Database Users

Manufacturing Imperfections (Sketchy Build Quality)

Alright, so right off the bat I just want to say that this isn't a doom and gloom thread (I hope), but it's an issue I wanted to ask you guys about since I'm on my 2nd phone now and I've had cosmetic issues with both. I want to love my phone, I just want one that won't give me problems first! I will post pictures soon, to show you guys what I'm about to describe below.
Both phones have had minor (but very annoying) imperfections involving the casing. My first phone was the most problematic. First off, the battery cover did not sit flush. I did not realize how much of a difference this made in terms of build quality until I got my second phone. My 1rst phone would creak and click when pressure was applied to the back and it just did not seem like a very sturdy device. This was not the case with the second phone (which had a back cover that fit perfectly) as there was no creaking or clicking, it felt rock solid just like its supposed to. Also, there was a small chip and discolouration of the teflon coating on the bottom left front face of the first phone. Again, nothing major but still not something that I was not pleased about given the price of the phone.
Unrelated but my first phone also had the purple tint issue which is the main reason I returned it and bought a new one (I couldn't outright swap because I don't live in the US). My second phone came in and luckily it did not have the tint issue. All I can say is WOW, what a difference it makes having a proper screen!! The black colours actually look crisp and dark, and there is absolutely no tint at low brightness.
So the screen was good. I checked the bottom left hand to see for any issues with the teflon, and there were none. I checked the backplate and like I mentioned earlier, it was perfectly flush. So far so good BUT.. again there were some cosmetic issues! Along the left side of the phone there was a tiny chip and some of the grey finish was off. Also, on the back, the bottom teflon piece did not sit flush with the rest of the device.
Once again, these are minor yet annoying things (but who knows, maybe I just have OCD!). The big issue from the first phone was the screen and the creaking, both of which are resolved with the second device, but I'm i'm contemplating whether I should return this one as well to go for one that is "perfectly built".. I mean, if this phone was store bought I would have no hesitation. I would just go there and make them open the boxes until I found a device that had no imperfections.. But it's just a real hassle having to continually ship my old device back, purchase a new one (while waiting two weeks to get credited back my $600 for the first device), and waiting for it to arrive. I also don't want to risk getting another phone with the purple tint issue..
Sorry for the long winded post, but basically what I wanted to ask was do you guys have any manufacturing imperfections with your phones??. I'm not talking about faulty screens or weak antennas, but actually design or cosmetic flaws. Do you guys have any and have you learned to just accept them or have you returned your devices and successfully gotten the "perfect" device.
Thanks, and hopefully I can get some pics up soon. Feel free to post your own so we can compare!

I got mine for free at this year's Barcelona MWC and luckyly i've had no issues whatsoever regarding hardware or aesthetics. An I say luckyly because obviously if I haven't bought it and I don't live in the US I would most definitely not get it replaced.

jasrups said:
Sorry for the long winded post, but basically what I wanted to ask was do you guys have any manufacturing imperfections with your phones??. I'm not talking about faulty screens or weak antennas, but actually design or cosmetic flaws. Do you guys have any and have you learned to just accept them or have you returned your devices and successfully gotten the "perfect" device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So which are you really looking for? Manufacturing defects or design flaws?
Are you looking for functional defects or cosmetic only defects?
Are you look for process-gone-completely-wrong defects or are you looking for minor imperfections resultant of process variation?
It is certainly possible to have a bad screen or a bad antenna as a manufacturing defect. There is also minor variation in any manufacturing process - this is normal. The trick is to keep the variation controlled well enough that the process consistently produces acceptable quality product. Note: No manufacturing process produces perfect parts, and minor imperfections are not necessarily defects. Normally, a design flaw impacts manufacturing quality only if the design requirements are too stringent for manufacturing capability.
I know you started out saying you did not want yet another thread bagging on the N1, but without clearer objectives, you've left it wide open for just that.

Mmm I love the build quality, it's very rigid and solid.
There is one imperfection that I noticed like 3 weeks of constant use.. The bottom piece, the one with "htc" on it, is a little bit more raised on one side (in comparison to the silver band on the back) than the other side. I'm talking 0.5mm difference that you can't see, only feel when comparing.
I'm writing that off as absolutely negligible and too tiny to even think about.

DarkDvr said:
Mmm I love the build quality, it's very rigid and solid.
There is one imperfection that I noticed like 3 weeks of constant use.. The bottom piece, the one with "htc" on it, is a little bit more raised on one side (in comparison to the silver band on the back) than the other side. I'm talking 0.5mm difference that you can't see, only feel when comparing.
I'm writing that off as absolutely negligible and too tiny to even think about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I thought about popping it off (it's just retained by a couple of clips) and attempting to re-seat it, but I see no problem with it. It's not like the 2nd batch of the iPhone 3G, where there was 1mm gaps between the plastic back and chrome bezel. I'm shocked no news blog picked up on that, it was fairly widespread.

ATnTdude said:
Same here. I thought about popping it off (it's just retained by a couple of clips) and attempting to re-seat it, but I see no problem with it. It's not like the 2nd batch of the iPhone 3G, where there was 1mm gaps between the plastic back and chrome bezel. I'm shocked no news blog picked up on that, it was fairly widespread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's the almighty apple, they don't wanna disappoint their readers that the calculator that they paid $500 for is also cheaply built.

I have a question that (um..) kinda relates to this. I'm having a hard timing saying this so bare with me. You know when technology is first released that is has alot of problems and bugs but overtime it seems that the problems die down because the companies that produce the phones (xboxs, iphones, ps3, etcs) get smarter and make things differently or better...
Well my contract with t-mobile is up in 46 days and I was planning on getting a nexus one. I don't plan on getting it engraved. My question is that do you think my phone will be made when I order it or do you believe its been sitting in a warehouse since March 26th (guess) just waiting for somebody to place a call? I've seen those cool "making of nexus one" videos on youtube and figured i'd ask you guys. Thanks to whoever answers.

yup, i have similar issues. i initially thought they actually shipped a refurb unit to me. turns out i'm not the only one. now i'm not that worried

attn1 said:
So which are you really looking for? Manufacturing defects or design flaws?
Are you looking for functional defects or cosmetic only defects?
Are you look for process-gone-completely-wrong defects or are you looking for minor imperfections resultant of process variation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
attn1, I could have been more clear in my last statement, 'design flaw' was a vague term. I meant cosmetic only defects and minor imperfections as a result of process variation. I know that with any product that is mass produced on an assembly line you will get variation from device to device. This thread wasn't meant to bash this variation but just to compare what other people have experienced with their phones.
Like I said, my first phone was awful, it had both functional and aesthetic problems. My second phone seems to be fully functional but still has a few (albeit minor) aesthetic imperfections. I must say though, I got my Brando Gel case in today and it looks great on the phone! It covers up the unevenness on the bottom teflon piece as well as the blemish on the left side of the phone very nicely.

My nexus came with a scratch or bubble on the inside of the screens glass. They told me i'd get a refurb in exchange(even though it's about a week old), I told them i'd think about it. Think i'll be calling back and demanding a brand new device.

ihearttreo said:
My nexus came with a scratch or bubble on the inside of the screens glass. They told me i'd get a refurb in exchange(even though it's about a week old), I told them i'd think about it. Think i'll be calling back and demanding a brand new device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That kinda scares me because I'm picking up a nexus one in 46 days (contract with t-mobile will be up then) and I dont want something like that to happen to me. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I would demand a new one too

Have had no issues with mine until yesterday when the trackball stopped scrolling left. Refurb sans engraving rolling in tomorrow. All told still much better quality then my G1 or Blackberry.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

No tint nothing amiss as far as build quality that I can notice. This is the best built (visually and as far as any creakiness or such) phone I have ever owned and the first one I have had without any perceptible flaws out of the gate.

OK! So to all of you who has a Nexus One with cosmetic imperfections on the BOTTOM plastic piece on the BACK, with the labeled HTC, i may have a cure for you.
So, with me I HAD a slight imperfection on the right side, about a 1mm gap. It was annoying and I have some slight OCD (used to be worse). One day last week or so, that part of my phone became VERY hot, probably 101-105℉. While that plastic was hot, it was a little bit bendable. I used a rather large amount of force, and over about three times of doing this, the plastic is flush with the metal, and the rest of the phone.
So try that if you're super partial to your device like me. Or if you dont wanna deal with HTC, like me.
ZachTM

"refurbished" sounds bad but really its a more taken care of device isn't it? It's been tested to a further degree so its more likely to come without flaws perhaps or am I reaching?

DMaverick50 said:
"refurbished" sounds bad but really its a more taken care of device isn't it? It's been tested to a further degree so its more likely to come without flaws perhaps or am I reaching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. you're reaching high... its been refunded and fixed.. haha
so you are using someone else's phone who now owns probably a new device. brand new is the way to go, especially if your device is a week old...

Returned the Eee Pad.

Had it for 1 whole day. THe quanlity feels cheap. New honey comb ui is good and very impressive. When I restart the tranformer at night, I saw at least 8 birght spots on my screen. So decied to return it to amazon. But I don't have the speaker problem.

Mine does not feel cheap. Feels well put together. Some people think it feels cheap because it has a plastic back. That to me doesn't mean it is cheap. I don't need metal to feel something is quality.
If you had problems with it creaking and seems like you had problems with the screen, I assure you that is not how it is supposed to be. RMA.

Quanlity ........ Lol.........something wrong with the keyboard too?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Mine creaks a bit and may give the impression of not being solidly built, but in my opinion, it's a really nice tablet.

Tired of these threads. If u don't like, just go away. It's a $399 tablet and build quality is excellent for a $399 tablet. Maybe some company will release a tablet for twice the price one day made out of carbon fiber, but who the hell cares if it does the exact same thing as a $399 tablet. Lets get over this once and for all. Next, everyone will be saying that its not good enough because it doesn't have tegra 3 chipset or it doesn't run Windows 8 or it doesn't make pancakes. The TF is a great tablet that many of us love and anyone who doesn't probably should just get an iPad 2 or wait for the iPad 3 or just avoid tablets altogether...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Indeed a little bit overdone to start a thread for this, but I must agree, the TF has some common issues, which keep me from saying that it's a real quality product. (Speaker problem, accelerometer not calibrated, backlight bleeding, dust under screen, dead touchzones, ...)

gadgetfann said:
Tired of these threads. If u don't like, just go away. It's a $399 tablet and build quality is excellent for a $399 tablet. Maybe some company will release a tablet for twice the price one day made out of carbon fiber, but who the hell cares if it does the exact same thing as a $399 tablet. Lets get over this once and for all. Next, everyone will be saying that its not good enough because it doesn't have tegra 3 chipset or it doesn't run Windows 8 or it doesn't make pancakes. The TF is a great tablet that many of us love and anyone who doesn't probably should just get an iPad 2 or wait for the iPad 3 or just avoid tablets altogether...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be tired of these threads, everyone has the right to say what he thinks.
I had the Transformer for a day and had to send it back.
The quality of my Transformer was disappointing. The Upper rigth corner of the touch screen was not in line with the other corners, it was lower by 3 mm that the metal frame.The back was 3mm above the metal frame.
Not to speak that i could see through the hole between the touch screen and the metal frame.
So i think that those who got a good Transformer should be happy.But not all of them are great, in fact i think that the quality control was nonexistent.
NOT EVERYONE GOT A PERFECT TRANSFORMER!!!!!
If you did get o good one it does not mean the problems you hear about and you are tired off are not there.
I sent mine back and now i am waiting to get a replacement.

i have slight creaking only in the very edge of the top right an bottom left corner but its only a little other wise the build is good not cheap

I never understand why people want to start a whole new thread just to tell the entire world they're returning something.....

magicpork said:
I never understand why people want to start a whole new thread just to tell the entire world they're returning something.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they are butthurt and want to nag to other people to make themselves feel better.
By the way, if the OP wants good build quality you should pick up an iPad 2, they are half metal and feel sturdy. Just don't sell one of your kidneys like that kid.

yeah agree...why need to create another new thread ?? just find a related thread and post in it. next time another thread like this appear, can consider it as spam/troll

Oddly the demo units at staples feel like they were built like a tank. No creak or flex. Very solid despite plastic back.
I am on my fourth and waiting for my 5th TF.
EACH has suffered light bleed with the most recent one being the best so far.
However while it was solid on day one it now is creaking along the top left and right corners and a bit on the right side. If unit number five is no better they all go back and I get a Samsung. The dock for me is not so important as a laptop owner that I will accept such poor build quality.
my ipad 1 bought a year ago has no bleed no creaks after a year of use. The demo units in 3 stores of the transformer were all solid so I know Asus can build them well but likely make different units better made to be used as demos.
I suspect this as o e staples store who had just got product in and had not had their demo put out yet would not let me buy their demo unit.
ericc191 said:
Mine creaks a bit and may give the impression of not being solidly built, but in my opinion, it's a really nice tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Shawn_230 said:
Because they are butthurt and want to nag to other people to make themselves feel better.
By the way, if the OP wants good build quality you should pick up an iPad 2, they are half metal and feel sturdy. Just don't sell one of your kidneys like that kid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have been suffering from the light bleed issues too...

Lol, you want to know how badly my 7'' Galaxy Tab creaks? That's cheap plastic. Creak creak creak. It creaks if you look at it sideways.
Also, check out this thread: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1122027 In fact, google up "ipad light bleed." Prepare to be astounded: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/poll-is-your-ipad-2-backlight-bleeding-video/
Look, if you don't have anything nice to say about the iPad2, don't say anything at all! Ignorance is bliss!! J/k. I think you may be right, a friend of mines co. Bought 10 iPad2 and ALL of them have it to some degree... They also have as many 1st generation iPads and the difference is dramatic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fun, hey?
(I've only noticed light bleed when I turn it on and the screen displays boot animation, FYI. Any other time and it's not particularly noticeable.)

i was able to play with the Samsung 10.1 tab at the android central meetup in nyc and the Samsung tab had all the same UI issues as the TF. Yes it was thinner but to me the TF is fine the way it is and iits $100 less. My TF is fantastic and with the $$$ I saved I got a nexus s 4g. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

grainysand said:
Lol, you want to know how badly my 7'' Galaxy Tab creaks? That's cheap plastic. Creak creak creak. It creaks if you look at it sideways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gf's Galaxy Tab is solid as any tab I've ever handled, so therefore I think all Galaxy Tabs are perfect and you have the only bad one.
Sarcasm (not directed at you personally), hopefully it was duly noted The TF has some bad batches, I think that's obvious. You can say, "Oh it's just a small number on XDA!" but you can probably use this small sample and apply it to the entire user base and come up with an idea of the amount of defective units. Sounds like the early batches were rushed out the door to meet a deadline and demand.
Mine is pretty solid. Creaky, one spot of light bleed, but tolerable for the cheapest HC tablet, and I love it like I'd love my first born, if I had a first born. Still the best deal out there.

wackadroid said:
i was able to play with the Samsung 10.1 tab at the android central meetup in nyc and the Samsung tab had all the same UI issues as the TF. Yes it was thinner but to me the TF is fine the way it is and iits $100 less. My TF is fantastic and with the $$$ I saved I got a nexus s 4g. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Galaxy Tab 10.1 is supposed to be really thin but I still don't want it.
Compared to the Transformer it's more expensive, no expandable memory, no IPS display, and build is plastic just like our Eee Pads.
Honestly the Transformer has a few bugs, Honeycomb too... but overall you cannot beat this thing, no contest when you consider cost.
TF101FTW!

I was pretty happy with the overall design of the tablet but their quality control does leave a bit to be desired. I've had 2 tablets and both have a defect. One was light bleed and the most recent one came with a broken power button.
I'm not sure if I should keep trying replacements or call it quits on Asus.

Tutti-frutti said:
Indeed a little bit overdone to start a thread for this, but I must agree, the TF has some common issues, which keep me from saying that it's a real quality product. (Speaker problem, accelerometer not calibrated, backlight bleeding, dust under screen, dead touchzones, ...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree. it's not high quality, but good enough quality for the price - compared to the current market price for higher end android tablets.

I thought there was a lot of people with the screen bleeding issue? The way you guys make it sound that the screen be perfect. Unfortunately I noticed I got some serious bleeding myself. I just cant figure out if it's worth RMA and all that. It might take forever for KMART to get anymore back in stock.
I thought I read a lot of people had the issue also. It doesnt bother me at all really, but one of these posts made me feel that I should exchange it ASAP

Dust under screen

So I have a few specs of dust under my screen. One makes the screen look like it has a dead pixel. I called Samsung and they want me to mail it in. Pry 7 day turnaround. I bought it out of town which is s five hour round trip so an exchange is possible.
I have an ipad 2 so I would only be having small withdrawals from my tab.
Should I go ahead and send it in and hope for the best or plan a road trip. I'm leaning towards shipping it as they are paying both ways. So zero cost.
Anyone else have dust and what would you do.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Got the same on my white galaxy tab 10.1 that I bought at Best Buy two days ago (maybe part of the initial Google I/O limited edition batch?).
I see four particles of dust but only when there is direct light over the screen. Thinking about exchanging it.
A curiosity, is your tab the white or metallic gray model?
Thanks!

Had 8 specs of dust under the screen towards the top right... made me so angry I returned it and plan on waiting for a better quality tab

I had one speck and planning to return it at BB. I got the white 16GB one. I'm afraid that the replacement will have more.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

Are they visible under any conditions or only under certain conditions (e.g. direct sun light over the screen)?

I had this issue with 2 tabs, including the one I currently have. I saw it, exchanged it at best buy, and the new one has it too. I'm waiting for them to get a new shipment to exchange it again.
Silver 32g
The dust is visible from all angles, even when the screen is off.

I'm waiting on an exchange unit from compusa because my first tab had slight light bleed, specs of dust, and liquid-looking blotches under the screen only visible under direct sunlight. It also had some type of big, weird, dusty looking spot under the screen. when I first noticed the light bleed i was ok with it but after i noticed the other issues i decided to return it. I'm afraid the exchange unit will have these issues so I believe I should have sent it in to Samsung. It probably would have taken longer but atleast they'd make sure I received a tablet without these screen issues... probably lol but who knows?

I didn't take the dust under the screen thing that seriously, until today when I used my tab under some bright lights and noticed a glaring white piece of dust in one corner of the screen. Highly reflective on a black background and relatively noticeable. I'm really pretty amazed. I'm still within my Best Buy return window, and will probably bring it back tomorrow.
I'm curious, for those who returned it to Best Buy, did you tell them the true reason you were returning it and did they give you any trouble? Or did you simply say you weren't happy with it?
For those who exchanged, did any of you ultimately get a perfect unit?
Not sure if I should accept a single piece of dust in the far corner of the screen, or gamble on getting a perfect screen on the next try. Won't be much of an improvement if the next screen ends up having 8 pieces of dust and a couple of dead pixels.
Edit: Just got curious and took out a penlight. Found two more central pieces of dust under the screen. Best advice to new GTAB 10.1 owners - never look too closely at your screen. You might not be happy with what you find!

just made up some BS about other issues you have with the tablet.

dazz87 said:
just made up some BS about other issues you have with the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, thats what I usually do if I have a dead pixel. Not worth aruging with the salesperson about whether its a "Significant Defect". Was just wondering what Best Buys current attitude toward these things was.
Edit: Just did the next obviously necessary thing: ran the penlight over my XOOM screen. Found extremely small pinhead size specs in a few places which seem to be parts of the screen surface with slightly greater reflectance, but nothing that appears to be dust. So, the much criticized XOOM screen seems to be dust and dead pixel free, at least in my case.

Mistery solved
I returned my Galaxy Tab to Best Buy for a replacement. I opened the new box crossing the fingers and ... the new tab was flawless! Zero dust anywhere!
Two days later I noticed two specs of dust under the screen. Hmm, I thought I did a pretty accurate inspection... I checked it very carefully again. Only two very small specs of dust: one on the right and one on the left side of the screen.
Today I check again and I can count eight specs of dust!
Is it possible they enter from outside?
I checked for possible gaps between the glass screen and the plastic case and I found a gap all around the edges of the glass screen. Not large but I can stick a sheet of paper in it.
Another possible explanation is that dust enters from the speaker grills and the connector socket. The position of the specs of dust is close to them. I think that the latter is the most probable cause.
Anyway, it is a fact that this is not dust that was trapped during the build process, this is dust that entered the tab in the 4 days that I used it. This means that the dust will keep accumulating: if I got eight specs of dust in 4 days I can imagine what I can get in a year!
This one goes back to Bets Buy too and this time for a refund.
It is really a pity, I really liked this tab!

Digital Man said:
Yup, thats what I usually do if I have a dead pixel. Not worth aruging with the salesperson about whether its a "Significant Defect". Was just wondering what Best Buys current attitude toward these things was.
Edit: Just did the next obviously necessary thing: ran the penlight over my XOOM screen. Found extremely small pinhead size specs in a few places which seem to be parts of the screen surface with slightly greater reflectance, but nothing that appears to be dust. So, the much criticized XOOM screen seems to be dust and dead pixel free, at least in my case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the screen is still quite horrible.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

I returned my tab to Best Buy (2nd return, first was because of lcd defect [rainbow sheen]) the second one I got was a white one that had dust under the screen. Looking over their return policy there is nothing other than the standard "we reserve the right to refuse any return/exchange" disclaimer. Those of us experiencing these issues, please do the rest of us a huge favor when returning your tablets, don't lie or misrepresent your reason for return. Be honest with the person handling the return, thereis no valid reason that they should deny it. Hopefully Best Buy will clue in with the amount of charge backs they're hopefully going to have to do in the near future.
The only thing that really pisses me off in regards to the whole situation is that none of the tabs the have left have unlocked bootloaders. It's almost insulting that the first 5 that samsung shipped for release day and none of the secondary shipments do.

Except that best buy is now requiring valid id for returns because they are tracking what people exchange for some reason. Eventually they will stop you is my guess but who knows. Just be careful.

Well along with dust under my screen...somehow a small bug got under there too.
This is very frustrating...
Sorry for the crappy quality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX78fhbuRfg

Just received my third tab..
First one had minimal dust specs and screen separation, se ond one had fingerprint like smudges and dust particles under the screen and screen seemed loose, my third one has a tighter screen and only 1 dust particle...
I think i will just keep this one...
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

I have 1 speck of dust; unfortunately it is half way down the luminous battery icon so very easy to spot if you want to find it. I noticed it right away and haven't had any new pieces since then (2 weeks). Mines is the black 16gb UK one.
If it had not have been over the battery I would never have seen it and it does seem to be moving slightly so I am hopeful it will one day hit the black status bar and disappear. It depends where these things are as to whether they are annoying; personally, I get the odd speck in my eyes every now and again and you don't notice it after a week or so. The advice not to go looking for them is very good - you may well not like what you find but also it's not the end of the world if the device functions. The first scratch anywhere is the worse on any device but after that you realise it is no biggie. My ipod has a giant crack in the screen so it could be a lot worse.

I went through two 32GB at Best Buy both with horrible (5+) pieces of dust under the screen. The second one had like a piece of string or something a couple mm long under it. Third unit appears completely flawless (for now) and I am quite satisfied.

Is anybody using any kind of case? Or just naked?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

Using the book case from samsung.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Is the bottom edge of your Iconia A500's glass "spongy" too?

Hey all,
I am on my 3rd Iconia now.. The first one had a couple dead pixels, the second one creaked like mad and could flex way too much (I believe someone put the backing up improperly), now, this new unit the bottom edge of the glass can be pushed down about 1/16th of an inch, it feels slightly loose and a bit different from the top glass. I notice this especially in the middle of the bottom edge and to the right of the bottom edge.
Does anyone else notice that if you push near the bottom edge of the glass (opposite side of the volume rocker, I'd call the volume rocker the top) the glass bends/gives a tiny bit in the middle and the right edge?
All in all, I do not think this will cause any issues, it could even be designed that way on purpose as the speakers are behind this area in the glass.
Thoughts? I really don't feel like returning a 3rd unless it's necessary (I've set these things up 3 times now!)
I really appreciate anyone chiming in with their own Iconia's findings,
Autom8r

Return it. Mine does none of that. Check your new one in the store before you take it home.

UGH! Not even a little give on the bottom edge? I can't believe I may have to get a 4th unit.. how the heck can these be so different unit to unit? Seeing as the last 3 I've had had defects, I may just stick with this one as this defect is minor and unless the screen falls off, there is no effect from this defect.
I am slapping it in a case today, and I may just mentally ignore it. I like this tablet a lot more than the other Android tablets, the sound is awesome and the speed is good too.
I feel so stupid going back for a 4th lol...

Mine does not do that either, I'd say you should go back for your 4th one, man thats a bummer. Sorry to hear about your troubles sir.

Alright, it's official, I am going back for a 4th tablet... wow. For those who have no problems, can you please check the build date of your tablet? I will try to get one around the same build date. Mine was built in May 2011, I guess I should look for something more recently built.

autom8r said:
Alright, it's official, I am going back for a 4th tablet... wow. For those who have no problems, can you please check the build date of your tablet? I will try to get one around the same build date. Mine was built in May 2011, I guess I should look for something more recently built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems with mine, may 2011 build.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

ziggy34 said:
No problems with mine, may 2011 build.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I wonder why these are so hit or miss! Dangit....

Solid
Mine is solid as a rock.

Not sure where to find the build date but I have none of those issues with mine. I played with the wife's and none of that on hers either. In fact she uses hers a lot more than me.

thehunted1 said:
Not sure where to find the build date but I have none of those issues with mine. I played with the wife's and none of that on hers either. In fact she uses hers a lot more than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build date is on the box
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

got mine in late april and it's spongy at the bottom center like you said. on the far edges, the glass is lower than the bottom aluminum piece, but in the center, it's higher. Mines been that way for a couple of months. i didn't notice it until after the 14-day return period.

Actually all the display models felt exactly like mine when pressed in the same spots, I think it is normal, so convinced I didn't bother trading in. I'm gunna need a cases anyway so its a moot point then regardless! Cheers!

Same here with mine, no movement I mean. The glass is solid as a rock all the way round the frame
Take it back, and keep going until you get a good one, they are faaaaaar too expensive to accept low build quality.

odd
Have a May 2011 build on mine according to the box - no strange issues like you are reporting.
You may qualify as the most unlucky person ever, four tabs with build quality issues is pretty damn unlucky

actually they all give in these spots I assume you guys are pushing right on the edge, if you press about half an inch above the edge you will see flex. All the display models did this too, it is a non issue to me now cheers!

under alot of light check closely
My tab has movement in the same area.if you look really closely.for me it looks as thou its the allumn that is moving not so much the display.thoui can see how it seems tto be the glass
Hope you see the same after second look.I would worry about the glass.this so called allumn tab
Is plastic with a very thin allumn skin. Yes I had One apart.

Got mine during the $100 off about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
Build date is July. No flexing on mine.
I see many people complaining about the charger having a short cord.
Mine is 5 feet. Were the older ones shorter?

frankws said:
Got mine during the $100 off about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
Build date is July. No flexing on mine.
I see many people complaining about the charger having a short cord.
Mine is 5 feet. Were the older ones shorter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. That's what we all got - a cheapo extension cord fixes that "issue"

Absolutely no spongy on mine. Rock solid with no problems what so ever. Love this tablet. April 2011 build.

Mine's loose, too
I apologize for reviving this old thread but is this "sponginess" in the area near the docking connector common and tolerated? Mine does it after only three days (holding it mostly vertical). It was tight as drum when I bought it and I can see how this could be attributed to material fatigue when one holds the tab by the long thin aluminum edge. It feels like the edge is slowly giving way and bending.

Considering a Nexus 7... screen separation?

So what's the consensus? I was really considering picking up a Nexus 7 until I read about the screen separation issues. I used to have an ASUS Transformer and really liked ASUS's build quality. Is the Nexus 7 really that bad? I don't like the idea of buying a $250 tablet and then having to open it up and modify it just to make it work properly. (Especially since the iPad Mini is rumored to be released next month.)

primalmu said:
So what's the consensus? I was really considering picking up a Nexus 7 until I read about the screen separation issues. I used to have an ASUS Transformer and really liked ASUS's build quality. Is the Nexus 7 really that bad? I don't like the idea of buying a $250 tablet and then having to open it up and modify it just to make it work properly. (Especially since the iPad Mini is rumored to be released next month.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally loved my Nexus 7, and I'm one of the lucky ones who had their screen crack. I should be getting it back today, as it was supposedly fixed under warranty without a charge (guess I plead a good case when I called 4x reminding them I won't be paying for it). Keep in mind just how many of these units were sold. There's a handful of people here on the forums and AndroidCentral, etc., posting about this issue, yes... but go onto an Apple forum and you'll see the same thing.
Has the iPad mini even been announced yet? I keep hearing rumors but nothing solid. If you're somebody who doesn't mind iOS, it's not a bad option to wait, but you'll almost undoubtedly pay more for a similarly spec'd tablet. I personally wouldn't consider it, but that's just my 2c. If you're somebody who is pretty agnostic about it, waiting to see what more options come about is never a bad thing. Just don't catch the waiting disease... if you wait too long, you'll find yourself in a constant waiting hole with no devices you could otherwise be enjoying. :good:
I will say this, though. If you buy a Nexus 7, buy it from a local retailer. It's the same price as the N7 from Google Play, and plus you cut out the shipping time. Sorry Google, but being able to return a faulty N7 (in the event you get one) at a B&M store two miles away is still quicker than your (albeit, still fast) shipping turn around time.

The issue is not as great as the forums would make you believe. After all every single product ever made has a small number of defects.
Don't worry about it would be my suggestion.

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess my main concern is the reports of people going through 3 or 4 Nexus 7's, even at a retail store, before they find one that is acceptable.

I've had my Nexus 7 since it came out. Not a single defect or issue, its been great so far and I love it.

primalmu said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I guess my main concern is the reports of people going through 3 or 4 Nexus 7's, even at a retail store, before they find one that is acceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As with pretty much any product out there, I always take the online reviews with a grain of salt. A larger percentage of the people who had problems are likely to post compared to those that didn't have problems. Any time I buy something that causes me grief, I am generally ticked enough to want to post about it somewhere, but it rarely occurs to me to post something about products that work as promised and don't have issues.
This does not apply to my N7 because I love it so much I can not stop telling people. Mine has a tiny bit of screen lift that I would not have noticed if I had not read about it. Certainly not enough to want to try to return it. I may try one of the posted fixes but even that seems unlikely. Can't find the downtime...

The issues are there and they are real!
First Nexus = Creaking and Screen separation
Second Nexus = Screen separation
Third Nexus = Screen separation
Fourth Nexus = Severe creaking
Its sooooo sad as I love everything else about this freaking tablet! But the quality issues are out there just so you know it.

Huge issues
I think the screen lift screen crack and screen becoming un responsive is a HUGE Issue.. Its not just this forum where you see compalints.. You see it from tech reviews and so on.. I know that this is Hyped up causing to to be a bigger issue then it is . But the issue is not just the defects . Its how google and Asus has chosen to deal with this.. They have had my money cost of 3 tablets locked away due to exchange waiting . I Call and email with no response other then we will foreword it to a specialist .
I say get One From a Bick and Mortar store with a good reputation for taking care of there customers .. Buy a Extended warranty to where the STORE Has to deal with your device If and when it breaks.. I have never in my life seen such a Lack of Customer Service or Lack of Response for such issues .. Im left to where if i do not get a shipping confirmation and PAYMENT BACK TO MY BANK i will Have to file a complaint because im near the required time to do so with my card ... This is Pathetic..
so to everyone who says THERE IS NO ISSUE. READ THE INTERNET... im happy you have a perfect device it does happen But im getting the feeling there are as many defective ones as good ones...
OP if it seems like im trolling your Thread i am very sorry .. Just want to clear up some of the above GET IT GET IT COMMENTS. There are issues with this device . yes you can get lucky and get a good one.. JUST BE AWARE TO NOT GET IT FROM GOOGLE PLAY

"so to everyone who says THERE IS NO ISSUE. READ THE INTERNET... im happy you have a perfect device it does happen But im getting the feeling there are as many defective ones as good ones... "
Good advice, because everyone knows that everything you read on the internet is 100% true!!!!

I have one that has slight screen lift and creaking, but It's honestly not bad enough for me to worry about. I can't detect it unless I carefully look at it from the side, or press on the screen hard enough to make it flex. The case I have it in completely hides the problem.
Now, should it happen? No. But I bought a Nexus 7 because it was a fairly high-spec tablet that I didn't have to pay $500 for. I'm willing to accept a few compromises, especially when the cure (on-phone time, a bad refurb replacement) could be worse than the disease.
To minimize hassle, do what others have suggested and buy locally from a retailer with a good return policy.

dparrothead1 said:
"so to everyone who says THERE IS NO ISSUE. READ THE INTERNET... im happy you have a perfect device it does happen But im getting the feeling there are as many defective ones as good ones... "
Good advice, because everyone knows that everything you read on the internet is 100% true!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bonjour!!! - state farm commerical. lol

primalmu said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I guess my main concern is the reports of people going through 3 or 4 Nexus 7's, even at a retail store, before they find one that is acceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The prevalence of screen lift is not being exaggerated. It's a widespread flaw, the cause of which is present in every unit. That's not to say that every display is separated, but the way the devices have been assembled through August (C8O serials) has left every Nexus 7 with an inadequate bond under the left side of the display.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29194958&postcount=372
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30703449&postcount=1
Although the adhesive is weak in that area, some other stress should be required to actually force the underside of the display away from the frame. That force is either frame warp or pressure from internal components. ASUS has begun omitting screws from the left side of the device in an attempt to remove some of the stress behind the separation. This points to frame warp as the primary contributor, but it's a partial fix at best.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1870556
The fact that ASUS is now implementing reductive measures against screen lift as part of its assembly process should lay to rest any doubts about the scope of this flaw.
Having said that, I would not advise against buying a Nexus 7. It's still the best 7" tablet available, not to mention the best value for a tablet of any kind.
I went through three units with lift before deciding to wait it out, but this was not necessarily the correct decision. My second unit had merely the slightest lift and was well worth keeping, but users on this forum misled me to believe that screen lift was a rare thing so I exchanged it. My third one had more lift and exhibited distortion when pressed along the left side. That one was not worth keeping, so I decided to return it and wait for this issue to be fixed. Not sure if that's going to happen.
Like JaSauders said, the probability of lifted glass cracking during normal use seems very low, and if flexing the display caused a row of dead pixels, or any other sort of display failure, that would be covered under warranty.

I will say this, i never noticed the screen separation until I came to these forums and read about it, HOWEVER, now that I know about it, it drives me crazy.
On the flip side, if you plan to use a case that covers the bezel, you experience or see it anyway, so its not a big deal.
I haven't experienced any other issues aside from the screen seperation, and even then its not noticeable until you start messing with it.

I don't believe the problem is that uncommon.
Both units I've received so far have had the problem to some extent. The first one had it really bad and I exchanged it when I heard that it may be causing screens to crack. The 2nd one also had the problem, but the screen lift was so small that I wasn't worried about it. I still ended up exchanging the 2nd unit because of other issues (mostly the oleophobic coating was rubbing off) and should be receiving my 3rd one today.
If it means anything though, even with the screen lift problem, I still consider this the best tablet for the price and I have no interest in the new Kindle Fire or iPad Mini.

myke66 said:
I will say this, i never noticed the screen separation until I came to these forums and read about it, HOWEVER, now that I know about it, it drives me crazy.
On the flip side, if you plan to use a case that covers the bezel, you experience or see it anyway, so its not a big deal.
I haven't experienced any other issues aside from the screen seperation, and even then its not noticeable until you start messing with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Putting case over the edge of the tablet is NOT a fix for the screen separation issues . Eventually the glass will move enough from this causing it to become weak. or a piece of dirt will get under the screen and it WILL CRACK Or crumble. Anytime hard glass is put in a situation where it can move independently being twist or bent It will weaken and crack .
I know this from Structural Engineering classes.. I have been a project manager for high rise construction for much longer then some of those on here are old. . Glass that is scratch / impact resistant MUST BE SECURED PERFECTLY . Must be allowed to expand and contract from edge to edge .. But must be fixed firmly and equally on all sides with no extra pressure or lack of in any area.. THE LAST Sentence here is the ISSUE WITH THE NEXUS TABLET
Now with the above said i to agree its the best Device right now with its size and cpu.. If there were a worthy 7 inch Device i would NOT OWN A NEXUS 7 .. check out the specs on the new corning-FIT Glass... There should be a metal frame for this glass to sit in..and it should over lap the edge of the screen NO GLASS From edge to edge ..
Of course this is all my opinion. Make your own judgement.. But do not Pretend there is not a issue just because you Love your device and you accept less then Perfect...

erica_renee said:
Putting case over the edge of the tablet is NOT a fix for the screen separation issues . Eventually the glass will move enough from this causing it to become weak. or a piece of dirt will get under the screen and it WILL CRACK Or crumble. Anytime hard glass is put in a situation where it can move independently being twist or bent It will weaken and crack .
I know this from Structural Engineering classes.. I have been a project manager for high rise construction for much longer then some of those on here are old. . Glass that is scratch / impact resistant MUST BE SECURED PERFECTLY . Must be allowed to expand and contract from edge to edge .. But must be fixed firmly and equally on all sides with no extra pressure or lack of in any area.. THE LAST Sentence here is the ISSUE WITH THE NEXUS TABLET
Now with the above said i to agree its the best Device right now with its size and cpu.. If there were a worthy 7 inch Device i would NOT OWN A NEXUS 7 .. check out the specs on the new corning-FIT Glass... There should be a metal frame for this glass to sit in..and it should over lap the edge of the screen NO GLASS From edge to edge ..
Of course this is all my opinion. Make your own judgement.. But do not Pretend there is not a issue just because you Love your device and you accept less then Perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My screen never separates to the point where anything could get under it... it just lifts up enough where I can press it back down..I'm not sure that would ever be bad enough to crack the screen. I'm have a C8O build so it may not be as bad as previous models? Im not sure.

steevp said:
I don't believe the problem is that uncommon.
Both units I've received so far have had the problem to some extent. The first one had it really bad and I exchanged it when I heard that it may be causing screens to crack. The 2nd one also had the problem, but the screen lift was so small that I wasn't worried about it. I still ended up exchanging the 2nd unit because of other issues (mostly the oleophobic coating was rubbing off) and should be receiving my 3rd one today.
If it means anything though, even with the screen lift problem, I still consider this the best tablet for the price and I have no interest in the new Kindle Fire or iPad Mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: Got the 3rd unit
It's one of the new C8O models and it's the best one I've gotten so far.
No screen lift, no flickering, none of the issues I had with the previous ones.
It's pretty much flawless as far as my eyes can tell.

steevp said:
Update: Got the 3rd unit
It's one of the new C8O models and it's the best one I've gotten so far.
No screen lift, no flickering, none of the issues I had with the previous ones.
It's pretty much flawless as far as my eyes can tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats My C8O had minor lift, but last night I decided to glue it down and now its fine. Two drops of super glue and 5min later I havent had a problem all night/this morning. Played a bunch of 3D games to really heat it up and its golden.

I have the screen lift issue, but I have decided not to replace it. I would recommend that customers purchase the extended warranty at the store if in fact covers broken displays.
That said, I just rub down the face with a microfiber cloth before use and the lift is eliminated for a duration. Helps with the finger prints too.
That said, once a competing tab is released with the same specs I'd recommend that one instead. This QA issue will make me avoid Asus in the future. Google needs to vet OEMs better next time.

I've had four Nexus 7 tablets that have all had screen lift on the left side. Just got my latest one yesterday and it still has the issue. I've purchased lots of tablets and gadgets and this having to exchange something this many times and still getting a defects two months later is hardly normal or expected.
Fortunately the raised glass doesn't impair the functionality of the table (normally) and the tablet is pretty nice with stock Android Jelly Bean, Tegra 3, high DPI screen, and only $200/250. So all it's good points do outweigh ASUS incompetence to manufacture the tablet properly.