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Hi,
I've been using my xda for about a month now and have noticed it hard to keep the screen clean, it seems to be very greasy etc... Has anyone invested in a screen protector for this problem or is it not really worth it?
Also cause i have only had mine a month with limited use, has anyone who has owed this phone longer noticed it gets scratched from the pen etc after longer periods of time...?
I know not important questions but just something i've been wondering none the less. Thanks
Got a brando one
I wanted to ditch the case (as it's pants) so I got a brando screen protector. It was a real faff to fit and I still haven't got it a) square or b) without loads of [email protected] under it, but it does its job, it seems to be sensitive enough and I (probably) am too ham-fisted to judge how difficult it is to fit the thing.
Hope that helps.
I've been told the Martin Whatsisname Screen Protectors are really good.
I'm thinking about getting one of these.
Do they leave any marks when you peel them off afterwards? From the glue and stuff?
Hi Tom
They don't use any glue, so you can just peel them off with no problem.
They cling to the screen like clingfilm.
nothing else than brando! have used it on all of my previous devices .. just no comparison to the cheap ones on ebay ...
I would say screen protector is a must for me...I'm too lazy to pull out the stylus every time....a screen protector will allow me to tap with my fingers, nails.....or even a pen....in fact, I put a protector on almost every mobile phones, my previous PPC....
Fair enough, but at £8.50+ its a rip off!!! for a bit of plastic that cost 0.05p to make, they're laughing all the way to the bank....
Supply & Demand
Maybe. It's a quality product and it's still a lot cheaper than a new screen...
You pays yer money.
Maybe but im just not convinced, how can you decribe a bit of platic as a "quality product"? I have heard they are extreemly hard to fit properly without getting finger prints on them etc and you get air bubbles and it is really annoying if you even leave a few specs of dust underneath it...?
No one round the office here seems to bother with them. I dont expect with any device for the screen to remain untouched forever, i think it just comes down to normal wear and tear, as with everything. Just my views anyway, need to hear more about these things before i had over best part of £10.
I have seen a Martin Fields one and someone on here said they were good. Is it easy to notice its there if you have one installed?
I have bought some via ebay from screenprotector24 at £1.99 for 6 plus P&P. There was also a buy 2 get 1 free offer on too. I have never been a fan of screen protectors but I agree that with the Mini-S it is verging on essential.
I am more than happy with the quality of the ones I received.
Hope that helps someone.
Regards,
White.
I've been looking for some on ebay, what did you type in to search and find those? can you link me?
Hi,
Sorry, I'm at work and barred from ebay. www.screenprotector24.de may well work if I recall correctly.
Regards,
White
Brando screen protectors
Just because something's made of plastic doesn't mean it isn't quality. After all look at Pamela Anderson! (Sorry).
The Brando one I got is doing its job. Before I had the screen protector dirt would pile up and I'd be cleaning it 3 or 4 times a day. Now I don't have to. I was worried the screen would get damaged. I don't have to worry what I use on the screen or shoving it in my pocket.
Yes, you can tell it's on if you look. It looks like you've left the manufacturers sheet on but without a tab to remove it if it catches the light. Straight on, you'd be hard pressed to know it's there - honest.
I haven't seen the cheapo ones myself, I went on recomendations on forums from people who had more experience.
Also, Brando service is outstanding in my experience.
Right ok, i am thinking of getting one just for peace of mind. All i can find is Martin Philips ones on UK sites... Where can i find a decent priced Brando one on a UK site for a 02 xdx mini s? Can someone name a shop or link me etc?
Thanks
Go straight to the source!
I bought mine direct from the Brando site in Hong Kong... http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php. It arrived within 6 days
I had the antireflective one on my old XDA2, but these ultra glossy ones are MUCH better. It was a fiddle to fit, but I honestly can't that it's there other than by looking for the edge. I've tried this a few times and I find the following procedure works well.
First off, you need to find as dust free an environment as possible. Choose a room that doesn't have any carpet, or fabric in it if you can(cushions curtains etc). Boil a kettle, and make the room a bit steamy. When the steam clears, it should take some of the dust with it.
The trick to avoiding dust is to be prepared. Get a good lint free cloth (lens microfibre cloth worked well for me) and a blower brush - small rubber bulb with a nozzle. Also keep some masking tape ready. Finally you will need a bright light - ideally a spot light, or if you've got low fluorescent lights under over your kitchen work tops, they are ideal. Wear latex gloves if you have any (you can usually get packs of 20 from poundland)
Stick some masking tape to the your worksurface, folding it back on itself, so that the sticky side is facing up. Use several strips so that you have an area two or three times the size of your screen.
Spend a few minutes polishing with the lint free cloth, and then set the phone down, face up, well illuminated (from above) and switched off!. Blow off all the remaining dust with the blower - make sure that no dust is stuck (might require more polishing) at this stage you have two hands free - in a minute you won't! Dont worry if some dust starts to settle back on the screen at this stage - it will be loose, and you can blow it off in a minute.
Next step - take the screen protector, and peel off the backing two thirds of the way. Keep the 'sticky' side face down so dust doesn't settle on it. It's helpful if you can crease the backing slightly as it's quite springy and tends to get in the way a bit. Be careful not to touch the exposed side though. If you're right handed you'll want the screen protector in your right hand at this moment.
The next bit, you might need to repeat a few times until you get it right...
Blow the last bits of dust off the screen (do NOT use your mouth - you will spit all over the screen). Line up the most exposed end of the protector - its a very precise fit, the edges will touch both sides, and the end should be lined up exactly with the end of the screen. If you push the protector under the plastic above the screen it will be short at the other end. You might need to lift and reposition a few times to get this right. Once you have placed the exposed end, put a finger on top and check the alignment. Now check for any dust. You might be able to blow one or two bits off, but if there is more than that, you need to lift off the protector, press it down onto the upturned tape to get rid of any dust, blow the dust of the screen and try again. The dust sticks to the tape MUCH better than the screen, and will not leave any residue on the Brando protector, so you can do this quite a few times if necessary.
The important thing here is not to panic. You will get dust, and will need to go round the loop a few times, but as you'll be prepared, there will be no problem. Once the protector is lined up, the screen is (temporarily) dust free and there are no bubbles (phew!) carefully remove the last of the backing film and holding the edges very lightly between your fingers (gloves help here) lay the last bit removing any bubbles. Once down, it is hard to get the protector off without damaging the edge so only do the last bit once you're sure there is no dust/bubbles.
Remove the front sheet and polish. With any luck, you should hardly be able to tell that the screen protector is there!
Thanks for those really comprehensive instructions! I'm going to order one from the Brando site today and will pick up the blower and lint-free cloth etc from Jessops (camera shop) this weekend.
Martin Fields overlay plus Question
Nice one on such detailed instructions!
I order a Martin Fields over lay plus today, they seem to have good reviews everywhere i have looked. They are slightly adhesive though, but as this is a "gentle silicon based glue" (so i hear) i think that means it will be fine on the screen.
Has anyone had experience on using these and what the screen is like after you remove them, any residue etc left afterwards? How long will it last roughly?
Thanks for any help guys!
I haven't tried this, but you could probably save yourself the cost of a blower brush by using a bike pump or better still an airbed footpump (you can use that one handed).
tom99, if you get a Martin Fields protector (or any other sort that uses adhesive) I'm not sure that its safe to use masking tape to clean it. The Brando ones stick to the screen electostatically, so its safe to clean them with tape (the instructions that come with it recommend scotch tape). If the instructions you get with your Martin Fields protector don't mention cleaning with tape, then I would miss out that step. Can you add a comment to this thread when you get it (or anyone else that has used a MF protector)? It might help others decide which protector to go for.
That's pretty much my question. I read the thread talking about doing this with aftermarket ones, and wish I had read it before I applied mine. I got dust under mine. basically want to know if I can wash the one that came with the Fuze and put it back on, before I spend 20 bucks to have a new one shipped to me.
The short answer is "Yes"
Lukewarm water is a good place to start, and don't bother to try to get the "down" side (the sticky side) completely dry: just flap about a bit until most of the water shakes off.
Might find it works better if you have some non-greasy soap around - note that most of the soaps available today will leave their OWN residue behind!
Another handy trick for removing spots of DUST is to simply pick them up with tape. This technique is particularly worthwhile if your only complaint is a small number of dust spots that you can remove (with the tape) by only having to lift one corner of the cover.
Find that a microfiber cloth does a good job with the Exterior service of the screen cover, with a bit of "Safe For Coated Lens" cleaner sprayed on the cloth if the cover is particularly grimy....
Why would you when they only cost a few pence!!!!
I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
water didn't work on mine.
@jim: you would because this is FREE, no trouble and no waiting for your products (some people can only order them online from other countries and have to wait a week (or 2) ). + I think the factory one is the best (I have a differrent one but I liked the factory the best)
Thanx for the help. I heard the factory one was the best as well, that is why I wanted to stick with that one. That being said, I was using my phone in the car the other day,(not whilst driving) and forgot I left it on my lap, and well got out. long story short I guess I'll have to order a new one anyway. the phone made it alright, just 2 small chips. lucky i had the screen protector on though. Any one know of any as good as factory?
I just put a Martin Fields protector on my Fuze and love it. It's definitely on par if not better than the factory one.
Have an Exim screen protector on its way, but don't expect to receive it until early (hopefully) next week.
Have also been pleasantly surprised by the included screen cover - but wish they had included a protector for the keypad area as well. At the moment, intent is to mount the Exim's keypad cover once it arrives and save the screen cover until ready to replace the OEM one.
Pricing on screen covers varies widely: have had good luck with Boxwave covers for my Axim, but am ready to try some of the less expensive options with the Fuze.
Mattijn106 said:
I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.
bboyneko said:
you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid
gbueh said:
I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sure nothing will happen to your phone in a steamy room
unless condensation occurs inside the phone, you're fine
i have so many phones
i always bring them into the bathroom,
i just leave it on the counter
i have never had a broken phone due to steam
not a porn site ;-)
These are reasonable priced and offer excellent protection.
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront
it's awesome way to remove dust by tape so i tested it and success with me
You know the story - you baby the phone, buy it a protective skin from day one, and then...
..you're out to dinner with the wife and she spills her girlie, loaded with sugar drink all over the table, including your phone.
Today, the Menu button is a little sticky, and the trackball refuses to navigate in some directions (it'll go up and left only).
I know the trackball is the same as the one used in some Blackberries, and I've seen the online tutorials on how to clean them, I was wondering if anyone here had a similar problem, and if they just waited it out (if it returns to normal) or if they had either cleaned or replaced their own.
Mine kept sticking and would do it like 10 times a day so i got a replacement.
Don't know, but with the Apple trackball mice the usual suggestion is to turn it upside down and rub the trackball vigorously on a piece of paper. Perhaps rubbing it over a baby wipe or alcohol wipe might help in your case to get the sugar out?
ive just started to have this problem without any water damage, just give it a whack on the back and all sorted for another month
I'd just use a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and vigorously wipe it down, i'd make sure some of the alcohol seeps into the cracks though. I've done it on xbox controllers and it always seemed to clear it up.
cleaning alcohol, as suggested, is probably your best option. because of it's fast evaporation rate, it makes it ideal for cleaning electrical equipment. turn it off first though
If an exterior-only cleaning with alcohol doesn't do the trick then you might want to grab the service manual from the dev subforum and disassemble the phone. That will let you separate the hardware buttons and casing from the actual electronics. Then you can go to town. Working the buttons while immmersed in a deionized water bath should clear out any water-soluble gunk.
Be mindful not to immerse any items with membranes that might not be able to evaporate moisture out. E.g. lcd assy, speaker assy, etc.
Haven't had time to do it yet - it's semi-recovered since then (will occasionally move in the ordered direction, but not consistently).
The Blackberry forums had a tutorial on pulling it apart and cleaning the trackball. Didn't look that difficult, since the trackball can be pried out on the 8xxx series BB's without any disassembly.
I'm going to dig through the service manual and see how onerous taking apart the unit is; if it's easy enough to do, I'm going to free up the trackball and give it a proper cleaning. If not, I'm going to try either isopropyl alcohol or an electronics cleaning solvent as mentioned in the above posts.
Edit: After a quick look through the service manual, looks like disassembly is a no-go. Don't feel like risking the whole device to fix a wonky trackball.
Yeah, dismantling the 8100 BB was super easy but cleaning the teeny connectors was a bit tedious. I haven't checked out the breakdown procedure for the G1 but if the trackball hang-ups were anywhere near as bad as on the BB - it'd almost be a necessity.
Although navigation was more trackball-centric on the BB... I wouldn't be able to stand it. The cleaning part is pretty simple.
Hi to all who have dust between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
I send my device 3 times to the authorised HTC service center because of this problem, they cleaned it (not perfectly) and the dust was back again after few days of use. This was really ennoying for me...
After several disassemblies, cleaning, research where dust comes in, then assembles I found the flaw.
The dust doesn’t come in via sealing foam between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
There is a bump defect of phone housing around the volume keys. Inside of the plastic housing is a metal frame, where the touch screen digitizer is stacked on - that frame is a little bended and the touch screen doesn’t stick properly on it (around the volume keys only). When you look close on the phone you can see also a little wider gap between the touch screen top glass and silver plastic housing edge. (See picture)
WARNING
The following directions WILL VOID
your warranty - you are performing
this repair at your own risk.
So, now, what you have to do:
For those, who have already dust in, just simply disassembly your device (if you are brave enough, have all tools and precise hands - maybe some experience ) and remove PROPERLY all dirt with brush, compressed air and antistatic cloth, then assemble it back or send the device to the service center to clean it (wont void the warranty). Before sealing your TD2 (keep it in plastic bag away from dust) prepare a sharp wooden toothpick, neutral transparent or black silicone (you can purchase it from any building material shop) and cotton cloth.
Now you have to clean the gap between whole plastic silver housing frame and touch screen top glass with soft brush. Then use sharp wooden toothpick to impress the silicone into the gap (all gaps you can see, just in case) (silicone does not damage phone housing and TSCR surface and it’s easy to clean), then just gently and properly wipe off all the rest of silicone from phone surface. (be careful not to get silicone to the keys or phone receiver slot)
Leave the phone for several hours to get silicone dry.
Then you can use your TD2 in dusty environment and your display stays absolutely clean and dusty free. (TESTED on mine, for me perfect phone now and I am very happy with it...)
For those who have a little dust in and want to stop come more in and those who are planning to buy TD2 (dont wanna play the lottery faulty or not ), do the same procedure (silicone impress only) after unwrapping your device from plastic package.
GOOD LUCK!!! ENJOY YOUR ABSOLUTELY DUSTY FREE DEVICE!!!
Sorry for my English
I don't know about you guys, but I'm not crazy enough to void the warranty of my phone because of a minor thing like that. When mine gets dirty, I send it back and that's it.
If it gets dirty again, I send it back again...
But, it's a good tutorial for the "brave ones" anyway Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
HastaSSSS
I sent mine back over a week ago due to this dust problem (in fact I delivered it in person to HTC repair center in Milton Keynes) hoping for a quick turnaround.
I'm still waiting for it to come back and missing it terribly. I'm back to using my old Nokia E71 which is a great phone but I like my new one and want it back so I may go down the route of the OP just so I don't have to repeat the return each time I get a dust issue.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=519463
i dont want to hijack this thread. if i am then i am sorry
but hopefully you can input your expertise into this thread or help form an opinion for a new thread
I just got a topaz and want to keep dust from getting in but I'm confused about the sillicon. Could you describe more clearly what it is and maybe post a picture so I have some idea what it should look like.
from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...
i think you meant screen protector no?
anyway thx for the info,
if anyone knows how to disassemble this device pls help
yes, screen protector. Better not use the screwdriver ... remember warranty ...
I thought these dust under the screen issues had been fixed long ago, but now it seems the problem that affected my old c600 has come back to ruin my topaz after just 1 week.
Not impressed.
georgeono said:
from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already use a screen protector. I'm more concerned about the first gap. I really don't want dust to happen since I bought my phone second hand and it doesn't have a warrenty.
you can always use a can of pressurized air to get the dust out. (same you use with PCs)
Wouldn't you need two holes that are connected if your blowing air into the device? One for the air to go in and one for the dust to go out? I don't have any dust under my screen currently and would like it to remain that way. The silicon method doesn't seem to difficult or dangerous which is why I'm interested in what silicon to use.
from what I understood (from the pictures in the 1st post), it's not actually a hole, but a free space = gap.
I opened the D2 (only the two upper screws - for lifting the inner part a bit) and did have a look for "gaps" somewhere around the volume controls - i did not really see a gap
But for getting out the dust: dont blow air into the D2 but get the air out - i actually used a vacuum-cleaner. If you remove the two screws it is possible to lift the LCD below the volume sliders *A LITTLE BIT* (=about 0,5 mm only!!!!!) with a small screw driver to create a gap. It worked quite well. (be aware of high air flow and possible static electricity)
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.
axantas said:
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Me too!
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is neutral silicone? Do you have a picture of it so I know what to buy?
I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?
luca T said:
I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had it for about a week and the user I bought it from had it supposedly for about 3 weeks and so far no dust. I'm still terrified its going to happen though.
pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pic, pedroo - so they simply should have glued the digitizer surface a bit more careful to the housing...
...thinking a bit about applying the radical solution - not sure yet
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
bert682 said:
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I did a little more reading and it seems that a gorilla has changed the screen on this phone in the past and he / she has used compound to stick the screen down and some of it has gone around the sensor and the resulting press down on the screen has created a few air pockets.
Looking less forward to changing the screen now as no doubt with my luck the "technician" will have used some crazy heat resistant glue!
Also....missing the speaker grille....funny how you only notice things after you have bought them!
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
It will work for sure, I posted this fix on a YouTube screen replacement guide of octopus glues I think and its confirmed to work from a lot of people. Then if you use a custom rom go to brightness settings while having auto brightness enabled and try changing light sources from dark to very bright places to see the instant lux values you get. If you are not satisfied with the result try custom auto brightness values.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Planterz said:
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a "kit" off eBay, [URL="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
That's the full part. The one you've posted is the type I usually go for, they're good quality so far.
bert682 said:
I got a "kit" off eBay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
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Click to collapse
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you), I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other components shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
Planterz said:
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you, I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other comments shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video[/i] that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
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Click to collapse
Awesome, I saw some cheaper screens but that one notes that its LG compliant etc. I bought a set of tools separately so will have all the stuff needed. Didnt think about the battery, will order one as it does make sense!
Thanks for the info, will update as I go.
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
bert682 said:
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
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Yeah this is normal.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
New screen in and working well.
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Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
Planterz said:
Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
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Click to collapse
No, not with the correct tools. I will admit had I not bought the plastic tools, tweezers etc I may have struggled.
The battery was my main concern, its really stuck down, even though this had been replaced before and likely a less tacky glue used it was still tough. Had to use some heat to soften it and the "battery cover" has seen better days. Next thing to replace is that, just for piece of mind.
All in all, pretty nice experience, the phone seems more modular that other phones I have taken apart which is nice.