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Alright, long story short, I bought the Juno from Tmo several months ago. One of the reasons I was so impressed with it was the incredible screen quality, it was crystal clear, far better than any other PDA phone Id seen, at least out of what was available at Tmo.
Anyway, that phone got stolen, and the replacement I was sent had very noticeably inferior screen; not clear at all, pixelated. Not to mention a horrible viewing angle. All problems I never had with my original. So I had them send me another replacement, and it was fine again, just like my first one.
Fast forward, that phone dies. They send me another replacement, and the screen is no good again, same horrible quality as the previous replacement. The next several replacements I ask for to fix this issue have the same thing.
All the new Shadows at local Tmo stores are that way too, none of them come close to the first one I had in screen quality.
So my question is, what gives? Did HTC change their screen hardware, or have I just gotten 5 bad apples?
Thanks in advance for any insight, its driving me crazy.
I myself have a Shadow right now, altho not overall what I excepted its really nice for what it is. I miss my qwerty keyboard and touch screen. I'm actually thinking about exchanging it for a different phone. Unless you want to buy it? But the quality is great. Battery life is good.
I ran into the same thing.
The keyboard on mine failed. The replacement has an inferior screen and is missing some features of my first unit like the newer Live client and "driving directions" link on the neo interface.
It's kind of a bummer. The folks at the TMO store were clueless.
ianken said:
I ran into the same thing.
The keyboard on mine failed. The replacement has an inferior screen and is missing some features of my first unit like the newer Live client and "driving directions" link on the neo interface.
It's kind of a bummer. The folks at the TMO store were clueless.
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To be very honest, I've never met a TMO store clerk who had a clue. I pull my Shadow out at the store and thay are just in aww.
Make T-Mobile keep sending you replacements. I had to go through like 5 replacements in like two weeks in July until I got a good screen shadow. They'll usually waive the shipping off the bat so if the rep is gonna charge you, push to get it waived. They don't care about quality control so don't pay other than the first time. I paid for $15 express overnight the first time and they overnighted for free every other time.
The clueless reps won't believe you. They'll tell you to do a hard reset and go to contrast settings... so what I did was I made a tinyurl of a good thread with pictures right in the first post.
Before you waste too much breath and time, tell them to go to
www.tinyurl.com/shadowscreen (yes the reps have internet access).
That saved me so much time in the phone calls ordering more replacements. After the 2nd or so replacement they didn't believe me anymore so I had to show them.
After the 4th, they made me go to a T-Mobile store to have a rep confirm the issue in person. What I did was bring a friend's good shadow and a bad replacement. The rep couldn't tell a difference with both shadows on the home screen.
He thought I was just picky. Then it hit me to show him the pink T-Mo bootup screen. I tilted them side-by-side and he finally saw the difference and apologized for doubting me. The bad one would go from pink to red to brown while the good one would stay pink in any angle. He made the note on my account and customer care did not give me anymore problems. It didn't matter though because the next one was my good one.
Im not crazy?? Oh thank god!
Thats a huge help, thanks! I'm gonna go talk to them and show them the pictures and see what they say now.
New Hardware
Yes, T-Mobile decided to change the screen hardware, but I was not aware of the screen resolution being degraded. The only bulletin I have seen refers to the screen being changed to help with them not being as prone to cracking. I am one of those "store clerks" and I am not clueless...LOL.
Figures. Half the reason I bought the phone was the amazing screen quality. Any idea if its possible to get an original still?
The "inferior" quality screens started to appear about 9-10 months ago. Here is a post I submitted at Allshadow forums showing the problem in January. I've seen the pictures used in many other forums, which was my purpose in posting:
http://allshadow.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=367&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Since then, my wife's Shadow died and we received a replacement. Unfortunately, it was a bad one... I requested a second one, and it was the same. Then I decided to just sell it rather than dealing with multiple replacements again. Besides, they are a bit more "resistant" to send you replacements 9 months after purchase as opposed to when you are still in your return period
The Shadow I am using has the perfect screen. If something happens to that one and I get a bad replacement, I'll probably sell it and get another HTC device...
So, I wonder...
I accidentally cracked the screen on my shadow the other day, so Im going to try buying a replacement screen online and see if I get lucky and score one of the original, higher quality screens. It would seem that T-mobile doesn't have the good one anymore (6 "crappy" replacements later). Lets just say they aren't very fond of me; 2 call center reps I talked to knew me by name when I would call back...
Anyway, the screen should be in soon, Ill post here with the results
Finally!
Well, I saw an auction for a Shadow on ebay, and thanks to the wonderful pictures the seller posted, I could tell it was an original Shadow, with the original, glorious screen. It was kinda messed up otherwise, but I bought it anyway, took the screen out and put it in mine and voila, amazing Shadow!
Thanks for nothing T-mobile
I bought my Shadow on eBay a couple months ago and i've noticed the screen problem also, do you guys know i i'll able to get a replacement even if i didn't buy it new?
No, sadly. All of the current Shadows have the new, lower quality screen. You would have to find an original on ebay or from another person and switch the screen out (Or use the phone, if its intact)
I just hope the Shadow 2 doesn't also have the crappy screen.
strange problem
I bought a Shadow on ebay and found that the wifi working but the phone will not get a network. It would just show searching again and again. I bought another from ebay that was working well before a broken screen.I took the board from the last fone i bought and install it on the first. everything working apart from the WIfi showing "driver not installed". I then know it was the Dpad section so I changed it then wifi is working but screen color and quality change. I got a strange yellow color and at different viewing angles it would change.I reused the first Dpad and everything is ok apart from wifi. Do you need a matching Dpad flex for special screen?? and wifi???
There's a red one at the centre of my screen which is really annoying, it's visible when trying to look at video and always ends up being what I focus on.
Since I noticed it I had a look and found more. About ten, mostly bright blue/green in colour. They're dotted around the screen, most on the edges.
The problem is that they're SO small you only really notice them in low light situations, which is when I'd want to use the phone to play video clips (before I go to sleep). To be honest, most of them you'd be hard pressed to see ever unless looking at a totally black screen, but 2-3 of them are really distracting. I don't know how to go about getting Orange to verify this problem. They've already denied me a replacement phone on the basis that they don't think the gap/unsealed screen is an issue and I think they'll try and fob me off.
I asked to be released from the contract when they said that they wouldn't be providing me with a phone which is up to standard and was refused.
I just feel really f*cked off with the whole experience. I wish I'd never bothered getting the phone, much less signing up to an 18 month contract for it.
tatwamasi said:
There's a red one at the centre of my screen which is really annoying, it's visible when trying to look at video and always ends up being what I focus on.
Since I noticed it I had a look and found more. About ten, mostly bright blue/green in colour. They're dotted around the screen, most on the edges.
The problem is that they're SO small you only really notice them in low light situations, which is when I'd want to use the phone to play video clips (before I go to sleep). To be honest, most of them you'd be hard pressed to see ever unless looking at a totally black screen, but 2-3 of them are really distracting. I don't know how to go about getting Orange to verify this problem. They've already denied me a replacement phone on the basis that they don't think the gap/unsealed screen is an issue and I think they'll try and fob me off.
I asked to be released from the contract when they said that they wouldn't be providing me with a phone which is up to standard and was refused.
I just feel really f*cked off with the whole experience. I wish I'd never bothered getting the phone, much less signing up to an 18 month contract for it.
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Personally I'd contact HTC rather than Orange. Orange customer service = dog sh!t IMHO.
If HTC confirm that you can get this fixed / replaced, send that to Orange for confirmation that the manufacturer says it is faulty so they should then replace it.
If they fob you off, get a supervisor and take it further.
Thanks Nicelad,
I told Orange that I'd contacted HTC (about the screen gap issue) and they had me take my phone to an Orange store and compare what they had in stock there with my handset.
The guy in the store said that the gap on my phone was a little bit bigger and the guy on the phone refused the replacement, saying that the gap that it wouldn't impede the performance of the phone. I argued that it'll be annoying once the screen is full of dust but they said that the performance of the phone would be unaffected so it didn't matter.
Although I'd found the hot pixels by this point I couldn't find them myself in the store under the bright lights so didn't bother saying anything to the guy in the shop.
I think I'm going to have to end up sending the phone to be serviced by HTC themselves which in itself fills me with dread as a quick google suggests that they blame anything they can on user error and then charge £20 for having looked at it.
Has anyone dealt with HTC's servicing?
Hmm when did you get the phone and how? In store or by phone/internet? Try using distance selling to just send it back
kam187 said:
Hmm when did you get the phone and how? In store or by phone/internet? Try using distance selling to just send it back
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Unfortunately, I'm over the 7 days.
I'm also on my third phone, the first one had no reception, the second had the gap and weird backlight bleeding (I only complained about the gap) and this one has the gap and the pixels.
It was ordered online almost 3 weeks ago.
Hmm too bad. I guess they're looking at the history and thinking you're just picky.
Its a pitty it doesn't develop a misterious hard to reproduce reception fault Then I would be inclined to kick up a huge fuss saying since you got it you just havnt been able to use this phone properly and its just not fit for purpose. EU regulations means you can ask for a refund and avoid all the waranty nonsense - even after 30 days.
You just need a fault to develop now
PS seen this thread? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=545575
Looks like a common fault, that they really couldnt argue with you about since its not down to interpretation. If they tell you to go the waranty route, tell them you know you're rights and you're contract is with them. Either demand a new phone, or tell them you've had enough and want a total refund.
Just called Orange again...
They're sending me handset number 4! An unexpected turn of events.
Lol what did you say?
I just said "I've got stuck pixels, HTC say you should replace it" and the guy put it through.
I think it depends on who you get, as soon as the guy spoke I thought he sounded alright and I guess that's all it is. The woman who started the process of denying the significance of the gap sounded like a total jobsworth from the outset.
Basically, my advice is say nothing unless asked and hope for someone cool!
Lol cool! Lets hope no 4 is ok
I just put in for my 4th handset aswell. I feel guilty but then I think sod it, I paid 400 quid I want absolute quality.
If there's one thing this whole experience has taught me it's that I won't order something like this online again. There's too much to go wrong with it, much better to buy instore and reject immediately if necessary IMO.
I agree, if I get another dodge one I'll get my money back and try to get one on the high street so I can fully inspect it first.
I like the white one though- where can you get it that isn't mail order?
No Gap.
I've already seen some bad pixels though, hopefully they won't be too significant, I'll try to not let them bother me and if I can, I'll just get on with it...
EDIT: Just checked and while there are quite a few bad pixels, they're nowhere near as bad as the ones on my previous phone which had 3 really significant ones. This one has probably ten, but they're really small and seem to be only noticeable on a totally black background.
Not exactly the perfect result but I think this is the one I'll keep.
tatwamasi said:
No Gap.
I've already seen some bad pixels though, hopefully they won't be too significant, I'll try to not let them bother me and if I can, I'll just get on with it...
EDIT: Just checked and while there are quite a few bad pixels, they're nowhere near as bad as the ones on my previous phone which had 3 really significant ones. This one has probably ten, but they're really small and seem to be only noticeable on a totally black background.
Not exactly the perfect result but I think this is the one I'll keep.
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10! Still, thats bad!
nicelad_uk said:
10! Still, thats bad!
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Yeah, but you literally cannot see them unless really looking for them and only on a totally black background, they're tiny, I don't know if there are different degrees of stuck pixel but these would have to be the mildest.
I just watched a bit of a tv show with lots of dark scenes under a blanket (don't ask) so it was completely black. If I wanted to I could complain again but on my 4th handset, with no gap and everything else seeming fine I'll take what I've got. These are never going to be visible at anything approaching normal lighting. The one I sent back had pixels that could only be seen in a dim room anyway. Of the 4 I've had this is the one I'd pick. If I send it back and have to go through another 4 to get one this good then it'd be ridiculous. Not that I can imagine Orange allowing me 8 handsets.
Incidentally, the guy on the phone said "We're replacing the phone, battery, battery cover and charger" which led me to believe that I was getting a reconditioned phone but it was a new one that arrived.
When they collect a phone they take only the items listed above, This means I've got an extra 3 headsets and 3 USB leads now (I only gave them the plug part of the charger back). Which is handy since I had thought about hacking up the headset and putting some decent earphones on it and it means I can leave a USB lead in the charger, one in the computer, one in my 360 and one in my bag. Oh yeah, and 3 2gb cards (I broke one by running over it with my office chair wheels) Which is nice.
10 pixels? I would never accept that. Just keep nagging em till you get what you paid for!
Here is what you could do: Gather all the correspondence you had with the reseller, receipts, letters, e-mails anything. Write a letter explaining that you tried 4 different models that all had problems and that you want a working device without faults delivered to your house within the next 2 weeks and if not, you demand a refund (so you can buy the phone somewhere else)
Make copies/prints of all the letters and stuff you have, and put that in the envelope with the letter.
Send the letter to the reseller but go by the mail office (send it as a registered piece or something - dont know the correct translation for that ) and make sure the mailman has the reseller sign off on accepting your letter. (So you have some evidence he actually received the letter).
Now you wait out the 2 weeks, if you hear nothing from the reseller, you have every right to demand a refund anyway you want.
Dunno man, I'm not sure if my experience matches what other people's is of hot pixels. I bought my Mum a monitor for her computer a while ago which had a glaring green pixel about a third from the right of the screen, really in plain view but didn't say anything about it. She didn't notice it and was unaware of it when I mentioned it after the screen had to be replaced after 6 months (total panel failure). When I was a child I had a Sega Game Gear (remember those? I'm ageing myself here...) which had a dead pixel and I'd see it every single time I played a game. On my last phone there were at least 15 dead pixels (I stopped counting) and 3 were really significant, even though one was on the edge of the screen, as in the first row of pixels. The rest you didn't really see, except in low light and with a black background and a bit of a squint(I should note that I had the backlight turned up too).
Basically, I'm saying that I'm aware of them and have been annoyed by them in the past.
None of the pixels on this phone are as significant as the bad ones on my last phone. Also, in case people aren't sure, stuck pixels can be smaller than dead ones since they're only partly filled (I think). These are smaller than the bad ones on my last phone. Therefore I believe they're smaller than a pixel. When you're talking about 320 of them in lines, they're pretty small anyway.
The 3 signficant ones which were MUCH brighter than all the others and drew your eye on my last phone were really distracting. This phone has maybe one getting towards that that and it's right in the corner, but I still find it less signficant than the one on the very edge of the screen on my last phone.
Also, I watched something on my iPod last night which I have in a protective plastic case. The nicks, dents and scuffs between me and the screen haven't bothered me for ages now and I could easily remove the case to watch stuff if it bothered me.
If there was an HTC service centre nearby I'd maybe pop in there and try and get them to confirm / deny if my phone was within the scope of needing/being eligible for replacement.
It wouldn't surprise me if there are loads of people on this forum who have 10 stuck pixels like the ones on my phone but don't realise it.
Today, I don't think it's worth the hassle to me and I'm gonna try not to get worked up about it and I'm going to try not to pay attention when I do notice them. I'm not gonna go looking for fault either. I'd definitely take this screen over my previous 2, there are far worse ones out there.
If it gets really annoying maybe I will put it in for service a little while down the line.
Of course tomorrow I reserve the right to be filled with righteous rage and anger at the cheek of Orange and HTC in trying to get me to accept this shoddy joke of a piece of hardware.
EDIT: BTW, thanks for offering advice and trying to help, I do appreciate it.
tatwamasi said:
Dunno man, I'm not sure if my experience matches what other people's is of hot pixels. I bought my Mum a monitor for her computer a while ago which had a glaring green pixel about a third from the right of the screen, really in plain view but didn't say anything about it. She didn't notice it and was unaware of it when I mentioned it after the screen had to be replaced after 6 months (total panel failure). When I was a child I had a Sega Game Gear (remember those? I'm ageing myself here...) which had a dead pixel and I'd see it every single time I played a game. On my last phone there were at least 15 dead pixels (I stopped counting) and 3 were really significant, even though one was on the edge of the screen, as in the first row of pixels. The rest you didn't really see, except in low light and with a black background and a bit of a squint(I should note that I had the backlight turned up too).
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OMG! The statistics of you always getting dead pixels must be crazy... I really wonder if maybe the dead pixels are in your retina and not the devices
I buy alot of electronics and have only had to deal with dead pixels twice.
kam187 said:
OMG! The statistics of you always getting dead pixels must be crazy... I really wonder if maybe the dead pixels are in your retina and not the devices
I buy alot of electronics and have only had to deal with dead pixels twice.
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Well, to be fair, no monitor or tv or ipod or DS or other phone I've had has had this problem. I think HTC hate me!
So over a trip I went on, my beautiful HD2 stopped working. I have my suspicions as to what caused the damage, but they still come off as odd. Basically, I had my HD2 working perfectly ... I went into the bathroom to take a shower ... and I guess it was steamier than usual [since I was in a different climate than usual] ... the next day the device would vibrate to indicate boot but only display a faint logo onscreen of the ROM I am using [meaning backlight broken] then it would turn off after trying to boot I guess. I checked out the phone, looked for damage or water or anything ... couldn't find anything significant. I did notice that the tags on the phone and batter, which I learned are for water detection, had turned red. That struck me as odd because it wasn't the first time I had the phone in the bathroom with me. In any case, at this point the device won't even turn on ... plugging in the charger does nothing. It is basically dead.
NOTE: AT NO POINT DID THIS PHONE GO INTO THE SHOWER OR TOILET OR WHATEVER. IT WAS PLACED DOWN ON A DRY SURFACE BEFORE THE SHOWER.
So I am going to T-Mobile tomorrow, see if they will be kind to me haha. I highly doubt it, because the tags don't lie .. regardless of whether or not I feel it was a valid case of "water damage".
So, if they give me warranty and provide me with a new HD2, then this thread will be useless, but under the assumption they don't ... I was wondering if the HD2 is the phone to stick with.
I think it is great and all, but I always wonder if there is something better.
I was reading that the Nokia N8 can be run on T-Mobile USA when unlocked, I am not sure of the truth behind that ... but the specs on that device look pretty awesome. I just don't like that it is a huge switch from WinMo/Andro/WP7 capabilities. It also doesn't have that XDA-Developers community backing.
That is basically all I was thinking in terms of alternatives ... any other thoughts?
Man that really sucks about your HD2, and that is very curious that the water indicators turned red. I also don't think you will get much love from T-Mobile either because of the water indicators. But I say get another HD2, I know it is starting to become a older device now but to me there is just no other phone out there that can stand up to the awesomeness of the HD2. Besides you know if you get anything besides a HD2 you will be kicking yourself in the butt later on for not getting another HD2.
The Nokia N8 will not keep you happy, there are issues with both the software and hardware, similarto the issues Nokia software has been displaying from the 5800/5530 software fiasco.
I would never go near a top range nokia - they have lost the plot over the last 2/3 years. all imho of course
I have a myTouch 4G/HTC Glacier and the phone is a beast. screen looks awesome(but not as big as hd2), hspa+, 768mb RAM, front facing camera, etc...lots of nice ROMS and great devs. Im running cm7 rc4 on mytouch and get 30+ hours on a full battery charge
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Keep checking this thread m8 for ppl's views on OS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020358
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you choose WP7, you can run Android off SD card via MAGLDR.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
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I may be willing to sell my hd2
So I ended up buying a new [Used] HD2. I was told that the only issue was the metal plate over the batter [which I saved from my old HD2] ... so I was fine with it. I just got it today, it had a few minor scratches on the screen as well as what i think is a tiny Crack. So I am debating putting up with it, or calling the guy up and asking him what is up with that...
I purchased it on eBay ... so I just wanted your opinion on this: I bought it pretty cheap [235$] in comparison to other offers on the site, and the description was:
HTC HD2 (T-Mobile) cell phone
Used but in overall excellent condition
The only issue is that the metal cover on the back has some scratches, nothing major, screen is excellent
Includes phone /w battery and charger only, charger is not the original HTC charger, but it works 100%t
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I called the guy up to ask a few questions: Is it just the back-plate that has superficial damage? Has the device been tested to work as though new? The screen has nothing on it? And the guy basically told me that the back-plate was the only issue. Now that I have the phone, though, there are those minor scratches, and that small crack on the screen, as well as the cover to the earpiece missing/worn so it is silver now, and also the top right and left corners have a bit of damage.
Basically, when I put the soft-shell cover I have over it [stock], I can't see any of the superficial things except the screen, so they don't bother me as much. After all, it was listed USED, so I expected so much. I am just concerned about the SCREEN. If it is a crack on the screen, it will just get worse with time, am I right? If it were a scratch I could deal with it MAYBE, but being a crack I just don't want to have to look towards buying a THIRD device later on due to a cracked screen ...
[by the way, this crack wasn't a result of shipping I think ... it was in a nice thick layer of bubble-wrap and none of the bubbles had popped.]
So what is your opinion? Should I call this guy up, see what the deal is? Or should I deal with it?
Opinions appreciated!
EDIT:: Here are some low-res photos [one close-up, one far away]. I had to use my Exca to take them, I couldn't find my camera
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_026.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_027.jpg
Swapping just the one piece is harder than swapping a glass digitizer screen combo, since to get them apart involves baking the phone for so many minutes at (I think it is) 60 degrees, then you will need to glue the new one back to the digitizer.its not just a simple swap. Plus the screen is the last piece in the stripdown process, EVERYTHING comes apart before you get to the screen.
If I were you I'd consider asking for some money back and live with the crack, or if he wont go for that tell him you want full refund. But you need to be quick, eBay will support your claim but leave it too long makes it look dodgy.
as for cracked screen getting progressively worse, that's not necessarily the case. I dropped mine ages ago (several months) and it now has around 8 or9 large cracks, all the way through the glass radiating from one corner all the way up to the top, and they are no worse now than when it happened, (i have a screen protector to save my fingers from possible sharp bits) though the rigidity has suffered greatly, and it now creaks and groans when it gets pressure in my pocket.
Yeah, I figured so much about the screen ... Turns out what I have is screen+digitizer, but the cable for the digitizer isn't in any condition where it will work again, haha. I didn't expect/want to do a screen-replace when I took apart my broken HD2.
Yeah, I know I have to act quickly for eBay to hold up a better case, in case the guy doesn't want to be easy about it. I just got the phone literally an hour ago in the mail.
I'll try to have some more higher-res photos up by tonight because I am still not sure if it is just a nasty scratch, or a crack...and as you can see my Excalibur doesn't exactly take a good picture haha. What I find odd is that usually a crack starts at the edge of the glass and progresses inwards, but this one starts in the middle of the screen and has like 3 little 'legs' of it coming out. I'm not scratch/crack expert so I can't really say ... I'll just have the photos up later.
Otherwise, I'll probably call the guy up tomorrow, see what the deal is/is going to be.
I would demand a Partial refund if you are happy enough with the phone.
If you get it, buy a zagg invisible shield screen protector to preven the crack from getting any worse. Had some good and bad luck with ebay purchases, but thats a story for another thread
Could be a pressure crack, I have a friend with a desire HD and he sat down with it in pocket, and a lighter against the screen, and he has a similar sounding crack, a few small cracks radiating out from a tiny central chip.
Okay, so I got the higher-res images ... the links are as follows:
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0278.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0279.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0280.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0281.jpg
I think that 280 shows it the best, the others give you a view of it in respect to the whole phone. It isn't huge or anything ... decently sized. When the screen is on, I really have to look to find it. Besides feeling it with my finger as I swipe over it, I wouldn't really be bothered by its being there. My friend said it seems more like a surface scratch, but unlike the other scratches, I can actually feel this one [which is why I think it is more like a crack]. Ohh semantics!
In any case, just another curious question. Seeing as I just got the phone, I haven't put on any custom ROM or anything, assuming I would have to settle an issue potentially, but I realized when trying to hook the phone up to my computer that the SD card didn't register. It had registered just fine earlier today, and at my friends house. Then I didn't use it for maybe 4 hours. Then just now it didn't register. It was fixed with a reboot. Is this likely an OS thing that will be fixed with a new flash of a better ROM [this is running a STOCK rom by the way]. This phone would be pretty limited without its MicroSD Card slot. I just want to make sure that if that is a hardware issue, I bring that up.
I guess this will be the final post/update:
I talked to the guy, and he offered me either to ship it back at my expense [but still get a full refund], or he could give me $25 for the inconvenience/hassle. Having really thought about it, looked at the scratch/crack. I took him up on the latter offer.
I guess it just means I should be more careful when using the phone. After all, its like I said: I can't notice it unless I look for it when the device is on. Its a shame that there was a crack on the screen, but for $200, I think it is a darn good bargain. Also, the MicroSD card slot has been working just fine...I think it was an OS thing. If the MicroSD card slot does turn out to be an issue, hopefully it is within the next 40 days, haha, so I can still get it covered by Buyer Protection. Further, I simply cannot find a price as good as that
So, I guess this is the end of this thread. Thanks to anyone who helped
First of all excuse My English. its far from perfect.
So yeah. my friend works for Samsung. and i got my hands on the Galaxy S 2 and the new Tab.
i will post pics of the Tab later. kinda busy @ work " and honestly dont care about the Tab at all. i found the ipad 2 is better for me but thats just me
back to the Galaxy S2.
in short. its light. very light. the iphone 4 is heavier.
the device has edges. so its not smooth as say nexus S.
in terms of software, i didnt find any slowdowns or lag. which is a very good thing. because the Atrix used to lag alot even though its a dual core phone too " wtf was up with that ?? "
the Screen. ok.. its same as super amoled. i didnt notice anything different in terms of colors and blacks. HOWEVER. i can no longer see the pixels like Nexus S and Galaxy S screens. its very hard to notice now. sure its no iphone 4. but its damn good. think of as clear as super LCD screen. but with Super Amoled colors. i say its best of both words.
the sound was very high. very clear.
again this phone is so light at one point i really thought its a toy. i am not sure many people like that. its as heavy as galaxy S 1.
personally i like the phone a little heavier " say desire HD or iphone 4 type of heavy " ., it kinda makes the phone more expensive. " but thats just me "
oh and for the people who are wondering, there is NO cracky noise when you hold the phone tight. no sqeeky sound whatsever, its firm . which is a good thing.
i just REALLY didnt like the back of the phone. the plastic look of it is cheap. but on front ? its amazing.
so smooth and when its off. it makes you feel the whole front is a screen " its not ofcourse "
as for the Tab. honeycomb in it. didnt like it much. the theme was all black and blue. was very sweet. the way menus move was nice. laggy a little i dont know why. specially when i opened gallary. it has a nice interface but thats about it.
Gd Review, very usefull info.
Thank You
your welcome
Thanks for the great review. Say we drop the phone by mistake..u think it will cause a considerable amount/permanent damage to the phone in itself..since the back esp. is made out of plastic?
Overall, are u happy with the build quality?
Nice info etc - but that is not a retail model! Apparently the back has changed on the retail model, making it ever so slightly heavier too....
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
k87 said:
Thanks for the great review. Say we drop the phone by mistake..u think it will cause a considerable amount/permanent damage to the phone in itself..since the back esp. is made out of plastic?
Overall, are u happy with the build quality?
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Click to collapse
yes. if you drop the phone, it will get damaged. think of it as galaxy S 1 really. the problem is if you drop it in the edges, thats where it will suffer the most. that being said. i dont think if you drop it like 2 meters high on a carpet will damage anything. but on the floor or the street? 1 meter and the phone is a goner.
as for the build quality. not really. on the front. yes its very beauitiful. the way the screen is presented and how its smooth with almost no edges on the side " the screen it self is very close to the edge. "
but the back is just horrible ugly thing. i am slapping this phone with a nice non see throu cover as soon as i get my hands on one. because its not an eye candy for sure.
extrememonkey said:
Nice info etc - but that is not a retail model! Apparently the back has changed on the retail model, making it ever so slightly heavier too....
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the way the phone is designed. there is no way to get a heavier back cover.
the cover it self is really very stupid. its very cheap. makes you wonder what the hell samsung was thinking when they decided to put that cover.
you have to know that the back cover isnt something like nexus S or Galaxy S where it takes the whole back of the phone.
the back cover is just a big square box that you pretty much just slap it to the back of the phone.
say for example if you drop the Nexus S or galaxy S and the back cover got damaged, all you do is change the back and your good to go like a brand new.
on the galaxy S 2 if you drop the phone on the edges, and you want to replace the damaged part. you have to take off the whole phone apart. " think of it as motorolla droid " which i think is a big -ve thing IMHO
actually you have the NON retail unit.
in the retail unit the phone back case is DIFFERENT.
CASE CLOSED.
I hope its not too light...Im imagining a very breezy day and the phone is not held tightly in the hand..and because of its low weight the phone falls from the hand.. lol I really want this phone!
OHDUSER said:
actually you have the NON retail unit.
in the retail unit the phone back case is DIFFERENT.
CASE CLOSED.
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Click to collapse
I dont think i said they are a retail unit. I was posting my review on the build that the company is showing to carriers so they can partnership with them.
The phone it self was super fast regardless how it looks or what i think of it.
Also for the gamers here like me. This phone is your dream come true for the emulators. The n64 was super smooth and fine with almost all games i played ( zelda. Mario 64. Mario kart. Golden eye was amazing)
it can play super smash bros? the 1 with zelda kirby mario and etc?
god I missed that game..
Screen and touchpad isnt as close i want- look at iphone.
OHDUSER said:
it can play super smash bros? the 1 with zelda kirby mario and etc?
god I missed that game..
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yes. but not as smooth as 60fps. i think more about 30 fps. it was playable.
i also tried killer instect. that game wasnt playable at all on nexus S. when the phone was over clocked to 1.5, it was playable but with laggy. on the Galaxy S2 the lag way less than than the over clocked 1.5. which is amazing really.
however. i dont think the phone has the power to play Dream cast emulators tho.
now when it comes to the playstation emulator. was super smooth and super nice. some games the sound wasnt very synced. so i put the option in the video settings to skip frames to the max " 10 " and it played so smooth i felt like i am holding a PSP with me lol "
nice device really.
rouvax said:
Screen and touchpad isnt as close i want- look at iphone.
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Click to collapse
as i agree, the screen is more closer to the edges on the iphone.
like i said, as hardware design. the galaxy S2 isnt really a loooker. its no Arc for example or Nexus S. its a blocky phone that has 4 years old look back. and honestly it look cheap.
under the hood. its a beast. i honestly think people should cover the phone. specially in the back. its ugly
HEY
dont forget you had a non retail unit
maybe a retail unit , which also has 1.2ghz processor, could run 60 FPS n64 emulator
OHDUSER said:
HEY
dont forget you had a non retail unit
maybe a retail unit , which also has 1.2ghz processor, could run 60 FPS n64 emulator
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every thing is possible. i am just posting my feedback on what i had in my hand. and specs wise. i am impressed. this is hands down the :
- fastest android phone i ever used " including Atrix "
- Best Screen for an android device " including Atrix/Nexus S " but not the iphone screen " wont go on Vs here between the 2 screens as its personal taste and i like the iphone 4 screen more "
- Gaming heaven for all emulator fans. i still remember trying to play N64 " Mario 64 " on my iphone 4 and the that **** couldnt run @ 10 fps even though its almost the same GPU/CPU as Nexus S but what gives. hell they were missing buttons too " and couldnt change that "
all in all. this is one great device.
however. i think it needs voodoo color fix. as the screen had yellowish white. like someone pissed on the screen. this issue happened on both galaxy S and NExus S. voodoo will fix it. but ofcourse it has to be rooted/unlocked boot loader as well.
odd.. the samoled+ is supposed to be WAY better than iphone4..
then again, idc, its iphone 4 XD
I love toying around with my phone.. not being stuck on same crap.. even jailbreak doesnt help that much..
Well I had an Xperia Arc for two weeks and the back cover was even cheaper than my Galaxy S, it has cracky noise when you hold the phone normally and that looked cheap as hell. The sharp edges were un-ergonomic , the back button wasn't reachable easily... I got rid of it very quickly
And for the design it's a matter of taste, for me the GSII is definitely a looker and that's one of its strenghs and the iPhone 4 is the one that have a 5years old design (just look at the difference between the first gen...)
but thanks for the litle review anyway
Agree on the looks, i think that the SGS2 is far more beautiful than both HTCs phones and the Iphone.. I find HTC designs a bit dull and not that interesting.
Although i really liked the old backcover on the SGS2, which had that silvershine pattern opposed to the new plain black one. But i might get a case for it so it won't matter all that much.
ll_l_x_l_ll said:
again this phone is so light at one point i really thought its a toy. i am not sure many people like that. its as heavy as galaxy S 1.
personally i like the phone a little heavier " say desire HD or iphone 4 type of heavy " ., it kinda makes the phone more expensive. " but thats just me "
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Click to collapse
funny, the only reason i replacing htc inspire (desire hd) with galaxy S2 cus it' freaking heavy, like a brick!
i like to surf internet in bed, after holding inspire (desire hd) for 15 minutes, your hand will get sore!
(You don't got retail model - no Samsung Logo so probably another back cover(as we saw, retail version got another back cover). You don't have any photo of your back cover btw.)
Edit: already posted.
While on vacation in the UK I'm looking to buy a Nothing Phone1.
The problem I have is deciding which color to purchase.
Here’s the thing the only stores that I'm aware that have these phone's on display is O2 stores.
Both black and white on display not turned on and housed in a armoured casing secured to the sales display countertop.
While both look nice I wanted to actually handle both devices turn them on run through the menus etc to get a feel of both devices before making a purchase.
They don't even have a dummy phone.
So basically your buying a product blind without even testing it out.
O2 policy for not having any the nothing phones turned on it may induce epileptic fits to customers and passers by.
Most of the other brand devices one can handle or turn on and play with the devices.
So I'm at a loss as to buy a black, or white PH1..
So my question is other then the UK can you go into a store and play with PH1 devices?
it's the exact same size as an iphone pro max. Just pick up one of those and imagine it being much lighter. Watch a video of the setup process if you want to see the OS (it's basically stock android with a cool font for headings)
UserNamist said:
it's the exact same size as an iphone pro max. Just pick up one of those and imagine it being much lighter. Watch a video of the setup process if you want to see the OS (it's basically stock android with a cool font for headings)
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback, yeah I know it mainly stock Android one of the main reasons looking to buy one.