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Hi all,
Just a quick question, as a search did not reveal the answer, but is it possible to remove the len cover on the back of the HD2? As you will all know, it is very sharp - I don't tend to use the leather cover and it is starting to wear a hole in my jeans!
Looking at it the camera sensor itself is flush with the plastics of the device, but what I do not know is if the lens cover is simply stuck over the top of this, or if it covers any extra holes in the case.
Obviously it would need an alternative cover, which I am sure I could fabricate out of something, but was wondering if anyone else had been brave enough to remove it yet before I break my phone
Cheers
Looks like I will have to get my penknife out and give it a go myself then, lol
peacebank said:
Looks like I will have to get my penknife out and give it a go myself then, lol
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Do you really think its a good idea?
I use my case from time to time, but it's usually in my pocket on it's own. Certainly never uncomfortable and not close to making a hole in my pocket. I was told how sharp it was in the store when the O2 girl mentioned it had scratched their white desks, but since mine arrived it's never marked anything or been an issue.
I use the Proporta Mizu Shell case and this reduces the sharpness somewhat (although I've never felt the camera was sharp enough to wear a hole in my jeans). Maybe bigger jeans would help
i thought it was just my hd2 that could be used for cutting tiles but i solved the problem by buying a silicone case which covers up the edges of the camera.
I got a noreve case with which I am very pleased - it completely covers up the sharp bit (unless you want to take a photo). Much better than a damaged HD2.
Go to the accessories forum and look at the extensive suggesions there for cases, there's one out there with your name on it.
rjstep3
Don't put the HD2 in your jeans, you will soon damage the screen.
Use a case, the slip case your HD2 came with is perfect. Every time you take the phone out, rest it on the case. No damaged phone and no scratched table etc.
Dissasembly thread with some pics here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=623589
Hello everyone.
I got my HD2 a couple of weeks ago and as usual with new toys, am still taking some extra care with it. I had a Touch HD before that withstood quite a few bumps and two small drops. I saw people carying iPhones in pants pockets, back and front. Given that HD2 screen is significantly larger, how fragile is it, really? I usually carry my phones in jacket pocket, screen towards the body, without any case or sleeve. Do I need to take so much care for it or is it actually more resilient than it seems? Yes, I've seen the threads with broken screens. Anything can break, given enough force.
Any serious feedback is welcomed. Thanks.
Cheers, R
Well I have had mine since it was released in the UK and have had it in my right hand side front pocket in my jeans/trousers etc, sat on floors etc and all sorts and nothing has ever happened to it at all. Its a pretty tough screen I think, as long as when its in you pocket its not at an odd angle, I cant see any problems keeping it in there. I certainly have no problems.
Scratch test
There is a YouTube video of a scratch test of the screen of an HD2, its in foreign but gives a good idea of its screen tolerances (those of a nervous disposition may wish to look away towards the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcEaehKWr2s
Hmm I can only speak for myself and my HD2... but my screen has 2 (really small) scratches..
I think these are from a keychain or maybe a lighter in my pocket. I don't really know where the came from - but not from dropping it.
I would recommend to use a (thin - not that thick vikuti) foil to protect it against scratches.
--> Question: What would you recomment regarding a foil to cover the screen? I bought 1 Vikuti foil and really disliked it - it is sooo thick
Edit: I think the knife in the video would be able to scratch the screen... only a matter of right angle an pressure
I dropped mine on new years eve - drunk and the only thing i noticed the following day was that i had lost the backplate lol
Someone on here very kindly gave me a replacement.
Other than that - no scratches so far
Had mine three weeks, using front trouser pocket though I am very conscious of checking the pocket for keys etc first.
I have a full body invisibleSHIELD skin, and i'm extremely happy with it.
I've knocked it a few times on the edge of tables and chairs, once on the metal hand grip on a bus seat, and theres not a mark on it anywhere.
I have a screen protector that covers the entire screen, and carry the phone in my pants pocket in the leather case that came with the phone (I'm waiting on a holster from eBay).
The screen is in perfect condition, however, I did scuff the corner of the HD2 by dropping it (in its leather case) as I went to put it in my pocket coming out of a movie theatre...dropped onto cement.
: /
I use a screen protector and have a very nice silicone case for it that fits very snug, but I'm just being careful.
I believe that common sense is enough to keep this device from being damaged. As you can see from the linked video above, the screen is very resiliant, but it's not scratchproof. Also, why on earth anyone would put it in the back pocket of their trousers and sit down is totally beyone me, but people have done it (and probably still do), but they end up on here asking how to fix their damaged screen. (My advice to them is to hook up a flex capacitor to their car, drive at 88mph, go back in time to before they broke it and slap themselves round the face and say "STOP BEING SILLY!!!")
It's tough, but not unbreakable. Just treat it with respect, look after it sensibly, and DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR BACK TROUSER POCKET OR FRONT SHIRT POCKET!!!
As the meerkats say... simples
(I hate those adverts, but I do like Back To The Future )
johncmolyneux said:
FRONT SHIRT POCKET!!!
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Why not...I put it in there all the time?
So it won't fall out or...?
Spike15 said:
Why not...I put it in there all the time?
So it won't fall out or...?
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lol - I've NEVER seen anyone on this forum say that that has happened to them <sarc mark>
johncmolyneux said:
lol - I've NEVER seen anyone on this forum say that that has happened to them <sarc mark>
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Just making sure I wasn't missing something.
Personally I don't bend over when I need to get something on the floor et cetera...I bend my knees...I've heard that bending like that is bad for your back.
Spike15 said:
Just making sure I wasn't missing something.
Personally I don't bend over when I need to get something on the floor et cetera...I bend my knees...I've heard that bending like that is bad for your back.
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Yes, and even moreso if you have a hernia! Good to see that xda is also responsible for good health advice too
I can't wait for mine to arrive next week. I can tell you from experience that the IPHONE has cracked 3 times in pocket when I put too much pressure. Apple does replace them on a regular basis. They allow for what they call a hairline. If it spiders they won't replace it but a hairline is within their tolerance and is common enough for them to replace it without question. That is how I ended up with a new replacement recently. I wasn't using the phone much but my HD battery died on site so I put the time into the IPHONE to use it. I squatted with the IPHONE in backpocket and CRACK. I probably should check my beltline while I am at it..
They replaced it and that worked out anyways as I am going to sell it. Keep my HD and Bold as backup.
The glass looks pretty solid and as many people reported it a good solid piece of hardware.
i keep mine in the case it comes with when i am carrying it around... any pocket really.
i just make sure i dont sit on it! lol
the screen itself is extremely resilient when it is out and in use.
I leave mine lying around all of the time out of the case and it still looks brand new.
I dont use any screen protector.
screen strength
being a kapasitive screen it uses a propper glass cover instead of ****ty plexi glass or resistive glass as most phones use, this naturally gives it a more scratch proof serface but makes it less resilient to actually breaking. like one guy said it all has to do with angle and preshure.. and abit of bad luck when it comes to screen protection i recomend invisiShield. they are nice and thin, VERY clear plastic so it doesnt disturb teh screen quality. and last but not least, the fabric its made of is teh same as teh stuff that they use to cover helicopter rotor blades with, so it comes with a 30 year waranty.
Thanks for all the replies so far. I suspected as much, but it sure is nice to hear other people's experience
Cheers, R
Impunitus said:
Thanks for all the replies so far. I suspected as much, but it sure is nice to hear other people's experience
Cheers, R
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I had the same fear with its screen .. i posted a poll on the screen
see this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=618978
Yeah i just got my HTC HD2 the other day and so far ive been using the silicone case that comes with it..what ive noticed is that the phone feels so much better in hand without the case and wayy less bulky.
.my question to you guys is the build quality well enough to just put in my pocket and not scratch it. i know the battery cover is metal so no worries there but what about the soft coating on top and bottom. ?..
opinions from any of you that have not used a case? how is the condition of your hd2?
thanks.
ive had mine a week now, no case, in and out of pockets/phone holders and ive even dropped it twice (slippery bastid!)
not a scratch/scuff/mark other than pesky fingerprints!
im very impressed
There is another thread here showing a youtube video of a guy using keys, and box cutter on the screen with no damage.
StarLog said:
There is another thread here showing a youtube video of a guy using keys, and box cutter on the screen with no damage.
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yeah ive seen that video but im wondering about the body like the back for example.
unleashed12 said:
Yeah i just got my HTC HD2 the other day and so far ive been using the silicone case that comes with it..what ive noticed is that the phone feels so much better in hand without the case and wayy less bulky.
.my question to you guys is the build quality well enough to just put in my pocket and not scratch it. i know the battery cover is metal so no worries there but what about the soft coating on top and bottom. ?..
opinions from any of you that have not used a case? how is the condition of your hd2?
thanks.
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using it for 4 months now, pretty heavy usage, geocaching, outdoors, pockets, and so on, and i am betting that you would say it is a new phone if you see it .
absolutely no signs of wear. for sure after few years of noka nseries, this is real delight.
unleashed12 said:
yeah ive seen that video but im wondering about the body like the back for example.
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I am interested to know how durable is the rubbery material and the rigid camera bezel under these conditions. Please share your experience. Does it scratch? Dent? Deep scratch/dent? Tiny hairline scratch?
1) Dropped
2) Carelessly placing it on the table or rough surface
3) Bumped it walking into something
4) Dropped it from your seat
5) Using it with the ring still on your finger next to the camera bezel?
Just how durable is this HD2's build material?
I personally agree with the reviewers about the build quality being just awesome. HD2 users can confidently use the phone without a case with ease as the metal n rubber coating pretty much wont get scratched / damaged easily. but.. one thing ppl have been talking bout is the glass screen cracking. i've dropped it once but so far so good, no scratches / cracks at all. but overall i would still say, really really good build quality.
I never had any screenprotectors or any screen protecting cases. Although I use it a bit without care (put the phone in a pocket without caring to much if there are any "scratchers" in it) I haven't noticed any scratch on my screen yet.
But I do have a silicon jacket! Not to protect the casing, but to protect the screen. I have seen way too many pictures of HD2's with a broken screen. And the screen was always broken in one of the corners. The silicon case (same model as shipped with the tmous HD2) definitely protects the corners of the screen when the HD2 drops. (tested )
FYI I have the HD2 for 5 months now
StarLog said:
There is another thread here showing a youtube video of a guy using keys, and box cutter on the screen with no damage.
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it is serious bull****, as leo's screen CAN be scratched. glass is covered with some plastic layer and just a tiny little bit of sand in Your pocket can do the damage.
I recall reading on one thread about somebody using a silicone cover on their hd2 and when they took it off it peeled the covering from the metal back plate so beware of certain silicone covers !!
Otherwise good solid build quality !! compared to iPhone
how many "no service" "cracked screen""missing button" "no sound"
"battery completely dead" iPhones will be listed on ebay today ? lol.
I wouldn't dream of using my HD2 without the leather case it came with, all other HTC phones I have had (four of them) I have taken them out of the box and put them right into my pocket.
But the HD2 is too nice and valuable to me to let it get tattered, I gently place it on tables just in case the silver cutting on the camera gets dented, in fact, 99 times out of 100 I place it on the case.
But then again I might just be overly anal about keeping it prestine.
StarLog said:
There is another thread here showing a youtube video of a guy using keys, and box cutter on the screen with no damage.
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Out of nowhere i got two scratches on my screen yesterday. Don't ask how..still in mourning...
I have a small mark on my Camera already, and I've been handling my camera with extreme care this whole week/weekend thus far. I already have a pretty small scratch (not across the lens thankfully?) and I have no idea how it happened! Been moving my phone around very gently.
Is there anything I can do about the tiny scratch, or do I just have to live with it? I get pretty OCD about small things like this, so I need to make sure there's nothing I can do to try and remedy the scratch before flipping out.
Thanks everyone.
Kooper113 said:
I have a small mark on my Camera already, and I've been handling my camera with extreme care this whole week/weekend thus far. I already have a pretty small scratch (not across the lens thankfully?) and I have no idea how it happened! Been moving my phone around very gently.
Is there anything I can do about the tiny scratch, or do I just have to live with it? I get pretty OCD about small things like this, so I need to make sure there's nothing I can do to try and remedy the scratch before flipping out.
Thanks everyone.
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The Silicone Sleeve sprint sold me for $11 after 25% off (Premier) and Tax lifts it up off any table
Relax. You and everybody else's phone will become dinged up. You are carrying it around with you all day everyday.
You can use the kickstand to keep it off the table or desk and use a case or pouch for carrying.
Use a liquid lens fixer like for glasses.
I cut a little piece from some old cheap screen protectors to cover mine. I'm sure there is some effect on the picture quality, but no current phone is going to compare to a Cannon anyway.
Resisting Lens Scratch
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt
kurtwoodfin said:
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt
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Placing a rubber washer between the battery cover and the phone, would not do anything to keep the camera lens from resting on the surface that would scratch it.
kurtwoodfin said:
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt
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I was thinking something along the lines of this. Basically you just need a ring that rests around the lens.
Something similar to this comes to mind. Of course, you wouldn't need to have a new lens on it. Just a piece of metal.
This could be magnetic, or glued. You could probably rip the phone apart and replace the piece with a more protruding piece to do the same, but that's far more intrusive.
I'm sure we'll see commercial magnet like solutions for this. I mean, come on. A small magnetic ring is all we need. Someone is going to bank on that.
Or how about using hoverboard technology so the phone never touches anything, and hovers in midair? Geez people, buy a case.
Jye75 said:
Or how about using hoverboard technology so the phone never touches anything, and hovers in midair? Geez people, buy a case.
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Why cover the entire phone with a case when you can just put something around the lens?
I don't like cases. I think these devices were made to look and function in a certain way. If they "needed" a case it should have been built more robust.
I've had an iPhone 3G with no case for 2 years. I've also had no regrets.
Phone nudists unite!
ViViDboarder said:
Why cover the entire phone with a case when you can just put something around the lens?
I don't like cases. I think these devices were made to look and function in a certain way. If they "needed" a case it should have been built more robust.
I've had an iPhone 3G with no case for 2 years. I've also had no regrets.
Phone nudists unite!
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It was sarcasm. I too, like mine naked, the way it was born. I have a leather case on my hip to put it in when I'm not using it. Jabbing at the fact that people actually want an accessory to attach to the camera lens ring just to keep it from touching another surface and getting scratched, like there should obviously be a market for that. Anyone that anal about possibly scratching a cellphone camera lens... I'm surprised they EVER pull the phone out to do anything at all. (again, sarcasm)
Jye75 said:
It was sarcasm. I too, like mine naked, the way it was born. I have a leather case on my hip to put it in when I'm not using it. Jabbing at the fact that people actually want an accessory to attach to the camera lens ring just to keep it from touching another surface and getting scratched, like there should obviously be a market for that. Anyone that anal about possibly scratching a cellphone camera lens... I'm surprised they EVER pull the phone out to do anything at all. (again, sarcasm)
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Haha yea. It's a camera on a phone... My DSLR is in it's nice cushy case. My phone will reside, albeit tightly, in my pocket.
I put mine in my pocket up until today, when I got my HTC leather hip case. I got tired of the pocket lint getting in the earpiece grill.
Tip: use Scotch tape and a blunt tipped object to get the lint out of there.
Jye75 said:
I put mine in my pocket up until today, when I got my HTC leather hip case. I got tired of the pocket lint getting in the earpiece grill.
Tip: use Scotch tape and a blunt tipped object to get the lint out of there.
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I've never used one of those before. I always feel like there's a risk of it falling out. Are they pretty secure?
ViViDboarder said:
I've never used one of those before. I always feel like there's a risk of it falling out. Are they pretty secure?
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It's nice and snug. There's a hole on the bottom for your fingers to push the phone up to take it out. Magnetic flap, no metal button or anything, so no worries about phantom scratches. Stays close to the hip as well, and doesn't feel oversized or anything. Tight enough on the belt that I don't worry about it falling off.
Cool. I'll definitely check that out then. Thanks.
ViViDboarder said:
Cool. I'll definitely check that out then. Thanks.
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The one I have is from Sprint online: Part Number CFH2258R
I got a case for mine simply because I've dropped my iPod touch a few times and I'm pretty sure it'd be damaged by now if it didn't have a silicon skin, the EVO's camera worried me as well... The silicon skin Sprint sells seems a lil' bulkier than it has to be tho, and the button bumps aren't as defined as they could be (my iPod touch's skin actually made the buttons easier to press, quite the opposite here). I'm waiting for a different more glossy/smooth skin from Amzer to ship before I decide if I'll just go naked or what...
i found cameraphone lens protector circles at a store called daiso near by me. works great
Beware: the camera lens on the back of our SGS II is made of cheap plastic. I learned the hard way.
Yesterday I was using the camera and all was really good. Today all photos were blurred. I checked and noticed a small bend, yes a bend, right in the middle of the camera lens. It is not a scratch, which has been my concern since buying the SGS2, it was a bend. I may be wrong, but glass should not bend, it scratches. Now I don't have a lens anymore, I have a prism.
The phone did not fall, or was treated badly. Most probably, I put it in my pants' front pockets, as I have done for years with my HTC phones (horrible cameras btw, compared to the sgs2), there may have been a contact with a harder surface (a key, maybe, but I don't suppose so), and the lens bended. It's a real pity. I'm considering now removing the "lens" as it is not the actual lens, just a cover I guess, and see if this works.
This may be the best and most expensive cell phone right now, why couldn't Samsung put a real glass (like apple does, btw) to protect the camera?
I hope this warning helps others not to get into the same problem. Maybe using a leather pouch can prevent this from happening (I was using the mesh cover case).
A previously super happy owner, now a very desolate one...
what did you do to your phone? Don't blame samsung for something you physically you did.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
thats strange? a bit of plastic with those dimensions shouldn't bend at all, unless put under direct heat and pressure? :S
can you post pictures taken and a picture of the lens?
I don't have another camera with me to photograph the lens. Besides, it is hard to see the bend, you need the correct angle for the light to hit it and be able to see. But attached is a picture I took with the cell. Kind of artsy...
I would have thought that if it did actually have a bend in it (which seems like an awfully difficult thing to have done), that it would cause a distortion and not just producing a blurry pic like that.
Looks more like something has been smeared across the lens cover.
It's not the lens that bended, it's the protective screen on top of the lense. Looks like glass to me, but it's possible to be plastic. Any way, i doubt it could bend unless you put a lot of pressure on it.
As I said, it was in the front pocket of a not so tight pants, so there might be little pressure, normal pressure as every cell phone suffers in this situation, but nothing exceptional, not much. Nobody sat on my lap as well... That would be a worthy reason at least.
I've had smartphones for the last 6 years, done the same thing since. I'm not asking for a replacement or whatever, so I have no reason to minimize my responsibility.
My point in posting is that it happened. Just trying let others know to not make the same mistake. It is not as solid a construction as, say, the HTC HD2. It needs more care.
Just beware, hope it does not happen to others.
PS: And no heat also, not a teenager anymore to have so much heat near the crotch area...
PPS: Yes, it is the protective screen. My hope is I can get rid of it, and have my camera back. Unprotected, but taking photos, with lots of care from now on...
OP, stupid question: that lens glass out of the box was protected with a transparent plastic film I think, just like the screen. Did you remove it?
Can you make a shot of the lens using a bathroom mirror perhaps, in macro mode?
mbernstein said:
I've had smartphones for the last 6 years, done the same thing since. I'm not asking for a replacement or whatever, so I have no reason to minimize my responsibility.
My point in posting is that it happened. Just trying let others know to not make the same mistake. It is not as solid a construction as, say, the HTC HD2. It needs more care.
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I agree with your here. The way Samsung designed the back of the phone makes it very easy to scratch/ even bend (like it happened to you) the protective screen. I had a HTC Touch HD before and the back of the camera could never touch the surface where the phone was put. With Samsung if you put your phone on a rugged area you might end up damaging the protective screen easily.
Have you been using the LED as a torch or anything like that? Perhaps the heat could have warped the plastic?
kreoXDA said:
OP, stupid question: that lens glass out of the box was protected with a transparent plastic film I think, just like the screen. Did you remove it?
Can you make a shot of the lens using a bathroom mirror perhaps, in macro mode?
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Sure, I took the plastic out. I saw no point in having a very good phone camera weakened by the plastic.
I tried to take the photo you asked, but was not successful. But as I said it was a very small bend, which makes the light enter the lens like a prism. Very difficult to photograph with a normal camera.
Actually, there was a power outage in the area I'm in now, but I don't recollect to use torch that much... I remember I used it for a while, the used some screen light, then on to Kindle. Id on't suppose it was torch, but could it really be so silly like this?!
mbernstein said:
Sure, I took the plastic out. I saw no point in having a very good phone camera weakened by the plastic.
I tried to take the photo you asked, but was not successful. But as I said it was a very small bend, which makes the light enter the lens like a prism. Very difficult to photograph with a normal camera.
Actually, there was a power outage in the area I'm in now, but I don't recollect to use torch that much... I remember I used it for a while, the used some screen light, then on to Kindle. Id on't suppose it was torch, but could it really be so silly like this?!
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Wow, I just tried pushing on mine with my nail, it moves a teeny tiny bit, but it springs right back up Maybe something in your pocket just happened to touch the middle of that little piece of plastic, and just managed to apply enough force to bend it beyond the recovery point, so your plastic piece did not spring back up.
I fully understand what you mean now. But not sure what your options are. It is clearly a physical damage. I would not advise trying to take that piece out and bend it straight, you will mess up the actual lens.
mbernstein said:
A previously super happy owner, now a very desolate one...
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flash back stock firmware, reset custom download counter with jig, return under warranty saying the camera takes blurry pictures
godutch said:
flash back stock firmware, reset custom download counter with jig, return under warranty saying the camera takes blurry pictures
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I believe warranty doesn't cover physical damage though.
Ingvarr said:
I believe warranty doesn't cover physical damage though.
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they wont know if you dont tell them plus they wont inspect the phone in that detail closely at the camera, worth a try. IF you bough it from a store, bring it back there and get a replacement.
Hi,
I have the same issue as yours.
Where is your SGS2 made in when you take out the battery and look at the back sticker?
Mine says "Made in China"
Wonder if yours is made in Korea or China.
Please share~
I would send it in too, your chances are good to get it repaired!
Mine is made in: Korea
I would try to replace it if I had bought it in my country. I bought it through a friend from Xpansys US (a UK phone), and I'm now in Brazil. I guess I would have so many troubles with customs here to send it out and back with no guarantee to have it replaced...
My idea is not to take the plastic out, and try to fix it. It is to just take out. I will have a hole there, but there will be nothing distorting light that comes into the lens. I will have to be extra careful, but considering how easy the plastic which was supposed to protect the camera was damaged, extra care is the name of this phone for me.
And I'm not complaining about SGS2's plastic finish as opposed to the metal/glass ones of iPhone or HTC. I actually like this, including the back cover. After you get used to it, it is kind of cool. And it is light. I just wished there was a cover or that Samsung used a hard glass on the camera, or perhaps that the plastic was so tiny and receeded that nothing could reach it. I always like the way Sony and Nokia used to put a sliding cover over the camera lens in their phones. With such a thin phone as ours, I wouldn't mind the extra thickness. Or like my HTC Kaiser, where the plastic was actually on the cover. If it was scratched or broken you could replace the back cover... Sorry, just venting my frustration.
Don't leave that hole uncovered. Your lens will get dirty in no time. Pocket lint , dust and dirt will accumulate in there and break the lens autofocus mechanism. Just don't even think about leaving that hole uncovered.