Edit at end of post.
This all goes back to before I even ordered the phone. I wanted the grey one. I emailed twice about it. They kept telling me it will be released soon and to watch their social media accounts to find out when it will be released knowing full well they weren't releasing those. This was months ago and those additional colors are still not out. So that was deceit #1. My last phone was an S6. Its connector was so loose a charging cable wouldn't stay in. Coupled with a diminished battery capacity, I needed a phone and I didn't want another Samsung.
I decided to go ahead and order the black one. As soon as I completed the order, I got a message asking if I wanted to know when the phone is certified by Verizon. Wait, what? At no point was that knowledge made public before my purchase. Android Authority put something out the next day or so. That was deceit #2.
About that time, the bandwagon of bad reviews based solely on what the PH-1 didn't have as well as the crappy camera app hit the media. I don't consider any of those things essential to a phone. I actually thought it was good to omit them and I didn't really care about the camera app. I'll admit, I defended Essential...a lot. I'm eating crow right now.
It arrived and the first thing I noticed was how freaking slippery this thing was. Unless it was on a perfectly horizontal surface, this thing was sliding off.
The second thing was the rough, fine sandpaper like plastic around the screen. I don't like the feel, at all, of that plastic. More importantly, why wasn't the entire side titanium? That's what was advertised. All I heard about is how durable the ceramic and titanium combination was. The drop test animation on their website show there phone hitting at a perfectly perpendicular angle to the surface. That was deceit #3. More on that later.
I put in the Verizon sim from my S6 and saw that my phone now had half the reception of my S6...half. Sitting next to my wife with her S6, she's pulling 4G and in out of 3G and 1X. All the settings were correct according to Verizon. I am in a weak cell area, yes, but never dropped calls. Calling now is virtually impossible without calling over WiFi...which brings me to the next issue. I'm with Verizon, so natively I have no WiFi calling or visual voicemail and whatever other features Verizon has limited me from using. There's even less signal in my area with AT&T so I'm stuck with Verizon. Wonderful. With some help from an XDA member, I was able to get Hangouts set up for WiFi calling but now I'm using two dialers.
Why is the charger USB C? Why not USB to USB C like every charger I've had in the past? Are other companies doing this, too? I have only one cord that works with that charger and that's the one that came with the phone.
After one week, rub marks began to appear on the ceramic back of the phone. I ordered a skin to cover it up.
After 3 weeks, rub marks appeared on the screen! Listen, I am extremely anal about the care of my phones. No keys, no coins. The only thing that goes in my left front pants pocket, ever, is my phone. So, apparently cloth takes it's toll on this phone.
My phone was one of the ones with the cheap paper mesh over the ear speaker (really?). That thing is pretty much non-existent at this point. They wouldn't replace my phone for that like they did for everyone else before me but that's fine, they offered to repair it for free which I declined. I didn't want the hassle of being separated from the phone that long.
My phone freezes occasionally, like completely freezes, unable to even turn off the phone until it restarts itself after about 30 seconds or so.
The screen off wake up or whatever it's called never works when I pull my phone out of my pocket. I have to shake it to see the time - pointless, since, at that point, it's easier to just fingerprint unlock than to shake it.
Many screen touches don't register, this is probably the most annoying thing overall about this phone.
The camera is really laggy, but everybody knows that.
And then the thing happened, I dropped it. From pocket height, I dropped it and it hit on the Achilles heel of the phone, the edge of the screen. Remember that plastic? Well, that thin plastic curves up to the edge of the phone. It gets thinner and thinner towards that top corner of the screen and it doesn't protect anything, especially the weakest part of gorilla glass, the edge. It cracked the corner of the screen. If that edge is not protected that will be a deal breaker on all future phones. That edge was supposed to be covered with titanium, damnit.
It still works but it's an eyesore and every time I look at this phone, I feel taken. I feel like a fool for buying this phone. It is a very aesthetic but poorly designed cheap ass phone sold at a premium price. They literally cut corners on this build. They owe me some titanium and whole slew of accessories, btw, but they can keep it all. I'm not even going to buy another one for $450 which I think is the going price now.
Anyway, thanks for letting me rant. I was thinking maybe the Pixel 2, but it appears they have issues of their own....maybe a flip phone.
Edit 12/28/2017:
In order to get data working after being connected to any WiFi, a restart is required. After a restart, I'm connected to LTE+ or whatever is actually available. This is true every time after being connected to WiFi. Credit to another user in these forums.
The one I just got from best buy about 3 weeks ago is a very noticeable difference. I know what you mean and I also had 3 returns but the latest one after reading the comments on xda really led me to believe there is a bad batch. So before I left the store I inspected it and hand weighed it. Even asked the rep to hand weigh it and there was a difference. right now I have no problems to report and I'm quite happy.
Even the signal issue that is claimed I haven't experienced because it's on par with my m9 and assumably my x pure.
Honestly... I know your stuck with your rant... But give it the final xda try. Inspect it before leaving the store and you will notice the weight and the back is much less slippery.
Also... I recommend worth Ave group insurance. Had them for years, and it's 79 dollars for a year with 800 dollar coverage and 50 dollars deductible which is deducted from the 800 dollar claim
The charger is usb-c cause it uses usb-c power delivery, just like the pixel. That's the correct standard and can handle higher wattage.
The scratches on the back are the oleophobic coating, not the ceramic.
The gorilla glass 5 scratches just the same as other devices with that version of gorilla glass.
If you weren't happy with the device, return within the 15 return period. I did. You can always rebuy.
The reason Essential can't give a date for the other colors is because the manufacturing process for that ceramic is difficult. They're doing each color in batches because you can't make multiple colors of ceramic at once in one furnace. You didn't see Xiaomi making different colors of the mi mix. It was black and many months later the white. That's all, and they're a much larger company with more resources.
The phone has improved since launch. 1st production models seemed to have QC issues (one reason I returned mine)
I received mine on Tuesday from Amazon it took me all of about half and hour to figure its going back 15Dbm difference then my moto z force. Not acceptable.
The workmanship on my white one is stellar. Absolutely zero issues the connectivity is great better than any device I've ever had on Verizon. The cameras responsive works great I'm not a professional photographer, I don't need professional photographer level results, but I get very good pictures. Absolutely love this device and with the Incipio its running naked, no screen protector.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Honestly i was excited to get this phone i could get pass all of the small issues but then I noticed the following problems with the screen.
The screen is really slow to respond to touch input My pixel xl did not have this problem.
The display itself is an IPS display but this screen is the worst one i have seen perform on a phone there is a lot of ghosting (image blur on a moving object)
I compared it to a unit that was on display on a store and it had the same slow touch input and ghosting issues.
So the slow touch input affects the phone as to how fast you can type and switch apps etc. The phone does not respond to fast actions very well and sometimes misses touch inputs.
You can drag your finger on top of an app and swipe it left or right and you can see that the app will be way far back where your finger was a second ago. s8, pixel xl, note 5 dont have this problem (I own them) The display on this thing is disappointing and you can also observe horizontal lines on the display.
I think this phone would of been successful if they used an AMOLED display.
I would say that the display has very realistic colors but thats it.
Whats the point of a high end spec'd phone but has an underperforming display....
I'm the sort of person who's not the first in line to get anything. I wait for things to percolate and germinate and then make my move. I also usually wait until cases are available before buying.
Just recently got my PH-1, just over a week old and it's just great. Haven't even bothered with rooting or modding, just fine stock. Got a nice Tudia case from eBay and all's well.
Using it with Sprint, no problems or issues of any kind. Best activation process i've had in all my years with Sprint (considering the horror that i went through with the Nexus 6P).
I'm in. Very in with the PH-1.
So I get a lot of what your saying, I went the other and have learned to love my PH-1. In-Fact I will go as far to say it is my Favorite phone to carry all the way back to OG Moto Droid...
One comment about your rant though:
"Why is the charger USB C? Why not USB to USB C like every charger I've had in the past? Are other companies doing this, too? I have only one cord that works with that charger and that's the one that came with the phone. "
So many phones come C to C now. My desktop and laptop both even have a couple C ports. Spend the $3 on Amazon for a cable if you need one man, this is not a fault of Essential.
Here's what I got for USB to USB C
USB Type C Cable, Snowkids USB C Cable (USB 3.0)(2-PACK 6.6ft) Nylon Braided Fast Charger for Samsung Galaxy Note 8, LG V30 G6 G5 V20,Nintendo Switch,Galaxy S8 Plus,Google Pixel 2,HTC U11 Plus (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5KL10L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_X8MdAb1EMKPS8
---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 AM ----------
LordLugard said:
I'm the sort of person who's not the first in line to get anything. I wait for things to percolate and germinate and then make my move. I also usually wait until cases are available before buying.
Just recently got my PH-1, just over a week old and it's just great. Haven't even bothered with rooting or modding, just fine stock. Got a nice Tudia case from eBay and all's well.
Using it with Sprint, no problems or issues of any kind. Best activation process i've had in all my years with Sprint (considering the horror that i went through with the Nexus 6P).
I'm in. Very in with the PH-1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol we're about the same boat except my first phone didn't activate on sprint
bigmook said:
The workmanship on my white one is stellar. Absolutely zero issues the connectivity is great better than any device I've ever had on Verizon. The cameras responsive works great I'm not a professional photographer, I don't need professional photographer level results, but I get very good pictures. Absolutely love this device and with the Incipio its running naked, no screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be going solely based on signal bar icons. If you compared dBm readings, you'll see essential is significantly worse than whatever phone you last came from. Signal is definitely one of the weakest points of this phone.
No sir I am going by real world usage as compared to my Nexus 6p which was totally functional. I don't look settings I just use it if it works it works. And it works very well.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
in case you did not know, they replace the phone for $200.
I got one from amazon for verizon and i havent had any signal issues. I am on Oreo beta now as well. As for the front screen i do have a slight knock in it as well not sure from what.. I did get the $13 tpu case off amazon and it does help quite a bit.. with handling it.
And I will prob be moving to the LG v30 when it comes available on amazon.. Since i can buy it try and if i dont like it return it with out being hit with stupid fee's
I wanted to pick up a oneplus 5T but people say oneplus doesnt support verizon..
Bye Felicia!
Titanium to the edge of the screen would break the screen if the phone got warm and then cooled down, since metal expands/contracts. So yea, dropping your phone on the edge is going to break the screen, but the alternative you're ranting about would cause the phone to break if you had it in your pocket and pulled it out in cold weather.
umx said:
I got one from amazon for verizon and i havent had any signal issues. I am on Oreo beta now as well. As for the front screen i do have a slight knock in it as well not sure from what.. I did get the $13 tpu case off amazon and it does help quite a bit.. with handling it.
And I will prob be moving to the LG v30 when it comes available on amazon.. Since i can buy it try and if i dont like it return it with out being hit with stupid fee's
I wanted to pick up a oneplus 5T but people say oneplus doesnt support verizon..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen some folk on reddit that dropped their already activated Verizon SIM in the 5 and had it connect to LTE with VoLTE. So long as you don't *need* the CDMA to work, it should work. Just don't ask Verizon for any help.
Seamonkey79 said:
Titanium to the edge of the screen would break the screen if the phone got warm and then cooled down, since metal expands/contracts. So yea, dropping your phone on the edge is going to break the screen, but the alternative you're ranting about would cause the phone to break if you had it in your pocket and pulled it out in cold weather.
I've seen some folk on reddit that dropped their already activated Verizon SIM in the 5 and had it connect to LTE with VoLTE. So long as you don't *need* the CDMA to work, it should work. Just don't ask Verizon for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as I get LTE and 4g thats all i care about.. verizon isnt of any help anyways lol..
umx said:
As long as I get LTE and 4g thats all i care about.. verizon isnt of any help anyways lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most LTE phones should work on Verizon 'out of box', provided they have the antennas necessary. I know the OnePlus 5 was missing a couple of Verizon bands, but the majority of them were there.
Seamonkey79 said:
Most LTE phones should work on Verizon 'out of box', provided they have the antennas necessary. I know the OnePlus 5 was missing a couple of Verizon bands, but the majority of them were there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea ill have to give it a shot.. and see.. worst case ill grab a v30 used or wait to next round of phones.
Ok, the rest of your rant is pretty justified. I feel you. These are valid points. However, you just start bringing up random stuff that doesn't make any sense to a complaint about the phone
bL1X said:
I put in the Verizon sim from my S6 and saw that my phone now had half the reception of my S6...half. Sitting next to my wife with her S6, she's pulling 4G and in out of 3G and 1X. All the settings were correct according to Verizon. I am in a weak cell area, yes, but never dropped calls. Calling now is virtually impossible without calling over WiFi...which brings me to the next issue. I'm with Verizon, so natively I have no WiFi calling or visual voicemail and whatever other features Verizon has limited me from using. There's even less signal in my area with AT&T so I'm stuck with Verizon. Wonderful. With some help from an XDA member, I was able to get Hangouts set up for WiFi calling but now I'm using two dialers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, wifi calling doesn't work because Verizon hasn't properly provisioned it in their system? That is a problem with the phone?
It seems like it is a problem with Verizon, which you should be asking them to fix.
Just leave it at: The signal sucks. I am looking at this phone right now. Signal sucks. I agree.
The whole Verizon thing just seems like a weird complaint
Why is the charger USB C? Why not USB to USB C like every charger I've had in the past? Are other companies doing this, too? I have only one cord that works with that charger and that's the one that came with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Literally no phone with USB C comes with the type of charger you are discussing. ZERO.
USB C-USB C cables are capable of 3A
USB A-USB C is limited to 2.4A
All phones with USB C come with a USB C-USB C so that the phone will charge faster! Every single one since the Nexus 6p/5X
The screen off wake up or whatever it's called never works when I pull my phone out of my pocket. I have to shake it to see the time - pointless, since, at that point, it's easier to just fingerprint unlock than to shake it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my old Nexus 5x sitting right here. I decided to run a little experiment.
The Nexus 5x was about as successful as the PH-1 at "wake up". It missed about 25% of the time.
This feature is notoriously iffy.
I mean, I get the rant. You seem upset. I understand.
Those three points just seem arbitrary and don't even reflect legitimate issues with the phone.
The essential phone is Verizon approved... Correct?
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Related
So tomorrow is finally the day I get to upgrade my phone, my fascinate has treated me well these past two years, but its a bit dated now. So I've been following the forums and threads on the S III but I didn't see much people saying anything about specific hardware issues with the phone. When I go tomorrow to purchase my phone, is there any hardware specific stuff to look at to make sure my phone doesn't suffer from quality issues or run tests apps like display tester to test out the phone so I don't come out with a lemon and have to come back to exchange it? Any suggestions on making sure I don't get an lemon is much appreciated.
I wouldn't worry about it. Mine has been rock solid, even after a trip into the pool.
Enjoy your new phone. I'm sure you'll love it.
RyanW114 said:
So tomorrow is finally the day I get to upgrade my phone, my fascinate has treated me well these past two years, but its a bit dated now. So I've been following the forums and threads on the S III but I didn't see much people saying anything about specific hardware issues with the phone. When I go tomorrow to purchase my phone, is there any hardware specific stuff to look at to make sure my phone doesn't suffer from quality issues or run tests apps like display tester to test out the phone so I don't come out with a lemon and have to come back to exchange it? Any suggestions on making sure I don't get an lemon is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone who had a launch fascinate, and upgraded to an s3 in July, let me add my opinion.
Gps. Though still not bulletproof and instantly locking like my wife's iphone 4s, it is way better than the stock fassy and even cm builds
Rom. Stock Rom is way less bloated and tw is way better with a smaller footprint.
Quality. About the same. I miss the 4 capacitive buttons actually. Still find myself hitting the android options key when trying to get to the launcher
I still have my fascinate in case this breaks and needs to be swapped. I do not miss it at all though. I could never find a perfect Rom for it. Something was always broke or buggy. I love my s3. Was going to sell it to get an iphone 5, but I am going to keep it now.
jtiger12 said:
As someone who had a launch fascinate, and upgraded to an s3 in July, let me add my opinion.
Gps. Though still not bulletproof and instantly locking like my wife's iphone 4s, it is way better than the stock fassy and even cm builds
Rom. Stock Rom is way less bloated and tw is way better with a smaller footprint.
Quality. About the same. I miss the 4 capacitive buttons actually. Still find myself hitting the android options key when trying to get to the launcher
I still have my fascinate in case this breaks and needs to be swapped. I do not miss it at all though. I could never find a perfect Rom for it. Something was always broke or buggy. I love my s3. Was going to sell it to get an iphone 5, but I am going to keep it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to have someone who has experience with the fascinate and gs3. I was concerned with the gps since the gps on the fascinate was pretty wonky. I guess the gs3 isn't much different in build quality with the thin plastic battery cover.
I previously owned a Fascinate as well, it was a great phone but outdated.
I was first worrying about the size being (alittle) too big, after few days it seems to be perfect size.
I do not like the physical home button and the external speakers location. The battery cover is a thin flexible plastic cover, atleast it will not shatter if dropped on hard surfaces.
And the most important of all, it is not an iphone. Unless you have a lemon or defected phone, you will love it.
Hyper_Warp said:
I previously owned a Fascinate as well, it was a great phone but outdated.
I was first worrying about the size being (alittle) too big, after few days it seems to be perfect size.
I do not like the physical home button and the external speakers location. The battery cover is a thin flexible plastic cover, atleast it will not shatter if dropped on hard surfaces.
And the most important of all, it is not an iphone. Unless you have a lemon or defected phone, you will love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was worried about the size until I tried out a floor model and to me, felt fine, different from the 4 inches of course but nothing like the galaxy note. I think one major difference is what you mentioned, the physical home button, coming from 4 capacitive buttons to just 3 buttons with one of them a physical one, is pretty different.
A lot of us come from the fascinate. Me too. I find this phone has built nicely on the original fascinate. Adding things that needed along with the general hardware upgrade. Or now thinking on it, Samsung or Qualcomm should have given us a quad core but such as life.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S 3 running CM10
tonu42 said:
A lot of us come from the fascinate. Me too. I find this phone has built nicely on the original fascinate. Adding things that needed along with the general hardware upgrade. Or now thinking on it, Samsung or Qualcomm should have given us a quad core but such as life.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S 3 running CM10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah such is life, but having the dual core hold up to that quad core is nice.
On another note, didn't get my galaxy s3 today. So I have unlimited data on my plan and went though hell to try to find a way to keep the unlimited data and get the phone at the discount price. I might of done it, but won't know until verizon sends me my phone in the mail. Will know in a couple days.
It's a great choice ! You will be glad you took the upgrade ! I even enjoy the phone out of the box . This phone is going to be limitless .
RyanW114 said:
So tomorrow is finally the day I get to upgrade my phone, my fascinate has treated me well these past two years, but its a bit dated now. So I've been following the forums and threads on the S III but I didn't see much people saying anything about specific hardware issues with the phone. When I go tomorrow to purchase my phone, is there any hardware specific stuff to look at to make sure my phone doesn't suffer from quality issues or run tests apps like display tester to test out the phone so I don't come out with a lemon and have to come back to exchange it? Any suggestions on making sure I don't get an lemon is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me be one of the first to say Welcome to the VZW GS3 Family! I may be on GS3 #3, but I think I finally got a keeper. The phone kicks my bionic's a** left and right, and I feel the GS3 is the best phone on the market atm.
As for me being on GS3 #3, I wouldent worry about build quality. First one had the screen gap issue (was back when the GS3 had 1 forum for all carriers), second one had dead pixels, but this current one is a keeper!
I am also new to the verizon fam. Came from sprint and am so happy with this gs3. So much to do that sometimes dont know what to do on the phone. What cool tricks do u suggest. I habeny been on this site in years.
To update everyone, I got my phone today and was able to activate it and keep unlimited! The sweet sweet smell of a new phone with unlimited 4G.
RyanW114 said:
To update everyone, I got my phone today and was able to activate it and keep unlimited! The sweet sweet smell of a new phone with unlimited 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you specifically request to keep your unlimited? I am just curious because I preordered mine and was able to keep it. I am not sure if they are still allowing anyone who has unlimited to transition to the S3 with unlimited or only people who specifically request it... anyone have more information??
The phone is fantastic. I've had no issues with it. Welcome to the family!
I love my GS3. It's a great phone and build quality is pretty good. But I did have a few things though most of them are minor. Do check them out within your return window:
1. My 1st GS3 had GPS issue. Took forever to lock and wouldn't stay locked. Got an exchange for that and the 2nd one is way better, still not perfect but totally usable.
2. My 1st GS3 came with a tiny scratch on the screen. I found it after using the phone for < 2hours. At first I thought I scratched it. Then after keeping the phone in the same pocket (completely naked) for 3 weeks, and then having the 2nd one for a month, no scratch whatsoever. Now I'm pretty sure my 1st one came with the scratch. It's a very tiny scratch can only be seen from certain angle. But it annoyed the hell out of me.
3. Both the 1st and 2nd GS3's back cover have a squeaky spot. The 1st one right behind the volume rocker, the 2nd one behind the home button. Not the worst problem but can get annoying.
I saw other people report screen problem (dead pixel) so running a screen test is probably not a bad idea.
Dirty13ear said:
Did you specifically request to keep your unlimited? I am just curious because I preordered mine and was able to keep it. I am not sure if they are still allowing anyone who has unlimited to transition to the S3 with unlimited or only people who specifically request it... anyone have more information??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know if you take a discounted price on a phone, you have to take a share everything plan. Op how did you keep your unlimited?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Dirty13ear said:
Did you specifically request to keep your unlimited? I am just curious because I preordered mine and was able to keep it. I am not sure if they are still allowing anyone who has unlimited to transition to the S3 with unlimited or only people who specifically request it... anyone have more information??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't, after June 28th you can't request to keep it. See below how I did it.
moun7ain said:
The phone is fantastic. I've had no issues with it. Welcome to the family!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
simollie said:
I love my GS3. It's a great phone and build quality is pretty good. But I did have a few things though most of them are minor. Do check them out within your return window:
1. My 1st GS3 had GPS issue. Took forever to lock and wouldn't stay locked. Got an exchange for that and the 2nd one is way better, still not perfect but totally usable.
2. My 1st GS3 came with a tiny scratch on the screen. I found it after using the phone for < 2hours. At first I thought I scratched it. Then after keeping the phone in the same pocket (completely naked) for 3 weeks, and then having the 2nd one for a month, no scratch whatsoever. Now I'm pretty sure my 1st one came with the scratch. It's a very tiny scratch can only be seen from certain angle. But it annoyed the hell out of me.
3. Both the 1st and 2nd GS3's back cover have a squeaky spot. The 1st one right behind the volume rocker, the 2nd one behind the home button. Not the worst problem but can get annoying.
I saw other people report screen problem (dead pixel) so running a screen test is probably not a bad idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was checking for everything, can you tell me more about the back cover squeaky spot, been squeezing it, haven't had any squeaky spots, I assume that means I don't have that problem.
Vorfidus said:
As far as I know if you take a discounted price on a phone, you have to take a share everything plan. Op how did you keep your unlimited?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a cross upgrade, I was able to transfer my upgrade to a different phone and then have that line upgrade to the s3. When it came, I just esn swap (transferred the phone to my line). Note this only works with ordering from the website. At the store and anywhere else they will force you to switch. Trust me, I banged heads with a lot of people over this.
Vorfidus said:
As far as I know if you take a discounted price on a phone, you have to take a share everything plan. Op how did you keep your unlimited?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got mine at full price they made me switch before they would activate it but I'm fine with it.
RyanW114 said:
I did a cross upgrade, I was able to transfer my upgrade to a different phone and then have that line upgrade to the s3. When it came, I just esn swap (transferred the phone to my line). Note this only works with ordering from the website. At the store and anywhere else they will force you to switch. Trust me, I banged heads with a lot of people over this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh that makes sense then. I was pretty sure they weren't allowing people to do that anymore no matter what but the way you went about it seems to be a few and far between sort of thing. Nice work on keeping that unlimited data though. props
RyanW114 said:
Glad to have someone who has experience with the fascinate and gs3. I was concerned with the gps since the gps on the fascinate was pretty wonky. I guess the gs3 isn't much different in build quality with the thin plastic battery cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It feels solid to me. Its a thin cover but its all packed together in that slim body pretty tightly so it doesn't feel cheap (at least not to me). You can't tell its a thin plastic back unless you remove it as it doesn't move or give at all when it is on the phone. I think the fascinate felt worse
The GPS is no problem at all on the S3 but I never had issues with it on my fascinate either although I know a lot of people did.
So, I broke the glass on my Infuse a week ago. The LCD touchscreen beneath it is in perfect condition without any noticeable defects. I have dropped my phone from over 5' onto concrete multiple times in the past and nothing broke those times, but I went to get out of my car and it slipped out of my pocket and fell one foot onto asphalt and the screen shattered, at least the bottom half. It sucks, but it happens, right? That is why I pay $5 /month for insurance, it is an expensive phone that i don't want to replace out of pocket. Well, it turns out that the last time I had to file an insurance claim they hadn't updated their pricing policy. It use to be $50 for a claim, but now it is $200! Ridiculously expensive if I say so myself. I went onto ebay and found that they sell the LCD, glass, and tools for $190, but this is an outdated phone, well AT&T doesn't sell it anymore at least. Why would I want to spend close to $200 for a new screen when I only spent $80 to buy the phone 15 months ago???
Now onto my real question:
1) Should I buy the screen replacement and fix it myself? I'm generally really good with electronics... and I've replaced screens in flip phones before.
2) Should I open a new line on my existing account for $10 a month and get the galaxy s3 for $170 and just put my sim card in the phone?
3) or should I go through AT&T's replacement service and get w/e phone they want to give me? (What phone replaced the Infuse anyway?)
What do you guys think I should do?
I have cracked glass on my Infuse (LCD still works fine in my case, I assume it does for you as well).
Here are what I think are the three best options (no particular order)
1 - Send it to Samsung for repair. They'll do it for about $156, including shipping both ways (they send you a shipping envelope). But you'll lose your phone for 1 to 2 weeks.Contact phone number: 1-888-987-4357
2 - Get a used phone on ebay, craigslist, etc.
3 - Live with it and hope it gets better. This may sound wacky, but I have a cracked phone glass and it really honestly seems to have gotten "better" over time. I'm not kidding.
Part of is switching your apps to dark background so you don't notice the cracks as much (and save battery anyway)..
part of it is getting used to the cracks so they don't catch your attention...
and here's the wacky part ... in my case some of the cracks have "gone away" or gotten smaller since the initial damage. I know that sounds silly and I certainly can't explain why it did that (other than to say this is not normal glass), but that is what I observed with my own eyes.
I don't think replacing the whole LCD unit is an attractive option. It costs $150 and you can get a new phone or have Samsung fix it for that much. It is a somewhat delicate procedure from what I have heard so after spending tht $150 there's a small chance you may not have fixed anything.
There is also Infuse Glass for sale for $10 or so but it is apparently unusable... can't replace glass without replacing the entire LCD unit (they're glued together)
you might want to double check ATT website. i got my refurbished infuse for 1 penny. flawless, looked and worked like brand new. so good, i got one for my sister too.
I have an infuse that I'm willing to sell for 150. Everything works besides the USB port being wonky at times...sometimes it works, others it doesn't. So for 150 you could repair your phone and gain another battery/everything else for the same price as sending it to Samsung.
I advise against adding a line...yeah its 170 up front but add another 240 for 10 bucks a month extra over two years. So that's paying essentially 410 for that s3...same with buying it for a penny online...paying 240 for another infuse over two years.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
electricpete1 said:
3 - Live with it and hope it gets better. This may sound wacky, but I have a cracked phone glass and it really honestly seems to have gotten "better" over time. I'm not kidding.
Part of is switching your apps to dark background so you don't notice the cracks as much (and save battery anyway)..
part of it is getting used to the cracks so they don't catch your attention...
and here's the wacky part ... in my case some of the cracks have "gone away" or gotten smaller since the initial damage. I know that sounds silly and I certainly can't explain why it did that (other than to say this is not normal glass), but that is what I observed with my own eyes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Attached are pictures immediately after I dropped my phone. I took them using front-facing camera mode.
Here are photos of the same phone (not repaired) today, about 5 months after I dropped it.
I was not able to recreate the exact same view (not sure how I originally managed to use front-facing camera and mirror to get photo of screen without seeing picture within picture type thing).
But I hope you can see it is a lot better. Tough to capture in pictures but there is no doubt in my mind the cracks somehow got better.
Your cracks got better likely because of the adhesive on your screen protector. That is a decent idea for the op to try though...if no chunks of glass are missing, they could try seeing if a screen protector makes the cracks less noticeable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I have a screen protector on the phone right now and that is the only reason I'm able to use it. I'll post some pictures in a few showing how it looks.
captemo: How were you able to get an Infuse for $0.01? Was it an upgrade/new line/new customer deal?
electricpete1: they showed up when I posted my reply. Interesting...Makes me wonder what type of nearly self healing glass they implemented on your phone! lol Well, that is interesting, I can still see the impact site on the 5 months after photos, but the cracks seem to be nearly invisible now. [[]]edit[[]]For some reason your images are not showing up.[[]]edit[[]] I'll take a look on another browser and see what it looks like. But I am using a screen protector already.
welchertc: I was actually ready for an upgrade in a month but the account holder was a few hours late on his scheduled payment for an over due account and it bumped my upgrade deadline to July next year. So I would technically keep the new line for 7 months, then deactivate my current line and transfer the number over. (I believe that it possible...correct me if I am wrong though) I'll think about buying your infuse. Could you either show a picture of the screen or describe its condition? Mine was flawless, until it dropped that is.
So, my options are either buy a used one for $50 less, claim insurance, send to samsung (Should I keep the custom rom on the phone or will this send up red flags? I'm running Jellybean), or live with it until I can upgrade?
welchertc said:
Your cracks got better likely because of the adhesive on your screen protector. That is a decent idea for the op to try though...if no chunks of glass are missing, they could try seeing if a screen protector makes the cracks less noticeable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have the same screen protector on there now that was on there when it cracked (didn't change it).
Maybe the screen protector somehow played a role in the appearance of cracks going away (even though it's the same screen protector).
Maybe the adhesive is soaking into the cracks. Maybe the protector started to pull away from the crack so hides it a little.
Beats me.
Rhamza161 said:
But I am using a screen protector already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as I was. For whatever reason, the screen that looked horrible 5 months ago after I dropped it looks great now... and I didn't do anything (including didn't change screen protector). I was on the verge of spending $156 to have Samsung fix it, and the only reason I didn't was that I didn't want to give up my phone for the period of 1-2 weeks required for that shipping/repair. Now, based on all the factors I mentioned (using black background, getting used to it, and cracked appearance going away somewhat) I'm glad I didn't spend that money.
here are the pictures:
To me, it looks similar to how mine looked. Heavy damage in one corner with cracks spreading accross the screen.
You could try waiting a month or two (three tops). If you see no change, then go ahead and find your replacement. But you might be pleasantly surprised with substantial improvement in appearance (like I was). In the meantime, set your apps and wallpaper to black for very dark backround.
I think I'll wait and see if I can live with it for a month, and if I cannot...then I'll see about replacing the screen first. I'll start the contact with samsung within the week though. I'd rather get the information now and be able to get the replacement screen as quick as possible if I decide to go that route.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Rhamza161 said:
I think I'll wait and see if I can live with it for a month, and if I cannot...then I'll see about replacing the screen first. I'll start the contact with samsung within the week though. I'd rather get the information now and be able to get the replacement screen as quick as possible if I decide to go that route.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I think it was about two months before I noticed the change. I wasn't expecting a change and therefore wasn't looking for a change, so may not have been really observant. You on the other hand have very good quality pictures of screen and will be watching closely.
** Please do come back here and let us know how it turns out.
(I have zero doubt about what I saw, but I also understand it's difficult for anyone else to believe... would feel better if someone else reports similar observations)
I'm always on the forum, but rarely post because the only threads I usually watch are the ones dealing with development. I'll be sure to let you know about the glass though,
Rhamza161 said:
3) or should I go through AT&T's replacement service and get w/e phone they want to give me? (What phone replaced the Infuse anyway?)
What do you guys think I should do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know what phone replaced the infuse too, especially since its officially considered an obsolete phone now.
As a matter of fact Rhamza, that's the case you should build to AT&T-that the phone is obsolete. I've heard plenty of cases, including myself, of complaints to service providers and getting whatever it is you want, so long as your nice and get a compliant tech in the line.
Tell them (if u want) that "my cat knocked my phone off the table, breaking my screen. I see that this phone is totally obsolete and unavailable to purchase at any authorized att retailers... I feel I deserve a replacement because"...etc..
I've heard of people getting galaxy phones for the infuse, so it always worth shot. The worst that could happen is they say no.
In this economy never pay a dollar more for something if you don't have to. Millionaires don't.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Hm, interesting. I'll give it a try. I mean it is worth a shot.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app on jellybean rom.
I finally just went ahead and called samsung and they said the replacement screens including the LCD would cost exactly $155.88 including shipping. I don't think I'll go that route. I get paid Thursday for over 50 hours so AT&T will be contacted about a broken screen.
electricpete1: I have noticed that some parts of the screen do actually look better, however the 4 buttons on the bottom of the screen are starting to not work because of lost glass even after placing a screen protector over the loose pieces. I think they just came off of the LCD portion.
Sliding the unlock to the right on JB (CM10 unofficial) is starting to require a little more pressure than normal.
honestly i'd send it to samsung unless you have insurance, i had bad luck with replacement parts from china despite them having official "samsung" branding and looking legit. the insurance might get you a phone you don't wan't. since i think (not sure) they deal in refurbed phones for insurance but it might however get you an i-777 sgs2 (a nice upgrade if you like the smaller size) since it looks like hey still have new and refurbed i777s in stock online depited it being long out of production like the infuse. but if they a replacement phone you don't want then samsung is the best way to go unless you find a repair service that has a good warranty policy. i've replaced the screen on one of my infuses myself for a single crack across the screen that was barely visable, the replacement screen burned out in under 2 months and it cost me more than what samsung quoted you to fix yours,at the time i didn't want to be without my phone while waiting for a repair and it cost me.
Well I went ahead and went through the insurance company. Supposedly I coudl have had a choice in the phone I was given, but when I clicked on the "Choose more" button it sent me to the same phone, the Galaxy S2 Skyrocket and it said "If you click on 'more options again, you'll be directed to an associate who will attempt to help solve your problem and will not be allowed to continue online at any point" So I stayed with the Skyrocket for now...I'm honestly not sure how I'll like it. Some websites say that the screen is 0.2" smaller than the infuse, other say it is the same. I love my Infuse, but I would rather get a new phone, not one that is a year old already (the skyrocket came out last year in October after all). The phone should be here tomorrow sometime, so I'll report back and let you guys know if it is refurbished or new. In a way I hope that there is something wrong or something I dislike so I can justify attempting to get a nicer, newer phone.
But at least it is coming with ICS and the screen is not broken and there is a modding community here that is amazing! So even if it isn't the best phone I've ever used, it'll still be better than nothing and I can have JB on it within the hour of it arriving. lol
well there was something wrong with it out of the box. (Of course right?) I called Asurion and she said "we'll send you a shipping label and you can send it back to us and when we receive it we'll send you another one right back."
"Wait, I don't have another phone to use while this one is being processed and shipped. What will I do without a phone? I need it for work!"
"Well, go to AT&T and see if they will loan you a phone for about two weeks while we send you another one, but I've never heard of them doing it before."
"Why can't you send me a new phone and when I receive it, I'll send the defective one back?"
"It doesn't work like that."
"If AT&T doesn't hand out a phone for a loan and I miss work because of it, will your company compensate me my $10/hr wage and contact my bosses and explain to them that it is your fault that I missed work?"
"Um, no we can't do that either."
"[[]]sigh[[]] just send me the shipping label and be done with it. This is ridiculous."
"okay. Have a good night." and she hung up the phone.
wth? Rude and not helpful at all. The new phone that I was sent had a defective mic, both on normal calls and speaker phone calls. The AT&T customer service person was really polite and helped me though their trouble shooting guide for the phone and ended up having me go down to AT&T to get a new SIM card. That didn't work, but they activated the new SIM and added the phone to my plan. So the next AT&T rep sent me a phone number to Asurion to get it replaced, because I have 30 days to report a defective device. Well the previous conversation ensued and I find that I am really not satisfied with their representatives. I should have been recording it! jeez.
Here are some photos I took of my Infuse before I put it into the shipping box three days ago.
I have never had this much bad luck with a smart phone before. I don't know whats going on. But i've been though 5 Galaxy S4's and every single one had some soft of issue.
1. bought the S4 from Telus: The phone had wifi connectivity issues. It would drop wifi and reconnect constantly. Returned to Telus.
2. Exchanged S4 from Telus: The phone had scratches on the right bezel and my OCD kicked in. This time I got a refund.
3. Bought S4 from EZ Connect (wholesalers): I bought the black version and immediately noticed a gap on top of the phone, between the screen and the bezel. wide enough to slide a card between. Returned
4. Bought S4 from EZ Connect again: The bezel on right wasn't flush to phone. There was a sort of bump near the power button.
So I don't know if All S4's have some small quality issue - or maybe EZ Connect wholesalers are selling faulty batches. I am at a loss
I wouldn't be surprised. But honestly, if build quality is that important to you over features, then I sincerely believe you'll prefer the HTC One.
Errr No. Ridiculous to think that all S4's have defects. There are millions of S4's dude, not all have issues. Mine is flawless. Sounds like you have some issues lol But seriously, any phone can have defects and I've seen posts just like yours with various different phones right down to iPhones. People going through like 5 or more phones because of a small nick here and there.
Well I do have OCD issues. I guess I expect a brand new phone to be in perfect condition. No nicks, scratches on bezels, uneven casing...
I think you should go with htc one if you are so worried with this details
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
intolaomair said:
Well I do have OCD issues. I guess I expect a brand new phone to be in perfect condition. No nicks, scratches on bezels, uneven casing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is perfectly fine. I have been through 4 google play edition galaxy s4's. All had issues that bothered me. Luckily my last one is good. For the insane prices phones go for these days, or having to chain up to a 2 year contract, You should not expect anything less than perfect.
All those "defective" returned devices supposedly hurt the merchant or manufacturer, and that is fine because eventually it leads to samsung learning they are losing cash with people returning many devices due to their poor quality control.
The One has build and quality control issues as well, maybe even more than the S4 coz HTC has QC issues. So do inspect the phone properly when you buy. The One has had issues like gaps in the body and construction between plastic and metal, metal and screen, scratches coz its a metal body, etc
intolaomair said:
I have never had this much bad luck with a smart phone before. I don't know whats going on. But i've been though 5 Galaxy S4's and every single one had some soft of issue.
1. bought the S4 from Telus: The phone had wifi connectivity issues. It would drop wifi and reconnect constantly. Returned to Telus.
2. Exchanged S4 from Telus: The phone had scratches on the right bezel and my OCD kicked in. This time I got a refund.
3. Bought S4 from EZ Connect (wholesalers): I bought the black version and immediately noticed a gap on top of the phone, between the screen and the bezel. wide enough to slide a card between. Returned
4. Bought S4 from EZ Connect again: The bezel on right wasn't flush to phone. There was a sort of bump near the power button.
So I don't know if All S4's have some small quality issue - or maybe EZ Connect wholesalers are selling faulty batches. I am at a loss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never buy and accept a brand new phone if the case stickers are teared.
every brand has this sort of thing, its always about luck with these devices
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 4
You're just simply unlucky.
Chances are, they aren't giving you new sets. It's common for retailers to repackage returns and sell them as new. A shady practice but still widespread. This is why most retailers always make a point to check that an item is resalable when you return stuff.
intolaomair said:
3. Bought S4 from EZ Connect (wholesalers): I bought the black version and immediately noticed a gap on top of the phone, between the screen and the bezel. wide enough to slide a card between. Returned
4. Bought S4 from EZ Connect again: The bezel on right wasn't flush to phone. There was a sort of bump near the power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i9505 I got from Clove had the bump near the power button too. Took a loss and sold it.
Visited lots of Futureshop, Bestbuy, Telus, Rogers, Bell and Wireless Waves stores. Perfect units were few and far between. Most units I saw have gaps between the screen and bezel on the side. The Fido i337m I have now, the gap's bigger on it than the phone I had before. It is what it is.
Hey all, I went from the gs3 to the HTC m8 and I have a guy that may want to trade me for his gs5. I'm seriously thinking about it but wanted to get a little input from you guys. How satisfied are you with the phone? I know every device has ups and downs, just trying to make an informed decision here.
I am pretty satisfied as you said every device has its ups and downs I have owned both the m8 and the s5 the only thing i miss about the M8 is the appearance as far as looks go the m8 takes the cake. The s5 definitely feels snappier and faster browsing around the phone opening apps etc it also seems to charge quicker. The fingerprint reader is pretty decent just make sure you register your thumb sideways so its more useful to you and you dont have to re-position your hand to use it. Overall i believe the S5 is a better phone and no worries as far as Roms etc it should get there soon the M8 had a headstart!
That's good. I think I may make the trade if the other guy is still interested. We are suppose to talk later.
metalfan78 said:
Hey all, I went from the gs3 to the HTC m8 and I have a guy that may want to trade me for his gs5. I'm seriously thinking about it but wanted to get a little input from you guys. How satisfied are you with the phone? I know every device has ups and downs, just trying to make an informed decision here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you want some more input but in order to help I would have to ask the question.....what made you choose the M8 over the S5 initially? The answer I think will help to provide clues as to what your usage consists of.
I had quite a few htc phones before I got the gs3 and wanted to give them another shot. I like sense, I like the front speakers, the 32 gb storage, and the form factor. It's a nice looking, nice sounding phone. I really just wanted to switch it up a bit. Oh, and I wasn't too fond of Knox.
metalfan78 said:
I had quite a few htc phones before I got the gs3 and wanted to give them another shot. I like sense, I like the front speakers, the 32 gb storage, and the form factor. It's a nice looking, nice sounding phone. I really just wanted to switch it up a bit. Oh, and I wasn't too fond of Knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think one of the biggest drawbacks of the S5 is the 16gb internal. Wouldn't be a big deal if KK didn't keep app data from being moved over to the extSD. I know there are options such as Foldermount to get things moved but still would be nice to have more storage. Coming from the S3 to S4 to S5 I do like the newer TW layout better on the S5 and it has more options to customize. Never used the M8 so I can't give any personal comparisons unfortunately.
This is a very nice device. The dual WiFi antennas make for reasonable WiFi link speeds. USB 3.0 charges really fast and transfers data very fast. Screen is excellent and bright in daylight and dim at night which the s3 was not good at. Processor is extremely fast. My only small complaints are home button waking up phone in my pocket and menu button is now recent apps. Phone is not slippery in hand unlike the s3. Camera is excellent and fast. I'm not disappointed at all and I was not initially going to upgrade but I'm glad I did.
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
Hey look what the cat dragged in I'm browsing this forum for the same reason. Much less activity than I hoped.
I have the M8 but 3G died on it after 3 weeks. I bought a backup that I can still return.
The replacement just came in and is sealed new.
So I can sell a factory sealed M8 and return the other and not be out much $$$.
So it's an opportunity to change my mind.
Pro's and Con's I see
As much as folks complain about the low Pixel Count on the M8 Camera it takes quite good pictures even in tough conditions.
Just read a thread of a lot of folks getting blurring pictures on the S5. That's EXACTLY what you get when pixels are too small. You need more light.
I use the camera lot for work and recording things. Like if I'm working on say fixing our Dryer I take pictures of the Model number and the broken part.
I do stuff like that all the time. I can get extremely close with the M8 camera. It's always in focus. And often works with or without flash even in less light.
I like the USB 3.0 on S5
Is USB MTP or Mass Storage on the S5. M8 does both.
I have not compared Speakers but I have to assume the M8 speakers are better.
And the new "Harman Kardon" ROM really does enhance the sound quite a bit. I was shocked to be honest.
There is something fragile in the M8 and several owners have had the same issue of losing 3G (after a few weeks). I'm worried it will happen again.
I believe all other Network issues are either local Sprint towers or Spark related issues and the S5 won't solve those.
Rumor has it Samsung's have slightly better reception. I can get 4G at the end of my driveway with the M8 and 1/2 a block away at work.
1% more Gain and I'd have 4G at work and home which would be a bonus.
I do like Blinkfeed on HTC. And I do like Sense.
The M8 is pretty heavy compared to S5. I wouldn't mind losing a few ounces.
There is a video on youtube showing an M8 running under water for like 30 minutes. But the question is, does it still run NOW.
You do have to replace the USB cover on the S5 to keep it waterproof and the cover is flimsy.
jbadboy2007 said:
This is a very nice device. The dual WiFi antennas make for reasonable WiFi link speeds. USB 3.0 charges really fast and transfers data very fast. Screen is excellent and bright in daylight and dim at night which the s3 was not good at. Processor is extremely fast. My only small complaints are home button waking up phone in my pocket and menu button is now recent apps. Phone is not slippery in hand unlike the s3. Camera is excellent and fast. I'm not disappointed at all and I was not initially going to upgrade but I'm glad I did.
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out Wanam Xposed to turn off "Wake device with Home button"
The battery cover of the black S5 is a little grippier than the white one as it was on the Note 3's.
mswlogo said:
Hey look what the cat dragged in I'm browsing this forum for the same reason. Much less activity than I hoped.
I have the M8 but 3G died on it after 3 weeks. I bought a backup that I can still return.
The replacement just came in and is sealed new.
So I can sell a factory sealed M8 and return the other and not be out much $$$.
So it's an opportunity to change my mind.
Pro's and Con's I see
As much as folks complain about the low Pixel Count on the M8 Camera it takes quite good pictures even in tough conditions.
Just read a thread of a lot of folks getting blurring pictures on the S5. That's EXACTLY what you get when pixels are too small. You need more light.
I use the camera lot for work and recording things. Like if I'm working on say fixing our Dryer I take pictures of the Model number and the broken part.
I do stuff like that all the time. I can get extremely close with the M8 camera. It's always in focus. And often works with or without flash even in less light.
I like the USB 3.0 on S5
Is USB MTP or Mass Storage on the S5. M8 does both.
I have not compared Speakers but I have to assume the M8 speakers are better.
And the new "Harman Kardon" ROM really does enhance the sound quite a bit. I was shocked to be honest.
There is something fragile in the M8 and several owners have had the same issue of losing 3G (after a few weeks). I'm worried it will happen again.
I believe all other Network issues are either local Sprint towers or Spark related issues and the S5 won't solve those.
Rumor has it Samsung's have slightly better reception. I can get 4G at the end of my driveway with the M8 and 1/2 a block away at work.
1% more Gain and I'd have 4G at work and home which would be a bonus.
I do like Blinkfeed on HTC. And I do like Sense.
The M8 is pretty heavy compared to S5. I wouldn't mind losing a few ounces.
There is a video on youtube showing an M8 running under water for like 30 minutes. But the question is, does it still run NOW.
You do have to replace the USB cover on the S5 to keep it waterproof and the cover is flimsy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The blurriness from the camera is most likely coming from a protective film that you can't see but it is there and once you remove it the pics are outstanding
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
jbadboy2007 said:
The blurriness from the camera is most likely coming from a protective film that you can't see but it is there and once you remove it the pics are outstanding
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree. The film that is on the camera only goes around the lens. It does not cover the lens. Also, I took probably 40-50 pics in the same environment and about 90% were blurry but a few were not. If it was the film 100% would be blurry. There is a thread about the blurry pictures and the consensus is that the image stabilization setting is the cause for the blurriness. I have not disabled and tried it yet but others are saying that fixes the issue.
mswlogo said:
Hey look what the cat dragged in I'm browsing this forum for the same reason. Much less activity than I hoped.
I have the M8 but 3G died on it after 3 weeks. I bought a backup that I can still return.
The replacement just came in and is sealed new.
So I can sell a factory sealed M8 and return the other and not be out much $$$.
So it's an opportunity to change my mind.
Pro's and Con's I see
As much as folks complain about the low Pixel Count on the M8 Camera it takes quite good pictures even in tough conditions.
Just read a thread of a lot of folks getting blurring pictures on the S5. That's EXACTLY what you get when pixels are too small. You need more light.
I use the camera lot for work and recording things. Like if I'm working on say fixing our Dryer I take pictures of the Model number and the broken part.
I do stuff like that all the time. I can get extremely close with the M8 camera. It's always in focus. And often works with or without flash even in less light.
I like the USB 3.0 on S5
Is USB MTP or Mass Storage on the S5. M8 does both.
I have not compared Speakers but I have to assume the M8 speakers are better.
And the new "Harman Kardon" ROM really does enhance the sound quite a bit. I was shocked to be honest.
There is something fragile in the M8 and several owners have had the same issue of losing 3G (after a few weeks). I'm worried it will happen again.
I believe all other Network issues are either local Sprint towers or Spark related issues and the S5 won't solve those.
Rumor has it Samsung's have slightly better reception. I can get 4G at the end of my driveway with the M8 and 1/2 a block away at work.
1% more Gain and I'd have 4G at work and home which would be a bonus.
I do like Blinkfeed on HTC. And I do like Sense.
The M8 is pretty heavy compared to S5. I wouldn't mind losing a few ounces.
There is a video on youtube showing an M8 running under water for like 30 minutes. But the question is, does it still run NOW.
You do have to replace the USB cover on the S5 to keep it waterproof and the cover is flimsy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speakers on the M8 will be much better than the S5. Reception to me seems a bit more flaky than the S4 but I think this is TriBand related. Yes, the cover has to be on to keep it water resistant. How else would it be sealed up? The cover is not "flimsy" in my opinion. It is designed just as it should be. However, I also don't buy into the metal body being superior to plastic like it seems most peeps are but that is a whole other discussion.
Anyways, I think you have to decide what features are more important to you to make your decision. Both devices have advantages over the other.
CCallahan said:
I have to disagree. The film that is on the camera only goes around the lens. It does not cover the lens. Also, I took probably 40-50 pics in the same environment and about 90% were blurry but a few were not. If it was the film 100% would be blurry. There is a thread about the blurry pictures and the consensus is that the image stabilization setting is the cause for the blurriness. I have not disabled and tried it yet but others are saying that fixes the issue.
Speakers on the M8 will be much better than the S5. Reception to me seems a bit more flaky than the S4 but I think this is TriBand related. Yes, the cover has to be on to keep it water resistant. How else would it be sealed up? The cover is not "flimsy" in my opinion. It is designed just as it should be. However, I also don't buy into the metal body being superior to plastic like it seems most peeps are but that is a whole other discussion.
Anyways, I think you have to decide what features are more important to you to make your decision. Both devices have advantages over the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take you fingernail and scrape in the corner against the lens the film will come off. Like I said you can not see it there is no tab indicating it's there. It was that same thread that some one else found the protective film.
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
Had the HTC m8 for about a month, and this phone had problems going from a cell tower thats been updated with Sprint stupid spark, to a tower that was either LTE or 3G, and I was dropping calls in places that I never drop calls, I read on a lot of sprint forums that other people around the country was having similar problems. I exchange my phone for another m8, and the problems contiune, Sprint gave me the hardest time with this problem, sprint even told me I may have to wait for sprint to update certain towers in my area, Like sprint has the best record of being prompt ! So I had to raise holy hell to even make them condsider that the stories in the forums about the phone software not being optimized in he first shipments of the m8 not cooperating with their towers, finally I was able to switch to SGS5, haven't had a problems since switching. I really,reallly wanted the M8 over the S5, but came back to Sammy.
Wait, you got them to give you a gs5? Were you within your 14 days?
Only issue I have is not with the phone itself but with sprint spark and how data turns off when a call comes in kind of a pain when your downloading from lte or surfing the web with a Bluetooth in.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
sml2004 said:
Only issue I have is not with the phone itself but with sprint spark and how data turns off when a call comes in kind of a pain when your downloading from lte or surfing the web with a Bluetooth in.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that is the phones fault no svdo. Simultaneous voice and data. Calls and WiFi data work though.
Sent from my SM-G900P using xda premium
CCallahan said:
I have to disagree. The film that is on the camera only goes around the lens. It does not cover the lens. Also, I took probably 40-50 pics in the same environment and about 90% were blurry but a few were not. If it was the film 100% would be blurry. There is a thread about the blurry pictures and the consensus is that the image stabilization setting is the cause for the blurriness. I have not disabled and tried it yet but others are saying that fixes the issue.
Speakers on the M8 will be much better than the S5. Reception to me seems a bit more flaky than the S4 but I think this is TriBand related. Yes, the cover has to be on to keep it water resistant. How else would it be sealed up? The cover is not "flimsy" in my opinion. It is designed just as it should be. However, I also don't buy into the metal body being superior to plastic like it seems most peeps are but that is a whole other discussion.
Anyways, I think you have to decide what features are more important to you to make your decision. Both devices have advantages over the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My daughter has an S5 and she says it's flimsy. Also seen it mentioned in a pretty good review comparing M8 vs S5. Same review mentioned camera being slow on the S5 and only adequate in day light.
One test folks can try is compare your daylight outdoor photos with indoor/evening photos. Bet ya the outdoor ones are not blurry.
Plastic can be done right. But the S5 looks like a toy phone with that double rib plastic chrome. I like the textured back.
Levono is supposed to start making phones soon. Perhaps we'll see a Carbon Fiber one soon. That would be a great material.
I put E-Grip on the back of my M8 to make it not so slippery. I have on all my phones. But it's especially needed on the M8.
I think an ever so slightly larger M7 would have been better.
:crying:
LONG VERSION:
Well when I first got my idol 3 on May 23rd the first thing I did before turning it on was to install a cheap plastic screen protector. I then turned it on, played with it and poured over the outside of the phone. Build seemed good. The only area I genuinely disliked was the design choice laying the glass screen on TOP of the frame/bezels. It looks nice but I thought at the time, 'makes me worry about dropping it, even with a case'. I always use TPU cases with no problems and installed it on the idol. Today my screen shattered. I did not drop the phone (haven't dropped it once in the 3+ weeks I've owned it). I did not bump into anything. The phone was in my side pocket of my work pants (not 'skinny' jeans I wear loose pants/jeans. Side rant: no disrespect to the hipsters but skinny jeans are not in my vocabulary, I don't know anyone that looks good in them ) while I drove from work around the corner to Wegmans (grocery store). Got in the store and pulled out my phone only to see a shattered screen. I thought it was my tempered screen protector ( I put that on a few days after getting the phone once they were in stock) until I noticed I couldn't use the bottom 2/3 of the touchscreen. Digitizer was shot. Ugh. Looking back the only point I can think of where any pressure was applied to the screen would be when I got out of the car and my pants probably tightened when pivoting off the seat. Seriously. That's it. I must have done the same thing 2 dozen times as I almost always go to Wegmans after work and since it's so close I leave the phone in my pocket (loose pockets!!). Afterwards while driving home I always put the phone in it's holster on the dash. I got home and pulled the tempered glass off (incidentally the glass protector is fine..) and took a closer look. Remember "Bendgate" with the 6-plus? Yeah my phone is also ever so slightly bent as well. I baby the hell out of my phone, not a scratch or nick anywhere on the body. I'm so disappointed. I absolutely love this phone and yesterday I would rate alcatel/the phone a 4.5 out of 5 for a stellar product with few issues (obv. the pervasive DT2W issue). But after today I strongly believe they messed up their design by putting the glass on top of the frame and not embedded within the bezels like almost every other phone out there. I'm preparing my email to alcatel now in hopes I get something from them but I know they have no reason to believe my story as to how this happened. I don't believe my actions were a result of misuse by any means as I've owned plenty of smartphones without ever breaking one. I don't expect anything from Alcatel but I seriously hope their next iteration of this phone will be better protected. I'm creating this thread as a warning to all the other owners out there that you need to be very careful handling this phone, If a simple motion such as this can result in a broken screen then I'm sure that a drop will be just as bad even with a tempered glass protector. So everyone PLEASE be careful! Personally I am distrustful of the device's build quality now and will hang on to this until I can buy a replacement screen/digitizer and attempt to replace it myself ( a review on Amazon a few days ago mentioned that screen replacement costs $150, almost the price I paid for the thing) though I will wait to hear back from Alcatel. I'll try to upload a couple pics of the phone, but really all you'll see is an otherwise pristine phone with a broken screen and the leftover residue from my tempered protector (now removed). Ugh, this sucks
Short Version:
My screen broke while in my pocket from minimal to barely moderate pressure and is also now bent, ala #Bendgate. WTF
I can't believe this phone broke that easy, it was either a defective phone or its just fragile. I'm really thinking of returning this phone since it has so many things to it.
Sent from my 6045I
I hope it was just a dud for everyone else's sake, problem is I don't expect Alcatel to replace it under warranty and I'm not willing to spend 75% of what I paid for it on a new screen. THe other issues are minor to me personally, with DT2W being the biggest annoyance. I barely get any lag with animations on top speed and nova launcher and I'm satisfied with the camera for the price point. My previous phone, the HTC One m7 was great until it got the lollipop 5.02 update and then lagged like crazy so I truly believe performance issues will be resolved with an update/root. I'm really devastated this broke so easily as the screen size/front speakers were exactly what I wanted in a phone, not to mention the great battery life I get vs. old phone.
Dang I have a tpu case and tempered glass but I'm scared now lol thinking of returning and getting a OPO
Sent from my 6045I
I seriously considered the opo but for me band support was paramount. I wonder if a hard case would be better for this phone, I know they're harder on the body but would presumably give a bit more structure for the phone. OT, I finally have a use for the reversible feature as it allows me to type on the phone and open most apps flipping the thing upside down over and over :/
Hopefully its not a defect to all phones. I only have till Monday to figure out if I want to return it
Sent from my 6045I
psu2fan said:
I hope it was just a dud for everyone else's sake, problem is I don't expect Alcatel to replace it under warranty and I'm not willing to spend 75% of what I paid for it on a new screen. THe other issues are minor to me personally, with DT2W being the biggest annoyance. I barely get any lag with animations on top speed and nova launcher and I'm satisfied with the camera for the price point. My previous phone, the HTC One m7 was great until it got the lollipop 5.02 update and then lagged like crazy so I truly believe performance issues will be resolved with an update/root. I'm really devastated this broke so easily as the screen size/front speakers were exactly what I wanted in a phone, not to mention the great battery life I get vs. old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you approached Alcatel to see if they will replace the device/display under warranty? Clearly you did not do anything out of the ordinary - drop it to knock it against something - so they *should* replace it, and if not, you should be able to take it up with your credit card company. I feel sorry for your situation. I got my phone for $200, have no problems except the lag ( and more recently more frequent d2w issues ) - and I am waiting for something like you to happen to me. At that time I will have to take it up with Alcatel , because I certainly want to keep the device, for its bright screen and loud speakers alone, for the $200 I paid.
Electronics are not flawless articles - but my suggestion would be give Alcatel support a chance. This will also tell all of us, how good their support really is. Abt 4 years back, I was one of the lucky ones that got in on the $99 HP Touchpad sweepstakes - and right after I got it, the display panel started malfunctioning. So I took it up with HP and they sent me a prepaid box - and had me ship the tablet back to them - and returned it to me after replacing the display. Since that day, that device has been a workhorse for me - Best $90 I ever spent on a piece of electronics. So my point is - sometimes - your immediate experience will be negative - but it is worth give it another chance. And these days, usually your CC company will come to your rescue in such matters.
Oh absolutely. I guess I wasn't very clear about that but I'm retelling my story with them. I certainly hope they do something about it, I just have my doubts.I'll have to read through the terms on my credit card, can't remember if I used Amex or Discover for it.. but I thought you just got an extended warranty through them, no?
Ok I sent out my lengthy email to Alcatel just now, so I'll update this thread when I hear back from them. Also I looked into my purchase and I did use Discover which includes 90-days device coverage including broken screens so I'm covered in case Alcatel doesn't come through. Thanks stl1859, I would not have remembered that if you didn't mention it.
psu2fan said:
:crying:
Short Version:
My screen broke while in my pocket from minimal to barely moderate pressure and is also now bent, ala #Bendgate. WTF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
many of todays phones has this 2.5D corners, so bad luck...it happens. I got ZTE V5, felt many times so i bought screen protector shield (plastic, not foil) and rugged back cover...anyway felt from 50cm to the ceramic tiles and got broken screen..it happens ...**** happens. Hope you will get osme satisfactory. And minimal to barely moderate pressure, really? Do you think that his would someone believe?
DallasCZ said:
many of todays phones has this 2.5D corners, so bad luck...it happens. I got ZTE V5, felt many times so i bought screen protector shield (plastic, not foil) and rugged back cover...anyway felt from 50cm to the ceramic tiles and got broken screen..it happens ...**** happens. Hope you will get osme satisfactory. And minimal to barely moderate pressure, really? Do you think that his would someone believe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's hard to believe, I have a hard time believing it. Which is precisely why I posted about this. And yes it was minimal to moderate pressure. I did not drop the device, it was in my pocket and I didn't bump into anything. The only pressure exerted was from my pants as I shifted to the left to get out of the car. I've certainly been fortunate over the years to have never broken a screen; I've dropped my previous phones a handful of times, even rolled over one while it was in my pocket. If any of those things would have happened and resulted in a broken screen/bent phone I wouldn't be posting here.. I expect that outcome in those situations. Also no I don't expect Alcatel to believe me, which is why I was so worried about spending my money on a device only to have it fail in this manner. Thankfully due to the suggestion of another member I will be covered thanks to my CC company.
You are still going to try getting a replacement from Alcatel, right ? I am really interested in knowing how efficient they are in handling repair/exchanges.
stl1859 said:
You are still going to try getting a replacement from Alcatel, right ? I am really interested in knowing how efficient they are in handling repair/exchanges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm currently waiting on them. Since I submitted the support email going into the weekend I'm giving them through Monday to reply before I start calling them.
Well, As expected.. BTW the phone number listed is not valid. Had to initiate claims online at alcatel.finetw.com Customer care didn't care (haha) how the phone broke, though I wouldn't expect them to. I'll include a copy of my original email with the phone so that hopefully the tech at least takes a look at the strength of the phone.
Dear xxxxxx,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. We understand your concern and we will be happy to assist you. Unfortunately with physical damaged the warranty gets void, so you can contact the repair center and ask how much they will charge you to fix device, the phone number is 496-484-6610..
Best regards,
ALCATEL ONETOUCH
First, that is a pathetic response. With that kind of attitude, they are not going to gain many customers. Second, I don't think that is a valid statement at all. Defects can cause 'physical damage'. It is a piece of electronics after all . If they are not covering 'physical damage' - what are they covering - emotional damage !!!
They probably meant physical *abuse* - which in your case - there was none. So I do not think they have grounds to decline warranty. It appears that they are simply assuming there was 'physical abuse' . Let me ask you - did you explain the incident - to the level of detail that you did over here ? ( meaning how it was in your pant's pocket - and how there might have been some pressure when you tried to get out of your vehicle , etc etc. ) - Or did you simply tell them that you discovered the screen to be shattered one fine day when you took it out of your pocket ?
Are you still engaging with them, or are you going to go to your CC company now ? I am disappointed with their support. Clearly, the only way they can sell anything if they keep pricing their products dirt cheap. Even then, I would think twice before buying from them.
I'm just thinking that this is going to be my last Alcatel product if I even decide to keep it. This support is pretty bad.
Sent from my 6045I
I keep mine in jeans, including skinny jeans and don't have these issues. It doesn't have much give so I have to position it in the pocket with the least pressure points. I would expect screen separation before screen cracking since it is plastic. I have had issue when its hot the double tap to wake will turn on the lock screen and dial contacts if the pocket is big enough for it to move around. So far I am impressed with dragontrail being less prone to fingerprints, but I do everything to avoid scratches and cracks short of a screen protector so take that into consideration.
i dont think any brand will buy your story even if its true. any physical dmg will become a user end fault no matter which product you purchase since theres no way to prove its their manufacturing fault when its physical defect and the end user is using it.
Sent from my 6045I using XDA Free mobile app
This is really the crux of it. And why I said I did not expect them to do anything. The only way to uncover a design flaw IMO is if this starts happening a lot (like bendgate.. well maybe not a lot in that case but some people showing on video how easily it bent). Also yes I went into great detail about the when/where/how the device broke. I also included the details with the phone, imploring the tech to at least look at the device to determine if there's a structural weak point or something. Sorry I took so long to reply, I've been getting my backup device (LG Leon.. ok phone for price but slooooow) setup and haven't been to the site in a few days.
gavolo said:
i dont think any brand will buy your story even if its true. any physical dmg will become a user end fault no matter which product you purchase since theres no way to prove its their manufacturing fault when its physical defect and the end user is using it.
Sent from my 6045I using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm going through the CC company now. Interestingly I had to pay $40 to send the device back listing the screen as broken, so maybe (knock on wood) it won't be as expensive after all