Database Users

Crap! I dropped my phone on the sidewalk and chipped the silver beveled rim

Is there any way to replace this part?

**** dude, that luck! mind posting a pic of it

Im notorious for dropping phones, if u wanna get a case get the tmo rubbery one, it works trust me. Maybe if u take it in they will change the piece, for a fee ofcourse

damn do you have a pic?

My only camera is the phone itself so I can't take any pictures unfortunately.

sj_martin said:
My only camera is the phone itself so I can't take any pictures unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just get two mirrors and position one in front of your phone and one behind, and hold your phone just right to get the front of your phone in the picture. Easy!!
;-)
Sent from the future using XDA App

sj_martin said:
Is there any way to replace this part?
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Click to collapse
dont think so...just throw one of these on they are great and cover crome bezel nicely and add almost no bulk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=772826

I did the same thing three days after getting this beauty. A fifteen dollar gel from the tmobile store covers it nicely.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

demo23019 said:
dont think so...just throw one of these on they are great and cover crome bezel nicely and add almost no bulk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=772826
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Click to collapse
i have the same one, it's amazing, best case i've ever had for ne phone

how are the screws safed (warranty)

hi,
how are the screws safed by samsung?
exactly what i want to know is how are the screws safed by unscrewing the first time to save the warranty?!
if i open the phone how can samsung see that? is there something special to the screws e.g. some lacquer on the screws that they can see you have opened your phone?
thanks in advance!

Not sure but I'll will warn you that taking it apart even after removing all the screws is a huge pain, it doesn't just come apart it's still snapped together all the way around.
I didn't worry about mine because it was already apart for warranty repair (and not put back together right, left a gap, which is why I took it apart).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gydoCVSTNFc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt9XNnjAcBc&
i asked because they use the same screws for disassembling no paint... nothing

Eww that vid with the creepy nails again
Let me tell you without the freak nails (or some special tool?) getting that plastic off is a pain. I used a tiny screw driver and worked at it for a while.

I've opened mine and there are some kind of paint at the tip of the screw (see the picture below). I don't know if that is for waranty propose but i think it is not, because let say if you take your phone to a service center, they take the screws off, the same thing happens, the paint is take away. So there is no way for them to note it.
But there is a bigger problem ) I'm sure when you try to take the scews off, you will damage some of them. So there will be a clear sign that you opened you phone.
And finally I recommand you to take it to a service center if it is under waranty. It is pain in the ... to open the back plate.

The blue material is 'loctite' type stuff to help secure the screws from loosening, not related to any kind of 'intrusion detection'.
What is your reason for wanting to open it anyways? There's not much to do in there except break it and possibly void the warranty.

Perhaps to fix your GPS antenna ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970

Only way we know is if the screws are slighty rounded off as we replaced them after each time we open them.
The colour on screws is just to fasten them nothing special.
mid section comes off with ease just start at the bottom of the phone and move the bezel off the sides of the phone a bit and yay almost drops off.

ok thank you! this means they can´t see it if we dont damage the screws.
2 of my screws are a little bit scratched since it was in repair.... i never opened them myself.

iammodo said:
Only way we know is if the screws are slighty rounded off as we replaced them after each time we open them.
The colour on screws is just to fasten them nothing special.
mid section comes off with ease just start at the bottom of the phone and move the bezel off the sides of the phone a bit and yay almost drops off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, can you tell me where can I get some replacement screws?
I've got an issue with my camera (black blurry dots on pictures) and i opened mine and cleaned it up but the problem seemed to be a hardware one.
Now i have to take it to waranty for them to replace the camera. I'm looking for replacements screws cause I rounded and scratched mine and you can clearly see it. There is no way they gonna accepts it for waranty like that

elviroo said:
ok thank you! this means they can´t see it if we dont damage the screws.
2 of my screws are a little bit scratched since it was in repair.... i never opened them myself.
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Click to collapse
Just don't damage them anymore scrathes are fine only rounding off is a bit Sign.
Sent from my GTI-9000 Using that XDA app thingy

dukuletz said:
Hi, can you tell me where can I get some replacement screws?
I've got an issue with my camera (black blurry dots on pictures) and i opened mine and cleaned it up but the problem seems to be a hardware one.
Now i have to take it to waranty for them to replace the camera. I'm looking for replacements screws cause I rounded and scratched mine and you can clearly see it. There is no way they gonna accepts it for waranty like that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ebay would be best. I order mine from Samsung so never needed to look around.
Sent from my GTI-9000 Using that XDA app thingy

maybe here but dont know this shop.
http://www.mobilephone-spares.com/Samsung-I9000-Galaxy-S-wholesale-parts-supplier.html

I searched on ebays but couldn't find any. A link to where i can buy it would be great.
Or if you are kind, can you help me out with some? I will pay you, there is no problems.
I have a friend living in London, I think shipping is not an issue.
Many thanks!
@elviroo: I found that site too, but they are wholesale

then call http://www.samsungparts.com them
i think there you will get them.
edit: in the service manual exploted view QCR101 SCREW-MACHINE 6001-002005
http://www.samsungparts.com/PartsList.aspx?Catalog=Parts_and_Accessories&PartSearch=6001-002005
this should be the screws!

sry for double posting but i couldnt edit an attachment to my other post

Thanks for the links, but that is not a solution for me. The shipping cost is too much 38$ only for shipping. I can just buy a new camera module with that money and replace it

dukuletz said:
Thanks for the links, but that is not a solution for me. The shipping cost is too much 38$ only for shipping. I can just buy a new camera module with that money and replace it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you located?
Can't see into as using xda app.
Sent from my GTI-9000 Using that XDA app thingy

I'm from Romania. I see that you are in UK, I have a friend living in London, I will be greatful if you can help me.

dukuletz said:
I'm from Romania. I see that you are in UK, I have a friend living in London, I will be greatful if you can help me.
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Click to collapse
Pm me their address. Ill post some screws.
Sent from my GTI-9000 Using that XDA app thingy

[Guide] How to prevent scratches to your back cover

Ok so this is what I have been doing to my phones for a while now to stop scratches. Even a case can cause minor scratches/scuffs after time.
I'll get pics of the process later this evening(didn't think about it last night)
Just to note this is COMPLETELY reversbile is you do not like it(see below for removal info)
1) Head to your local Home Depot store.
2) Pick up a SPRAY can of a product called PlastiDip (located in the paint isle) - I recommend the black color
3) Next, take some newspaper (or anything to help catch overspray) and lay out on the ground/table (I recommend you do this outside or a WELL ventilated area)
4) Now remove the battery cover from your phone and lay down Logo side up.
5) Shake up your PlastiDip can very well(per instructions on can) and spray an area AWAY from your cover to get an idea of the spray pattern.
6) Now, cover the back cover in stages. Do a light coat of PlastiDip, then give it a few min, then another layer, then a third layer(each layer should be a light coat). Wait about 10-15 min after the 3rd coat and pick up the cover and inspect it to make sure you got all the corners/sides/top/bottom properly. If not, do another light coat(focusing on those areas you need to)
7) Now let it dry for ~30min - 1hour(at this point you can bring back inside)
8) Now put back on the phone and enjoy the new rugged rubberized back plate that will stand up to slight abuse(it can still peel is you manhandle it)
Now if you don't like it, just remove the back cover, and start at 1 corner and slowly peel the coating off. If is snaps, just lightly rub back with your finger to remove. Comes off clean and easy since it is just a spray rubber.
People have been using PlastiDip to cover all sorts of items, from tools, to car emblems, to even ENTIRE CARS!!!

Or u can buy an xtremeguard full body cover for like $3 or $4 and install just the back like I did.
via Galaxy S III

Lol buy a case......problem solved....isipio for like $15
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

sk8trix said:
Lol buy a case......problem solved....isipio for like $15
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Click to collapse
Can still get scratches in a case....thats why I suggested the skin solution
via Galaxy S III

Interesting idea. I like the idea of the clear coat. Could you comment on the thickness of the coating? I'm using an Infuse car dock at the moment which rules out a case, but this might be the solution...

nest75068 said:
People have been using PlastiDip to cover all sorts of items, from tools, to car emblems, to even ENTIRE CARS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And real tuners have been laughing for years at ricers like this! PlastiDip was meant for putting new grips on hand-tools, ricers have taken it to an entire new and awful level....
Paint > Rubber
you get what you pay for
if you really want protection on your phone, either put on a full body protector or just buy a new back cover, I bought a nice looking carbon fiber skinned one without any carrier branding on it for $15 shipped!

With plastidip you still fit in a case but it gets peeled off..
With clear coat only a few tpu cases fit.. Most cases are not going to fit unless ur rocking a bumper
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

RikF said:
Interesting idea. I like the idea of the clear coat. Could you comment on the thickness of the coating? I'm using an Infuse car dock at the moment which rules out a case, but this might be the solution...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really is not that thick of a coating. You can lay it on heavy if you choose,but 3 light coats is really all you need.

Gadgetz said:
Can still get scratches in a case....thats why I suggested the skin solution
via Galaxy S III
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Click to collapse
please tell me how !

Bagbug said:
please tell me how !
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Click to collapse
You back cover is still in contact with the inside of the case which can still scratch the back cover.

Bagbug said:
please tell me how !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not gonna waste my time trying to convince you cause your mind is already made up so why bother? Besides, I couldn't care less what happens to your phone so believe what you want. :good:

nest75068 said:
Ok so this is what I have been doing to my phones for a while now to stop scratches. Even a case can cause minor scratches/scuffs after time.
I'll get pics of the process later this evening(didn't think about it last night)
Just to note this is COMPLETELY reversbile is you do not like it(see below for removal info)
1) Head to your local Home Depot store.
2) Pick up a SPRAY can of a product called PlastiDip (located in the paint isle) - I recommend the black color
3) Next, take some newspaper (or anything to help catch overspray) and lay out on the ground/table (I recommend you do this outside or a WELL ventilated area)
4) Now remove the battery cover from your phone and lay down Logo side up.
5) Shake up your PlastiDip can very well(per instructions on can) and spray an area AWAY from your cover to get an idea of the spray pattern.
6) Now, cover the back cover in stages. Do a light coat of PlastiDip, then give it a few min, then another layer, then a third layer(each layer should be a light coat). Wait about 10-15 min after the 3rd coat and pick up the cover and inspect it to make sure you got all the corners/sides/top/bottom properly. If not, do another light coat(focusing on those areas you need to)
7) Now let it dry for ~30min - 1hour(at this point you can bring back inside)
8) Now put back on the phone and enjoy the new rugged rubberized back plate that will stand up to slight abuse(it can still peel is you manhandle it)
Now if you don't like it, just remove the back cover, and start at 1 corner and slowly peel the coating off. If is snaps, just lightly rub back with your finger to remove. Comes off clean and easy since it is just a spray rubber.
People have been using PlastiDip to cover all sorts of items, from tools, to car emblems, to even ENTIRE CARS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i love DYI projects. Will be doing this tomorrow
Can you post pictures of the outcome>?

nest75068 said:
You back cover is still in contact with the inside of the case which can still scratch the back cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rofl.

FrankJL_ said:
i love DYI projects. Will be doing this tomorrow
Can you post pictures of the outcome>?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it really necessary to quote that whole ginormous post to say what u said?
via Galaxy S III

Gadgetz said:
Was it really necessary to quote that whole ginormous post to say what u said?
via Galaxy S III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, I thought I was raining on this kid's parade with the ricer comments, you just sound like you've got some sand where it doesn't belong!!! Get laid or something, for real.....

Gadgetz said:
Was it really necessary to quote that whole ginormous post to say what u said?
via Galaxy S III
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Click to collapse
You dont need to be an ass to everybody.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Well if you use a tight fitting case you could just take the back cover off all together
Sent from my Sprint GS3

I have yet to see an item that holds up with plastidip on it. the stuff should be only allowed for sale if you live in a trailer park For anyone thats trying it on your phone.... if you have any left, spray it on your bare feet too. You could have awesome custom fit plasticdip shoes then to match your phone back.
Google 3m Di-noc or 3m 1080 if you want to put something on it that actual holds up and works.

yzf750 said:
I have yet to see an item that holds up with plastidip on it. the stuff should be only allowed for sale if you live in a trailer park For anyone thats trying it on your phone.... if you have any left, spray it on your bare feet too. You could have awesome custom fit plasticdip shoes then to match your phone back.
Google 3m Di-noc or 3m 1080 if you want to put something on it that actual holds up and works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lmao..haha

Wow. So many aholes. Unbelievable. If you want to use it do it if not don't. Very simple.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

A Helpful Tip. (Camera related.)

If you notice that your pictures aren't turning out very well and that the camera is having a hard time trying to focus -- remove the plastic cover from the lens. It's EXACTLY the same shape and size as the square lens.
Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

I noticed that one there, but it didn't want to come off easily and I didn't want to force it. How did you get it off?
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app

bigworm50 said:
I noticed that one there, but it didn't want to come off easily and I didn't want to force it. How did you get it off?
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Just used my finger on the corner of it. Finally came off. Much more clear now. :good:

Baldilocks said:
If you notice that your pictures aren't turning out very well and that the camera is having a hard time trying to focus -- remove the plastic cover from the lens. It's EXACTLY the same shape and size as the square lens.
Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it applies to other phones like HTC ?

Dannyada1988 said:
Does it applies to other phones like HTC ?
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Click to collapse
I doubt it. This is just a plastic protective shipping film that they put over the lens. It's kind of hard to spot and why the did it like this is beyond me.

Are you sure thats supposed to come off? Mine is on real good, but I did notice whoever put it there didnt line it up very well and the hole is off center compared to the lens.

highaltitude said:
Are you sure thats supposed to come off? Mine is on real good, but I did notice whoever put it there didnt line it up very well and the hole is off center compared to the lens.
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Click to collapse
Yes, it's just a thin piece of film. It actually has a hole in the middle of it.
I wish I hadn't thrown it way or I'd take a picture of it.

Lil plastic cover over lens
here's an image

Thanks for the tip, I was kind of nervous in terms of removing it. Didn't seem to come off as easy as the other plastic.

It is difficult to get off, so beware.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

+1 it was definitely a little hard to get off.
darkodin14 said:
Thanks for the tip, I was kind of nervous in terms of removing it. Didn't seem to come off as easy as the other plastic.
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Click to collapse
phositadc said:
It is difficult to get off, so beware.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
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Click to collapse

bigworm50 said:
+1 it was definitely a little hard to get off.
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Click to collapse
I took the back of the phone off and the plastic cover came off much easier.
- Aaron

so hard to get off lol

Cheap lens cover
Has anyone else noticed that the lense cover (not the film you remove) but the actual lens cover above the sensor is made out of plastic. My last phone, the i717 galaxy note had this and one little dink caused the camera to not be able to focus. So just be very careful and protect it at all costs or you will have a useless camera.

Thanks for this thread! I saw that the camera had a ton of junk on the lens after 2 days. It felt like I could take it off but I was scared. lol

Baldilocks said:
If you notice that your pictures aren't turning out very well and that the camera is having a hard time trying to focus -- remove the plastic cover from the lens. It's EXACTLY the same shape and size as the square lens.
Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you manage to pull it off?
There is no edge

There is an edge on mine...use the light and look very close!
Sent via Tapatalk

I just pressed my thumb down hard and slid at the same time... eventually enough came off the lens that I was able to grab the edge with my fingertips.

I'm going to laugh my head off if this turns out to be the reason why the images from people's GS4 cameras weren't looking as good as expected.

Damn what a pain it ass. lol

Cracked Camera Lens

My friend came to me and said he cracked the lens on his camera, and as the resident tech guru I figured I would help him out...how would one go about doing this, and will his warranty/Insurance be void if i fix it?

warranty will be voided. youd have to pull it apart VERY CAREFULLY yourself.

It's definitely a crack and not he plastic shipping film that's on the lens? Just making sure.

Here watch this total teardown video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm4f2XjQLAM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

Baldilocks said:
It's definitely a crack and not he plastic shipping film that's on the lens? Just making sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure a crack...