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Has there been a decent guide on taking the 4G apart yet? I've googled it but haven't been able to find anything yet.
kitsunisan said:
Has there been a decent guide on taking the 4G apart yet? I've googled it but haven't been able to find anything yet.
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Click to collapse
I cant fine one either but there are 2 screws in the battery compartment and it looks like the metal portion where the camera is may pop or peel off with a little force. My guess, try to remove metal portion where camera is, if it comes off and exposes screws remove those along with 2 in bat compartment then use tool to try and separate where bezel and rubber surround are. Just fumble it.
May I ask why your taking it apart?
Stupid reason really, I was going to see if the ffc could be centered better. Seems just about all of the MT4G phones have an off-centered camera, and wanted to see if I could move it back to center myself. I was just curious to see what was throwing it off.
I had the two screws off last night, but couldn't get anything to come off. Didn't want to force it and break anything, I was just hoping a teardown had been done showing what needed to be done.
kitsunisan said:
Stupid reason really, I was going to see if the ffc could be centered better. Seems just about all of the MT4G phones have an off-centered camera, and wanted to see if I could move it back to center myself. I was just curious to see what was throwing it off.
I had the two screws off last night, but couldn't get anything to come off. Didn't want to force it and break anything, I was just hoping a teardown had been done showing what needed to be done.
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Click to collapse
I don't think a phone exists that you dont have to pry, push, pull and force things to get them apart. There will ALWAYS be risk of breaking things when taking a phone apart. I would just deal with it and not open the phone. Plus, they usually have a way to tell if you've opened your phone so you will void your warranty.
There is a "void" sticker on one of the screws. If someone does open her up, check to see if you could replace the speaker with a better one from another phone.
Please post questions in Q&A section.
I'm curious to learn how to take the phone apart as well, because I'd like to figure out how to make the damn buttons stop squeaking & clicking so loudly (home/menu/back/genius). It's driving me insane and I'm already on my third MT4G.
dustrho said:
I'm curious to learn how to take the phone apart as well, because I'd like to figure out how to make the damn buttons stop squeaking & clicking so loudly (home/menu/back/genius). It's driving me insane and I'm already on my third MT4G.
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Click to collapse
Anyone? I'm now on my fourth MT4G and will be receiving a fifth one shortly (creaking buttons), and if I experience that same problem I'm thinking about trying to fix the damn thing myself.
damn still no tear down i need one buttons jammed
I tore one apart after I got pissed and threw it into the hardwood floor at full speed.
I don't remember the steps but I do remember there are a couple key points, including ribbons that have to be disconnected. The ribbon connector from the main display to the main board is junk and that, of all places, is where my tear down went south.
I've got 450.00 dollars sitting in pieces if anyone wants to see them.
Sent From My Rooted HTC Glacier- It Just Makes SENSE
pdxrealtor said:
I tore one apart after I got pissed and threw it into the hardwood floor at full speed.
I don't remember the steps but I do remember there are a couple key points, including ribbons that have to be disconnected. The ribbon connector from the main display to the main board is junk and that, of all places, is where my tear down went south.
I've got 450.00 dollars sitting in pieces if anyone wants to see them.
Sent From My Rooted HTC Glacier- It Just Makes SENSE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking to buy someones Part "Power Ribbon Cable Assembly" (The part thats connected to the power button) *BE CAREFULLY" Everything has to be in Working order and not torn! Send me photos of the part I'm looking for and price. [email protected] Thanks!
dustrho said:
Anyone? I'm now on my fourth MT4G and will be receiving a fifth one shortly (creaking buttons), and if I experience that same problem I'm thinking about trying to fix the damn thing myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must never have had a MT3G. These buttons are a dream compared to the creaky clickers in that dog.
I bought a refurbished phone on Craigslist and there are fingerprints on the inside of the glass (I don't know why I never saw them when I was inspecting). Would like to teardown guide so I can go clean those prints off.
Lil bit of thread necromancy here, but did anybody ever find a teardown? I'm thinking of ripping mine open due to my backlight issue ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=958033 ). I guess if nobody else has a teardown, I'll have to brave the waters and post my own, but going in blind is going to increase the risk of me killing the thing even worse than it already is
I'm also preparing to replace my digitizer. I came across a couple recent tear-down videos:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961252
http://www.repairsuniverse.com/htc-tmobile-mytouch-4g-take-apart-repair-guide.html
Good luck!
Phew. Just replaced my digitizer using the latter video. Putting it back together was fairly straight-forward by just following the video backwards, though a 'put back together' video would be convenient.
A couple minor caveats:
They skipped showing some phillips screws holding the motherboard in place (near the end). I think there were two of them. They're fairly obvious if you know to look for them.
I attempted to reuse the existing adhesive by reheating and applying pressure. This sort of worked, but the digitizer seems a tad loose. I don't think it's going to fall off, but it'd probably be better to remove the old adhesive and apply some fresh adhesive. Anyone know where to get a suitable adhesive?
Taking apart the MyTouch 4G is not that hard
I bought a used MyTouch 4G in pieces on Craigslist for $ 45 that had a broken digitizer (about $ 20 on eBay with free shipping) and LCD (about $ 40 on eBay with free shipping) and the Audio & Volume Button Flex Cable (about $ 38 on eBay with free shipping) was also defective (the power button cable was ripped which can happen very easily if you take the phone apart and if you are not 100% careful when you pry the power button cable out). I ordered all the replacement parts on eBay from US sellers.
This particular phone had the "bad", washed out screen and was manufactured in Taiwan. When I ordered the replacement LCD and digitizer, I was hoping to get the "good", bright and superior screen but that didn't happen. So for the ones out there who are hoping to improve the screen by replacing the LCD and/or digitizer, it's a 50/50 shot.
I also ran into the problem with the adhesive and found a roll of 3M 2mm double sided tape for $ 10 with free shipping on eBay. The phone is working great and looks like nothing ever happened now after I put it all back together. And even though I had to pay for a lot of replacement parts, it was still a lot cheaper than buying a new one from T-Mobile or a used one on Craigslist or eBay
There are also a lot of MyTouch 4G disassembly videos on youtube. I'm a gal and if I can do it, you can too !!
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Hard to say, really. I'd try taking it in to a store. calling someone... they can't really SEE the phone first hand... so they're probably just assuming you dropped the phone which caused a "crack".... which would actually usually cause "Cracks". I'm not saying it's a definite... but you MIGHT have better luck taking it to an AT&T store. I mean, insured or not, i'm pretty sure phones usually have a limited warranty for this type of stuff.
Well the digitizer screen and lcd are seperate so it should be a cheap fix. There are places online that will replace the glass for around a $100.
cracked screen
I had my replace called onsite cellular repair and they charged $140 for it.
Sounds like you leaned against something without realizing it. I too keep my phone in front left pocket and have caught myself leaning against tables and the like with my phone. I doubt very much it was a defect.
Sent from WinBorg 4G via Tapatalk
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
If you have insurance and can go without a phone for a couple days you could pull your sim card out of your phone and report the phone lost/stolen. You will probably have to pay a fee to the insurance company. Im not sure if that would be cheaper than just having it fixed though.
I preordered one and have been using it and picked up another on eBay with a cracked screen and replaced it. If you are interested in having it repaired I would be willing to do it. I've done iPhone 3G repairs since it came out and 3GS. That was my first Atrix. Had no issues and worked perfectly after
elementaldragon said:
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
CaelanT said:
Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
Dr. HerbLove said:
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy cellphone insurance from them, and replace it a week later. Then if that doesnt work, you may want to try this link for new glass.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-MB860-Touch-Screen-p/mot1039620.htm
And then try this manual.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Atrix-4G-Teardown/4964/1
elementaldragon said:
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the numbers right from Cornings white papers. 9lbs is a lot of pressure on one point, and 175lbs is pressure applied with impact at an angle of 45 degrees. I might add that sandblasting will not put stresses into materials in the same way a scratch or point pressure will. Sandblasting will weaken in a more uniform manner, (and is generally used for stress relief), whereas a scratch is more localized. When you see these manufacturer videos, advertisements, etc., you have to remember they will always make things look the absolute best, so will show what is perceived to be abuse, when in actual fact a scratch or "dent" is much more normal for everyday use. I don't know about you, but I have never accidentally sandblasted my phone, but I have dropped them, scratched them, and applied pressure to them in various ways.
In my work, I lean over and into areas a lot, and that's when I sometimes feel the pressure on the phone against my thigh. I don't like holsters. Had Otterbox for my iPhone, and it dropped more with that than anything because it always got bumped off. If I remember, I remove my phone from my pocket before activities where it can have pressure applied to it.
As for the left front pocket, with men..........that's probably because users are predominantly right handed, and hold their phones with their left hands, using the right hand to swipe, etc. (You might find that women tend to put there phones mostly in their rear right pockets also when using pockets).
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the replies. I guess it could be from the leaning. I don't think I would have ever leaned on it in a way that I would have thought should have caused any damage. If it was due to leaning, I am very disappointed in the quality of that glass. And from the look of the crack I wouldn't have guessed leaning was the culprit, but since no one else has chimed in with spontaneous cracking, I only have myself to blame I guess.
Also, thanks for the tips on how to fix my phone. I did not get the insurance so that's not an option. As for the warranty, that only applies to defects that aren't physical, which is kinda bollocks because they assume there's no such thing as physical defects. I did look into the screen replacement. Sites online charge as much as I paid for the phone which is lame and buying the screen to do myself requires the purchase of 3. Anyone else need a replacement screen or have an extra to sell?
you can get screens on ebay for 60 a piece.
Hey neotekz, thanks for your tip! I went on ebay and found lots of digitizers. Is that the part I need?
To anyone who's done this already, do you have a recommendation of which one to buy? There seems to be lots of different prices. I guess I want to get an official OEM, but almost all of them say OEM. Do you think there's a big difference between them?
Also, do you guys think there's any problem with not fixing it right away? Will it cause other problems? Thanks for your help.
My Ex droped her Phone and it had Spider Webs all accross. Her Provider send it in to see what it would cost to fix. The Phone also would stop working correctly in the middle of calls.
It turns out buying a new one would have come cheaper atleast thats what came back as a answear.
So I decided to bite the apple and try replacing the Screen myself. My Ex was not happy because she thought with the second Problem it is not worth the effort to fix the Screen and maybe loose everything. My reasoning was that when the Spider Web Screen touches the Digitizer it will react strangely. So I went ahead and searched the web on how to do it. I ordered a Screen for $9 on ebay (free shipping) which came with a couple of Tools. More on those later.
One of the first Problems I found was that all instructions that I found showed the beginning and the end. But in the middle how the phone will look like when the glass is finaly taken off, I was unable to find much Information about it. Also doing it Redneck style without Special liquids and or a heat guns was no where to be found.
I decided to just try it. Disasembly is well documented and easy enough to do on this device. Atleast to the Point where most electronics are removed so that you can apply heat without too much problems. I decided on using a blow dryer to heat up the Display. I layed the Blow Dryer on the Counter turned it on and Held the phone up to it. Thinking if my fingers get too hot chances are it is too hot for the Display too.. Might be a little incaccurate to read the temperature like that but hey it worked. But soon after I started to remove the first pieces of broken glass I ran into Problems.
As per instructions I found, I put a Piece of tape accros the Screen so that the individuall pieces stayed ogether. That did not work at all for me. It just made the individual pieces push against the valuable digitizer below it. My next Problem was that the Tools that came with the replacement glass, especially the Little plastic Tools did not hold up to the Job und the tip was soon useless. I had to Switch to a Raizor blade. A couple of times I sliped and hit the Digitizer. Thinking oh well I guess I Need to get a new one. Luckely on the end it all worked out much better then I would have hoped. The left over glue I rubbed mostly off with my finger which worked out nicely. To clean it completely from ist glue took some time. The black rubber allong the side of the phone allso suffered. You might want to look out that that does not get riped out completely. I had enough left over so that the glass would sit on it good enough luckely.
Take a look at these Pictures and remember it works perfectly again for $9. While it is not for everyone to seperate a Glass from a Digitizer it is acctualy less fragile as you might think. The third Picture Shows you how it looked with all the scuff marks from taking off the glass. You can still see a few little marks on the end but hard to notice and much better then before. I am sure next time I will be more carefull and use the blade from the beginning on.
I got more Pictures and will improve this Thread for others that have to go through it. Feel free to PM me if you have any Questions. A list of other resources will also be included. This is only to explain and Show the bare state.
Reserved for links
Additional Screen Replacement Links:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
supreethms said:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find a new Frame for a resonable Price. Now to remove the digitizer from the Frame that is another Story. Not sure if it was the Glue or what Held it in place but I could not figure out how to get that out. luckely the two Buttons at the bottom survived the Screen removal and so I did not hat to take the Digitizer out.
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
boomboomer said:
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definetly cheaper then the original but if you have done it once. Chances are You will be able to do it again much easier. So if the $9 Glass only holds for example a Year. You can just replace it again. Or spend a little more for a original replacement glass.
Now I should Point out if the rubber seal around it gets damaged in the process and if the 3M Tape that should come with the Screen is placed wrong it will Impact the sensitivity of the sreen touches. I guess I did it right because my Ex is happy how it performs and that is saying allot.
madmackem said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get down to removing the digitizer from the Frame take a couple of Pictures and post them here.
Hey guys. I recently broke my LG V20 (AT&T varient.) It is just the top screen and not tbe LCD Digitizer. The 2nd screen is completly fine and its the main screen that's broken. Does anybody know a good tutorial and a good source to get tbe part ASAP?
Thanks in advanced.
velezj.att said:
Hey guys. I recently broke my LG V20 (AT&T varient.) It is just the top screen and not tbe LCD Digitizer. The 2nd screen is completly fine and its the main screen that's broken. Does anybody know a good tutorial and a good source to get tbe part ASAP?
Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude YouTube
Look up Jerry rig everything his YouTube channel has it all
velezj.att said:
Hey guys. I recently broke my LG V20 (AT&T varient.) It is just the top screen and not tbe LCD Digitizer. The 2nd screen is completly fine and its the main screen that's broken. Does anybody know a good tutorial and a good source to get tbe part ASAP?
Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone else said,youtube.
In the amount of time waiting for a reply, you could have just Googled the question.
And, the second screen, I do believe, is a single physical screen, partitioned by software. If one is trashed, both are I believe.
Thank you. I understand Youtube and Google. The problem with that is there are only like 3 videos, and each video the process is slightly different. When I try and search for the part, I find the glass/LCD digitizer ranging in price from $100-130. This is fine but the problem is I don't want to wait a few weeks to receive it, since all of the places I've found that sell it can't do expedited shipping, and if they do, they are all sold out. Lastly, I also found JUST the top layer of glass (no not a tempered glass protector, the actuall replacement) for only around $10-$20 in price, but there are ZERO videos on Youtube for that process, and a few people in the comments have even asked about this, with no luck.
A combo of multiple things....
This is a relatively new phone. Won't be lots of how tos available for one.
Second, what you are asking about is not a simple fix.
It requires either extreme cold such as, liquid nitrogen or 90% alcohol and dry ice cold. Or extreme heat. You either embrittle the glue with cold and peel it off in pieces or soften via heat and pull it loose in pieces. You run risk of killing your digitizer. Plan ahead accordingly.
You also *will* kill the polarizing layer in between digitizer and glass. Be prepared to replace this as well. Anyone who says otherwise is fibbing, IMO.
Then, you need something to remove the bubbles from the LOCA glue and gorilla glass sandwich.
Then reassemble.
Again: with the phones age, and a small supply chain in place due to the devices age, don't expect much in the way of how tos, or parts.
tl;dr
Not a simple fix. Chances are high you wont get it back to stock without a good technique and some moderately expensive tools.
Edited to add... There's a reason you find very few glass sellers, and lots of people selling digitizer/glass combos. .. The odds of a ****ed job are sky high, esp with phones with curved glass, like Samsung garbage.
On my V10 my front screen had cracked. Rather than try to replace just the digitizer I bought a dead V10 on eBay and replaced the full screen housing from that phone with my motherboard. Much easier to replace full screen assembly if you can find that way.
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
I have a v20 Sprint..My Screen Is Cracked Some What At The Top..Will That Crack Cause The Phone To Freeze Up?
like Sometimes The Phone FREEZE BAD but when i press the screen I can still Hear The Sounds from the apps
velezj.att said:
Hey guys. I recently broke my LG V20 (AT&T varient.) It is just the top screen and not tbe LCD Digitizer. The 2nd screen is completly fine and its the main screen that's broken. Does anybody know a good tutorial and a good source to get tbe part ASAP?
Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.fixez.com/store/lg/lg-v-series/lg-v20
Fixez - LG V20 Screen with Frame
Just thought I would "help" other LG V20 owners; but I just finished replacing the screen on mine after dropping it on the concrete floor in the parking garage at work. It actually landed face down and I had a crappy Incipio case, so it was a spiderweb of cracks although it still ran fine for 3 months until the lines got thicker and thicker.
Anyway, I ordered a replacement Screen with Frame from Fixez.com and just know that it is NOT OEM or even close. I got my phone working; but just some notes for anyone else who finds this and tries to replace the screen themselves.
Most YouTube videos out there are NOT accurate and you will end up having to "move" extra parts they do not show.
I got the FRAME replacement; but I think it would have been BETTER without because all the tiny pieces are GLUED onto the frame.
You MUST have the tools, especially that tweezer one and get a Hair Dryer, because the parts are TINY and GLUED so easier to loosen.
I broke the Headphone Jack, because the connectors are basically membranes, which is why I think you should just replace SCREEN.
I forgot to clean my front facing camera; but I cleaned the two rears ones, so just make sure you "alcohol and air spray" clean before closing.
It is beyond blurry and I do not want to take it apart; but it could actually be the "low quality" peephole, which is creating "flare and blur".
Once I finished and turned it on, I was overjoyed; but after a week I can "see" more problems and just be aware that you really need OEM.
Problems:
Secondary Screen does not "show" when Main Screen is OFF; but it worked with original screen once option enabled.The top part is not white-white; but just a "hair off" and it is like an "oval thumb circle" and might have been "touched" during manufacture.Put some Arctic Silver CPU compound; because this "knock off" runs HOTTER and the first few boots felt like a "burn in" sequence.There is no LG Logo at the bottom of the screen; so if you decide to "sell" it later, then it will be obvious that you are selling "refurbished".The battery seems to drain faster; but I also noticed it does not "like" a FULL charge and runs nice and cold when lower battery charge.Headphone jack broken. Does not light up when I look at screen. Sometimes "double tap" (KNOCKON) does not work correctly.Sometimes I have to press Power Button twice to turn on screen. Sometimes it is once. Basically "sensors or integration" seem to have issues.I just miss how the "little things" used to work perfectly, even when it was cracked.
Basically, this screen feels like a cheap Chinese "knock off"; but I went for the "cheapest option" I found out there and you get what you pay for, so it works, but I hope this helps someone else out there to make an informed decision. Remember, Fixez (and ALL OTHERS) have a NO RETURN policy; because basically they state that it must be in NEW RESELLABLE condition and you are going to be sticking things, bending wires and removing plastic tabs. So do not listen to anyone and these repair shops will NOT return your money once you try to DIY.
If I had to do it again, then I would have spent more time looking for a screen with the LG Logo and at least try to get something with some OEM "guarantee or promise"; which Fixez NEVER made and I just went for Low Price and USA Based. Might have been better to get something OEM from Asia; because I got ganked anyway and I suspect this screen is going to shorten the lifespan of what was a beautiful LG V20 - H918 from T-Mobile.
:crying:
Does anyone know how to find a decent quality replacement of the glass and digitizer? I'll certainly keep the ease of 'no frame' in mind. I would like an oem product for sure. But I want my phone back asap, so I'll take what I can get
My wife's Essential PH-1 screen filled with lines while she was using it (listening to music). Phone continued working until she tried to reboot it.
After reboot screen now looks like this. I tried powering off, then power+vol-up and power+vol-down but just see the same.
I think the cpu is still working as pushing buttons elicits the tactile vibration response but screen seems gone.
Obviously Essential is out of business. In addition I've read a few posts that even when they were in business they were not repairing dead/cracked screens rather just replacing the phone.
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
dorkshoei said:
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
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Click to collapse
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that). Good quality aftermarket replacement screens are available and not expensive (I bought mine on Amazon more than a year ago for US$70, and now I can see them for less than $50). The process itself is of average difficulty (not too bad compared to some other phones), but could be a bit too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. Fixez.com has a great and useful video (don't use the guide from ifixit.com, they screwed up this one).
I am sure any repair shop would be able to do this job, if you are not a DIY kind of person, but I have no idea what they would charge. Or think of any friend you may have who is good with electronics (hobby or pro)...
kt-Froggy said:
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that).
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Click to collapse
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $70 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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Click to collapse
That's why I said don't do it the way Ifixit did, LOL... Watch the video from fixez.com. You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly. Otherwise, it's not that hard. And you need to get either a narrow (1mm) adhesive tape or a liquid glue to mount the new screen. Also, a couple of things to watch out for around the earpiece opening and silicone gasket for the front camera. If you consider a DYI job, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help. My PH-1 has been working perfectly since the repair in Feb 2019, and I've done screen replacements quite a few times on similar phone designs like Sony Xperia Z series.
kt-Froggy said:
You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly.
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Click to collapse
I have an SMD rework preheater that works great for softening the glue on screens, far more precise than a heat gun .... but as I said above I don't think I'll need it
Now, the issue is whether it's a mainboard issue or LCD.
Fixez seems to have a screen for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
dorkshoei said:
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Digitizer-Replacement-Assembly-Complete/dp/B07CLNDBZS/
@kt-Froggy Is the above what you were referring to. I guess I can always order, see if it fixes, else return it.
Fixez has one for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
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Yep, that's exactly the screen I got, and left a detailed review on Jan 29, 2019 (from a user KT). $24 from Fixez is even better, and sounds like a no-brainer. And if your screen is already removed, then you don't have to do the most difficult part. Just plug in the new screen and confirm if it works Like I said, be careful around the earpiece opening and the gasket. Good luck!
Ok, ordered from Fixez. We shall see if it corrects the issue.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
gk1984 said:
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, big surprise with the guide from iFixit... This one left me scratching my head. Probably the only one I know where they so royally screwed up.
A few comments from my experience replacing the screen on PH-1... The screen on my phone was shatterred badly enough to make a suction cup useless, so I had to pry it out (still, with a heat gun). There was no concern about saving it, anyway. But if I had to open up the phone again, e.g. for replacing the battery, I am pretty confident I could do that safely. From the repairability standpoint, there are two problems with the screen on this phone. One is a very narrow shoulder to mount the screen assembly to the frame (but this is also a good thing, as there's not that much adhesive to struggle with). And the other is a very fragile "sandwich" behind the glass that contains the LCD and the backlight components. It's too easy to damage that sandwich from the sides with a tool, even made of plastic. It will be pretty obvious once you have a replacement screen in your hands and take a close look at it.
A general issue with disassembling the phones of this design at home is that most people will not be able to heat the perimeter evenly to lift the screen off by a suction cup only (I know I can't). So, you would most probably have to use some tool around the edges. The trick is to NOT pry the screen out (or you will crack the edge), but only use a tool to carefully undercut the adhesive as you pull with a suction cup, so the screen can separate from the frame. This way, you can gradually work your way around the perimeter, while heating it up and lifting the screen with a suction cup. A thin plastic spudger would work. If you really feel adventurous, maybe a hobby knife, but I don't recommend it. I would suggest starting from the top, as the adhesive strip under the earpiece is extremely thin, and it would be easier lifting off that part of the screen as you heat it.
Another thing is to NOT reach deeper than about 1mm under the edge of the screen with any tool, otherwise you are risking damaging the LCD assembly.
Update. Screen from Fixez.com ($28 shipped) fixed the issue. Happy wife. Happy me.
Easy install, just used some B7000 glue I already had. Clamped screen down for 24 hours.
@kt-Froggy thanks for your help and encouragement.