Database Users

I'm a little curious...

Hi guys,
I'm just a little curious. I've been lurking over the Xperia for a very long time now (ever since it was announced). I've read that people are having cracks all over the phone, even from people who have had the phones for as long as 3 months.
Why do people still purchase the phone knowing that the problem exists? Why blindly fork over so much money?
Oh, and by no means am I a trying to start a war or anything, I'm just curious. I've really been wanting to get this phone for such a long time now, and I'm really rather disappointed that Xperia's build quality is just crap.
What are your thoughts?
Cheers.

dude, there is a thread started by me.
In tat i say taht i threw my phone in a fit of rage, and it bounced off the floor, and hit two walls before falling down again. and alas, the slider is loose, but i can get it fixed. Other than that, no cracks, no broken lcd, no nothing.
And by the way, mine is a 08w44, this is the production batch everyone's having trouble with. So if my phone can come out with flying colours outta the torture i put it thro, i would say the build quality is good overall.

well it depends on what "crap" for you means, for your standards for a phone. But generally I would say people look these into a phone but not limited to:
1. Feature
2. Design
3. Advantages
4. Price
as for me I bought the phone not knowing the crack until 2 days that the phone is already with me and I'm looking at this forum for apps and custom stuff. You may consider things that Xperia can upset you but by far, its still the king of the hill.
with a few disappointments though, I still love the phone, and starting to hate the service.

The ones having problems with the phone are the ones that complain.
That's normal.
The ones without problems have no need not complain.
So don't think that a thread where all the cracks unite is representative for the whole series. Even a fraction of users have these cracks. Of course, that's still too many, but there is no need to be afraid of buying this phone because of this issue. The chance to get of a faulty one is very low.

Only a couple of production batches were affected with this issue
I've had 3 xperias sofar and none of them had cracks
What's more: IMHO, even a cracked xperia would be better than an Iphone or anything else out there

gtrab said:
Only a couple of production batches were affected with this issue
I've had 3 xperias sofar and none of them had cracks
What's more: IMHO, even a cracked xperia would be better than an Iphone or anything else out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A cracked xperia X1 is a far better option than a cracked iphone 3g... (every batch of them seems to crack, same as their mac books)

Guys,
Thank you for your replies so far. I apologize, I guess I was wrong to be quick about assuming that a lot of Xperias have these problems. I still wish to get this phone, and have been bidding my time, hoping that the quality control will get better over time (perhaps HTC will change the materials or something).
Right now, I was wondering, are the cracks specific to colors (Black vs Silver)? Or are there issues on both colors anyway?
Also, which product batches are affected by this issue?
The problem is, if I purchase a gray market phone, say, from Amazon or something, and there is no warranty on it, and I do get a crack, how can I go about repairing the chasis?
Cheers.

Looking at the crack thread, it would seem that cracks were more common in the silver models.

throw mine on the floor yesterday and some1 accidently stepped on it. looks as new as when i bought it. and no problem at all.

Well
Looking at the cracks and their positioning it seems to me that the cracks seems to be due to a weak point in the design and some people just manage to break them. The one near the stylus I'm guessing happens because people are pulling it out at an angle and putting stress on the body, instead of taking it easy.
The one inside, by battery seems to be that theyre getting a "bending" force applied to them, back pockets anyone? sitting on them? Anyway, had mine a week, seems ok, dropped it a few times,no problems, got a crystal case on it now too for Xtra protection.
Will see how it goes after a while, but to be honest, if it does crack etc, i'm sure the provider would have to replace it?

Guys,
Well, if I buy it from Amazon, it comes with no warranty and it is an unlocked phone.
I also disagree that the price of X1a is the same as X1i. The reduced video capabilities should have affected X1a's pricing (which is why I am not even considering SonyStyleUSA).
Cheers.

gtrab said:
Only a couple of production batches were affected with this issue
I've had 3 xperias sofar and none of them had cracks
What's more: IMHO, even a cracked xperia would be better than an Iphone or anything else out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, I'd love to have one of your phone. Though without the crack in my case, I still liked my phone. By the way, since you got three phone I was wondering, when I borrowed my cousin's black Xperia, the arc slider seem just a little oo shaky compared to mine, hers rebounds a bit when sliding in and out. mine doesn't .Don't you notice any differences in your X1s?

PoisonWolf said:
Guys,
Well, if I buy it from Amazon, it comes with no warranty and it is an unlocked phone.
I also disagree that the price of X1a is the same as X1i. The reduced video capabilities should have affected X1a's pricing (which is why I am not even considering SonyStyleUSA).
Cheers.
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Click to collapse
I don't know the laws in your country, but as far as I know, when you buy a new phone you always have warranty from the manufacturer as long as you have an invoice (bill?) for it.
Of course, you will have no provider where you can go, but sonyericsson itself has to be responsible.

God, this phone is beautiful

So, I was one of the idiots who soft-bricked my phone by refusing to listen to common sense and have patience. I went ahead and installed various ROMs all while knowing that my Vibrant was hardware locked. Eventually, it caught up with me and I got in a situation I couldn't get out of. I had to get a new phone and got a loaner from T-mobile for a few dyas while I waited. Using that old, crappy phone really made me long for my Vibrant back.
Well, it just came yesterday (not hardware locked!) and I started trying a few of the different ROMs in this forum. Currently on Bionix 1.8. On my first Vibrant I had used one of those Invisible Shields, but as I look at my new one I'm thinking I may forego the shield and ride bare back (I am using a rubber case - still talking about phone here). I'm amazed at the how beautiful the display is on this phone and I think the shield actually cut down on how stunning this phone is. Plus, I've read how durable this gorilla glass is and it really doesn't smear. So, I may live to regret it, but I'm gonna give it a shot. This phone really is a work of art. Maybe it's all relative because i had to deal with that loaner, but I am so glad to have my Vibrant back.

I really like this phone too and it only seems to get better with time. We've got a fantastic dev community who consistently produce quality work, we've got great individuals in the forums who help others with questions, etcetera. Sure there are going to be bugs along the way but that happens...every major software/firmware producer put out patches for software (Just think of Apple & Microsoft).

I'm using a Realook SP on my Vibrant. It looks like nothing is there and many people don't even know I have a screen protector on my phone.

kangxi said:
I'm using a Realook SP on my Vibrant. It looks like nothing is there and many people don't even know I have a screen protector on my phone.
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ive also heard that realook takes nothing away from the vibrant....as much as im obsessed with the screen quality of this phone, it just makes me feel very uneasy to think the screen is butt naked

Well this thing uses gorilla glass so its not really needed to have a screen protector. It will withstand a lot except for a hardcore hit and even a SP wont protect you from that.

Actually, I've heard people reporting that moderately sharp objects can scratch the Vibrant screen; the Gorilla Glass is more useful against impact/cracking than scratching.
Also, +1 on the Realook not taking away from screen quality. I got my Vibrant used and it had a SP on it that made it look sorta fuzzy; I finally decided to try a different SP and got a Realook, and WOW what a difference.
Steinheil Ultra Crystal is also pretty good. I am using it atm but I can't decide between that and the Realook. The Realook seems clearer when there are no smudges, and seems like it fits just a tiny bit better (it seems slightly bigger and thus seems to cover more exactly), but smudges easier than the Steinheil and the smudges are more noticeable.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may try one these other SP, but I still can't get over how great the screen is without one. And unlike my old SP, the gorilla glass does not smudge. What little it does, I can simply wipe on my shirt and it looks sparkling new. With my old SP, I had to use special lens or LCD glass cleaner.

This phone sure is beautiful, and I have had a really hard time trying to find a SP that doesnt distort the image quality but would hold up to the abuse I regularly subjected a phone to. ReaLook SP had my vote for the longest time, but one day out of curiosity I tried trimming down a SP intended for my TRIMBLE unit... and it has my vote... it is crystal clear, and made from some sort of window cling plastic that has yet to recieve damage from my haphazard phone manners. Just my .02, but dont be afraid to try out several different products, after all the 30-40 bucks you spend finding the right SP, is well worth it on a 500 dollar phone.

Thanks for the infomation
Thanks for the review/input on the SP's The original ones I got from TMO were about the worst I have ever used. I will try the ones all of you have mentioned

I would recommend a screen protector. I used mine completely bare for a few months, always being very careful only to put it into pockets with no other objects, and making sure that there was no grit on the screen before using it. It still started developing hairline scratches. You have to hold the phone to the right angle under a light to see them, but they are there. I've ordere a TPU case now, and I'm using one of those ultra cheap, 5 for $1 eBay screen protectors. It works fine, doesn't seem to detract from the screen, and feels smooth and pleasant like the original glass.

bigragu said:
So, I was one of the idiots who soft-bricked my phone by refusing to listen to common sense and have patience. I went ahead and installed various ROMs all while knowing that my Vibrant was hardware locked. Eventually, it caught up with me and I got in a situation I couldn't get out of. I had to get a new phone and got a loaner from T-mobile for a few dyas while I waited. Using that old, crappy phone really made me long for my Vibrant back.
Well, it just came yesterday (not hardware locked!) and I started trying a few of the different ROMs in this forum. Currently on Bionix 1.8. On my first Vibrant I had used one of those Invisible Shields, but as I look at my new one I'm thinking I may forego the shield and ride bare back (I am using a rubber case - still talking about phone here). I'm amazed at the how beautiful the display is on this phone and I think the shield actually cut down on how stunning this phone is. Plus, I've read how durable this gorilla glass is and it really doesn't smear. So, I may live to regret it, but I'm gonna give it a shot. This phone really is a work of art. Maybe it's all relative because i had to deal with that loaner, but I am so glad to have my Vibrant back.
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Click to collapse
I hear you loud and clear.
Going through a near identical experience right now, except I will be without my phone for 2 weeks minimum (has to ship to US and back). I really can't believe how much I'm missing my phone. Really amazes me that there are so many complaints about the Vibrant. It's an absolutely fantastic device once you have it setup correctly. I wouldn't trade it for any other phone in the world.
2-3 days was the turn around time at T-mobile?

Yes, but I had to pay for expedited shipping $20 vs. $10 for 7 days,

I haven't gone through your experience, but one of my buddies was trying to sell me a his MyTouch slide for a good price and as soon as he turned it on I was like "ohhh.... is that what the screen looks like?" lol. For anyone who thinks this screen isn't all that great go play with another phone for a little hahaha

bigragu said:
So, I was one of the idiots who soft-bricked my phone by refusing to listen to common sense and have patience. I went ahead and installed various ROMs all while knowing that my Vibrant was hardware locked. Eventually, it caught up with me and I got in a situation I couldn't get out of. I had to get a new phone and got a loaner from T-mobile for a few dyas while I waited. Using that old, crappy phone really made me long for my Vibrant back.
Well, it just came yesterday (not hardware locked!) and I started trying a few of the different ROMs in this forum. Currently on Bionix 1.8. On my first Vibrant I had used one of those Invisible Shields, but as I look at my new one I'm thinking I may forego the shield and ride bare back (I am using a rubber case - still talking about phone here). I'm amazed at the how beautiful the display is on this phone and I think the shield actually cut down on how stunning this phone is. Plus, I've read how durable this gorilla glass is and it really doesn't smear. So, I may live to regret it, but I'm gonna give it a shot. This phone really is a work of art. Maybe it's all relative because i had to deal with that loaner, but I am so glad to have my Vibrant back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally wanted an Evo but got a Vibrant instead when the Evo was sold out everywhere. But I am loving it.
I was in a car with 2 Evo owners and we had our phones all running Google Navigation (whew.. one of the times my GPS worked before JI6 . My screen looked so much more colorful and crisper than theirs. It wasn't even close.

Sigh.. Am I being too demanding?

I have had I think like 5 RMAs all with different things wrong.. My last one SEEMED perfect but it overheated a lot then suddenly developed a really loud creaking of the frame, so I asked for another and now this one is sooo close to perfect but it has minor minor screen lifting on the left, nothing like it was on the earlier ones, just barely, doesn't move much, do you think it will get worse over time or should I just stick with it cause it's mostly fine ? If the screen lift stays as it is then whatever it's not that bad and I plan on getting a new phone soon anyways so I won't be on my tablet 100% of the time, but if the screen lift worsens then it's unacceptable.. What do you guys think? Did anyone with minor screen lift notice it get worse? I might just try the opening the back to fix it myself at this point.

noneabove said:
I have had I think like 5 RMAs all with different things wrong.. My last one SEEMED perfect but it overheated a lot then suddenly developed a really loud creaking of the frame, so I asked for another and now this one is sooo close to perfect but it has minor minor screen lifting on the left, nothing like it was on the earlier ones, just barely, doesn't move much, do you think it will get worse over time or should I just stick with it cause it's mostly fine ? If the screen lift stays as it is then whatever it's not that bad and I plan on getting a new phone soon anyways so I won't be on my tablet 100% of the time, but if the screen lift worsens then it's unacceptable.. What do you guys think? Did anyone with minor screen lift notice it get worse? I might just try the opening the back to fix it myself at this point.
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I would just keep this almost perfect one. I'm in the same situation as you. I RMA'd until I got a nearly perfect N7 with no flaw other than minor screen lift. Mine hasn't gotten worse and it's been over a month now.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7

RockNrolling said:
I would just keep this almost perfect one. I'm in the same situation as you. I RMA'd until I got a nearly perfect N7 with no flaw other than minor screen lift. Mine hasn't gotten worse and it's been over a month now.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
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Well that's promising then, yeah it's not even really bad right now it barely moves just a little high.. And assuming the next nexus isn't made my asus.. I will be getting it so that should offset anything wrong with my N7 Speaking of which though, does anyone remember any manufacturing defects with the samsung galaxy nexus ? Was it bad like this or can we hope for a smooth nexus release and this was just a fluke?

noneabove said:
Sigh.. Am I being too demanding?
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Click to collapse
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.

na, if Google and Asus would of got it right the first time OP would not have to rma so much.
op, how long have you had your screen lift? has it stayed the same? I have had my nexus about a week. and have screen lift still deciding what to do
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

I just got my 6th Nexus today and I feel the same as you. It has screen lift, stuck pixels, back cover doesn't sit right, backlight bleed, and it has a big LCD mura smudge in the top left corner.
Part of me wants to just give up and get a refund but it would be such a great device if there weren't any faults. I have concluded that none of them are faultless however; many posters here reckon theirs are fault free but I have yet to see one. If you have had 5 RMAs it's only because you, like me, are someone who notices the faults and isn't in denial about them.
Every one of them (but for the smallest percentage) has screen lift to some degree. I'm sure other, more capable manufacturers will be releasing properly built tablets in the very near future though so keep that in mind. You should probably also consider the possibility that the screen lift and the design flaw that causes it will potentially cause other more serious defects to appear like a cracked screen for example.
If the N7 had a direct competitor, there's no way I would buy the Nexus with all the faults it has but as yet, it's the best 7 inch out there all things considered. Won't be difficult for other manufacturers to beat though, just make a tablet with same specs and no faults.
In all honesty if you can't live with the screen lift I would get a refund and wait for something better to come along. You're very unlikely to get one without some sort of fault.

Often people just receive other peoples faulty trade ins. So it might only be 1-2 defective units if that was the case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Harry GT-S5830 said:
Often people just receive other peoples faulty trade ins. So it might only be 1-2 defective units if that was the case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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I don't think this makes any sense, can you explain?

I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Just saying.
But to answer your question....yes. You will never be satisfied with this device because of your experience, either real or perceived you will always be looking for a flaw. Better to move on with another device that better meets your expectations.
Whatever you decide, good luck.

There is no perfect tablet out there and all of them have something that is going to irritate someone. Get a refund and spend double on the "perfect Ipad" which has no flaws....ever(sarcasm). Again, nothing is perfect in the technology world.

James-NC said:
I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo
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Click to collapse
This.
My case worked wonders for my minor lift, hasn't bothered me in weeks xD

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems a bit extreme.. I use the thing a lot, I love the device itself, I use it with 6+ hours of screen on time every day, I was just wondering if I was extremely unlucky.. This is the best one so far, my last one i thought was the best one but it became really loose after awhile...
motrinHD said:
na, if Google and Asus would of got it right the first time OP would not have to rma so much.
op, how long have you had your screen lift? has it stayed the same? I have had my nexus about a week. and have screen lift still deciding what to do
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'm more annoyed with asus's factories and maybe also google for not monitoring the whole process..
I've had screen lift since the day I opened this one, but like I said it's not bad, it's like just barely reaching the silver part of the bezel, nothing like the original ones where it was above the bezel
Switchbitch said:
I just got my 6th Nexus today and I feel the same as you. It has screen lift, stuck pixels, back cover doesn't sit right, backlight bleed, and it has a big LCD mura smudge in the top left corner.
Part of me wants to just give up and get a refund but it would be such a great device if there weren't any faults. I have concluded that none of them are faultless however; many posters here reckon theirs are fault free but I have yet to see one. If you have had 5 RMAs it's only because you, like me, are someone who notices the faults and isn't in denial about them.
Every one of them (but for the smallest percentage) has screen lift to some degree. I'm sure other, more capable manufacturers will be releasing properly built tablets in the very near future though so keep that in mind. You should probably also consider the possibility that the screen lift and the design flaw that causes it will potentially cause other more serious defects to appear like a cracked screen for example.
If the N7 had a direct competitor, there's no way I would buy the Nexus with all the faults it has but as yet, it's the best 7 inch out there all things considered. Won't be difficult for other manufacturers to beat though, just make a tablet with same specs and no faults.
In all honesty if you can't live with the screen lift I would get a refund and wait for something better to come along. You're very unlikely to get one without some sort of fault.
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Click to collapse
If this weren't a nexus device, I would have given up on it after the second RMA, hands down, but now the pros pretty much outweigh the cons, if my tablet stays in the condition it is for the forseeable future (until the next nexus tablet? haha) then I have no problem keeping it, despite the existing flaws. Also I'm considering the fact that when they eventually announce the next nexus phone that I will be picking it up pretty much right away, right now I have an older phone (htc desire Z) so I use my tablet like all the time when I'd be using my phone otherwise, even for texting often haha, so when I get a good phone I suspect it will offset my N7 usage and I won't care as much
James-NC said:
I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo
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Click to collapse
Yeah I need to get a case.. I just have a sleeve right now, I need to figure out which case is best and what I want it for.. I want something that doesn't add much bulk, and maybe one that can be a stand.. I saw one that was a rotating stand so you could set it up in both landscape and portrait and that one seemed cool cause most right now only show landscape :/

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Douchebag alert ^
First we (consumers) are spending our hard earned cash on this tablet whether its $200 or $2000. We shouldn't have to settle for a half assed put together product. Their quality sucks period and isn't acceptable. They need six sigma and six S present in their factories. I should be able to RMA till the dumb f#%@s get it right. This is my last Asus product.…

I don't think its demanding at all to expect a product that's not defective right out of the box brand new. If you are within the time period of exchange I don't see why you shouldn't take it back if you aren't happy with what you paid for. It took me 6 exchanges with GameStop to finally get one I'm happy with, that hasn't had an issue out of the box or pop up after a week. If you get a good one this tablet is worth it, at least to me, its essentially a 7" version of my phone which is why I didn't give up looking for a good one. Asus should have better QC in place so I shouldn't have to. I also had the Prime so I can tell you it stinks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA

I dont wish to read all the posts, but my last one had a minor screen lift that I did not notice for 2 days, but I sent it back because we payed for a tablet that doesnt have a screen lift, thats what it comes down to, not to mention any lift does compromise the glass. My second one is perfect.

A TPU case will provide protection and overhang the lip a little so you don't see any lift.
OR
TRY THE WASHER METHOD by making a few little plastic screw tabs. Pulled mine in nice and tight and it's now solid. I had real bad lift too and the bevel was also bowed on the side. Now everything is nice and straight. Great for a 5 minute fix.
As far as returns, returning something 5 times expecting different results is retarded (IMO). It is a manufacture defect where the screws are too long. They "solve" this by simply removing the screws (which is retarded too). So technically your aren't going to get a perfect device because they are all made that way. Sure there are some that don't have this (my first one) but chances are your going to have this on each one. So just fix it yourself. Big deal. It's easy and faster and BETTER then Asus' fix.
Dead Pixels or popped speakers or something that legitimately hinders your usage... yea exchange that sucker. A little screen lift isn't going to do anything.

I have not had any issues with mine at all, it is an August build. ASUS products have been good to me though. MY TF101 was also good. The power button was and does feel flimsy on that one though.
5 RMA's makes me think someone is looking at this with a magnifying glass and TRYING to find a reason to complain.

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope you are joking. If not your screen name fits you well ( Ooops thought it was hemroids) I dont care how much you pay for the device it should have had better quality control before going out to the public.

player911 said:
A TPU case will provide protection and overhang the lip a little so you don't see any lift.
OR
TRY THE WASHER METHOD by making a few little plastic screw tabs. Pulled mine in nice and tight and it's now solid. I had real bad lift too and the bevel was also bowed on the side. Now everything is nice and straight. Great for a 5 minute fix.
As far as returns, returning something 5 times expecting different results is retarded (IMO). It is a manufacture defect where the screws are too long. They "solve" this by simply removing the screws (which is retarded too). So technically your aren't going to get a perfect device because they are all made that way. Sure there are some that don't have this (my first one) but chances are your going to have this on each one. So just fix it yourself. Big deal. It's easy and faster and BETTER then Asus' fix.
Dead Pixels or popped speakers or something that legitimately hinders your usage... yea exchange that sucker. A little screen lift isn't going to do anything.
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Click to collapse
Yeah with this one I may just try the washer fix, especially since it seems reversible in the worse case scenario that my tablet breaks somehow.. or maybe I'll just cover it up or both, we'll see haha
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

S4 amoled screen broken

Hey everyone!
Longtime lurker/first time post here. I have had the very unfortunate experience of pulling my S4 out of my pocket to check the time only to have my heart and jaw drop at the sight of a broken screen. It seems to be the same problem that others have reported where the glass is fine but the touchscreen is cracked, starting on the right side directly at the power button.
I have NEVER dropped this phone. It has been handled with great care at all times. It was always in an Otterbox Defender series case. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened to it while in my pocket (bumping into something, etc) and there was never anything else in the pocket with it. I have really enjoyed this phone and was mindful of it at all times.
So... where do I go from here? I'm looking for some good advice before I take a next step in trying to get a replacement. I do not have insurance on the phone (yeah, I know), but the price each month plus the deductible for a refurbished phone didn't sound like a great deal to me since I'm able to take care of my things for the most part. If it was an accident, I'd bite the bullet and replace the screen myself or get a new phone but this either a design flaw or a manufacturing defect. Has anyone here had success through Sprint or Samsung in getting a replacement or repair? I'm rooted and running The Blu Kuban right now. Do I need to try to ODIN back to stock for warranty purposes before doing anything from here or is there a better option for me? The phone works but I can't see or operate the screen in anyway.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Google... 1st search result.

Are you a homeowner? Try your homeowner insurance. I added coverage for my phones, tablets, and laptops that cover all loses. I think it only added $15 a year to my cost and the deductible is only $25.00 on a replacement. Maybe your insurance may cover the cost of a replacement phone.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

Thanks for the useful reply Joe! How did I possibly forget to search for information on the subject before going through the trouble of making my first post on XDA despite being here for awhile?
Seriously... Read the thread. Its filled with disagreements as to what has been successful and turns into accusations of being too rough on the phone. I was asking if anyone here has successfully gotten their phone replaced and what to best method of going back to stock would be without being able to use the screen at all.
Cruise350 - Thanks alot for the suggestion man, but I'm not a homeowner.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

I know when I got my replacement for my evo 3d it wasnt refurbished it wasn brandnew still in the box and seals were not touch.Im hoping that the flaws in the screens are just because it was early in production.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

SierraGT said:
Cruise350 - Thanks alot for the suggestion man, but I'm not a homeowner.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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More and more insurance companies are offering tech insurance and it is very affordable. I don't carry Sprint's insurance either (bad experience many years ago) I generally just keep my newest 'old' phone as a replacement in the event my new phone gets broke or dies.
It pays to shop around (or google) in trying to find good ways to insure devices. I realize this doesn't help you in your current predicament but perhaps for future reference.
You might search youtube for similar experiences which might tell you how they were fixed or offer affordable solutions for replacement.
Good luck.

Search YouTube for complete galaxy s4 teardown. A replacement screen and digitizer and frame is about $241. I've watched the 37 minute process on the video and feel it is way beyond my skill and patience. I don't know what else to tell you other than insurance might have made this easier and more affordable. Depending on where you go, who you deal with, who you talk to, this process can be expensive and full of hassle. Might I suggest, when you do get a replacement, that you invest in a tempered glass screen protector. There are topics in the accessory section on this topic. It will help protect your device better than simple screen film.
---------- Post added at 11:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 PM ----------
http://www.etradesupply.com/samsung/galaxy-models/samsung-galaxy-s4-sph-l720.html

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The one common theme in all these broken amoled screens under the glass are pocket users. Not one of these posts have come from someone that uses a case with holster. The gorilla glass on these phones is very strong, but the screen underneath can flex while in your pocket. I know everyone says they don't abuse their phone, haven't bumped it in their pocket, don't carry anything else in their pocket, but something that is happening is flex. With the plastic back of these phones they will definitely flex while you sit, bend, walk, or whatever during your normal routine. The amoled screen probably has a limit to the amount of flex it can handle before it fails. I know, you didn't abuse your phone but calling it a manufacturers defect is just ridiculous. Suck it up, fix or replace your phone, and next time don't put it in your pocket.

cruise350 said:
The one common theme in all these broken amoled screens under the glass are pocket users. Not one of these posts have come from someone that uses a case with holster. The gorilla glass on these phones is very strong, but the screen underneath can flex while in your pocket. I know everyone says they don't abuse their phone, haven't bumped it in their pocket, don't carry anything else in their pocket, but something that is happening is flex. With the plastic back of these phones they will definitely flex while you sit, bend, walk, or whatever during your normal routine. The amoled screen probably has a limit to the amount of flex it can handle before it fails. I know, you didn't abuse your phone but calling it a manufacturers defect is just ridiculous. Suck it up, fix or replace your phone, and next time don't put it in your pocket.
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Just to clear this up... I did say design flaw or manufacturers defect. I've had many phones over the last 15 years. I have never had one break in anyway except for my Samsung Epic 4g, which took a 2 story fall (while in my pocket lol) onto a very hard surface. All it did was crack the screen a bit but was still functional for the next year until my contract was renewed.
To say that I should expect a $650 dollar phone in an Otterbox case to completely break to the point of not being able to use it just by being in my pocket in normal everyday situations is RIDICULOUS.
Should consumers really expect this level of quality? Imagine if a salesperson told you this as you were thinking of buying a phone... "Now just to let you know, never keep this phone in your pocket and then sit or walk because it'll break."
If this phone breaks in peoples pockets and isn't intended to be there, then Samsung would've/should've provided holsters with the phone.
Straight from Samsung - "Offering a highly crafted design with a larger screen and improved battery life, the sleek and innovative Galaxy S4 is slimmer yet stronger, with less to hold yet more to see." Sounds like we should expect a strong, well made phone. Not a something that will break this easily. My phone looks exactly like 4 other pictures I have found of other user's broken screens... all at the exact same spot. I maintain that this is either a design flaw or manufacturer's defect. Yes, as you said - the gorilla glass is strong. I just wish they would of made the frame stronger. Then I'd still have a working phone.
Btw, I am an unabashed Samsung fanboy. TVs, last 3 phones, monitors, etc. I talked 4 different people into getting this phone after I had it. I think normally Samsung makes great products with a high level of quality but they made a mistake on this one. I'm no longer looking forward to the S5 that comes with the required fanny pack... well, not until they make this situation right.
Now... does anyone have any info on my question on returning to stock? Thanks!

This is a tough one. I'd suggest at least attempting to contact Samsungs warranty dept. Perhaps they can offer a better solution than sprint.
Back in the Treo days I actually sent in a phone or two to palm, and got refurbished replacements.
The tough part is your defect.
I provide warranty work for appliances, manufacturers know or believe they know how and why something has failed. Glass stove tops are a prime example. Whirlpool will only cover heat fractures. I have to submit pictures of the top and, 99% of the time, the claim is rejected. Mostly because these tops break from impact or improper installation.
Point being, if you send your phone to Samsung, they may not cover it. But if you're optimistic and patient a few minutes on the phone may yield positive results.
http://m.samsung.com/us/support/service/warranty/SGH-T959HABTMB
Definitely unroot and return to stock.

SierraGT said:
Just to clear this up... I did say design flaw or manufacturers defect. I've had many phones over the last 15 years. I have never had one break in anyway except for my Samsung Epic 4g, which took a 2 story fall (while in my pocket lol) onto a very hard surface. All it did was crack the screen a bit but was still functional for the next year until my contract was renewed.
To say that I should expect a $650 dollar phone in an Otterbox case to completely break to the point of not being able to use it just by being in my pocket in normal everyday situations is RIDICULOUS.
Should consumers really expect this level of quality? Imagine if a salesperson told you this as you were thinking of buying a phone... "Now just to let you know, never keep this phone in your pocket and then sit or walk because it'll break."
If this phone breaks in peoples pockets and isn't intended to be there, then Samsung would've/should've provided holsters with the phone.
Straight from Samsung - "Offering a highly crafted design with a larger screen and improved battery life, the sleek and innovative Galaxy S4 is slimmer yet stronger, with less to hold yet more to see." Sounds like we should expect a strong, well made phone. Not a something that will break this easily. My phone looks exactly like 4 other pictures I have found of other user's broken screens... all at the exact same spot. I maintain that this is either a design flaw or manufacturer's defect. Yes, as you said - the gorilla glass is strong. I just wish they would of made the frame stronger. Then I'd still have a working phone.
Btw, I am an unabashed Samsung fanboy. TVs, last 3 phones, monitors, etc. I talked 4 different people into getting this phone after I had it. I think normally Samsung makes great products with a high level of quality but they made a mistake on this one. I'm no longer looking forward to the S5 that comes with the required fanny pack... well, not until they make this situation right.
Now... does anyone have any info on my question on returning to stock? Thanks!
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***must bite tongue***

Thanks Biff. I think that's what I'm going to do.
Dave, remember to at least nibble your fingers as well next time buddy!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

SierraGT said:
Thanks Biff. I think that's what I'm going to do.
Dave, remember to at least nibble your fingers as well next time buddy!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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LOL ok, ok, nibbling fingers

What it means to stand by your product

Ok it a company says they stand by their product, I think they should mean it. Take for example. when HTC release the One M8 they said that they stood by their product and put there money where their mouth was by offering a free 6 month screen replacement program to go along with the phone.
With the Nexus 6 and all their other phones, Motorola says that they "stand by their product" but what I just learned is that they only stand by their product if you PAY them to do so. The Nexus 6 is a very large phone sporting a 5.9" screen. And given it's size and weight, I believe that Motorola choose to skip a few corner when it came to the screen construction, resulting in a screen as shatter resistant as the iPhone 4.
Note to Motorola, if you are going to say that you stand by your product, then STAND BY YOU PRODUCT if not, then shut the heck up. I will keep this crack phone, which cracked by falling between my car seat without any scratch on its body , (only because i have no other phone) but as soon as HTC release a new phone with Android 5.0 I'm switching company, and sticking with the company that actually knows what it means to stand by their product.

You know I was kind of thinking about this when I bought the Motorola Nexus 6. I thought to myself man why don't they offer something like HTC does with the cracked screens. The screens don't cost that much and not many people are going to break them compared to the amount of phones they're going to sell.
I broke the screen on my Galaxy S2 couple years back I took it in to sprint to see how much it was going to cost to get fixed and they did it for free because so many of the screens were breaking. I didn't have to pay for the warranty claim, they didn't even do it as a warranty claim they just did it because so many of the screens were breaking.
To be completely honest I probably would have gotten the Samsung Note 4 over the Nexus 6 just because of their good track record with current screens but I really wanted a pure Nexus experience.
I really hope that I don't become disappointed with this phone.
Being that it is the new Nexus phone though I'm sure we'll see replacement glass on eBay for like $10~20.00 within a couple of months. You always do for the Samsung phones. In fact I just replace the glass on my friends s5, it was $12.00 shipped for the glass, we bought 2 he got a spare!
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By the way how much did Motorola want to repair the phone?

If my screen were to crack, I'd have to go through T-Mobile's insurance. I'm not sure how good it is. Thanks for making me worry!

rlh445 said:
If my screen were to crack, I'd have to go through T-Mobile's insurance. I'm not sure how good it is. Thanks for making me worry!
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I'm with T-Mobile, and it cost $175 and they send you a "used" replacement phone.
Im sure the phone will be fine, so long as you have it in a case, and dont drop it face down on the screen.

kdoggy said:
You know I was kind of thinking about this when I bought the Motorola Nexus 6. I thought to myself man why don't they offer something like HTC does with the cracked screens. The screens don't cost that much and not many people are going to break them compared to the amount of phones they're going to sell.
I broke the screen on my Galaxy S2 couple years back I took it in to sprint to see how much it was going to cost to get fixed and they did it for free because so many of the screens were breaking. I didn't have to pay for the warranty claim, they didn't even do it as a warranty claim they just did it because so many of the screens were breaking.
To be completely honest I probably would have gotten the Samsung Note 4 over the Nexus 6 just because of their good track record with current screens but I really wanted a pure Nexus experience.
I really hope that I don't become disappointed with this phone.
Being that it is the new Nexus phone though I'm sure we'll see replacement glass on eBay for like $10~20.00 within a couple of months. You always do for the Samsung phones. In fact I just replace the glass on my friends s5, it was $12.00 shipped for the glass, we bought 2 he got a spare!
---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
By the way how much did Motorola want to repair the phone?
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Unfortunately, the screen for the nexus 6 is not cheap to make ifixit did the tear down on it and the display and the digitizer is fused together so that will drive up the cost. The overall experience of the phone is great it just becomes apparently that there wasn't a lot of money going to the construction of the phone exterior. But if you haven't brought this phone yet I recommend going with the Note 4 because of Samsung success with the Note series.
This was Motorola first phablet and they just did not know how to make a sturdy one.

They all use gorilla glass 3. How is it motorola's fault you broke your screen. It's always someone else's fault.

PDP///M said:
They all use gorilla glass 3. How is it motorola's fault you broke your screen. It's always someone else's fault.
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Yes but again, different phone have different thickness of GG, given the larger screen size, the GG on the N6 is thinner than say the Droid Turbo in order to compensate for the phones' weight, width, and height.
The extra thinnest and the curve edges of the screen equates to a weaker constructed screen.

Gungrave223 said:
The extra thinnest and the curve edges of the screen equates to a weaker constructed screen.
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you have no proof of that, and it sounds like you're just blaming others for your problems.
4 years with a large screen smartphone and i've still never dropped any of mine. that's your issue, not the manufacturers.

If this were a major issue wouldn't we be hearing about it all over?
Sorry about your phone, but sometimes you can just be unlucky

If purchased from t mobile, you do get 1 year manufacturer warranty

Was your phone wearing protection like a screen protector or case and if so was it the glass protector cause I slapped that on right away and have had a few drops already with no damage ever since my unprotected nexus 7 drop and cracking the. Screen I'm all for protection ?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Lucke said:
you have no proof of that, and it sounds like you're just blaming others for your problems.
4 years with a large screen smartphone and i've still never dropped any of mine. that's your issue, not the manufacturers.
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Ok guy whatever.

italia0101 said:
If this were a major issue wouldn't we be hearing about it all over?
Sorry about your phone, but sometimes you can just be unlucky
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Its not a major issue so long as you dont drop it. The issue is the fact that its much more likely to break compared to other phones release this year or even last year.
johnfred1987 said:
Was your phone wearing protection like a screen protector or case and if so was it the glass protector cause I slapped that on right away and have had a few drops already with no damage ever since my unprotected nexus 7 drop and cracking the. Screen I'm all for protection ?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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No my case wont be here til today, it was on back order by the time i added it to my cart and checked out lol

That's horrible man I feel your pain smh

Take better care of your phone. Of the six devices I've had, I was unlucky enough to break exactly one screen, on my Droid DNA. Guess what? My fault. I then proceeded to pay to have it fixed myself. It was my responsibility to take care of my phone, not HTC's. I blamed myself. Do you see a pattern here?
Sent from Shamu

I've owned a smartphone of some sort since the original iPhone came out, and I've never broken a screen. It sounds like OP's broke by freak accident, but I don't think that means:
The issue is the fact that its much more likely to break compared to other phones release this year or even last year.
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I don't know how many of you play the stocks, but there were tons of videos out about sapphire vs gorilla glass when I was investing in GTAT pre them going to OTC.
Anyways, all the guys saying they have dropped their phone prior, all I can say is that is how it starts. Even though you do not notice the crack, it creates mini fractures/fissures in the glass that when dropped again, it will cause it to crack.
Additionally, the construction of can cause an impact on whether or not the glass fractures as easily too. Think of cars with a sunroof.
If screens are breaking at a high frequency, usually it deals with the manufacturer's bad construction.

trickster2369 said:
Take better care of your phone. Of the six devices I've had, I was unlucky enough to break exactly one screen, on my Droid DNA. Guess what? My fault. I then proceeded to pay to have it fixed myself. It was my responsibility to take care of my phone, not HTC's. I blamed myself. Do you see a pattern here?
Sent from Shamu
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Congratulation on being Mr. Responsible I guess, I mean your parents must be so proud...First of all guy when I had my Thunderbolt and I was out for a run and it flew out my hand and the screen shattered 9 ways to hell and back, did I blame HTC? no I didn't because that was my fault. I got a new phone....but when I am driving in my car and my phone slide out my pocket and down the side of my car seat and cracks...btw this is something that has happen with my previous phones including my Thunderbolt and I've never had an issue.....well in that case it is clearly shoddy workmanship or like @uhguy said, a freak accident. But its nice to know how responsible you are, really it is, we need more people like you in the world.
kimdoocheol said:
I don't know how many of you play the stocks, but there were tons of videos out about sapphire vs gorilla glass when I was investing in GTAT pre them going to OTC.
Anyways, all the guys saying they have dropped their phone prior, all I can say is that is how it starts. Even though you do not notice the crack, it creates mini fractures/fissures in the glass that when dropped again, it will cause it to crack.
Additionally, the construction of can cause an impact on whether or not the glass fractures as easily too. Think of cars with a sunroof.
If screens are breaking at a high frequency, usually it deals with the manufacturer's bad construction.
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agreed.

um...
http://phandroid.com/2014/12/02/nexus-6-replacements
Stop whining.

sn0warmy said:
um...
http://phandroid.com/2014/12/02/nexus-6-replacements
Stop whining.
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um....
Not sure where it was that i was still whining but ok thanks for link it might prove useful