanying email from a retailer such as BestBuy or Amazon.
Due to arrive by tomorrow evening. Here's hoping it's the dual screen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be, mine came from Mesquite, TX
ROE_HUNTER said:
Should be, mine came from Mesquite, TX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Just double-checked mine, and Mesquite, TX it is!
So i got my dual screen case today... but when I plug my v60 into it, it doesn't do anything. No dual screen button and the dual screen quick button in the notification shortcuts is still grayed out. I know it's type-c plugin works because the magnet charger still works and charges my phone through the case. I did try factory resetting in case it was my home launcher or something else stopping it from popping up. Any help from you guys would be appreciated. Otherwise I'm gonna email the address listed on the warning notification and just hope to get it replaced. Really don't want to wait more though haha. I WANT MY DUAL SCREEN!
C3LLM8 said:
So i got my dual screen case today... but when I plug my v60 into it, it doesn't do anything. No dual screen button and the dual screen quick button in the notification shortcuts is still grayed out. I know it's type-c plugin works because the magnet charger still works and charges my phone through the case. I did try factory resetting in case it was my home launcher or something else stopping it from popping up. Any help from you guys would be appreciated. Otherwise I'm gonna email the address listed on the warning notification and just hope to get it replaced. Really don't want to wait more though haha. I WANT MY DUAL SCREEN!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean that the Notifications Quick Tile for the Dual Screen doesn't work? For me, that Quick Tile was hidden by default, and I had to edit my Notifications shade to get the button to show up. But even so, that's just one of two (at least) methods of enabling the second screen. I got mine yesterday, and not only does the (unhidden) Notifications Quick Tile work when pressed, but I also saw a little pill button thing appear on the right-hand side of the primary device. Tapping on that also prompts you to turn the second screen attachment on and off.
That said, as much as I like the concept of a dual screen + case attachment, the fact that Nova Launcher (and my associated icon pack and live wallpaper) and Fluid Navigation Gestures flat-out don't work on the second screen is a total buzz-killer. Unless these apps, icons, and wallpapers somehow get updated to support two screens simultaneously, I'm afraid I'll be retiring this accessory. :/
Double tap on the 2nd screen and see if that activates it