[Q] 1 week old, Hairline crack, Probably no coverage? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

So I upgraded from my Galaxy S3 to my new S4 with Telus last week.
Yesterday night I was sitting down playing with my phone. I put it in my front pocket, and then took it back out less than 30 seconds later, while still sitting. I keep my phone in an otterbox, with screen protector, and keep nothing else in the pocket I keep my phone.
When I took my phone out, I noticed the display wasn't working. Sounds, etc were fine. After careful examination I noticed 2 small hairline cracks, one from the top middle, going down/left to the side, and another from the left/middle, going towards the other crack - however there is a large space in between where it is not cracked.
The cracks are NOT on the outside plastic piece, nor on the screen protector. They are on the inside screen only. There is some pixelization on the "top" area past the crack, and solid black/not working on the bottom. Never dropped this phone, put any excessive stress/pressure on it - absolutely blows my mind how this could happen.
So I went to Telus today to speak to them, they looked at it and the sales lady confirmed theres no impact marks on front/back and it just seems strange. The manager told me if they sent it away it would be 99% chance not covered under warranty and I would have to pay. He told me my best chance of anything, is to call Samsung. I left more than unimpressed.
So I call Samsung this afternoon. I tell them exactly what happened, draw the scenario out clearly - He tells me physical damage is not covered under warranty and screens do not break themselves. I tell him I agree, but there was no negligence on my part and I feel this must be a defect of some sort. He tells me he has never heard of this happening before and there is nothing he can do for me. I tell him we are are a wall and not understanding each other and ask to speak to a supervisor. Supervisor tells me the best they can do is give me a USP parcel to send my phone in to get looked at. If it's determined if it's physical damage, then I will have to pay to get it fixed and they will send me a quote and the phone back, if it's a defect of some sort they will cover it.
Just by the language that was used in the conversation (IE: Physical Damage, not covered) I don't have very high hopes on this matter. I understand it's physical damage, but that is very broad language. It's not physical damage due to negligence, but can this be proved one way or another? If only the screen shows a hairline crack, but nothing else - could this be my fault? If they do tell me it's not covered and I am to pay - What more can I do? Aside trying to fight Samsung in court over this (High cost, time, chance loosing and paying more), what are my options? Has anyone ever seen this happen before?
I'll upload some pictures in awhile.
Edit: Wow i'm not the only one, this guy wanst using a case though but still! I had an otter box on mine.
TL;DR - Screen broke, never dropped it or used carelessly, Telus won't do anything. Good chance Samsung wont cover it. What do

I had the same issue with my s3 that was in a Otterbox defender... Tmobile and Samsung told me the same thing and I was very disappointed...
The cracks wasn't even visible outside the Otterbox
X10a-Freedom

And the pictures...

Could the otterbox be putting compression stress on the phone edges?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I've noticed this device doesn't seem very sturdy. I wouldn't suggest trying this, but if you just hold each end long-ways and give your hands a slight twist it seems it's very flimsy. I don't doubt the gorilla glass 3 is strong as balls but the underlying screen isn't, which is what seems to be cracking a lot.
I think samsung made the phone so thin and poor choice of plastic grade that it can't withstand some normal wear and tear very easily. Had samsung choice an extremely tough plastic compound it may be a different story. Ever seen the plastics used on R/C cars? That stuff is tougher than nails! But hey, at least your screen won't get scratched!

orlandoxpolice said:
Could the otterbox be putting compression stress on the phone edges?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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I was thinking the same thing since my phone was never dropped or anything like that... In my case I would have never noticed my cracking if I didn't clean it
X10a-Freedom

I'm not sure about the otterbox case putting unnesseary stress on the phone or not. I dug up a few threads on here related to simmilar problems with the S4 - Others have had "pockets breaking AMOLED's" have NOT had a case on their phone.
Tough to say. I guess the case helps from impact damage such as a fall, but the AMOLED screen is still too fragile from flexing, case or no case.

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Related

Cracked Screen

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Hard to say, really. I'd try taking it in to a store. calling someone... they can't really SEE the phone first hand... so they're probably just assuming you dropped the phone which caused a "crack".... which would actually usually cause "Cracks". I'm not saying it's a definite... but you MIGHT have better luck taking it to an AT&T store. I mean, insured or not, i'm pretty sure phones usually have a limited warranty for this type of stuff.
Well the digitizer screen and lcd are seperate so it should be a cheap fix. There are places online that will replace the glass for around a $100.
cracked screen
I had my replace called onsite cellular repair and they charged $140 for it.
Sounds like you leaned against something without realizing it. I too keep my phone in front left pocket and have caught myself leaning against tables and the like with my phone. I doubt very much it was a defect.
Sent from WinBorg 4G via Tapatalk
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
If you have insurance and can go without a phone for a couple days you could pull your sim card out of your phone and report the phone lost/stolen. You will probably have to pay a fee to the insurance company. Im not sure if that would be cheaper than just having it fixed though.
I preordered one and have been using it and picked up another on eBay with a cracked screen and replaced it. If you are interested in having it repaired I would be willing to do it. I've done iPhone 3G repairs since it came out and 3GS. That was my first Atrix. Had no issues and worked perfectly after
elementaldragon said:
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
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Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
CaelanT said:
Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
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Click to collapse
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
Dr. HerbLove said:
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy cellphone insurance from them, and replace it a week later. Then if that doesnt work, you may want to try this link for new glass.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-MB860-Touch-Screen-p/mot1039620.htm
And then try this manual.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Atrix-4G-Teardown/4964/1
elementaldragon said:
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the numbers right from Cornings white papers. 9lbs is a lot of pressure on one point, and 175lbs is pressure applied with impact at an angle of 45 degrees. I might add that sandblasting will not put stresses into materials in the same way a scratch or point pressure will. Sandblasting will weaken in a more uniform manner, (and is generally used for stress relief), whereas a scratch is more localized. When you see these manufacturer videos, advertisements, etc., you have to remember they will always make things look the absolute best, so will show what is perceived to be abuse, when in actual fact a scratch or "dent" is much more normal for everyday use. I don't know about you, but I have never accidentally sandblasted my phone, but I have dropped them, scratched them, and applied pressure to them in various ways.
In my work, I lean over and into areas a lot, and that's when I sometimes feel the pressure on the phone against my thigh. I don't like holsters. Had Otterbox for my iPhone, and it dropped more with that than anything because it always got bumped off. If I remember, I remove my phone from my pocket before activities where it can have pressure applied to it.
As for the left front pocket, with men..........that's probably because users are predominantly right handed, and hold their phones with their left hands, using the right hand to swipe, etc. (You might find that women tend to put there phones mostly in their rear right pockets also when using pockets).
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the replies. I guess it could be from the leaning. I don't think I would have ever leaned on it in a way that I would have thought should have caused any damage. If it was due to leaning, I am very disappointed in the quality of that glass. And from the look of the crack I wouldn't have guessed leaning was the culprit, but since no one else has chimed in with spontaneous cracking, I only have myself to blame I guess.
Also, thanks for the tips on how to fix my phone. I did not get the insurance so that's not an option. As for the warranty, that only applies to defects that aren't physical, which is kinda bollocks because they assume there's no such thing as physical defects. I did look into the screen replacement. Sites online charge as much as I paid for the phone which is lame and buying the screen to do myself requires the purchase of 3. Anyone else need a replacement screen or have an extra to sell?
you can get screens on ebay for 60 a piece.
Hey neotekz, thanks for your tip! I went on ebay and found lots of digitizers. Is that the part I need?
To anyone who's done this already, do you have a recommendation of which one to buy? There seems to be lots of different prices. I guess I want to get an official OEM, but almost all of them say OEM. Do you think there's a big difference between them?
Also, do you guys think there's any problem with not fixing it right away? Will it cause other problems? Thanks for your help.

Moto Claims my Xoom has "Water Damage caused by the user"

About a week ago my Xoom touchscreen just quit responding. I was using it one night put it on the dock to charge and the next morning..touchscreen unresponsive.
So I sent my Xoom wifi over to Moto to get it repaired. I get it back today and a page right on top of the box had a checkbox that said that my unit has water damage and is unrepairable.
Now a little history, I bought the wifi on the day it came out March 27th at Best Buy. I bought the Invisible Shield along with it. I literally opened the box and put the Invisible Shield on the screen before even turning on the device. I put the Xoom in the gel case that I had from the 3g that I had returned.
Being such an expensive item I have babied this Xoom it literally has not been anywhere where water could have gotten into the unit. I'm attaching a few links so you guys can see the pictures that moto sent me and claimed that it was my unit.
The pictures look like they came from a unit that was abused and probably dipped in water. From the outside of my Xoom it has no damage at all. It has been in its case from day one.
What do you guys think I can do?
(I've been a member of this forum for awhile I just never posted until recently as I usually just browse. So i am unable to put a link up of the pictures yet.)
wiesman2613 said:
About a week ago my Xoom touchscreen just quit responding. I was using it one night put it on the dock to charge and the next morning..touchscreen unresponsive.
So I sent my Xoom wifi over to Moto to get it repaired. I get it back today and a page right on top of the box had a checkbox that said that my unit has water damage and is unrepairable.
Now a little history, I bought the wifi on the day it came out March 27th at Best Buy. I bought the Invisible Shield along with it. I literally opened the box and put the Invisible Shield on the screen before even turning on the device. I put the Xoom in the gel case that I had from the 3g that I had returned.
Being such an expensive item I have babied this Xoom it literally has not been anywhere where water could have gotten into the unit. I'm attaching a few links so you guys can see the pictures that moto sent me and claimed that it was my unit.
The pictures look like they came from a unit that was abused and probably dipped in water. From the outside of my Xoom it has no damage at all. It has been in its case from day one.
What do you guys think I can do?
(I've been a member of this forum for awhile I just never posted until recently as I usually just browse. So i am unable to put a link up of the pictures yet.)
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Click to collapse
I suppose it is possible that the liquid solution used to apply the skin somehow seeped down into the display along the edges. I really don't know what your options are man but I will say this... none of our units came in a sealed box so how are we to know that the unit we bought and paid for shipped from the manufacturer unused? Thats grounds for some sort of legal person to figure out in my opinion.
Call them and be very friendly, but if someone won't help you, get a manager. If the manager won't help, ask for their supervisor (and so on). Don't be rude, but make sure you don't let them off the phone unless they hang up on you. Keep saying: That isn't my xoom. You must have mixed something up.
Good luck!
slack04 said:
Keep saying: That isn't my xoom. You must have mixed something up.
Good luck!
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For some reason that reminded me of the Shaggy song , "It wasn't me".
The Shaggy Defense
HuckFinn said:
For some reason that reminded me of the Shaggy song , "It wasn't me".
The Shaggy Defense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Email me your liquid damage pictures please. iammodo( at) gmail I am rather expert in these matters.
Sent from my phone
Easy option. I've done this with my ipad and many phones if I didn't have time to fix it myself. You tell them only problem I had was the touchscreen but the night b4 it was heating up and that can cause moisture build up and that can change the indicator showing its wet. Now if they say that it looks like something clearly spilled then maybe some1 might've and hid the truth from u. Good luck!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Ohh also the sun can damage it. Was it near the window where the sun light was hitting it? Ive repaired countless things for my customers and sometimes it shows wet indicator when it really was never dropped in or spilled on. Let me know. If anything give me ur serial number n all n ill call for u.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Did you use water applying the screen protector?
I'll never understand why people use screen protectors on any phone/tablet devices these days. They all have glass screens.
Water could have gotten in there during installation and very slowly corroded the components.
Thanks for the tips.. I ended up taking the xoom back to best buy as a last resort ..
After the geek squad guy at the counter tried to give me the typical run around I asked to speak to a manager.. (nicely of course) After going back and forth for a bit they decided to give me a new xoom!!
I definitely didn't expect that but I will tell you best buy earned my loyalty just from that one thing.
As for the previous xoom the only thing I did was put the invisible shield on it withtl that solution they give you.. that's the only way I can imagine it could've gotten water damage..
As for moto I will tell you in the future I will most likely not purchase one of their products as they were of no help and did everything they could to get me off the phone when I called to discuss their water damage claim..
Bauxite said:
Did you use water applying the screen protector?
I'll never understand why people use screen protectors on any phone/tablet devices these days. They all have glass screens.
Water could have gotten in there during installation and very slowly corroded the components.
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Click to collapse
I understand your statements about water and understand your corrosion theory...however, I'm not sure I understand your logic about not using a screen protector. Many people have reported that even Gorilla Glass scratches depending on the circumstances.
I'm not trying to sound condescending, so I hope this is not taken that way. I'm interested in your rationale though...convince me why I don't need a screen protector...I'll gladly like the chance to save $20-$30 I spend on screen protectors.
Dollyllama said:
I understand your statements about water and understand your corrosion theory...however, I'm not sure I understand your logic about not using a screen protector. Many people have reported that even Gorilla Glass scratches depending on the circumstances.
I'm not trying to sound condescending, so I hope this is not taken that way. I'm interested in your rationale though...convince me why I don't need a screen protector...I'll gladly like the chance to save $20-$30 I spend on screen protectors.
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Click to collapse
I have a Droid Incredible that is one year old. No screen protector. It "travels " in my pocket, and gets a lot of use every day. Not one scratch or mark of any kind on the screen.
So, no screen protector on my Xoom either. And there are no scratches on it's screen although it's only 7 weeks old.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Now don't listen to Pandora on your new XOOM while taking a shower. The steam will show water damage very very quickly.
wiesman2613 said:
Thanks for the tips.. I ended up taking the xoom back to best buy as a last resort ..
After the geek squad guy at the counter tried to give me the typical run around I asked to speak to a manager.. (nicely of course) After going back and forth for a bit they decided to give me a new xoom!!
I definitely didn't expect that but I will tell you best buy earned my loyalty just from that one thing.
As for the previous xoom the only thing I did was put the invisible shield on it withtl that solution they give you.. that's the only way I can imagine it could've gotten water damage..
As for moto I will tell you in the future I will most likely not purchase one of their products as they were of no help and did everything they could to get me off the phone when I called to discuss their water damage claim..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they don't repair tablets. That's why their "protection" plans cost more than they normally would. They just replace the entire thing. Did you ever register the zagg shield on their site? Since it has a lifetime warranty you should be able to get a replacement for that too. Although, I think you have to send in the old one once you remove it.
Did you remove it before returning your old one?
Bummer about your experience man, glad it worked out for ya.
And for the others talking about not getting a screen protector... i was/am a huge hater of them, never had one on my evo and it lives in my pocket with keys and other junk, it has never scratched, so needless to say i never wanted one on my Xoom either, but the fingerprints and glare were too much so i bit the bullet and even though it took a while to get used to i don't regret it one bit
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Im all about the screen protector. Not to stop the scratches so much, but I have the anti grease sheilds on all my stuff. I hate fingerprints!!1 I wish I could get them big enough to put on the back windows of my cars to keeps the kids little finger prints off the glass
BTW...glad to hear you got a new Xoom.
Carphone warehouse over in the uk have a nice little notebook padded cover that i bought for my xoom with a zip on it, although its loose, the protection works a treat and in my bag too, protects it from scratches etc, etc,
never been a huge fan of protective screens, never been able to get them on without there being some sort of problem.
My advice on this one for water damage;
- "Apple "Claimed" in the UK that iphone useres had decided to dip their phones into glasses of water, glasses of water which infact were no existant, they were taken to Watchdog, (UK BBC show) and were forced to change their process for evaluating water damage. Turns out people sweating were setting of the water damage indicators due to them being on the charging port XD"
Maybe pester Motorola.
cam30era said:
I have a Droid Incredible that is one year old. No screen protector. It "travels " in my pocket, and gets a lot of use every day. Not one scratch or mark of any kind on the screen.
So, no screen protector on my Xoom either. And there are no scratches on it's screen although it's only 7 weeks old.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
The thing is, your Dinc has never been dropped. Do you have a case for it btw? Cases create a gap between the screen and the ground so that is to prevent cracked screens. On the other hands, screen protectors serve many purposes, scratches, glare, fingerprint.....so it is a very good thing to have. I believe it is money well spent.
Though, some don't read the instruction and spray the water on the screen (not pointing finger at you op ) and that's when it gets damaged. Just spray the screen protector itself is safe enough. But seriously, I respect your belief, I am still considering screen protectors are good at what they do.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Good that the OP got redress without too much hassle.
As a point of reference for future issues involving items of "substantial" value, always take pics (with date stamps) before sending stuff in to RMA. Even though it wouldn't be incontrovertible proof, it's a sign of due diligence that can be used in small claims court.
Which is the logical next step, assuming other efforts at redress fail, and assuming you feel strongly enough to take action. People usually get scared off when the word "legal" is involved, but with some homework, you can be competent in a small-claims case.
And since we're on the Internet, the first step, of course, is to look up the FAQs for small claims suit in your locality. Your govt is your friend (if you would bother to look). Here is the FAQ for Calif, USA.
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/
wang1404 said:
The thing is, your Dinc has never been dropped. Do you have a case for it btw? Cases create a gap between the screen and the ground so that is to prevent cracked screens. On the other hands, screen protectors serve many purposes, scratches, glare, fingerprint.....so it is a very good thing to have. I believe it is money well spent.
Though, some don't read the instruction and spray the water on the screen (not pointing finger at you op ) and that's when it gets damaged. Just spray the screen protector itself is safe enough. But seriously, I respect your belief, I am still considering screen protectors are good at what they do.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No case for my DINC. And I have dropped it several times, hard enough for the back to come off, and the battery to come out (talk about a forced reboot!). I really am not convinced of the value of screen protecrors. But it's an individual decision, of course.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

How resistant is the Nexus 4?

I want to buy it but I heard that so many people's Nexus 4 phones shattered out of the blue??? I treat my phones with delicacy but these people say their phones broke from being in their pocket with nothing else in it. I have a SGS2 and it doesn't have a single scratch or bend or any flaw on its hardware visible view
Agree. I have had an SGSII for 18 months, 12 months without any sort of screen protector and I haven't had a single scratch on the screen (touch wood).
Mine and most others are fine, shattered out of the blue is a misnomer really, just means the owner doesn't know how it got broken, obviously it's not going to spontaneously shatter.
thanks guys. I'd like if some other people also shared their hardware experience because I don't want to regret buying this phone hence I live in the Bahamas. this means I won't be able to return it if something happened as quick and would cost a lot of money
There's already a ton of threads and discussion on this, but I'll oblige OP and provide my experiences once again.
Some background on my phone usage: I came from a Galaxy S which had the previous generation of Gorilla Glass. After over two years of heavy use without a case or screen cover, my phone had two very minor but broad scratches that could only been seen with the screen off and at certain angles under certain lighting. Screen on, you would never know the phone wasn't brand new.
My N4 arrived last Monday (two days use thus far) and I removed the packaging films from the front and rear. Haven't got a case but I ordered the Poetic Slimbook case, which I expect in December.
I haven't dropped the N4 and have placed it on many different surfaces (Thanksgiving table in a room with over a dozen eaters, so the table wasn't very clean). My phones have always sat in my front pocket. While the N4 has been occupying this same space, I've heard it hit a few tables and counters, which left me grimacing on the inside.
However, I'm glad to say that my N4 is pristine and has zero scratches, scuffs, or signs of wear. Both glass faces have stayed spotless and the oleophobic coating works very well. The plastic edges have not scuffed either, and don't seem too have picked up any oil/grime.
I really don't expect my phone to get scratched in any way over the next few years. I only got the case for extra protection when I am out or traveling. Also, I like flip cases
I wouldn't recommend this phone if you tend to be reckless with your phone and can't own up to it, so you make threads saying the screen randomly cracked. Those people would probably "bump" into a Window and break it, then blame the manufacturer for not making the glass bulletproof. I'm sure a lot of iPhone 4/4S users have scratched or cracked the glass faces on their phones, but no one said those phones were too fragile. The N4 is just as durable, if not more durable that the previous generation iPhone. If you are honest with yourself and think that you would mutilate an iPhone 4/4S, you should get a case and screen protector for the N4. It's not unusually fragile in any sense. Pretty durable in my opinion.
Maybe in two to three years, I'll end up with a few minor scratches that are invisible when the screen is on. For me, it's a phone, not a piece of art that is meant to be seen and not held. I really doubt that I'll scratch the phone now that I'm a bit older and wiser. The scratches on my old phone can be attributed to very drunken nights and surprise encounters with broken glass containers. Or perhaps some an unfortunate meeting with silicate on my old lab bench. Regardless, I learned how to take care of my phone without babying it.
No offense, but assuming everyone whose Nexus 4 spontaneously shattered isn't telling the whole story or is otherwise irresponsible is jumping to conclusions.
I set mine down to charge, returned 2 hours later, and the back had shattered around the speaker hole and radiated cracks throughout the rest of the back. I have no explanation for this other than the glass is potentially also sensitive to temperature change (warming battery/cool countertop). In any case, the fragility of the back of this phone is patently absurd for a mobile device and we can only hope Google/LG step up to rectify it. The internals of the phone are otherwise fantastic and it's a powerful device.
Hung0702 said:
There's already a ton of threads and discussion on this, but I'll oblige OP and provide my experiences once again.
Some background on my phone usage: I came from a Galaxy S which had the previous generation of Gorilla Glass. After over two years of heavy use without a case or screen cover, my phone had two very minor but broad scratches that could only been seen with the screen off and at certain angles under certain lighting. Screen on, you would never know the phone wasn't brand new.
My N4 arrived last Monday (two days use thus far) and I removed the packaging films from the front and rear. Haven't got a case but I ordered the Poetic Slimbook case, which I expect in December.
I haven't dropped the N4 and have placed it on many different surfaces (Thanksgiving table in a room with over a dozen eaters, so the table wasn't very clean). My phones have always sat in my front pocket. While the N4 has been occupying this same space, I've heard it hit a few tables and counters, which left me grimacing on the inside.
However, I'm glad to say that my N4 is pristine and has zero scratches, scuffs, or signs of wear. Both glass faces have stayed spotless and the oleophobic coating works very well. The plastic edges have not scuffed either, and don't seem too have picked up any oil/grime.
I really don't expect my phone to get scratched in any way over the next few years. I only got the case for extra protection when I am out or traveling. Also, I like flip cases
I wouldn't recommend this phone if you tend to be reckless with your phone and can't own up to it, so you make threads saying the screen randomly cracked. Those people would probably "bump" into a Window and break it, then blame the manufacturer for not making the glass bulletproof. I'm sure a lot of iPhone 4/4S users have scratched or cracked the glass faces on their phones, but no one said those phones were too fragile. The N4 is just as durable, if not more durable that the previous generation iPhone. If you are honest with yourself and think that you would mutilate an iPhone 4/4S, you should get a case and screen protector for the N4. It's not unusually fragile in any sense. Pretty durable in my opinion.
Maybe in two to three years, I'll end up with a few minor scratches that are invisible when the screen is on. For me, it's a phone, not a piece of art that is meant to be seen and not held. I really doubt that I'll scratch the phone now that I'm a bit older and wiser. The scratches on my old phone can be attributed to very drunken nights and surprise encounters with broken glass containers. Or perhaps some an unfortunate meeting with silicate on my old lab bench. Regardless, I learned how to take care of my phone without babying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
potatomaster said:
No offense, but assuming everyone whose Nexus 4 spontaneously shattered isn't telling the whole story or is otherwise irresponsible is jumping to conclusions.
I set mine down to charge, returned 2 hours later, and the back had shattered around the speaker hole and radiated cracks throughout the rest of the back. I have no explanation for this other than the glass is potentially also sensitive to temperature change (warming battery/cool countertop). In any case, the fragility of the back of this phone is patently absurd for a mobile device and we can only hope Google/LG step up to rectify it. The internals of the phone are otherwise fantastic and it's a powerful device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That being said, there are a very small number of people who's phone "breaks all by itself", I would imagine given any population that has a new device there will be a similar number of people who reports these kinds of problems. If you're too worried about it, throw a case on it.
Then again, maybe the case will break on its own too.
Well, you can always put a case around the case.
potatomaster said:
No offense, but assuming everyone whose Nexus 4 spontaneously shattered isn't telling the whole story or is otherwise irresponsible is jumping to conclusions.
I set mine down to charge, returned 2 hours later, and the back had shattered around the speaker hole and radiated cracks throughout the rest of the back. I have no explanation for this other than the glass is potentially also sensitive to temperature change (warming battery/cool countertop). In any case, the fragility of the back of this phone is patently absurd for a mobile device and we can only hope Google/LG step up to rectify it. The internals of the phone are otherwise fantastic and it's a powerful device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One time I was at my brother's place and he had this untouched Krispy Kreme donut just sitting on the table.
Two hours later he comes back and sees a bite in it and asked me who had eaten it...
My response?... nooo ideaaa!
potatomaster said:
No offense, but assuming everyone whose Nexus 4 spontaneously shattered isn't telling the whole story or is otherwise irresponsible is jumping to conclusions.
I set mine down to charge, returned 2 hours later, and the back had shattered around the speaker hole and radiated cracks throughout the rest of the back. I have no explanation for this other than the glass is potentially also sensitive to temperature change (warming battery/cool countertop). In any case, the fragility of the back of this phone is patently absurd for a mobile device and we can only hope Google/LG step up to rectify it. The internals of the phone are otherwise fantastic and it's a powerful device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
News at 11. Guy with 4 posts and no credibility states his phone spontaneously cracked the back screen.
.....
I dropped this phone from 4 feet standing up from a chair on the patio, it was forcefully thrown from my lap, flipped multiple times, and skidded on "Cement", and not a scratch. Unless these ppl got some weird defaulted phone they are full of it.
Would I want to drop it again? Nope. But, the phone won't break from thin air. In fact every pic I have seen that had a broken screen/back, you could see the pressure spot where it was hit, smashed, and otherwise bludgeoned.
tweaked said:
News at 11. Guy with 4 posts and no credibility states his phone spontaneously cracked the back screen.
.....
I dropped this phone from 4 feet standing up from a chair on the patio, it was forcefully thrown from my lap, flipped multiple times, and skidded on "Cement", and not a scratch. Unless these ppl got some weird defaulted phone they are full of it.
Would I want to drop it again? Nope. But, the phone won't break from thin air. In fact every pic I have seen that had a broken screen/back, you could see the pressure spot where it was hit, smashed, and otherwise bludgeoned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, very realistic perspective. I really don't know whether to get the SGS3 or N4 the n4 is so sexy but many people say its fragile and I treat my phones with the most extreme care I can give. I've never dropped my SGS2 except thrown on my bed.
If your used to taking care of your devices, then you should have no problem with this awesome N4!
tweaked said:
News at 11. Guy with 4 posts and no credibility states his phone spontaneously cracked the back screen.
.....
I dropped this phone from 4 feet standing up from a chair on the patio, it was forcefully thrown from my lap, flipped multiple times, and skidded on "Cement", and not a scratch. Unless these ppl got some weird defaulted phone they are full of it.
Would I want to drop it again? Nope. But, the phone won't break from thin air. In fact every pic I have seen that had a broken screen/back, you could see the pressure spot where it was hit, smashed, and otherwise bludgeoned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
similar story; mine slid off a paper towel machine in a public restroom hit HARD right on the front glass on the tile floor, bounced up and landed on the back. i thought for sure one or both sides was going to have a huge crack but to my pleasant surprise, neither side had any scratches.
...now if it spontaneously cracks the next time i charge it..i will deny any responsibility :laugh:
woah.. I guess the phone isn't as fragile as it sounds.. why are people saying there are random cracks already though? are those just false rumors to make LG look bad? I'm so afraid the phone will break out of the blue..
I was on the phone at a party someone bumped into me and I dropped it onto a stone tile floor..I'm 6feet tall so that's a pretty decent drop..the only mark I have on the phone is a small nick in the bezel..both front and back are in tact..don't go throwing it around but id say its pretty solid :laugh:

Back panel cracked in my pocket never dropped?

Ive had my nexus 4, for about a 1week. I'm very careful with my phones. Had the iPhone since the 3G-till the 4S switched back and forth beetween android. Having the G1 and the G2 then G2x and the GS3 now I have the nexus 4. Never having problem with a cracked screen on ANY PHONE. After a long shift at work 12hrs at a (Nissan dealership) I take my phone out of my pocket and the back is cracked?!?! Not once did I drop it or bump it in my jacket. So my only conclusion is that the phone is very sensitive and maybe with the slight pressure with crack? Anyone have same problem or info? Currently waiting for Google to send me my replacement. Hopefully I'm under warrnty for the crack. (fingers crossed)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
You must have bumped it or bent it. Glass doesn't crack by itself. Otherwise there would be tons of these posts on here.
That being said the back glass does look pretty thin, so a hit in the right (wrong) place could do the damage maybe. I dunno. Mine is caseless and it's still perfect.
AW: Back panel cracked in my pocket never dropped?
Maybe heat and cold diferences Do you have a pic of it ?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
There are a few posts out there with this issue.
One off the top pf my head is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999345
Not sure if it was in that thread or another but I saw a user say they had it on their desk, heard small popping/crackle noise, and the back of his N4 spider webbed from the bottom corner, which would support the idea of the temp changes causing it.
Bull****.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Because of its size it seems easy to angle it in a way where it can get flexed. I experience this using my.phone in my pockets often.
Two weeks of your time and $64 + shipping there is what it cost me. Google will not cover damage as a warranty claim and LG won't quote a price to repair. Good luck
Hi
christianrms said:
Two weeks of your time and $64 + shipping there is what it cost me. Google will not cover damage as a warranty claim and LG won't quote a price to repair. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These phones can't really be kept in a trouser (pant) pocket without some potential problems. I think the main issue is when you go to sit down, your pocket bends into a right angle, and your phone wants to follow that shape. Being a fairly large phone it can't get find a space in your pocket where it isn't under some forces trying to bend it.
Eventually your phone starts to bend slightly, this at best may just cause the glass back to pull away from the back adhesive, at worse it bends enough to break the glass. It seems a similar issues were the cause of Wi-Fi antennas disconnecting internally on the HTC One X.
These type of devices are not called "pocket phones", they are called "smart phones" and don't respond well when stuffed into a trouser pocket.
Regards
Phil
My nexus 4 cracked as well. Had it inside a warm gym changing room then put it in my coat pocket ,which btw is big enough and located so that it wont bend the phone at all. I then went outside (imin the uk where it is snowing hence cold) then pulled it out and it had got a crack on it. Not happy to say the least, and no its not covered by lg warrenty.
PhilipL said:
These phones can't really be kept in a trouser (pant) pocket without some potential problems. I think the main issue is when you go to sit down, your pocket bends into a right angle, and your phone wants to follow that shape. Being a fairly large phone it can't get find a space in your pocket where it isn't under some forces trying to bend it.
Eventually your phone starts to bend slightly, this at best may just cause the glass back to pull away from the back adhesive, at worse it bends enough to break the glass. It seems a similar issues were the cause of Wi-Fi antennas disconnecting internally on the HTC One X.
These type of devices are not called "pocket phones", they are called "smart phones" and don't respond well when stuffed into a trouser pocket.
Regards
Phil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the reason I wear baggy drawers! Carry a lot of things in them including this fragile glass phone! :good:

S4 Screen cracked in front jeans pocket! Galaxy S4 is very weak!

I have been so careful with my S4, never dropped it. Looking after it. Today I put my phone in my front jeans pocket like always. Got in the car and after a 5 minute drive got out and the screen is showing funny colors and its cracked ;(
I have had many phones in this front jeans pocket (They all lived) and somehow a slight bend has done this. Very weak, if you ask me we are going to see a lot of this as it seems the phone is not the strongest at all. Time for a unibody HTC I think. I've had it with Samsung's plastic crap.
My phone will be up on ebay if anyone wants an i9500 for spares.
Edit: The gorilla glass is fine, its the amloed behind that cracked.
you must of sat on it or something because mine is always in my front pocket (screen facing my leg) and no problem..
tft said:
you must of sat on it or something because mine is always in my front pocket (screen facing my leg) and no problem..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more guy who doesn't take care his phone, "Oh my god, my phone just broke, I did nothing, It broke itself. samsung suuuuucks, I will go HTC one!!!"
Of course. Always samsung build quality, always the manufacturer fault.
Madawcisrich said:
One more guy who doesn't take care his phone, "Oh my god, my phone just broke, I did nothing, It broke itself. samsung suuuuucks, I will go HTC one!!!"
Of course. Always samsung build quality, always the manufacturer fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you see the glass didnt break... so it is definitly a thing to worry about...
It was in my front pocket, that is all. I did not sit on it. Many phones have lived in my front pocket. My S4 did not like it. Yes its my fault of course. Just saying that in my experience its weak! Very weak. Infact this is the first phone I have broken ever.
Yes im mad...Just saying this phone is weak. I'm no HTC fanboy, just going to get a unibody that will survive front jeans pocket better than this.
And its very strange that the glass did not break. Just the top of the amoled.
shox22 said:
As you see the glass didnt break... so it is definitly a thing to worry about...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point exactly, should not have broken. But did. Its weak, or my S4 had a weakness of sorts. 799 usd down the drain....
Call samsung and your cell phone carrier and see what they can do. Google for replacement parts and fix it yourself. Also should always get a protector case for this multi hundred dollor phones. If you can spend $200-$600 for a phone spending $50 for case is nothing. Wish you luck.
Hendrickson said:
It was in my front pocket, that is all. I did not sit on it. Many phones have lived in my front pocket. My S4 did not like it. Yes its my fault of course. Just saying that in my experience its weak! Very weak. Infact this is the first phone I have broken ever.
Yes im mad...Just saying this phone is weak. I'm no HTC fanboy, just going to get a unibody that will survive front jeans pocket better than this.
And its very strange that the glass did not break. Just the top of the amoled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be covered under warranty imo, assumung there are no marks or damage caused by dropping the phone or something similar. Call a repair centre and turn it in for warranty repair, i think they will cover it.
This has happened a few times now to people on here and is clearly an issue with this phone. The phone glass screen cracking is one thing. The Amoled itself without the glass being damaged is something else and a clear design fault. I'd be f*****g livid if this happened to mine and would expect a replacement or at least a repair.
Pagnell said:
This has happened a few times now to people on here and is clearly an issue with this phone. The phone glass screen cracking is one thing. The Amoled itself without the glass being damaged is something else and a clear design fault. I'd be f*****g livid if this happened to mine and would expect a replacement or at least a repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I searched around and yep. It seems i'm not the only one. The phones amoled can crack that easy has to be a design flaw. I'm thinking maybe it was heat changes too? But my front pocket, come on. Its BS. I will call Samsung tomorrow and see what they can do. I hope this has a happy ending.
Mine did this too, but i didn't even sit down, put it in my pocket after getting out of the car walked into the house took it back out my pocket, cracked amoled, glass undamaged!
This is now the 5th thread on here that I have seen about this problem and posted in!
There's a picture of mine in one of the other threads
Sent my phone to samsung who say its physical damage so not covered under warranty!
Lets hope if enough people complain they might repair them!
the other threads :-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2284944
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2260083
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280272
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2273212
Lots of people saying we must have dropped them and its not very common, but threads like this are popping up every few days!
How many have to report this before people start taking it serious and start to believe there just might be a build/quality issue!!
Let us know your results good luck! Think you might have issues proving it is design fault and you didn't drop it etc (i do belive you but these companies are A holes)
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
SATAN999 said:
Mine did this too, but i didn't even sit down, put it in my pocket after getting out of the car walked into the house took it back out my pocket, cracked amoled, glass undamaged!
This is now the 5th thread on here that I have seen about this problem and posted in!
There's a picture of mine in one of the other threads
Sent my phone to samsung who say its physical damage so not covered under warranty!
Lets hope if enough people complain they might repair them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch so Samsung will not fix it! I will see what they say tomorrow. Its clearly a design fault. Because I have had many phones in my jeans front pocket and no issues till know. Its stupid that this happened. Hopefully Samsung will do something about this! Did you manage to recovery your files of the phone?
Edit: Maybe its the heat in our pocket that made the screen crack. I did have it glass facing my leg like always come to think of it.
Almost all reports of the LCD cracking have been caused by stress with quite a few people mentioning "pockets." It's pretty clear the SGS4 because of its thinness and near bezel-less display is more prone to stress damage than the SGS3 was. But since Samsung never published a stress guarantee for the SGS3 or said the SGS4 would be better or worse people with damaged panels have acted as scouts warning others about stressing the SGS4. I'd be shocked if any of these cracked panels were repaired under warranty and if they are it would be considered goodwill. So with what's known either don't subject the SGS4 to stress or buy another phone if it's a concern. Samsung's not going to change the design or repair damaged displays carte blanche because it's too hard to tell what's been caused by user damage and what's a stress crack which, in a way, could be considered user damage also (it didn't crack by itself ). And with no implied durability guarantees from Samsung it’s going to be awfully hard fighting them as what’s “weak” or “strong” isn’t defined so everyone’s expectations are just that; expectations. I'm sure this isn't what people want to hear but it's pretty much the state of the union.
Mine is always in my pocket and my jeans are not that loose wt all. I wear a tight fit
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Hendrickson said:
I searched around and yep. It seems i'm not the only one. The phones amoled can crack that easy has to be a design flaw. I'm thinking maybe it was heat changes too? But my front pocket, come on. Its BS. I will call Samsung tomorrow and see what they can do. I hope this has a happy ending.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gotta be faulty screen lol they do drop tests on this ****s and it survives
btemtd said:
Mine is always in my pocket and my jeans are not that loose wt all. I wear a tight fit
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then one day soon you will have a surprise. A dead screen like the others here including myself.
Hendrickson said:
Ouch so Samsung will not fix it! I will see what they say tomorrow. Its clearly a design fault. Because I have had many phones in my jeans front pocket and no issues till know. Its stupid that this happened. Hopefully Samsung will do something about this! Did you manage to recovery your files of the phone?
Edit: Maybe its the heat in our pocket that made the screen crack. I did have it glass facing my leg like always come to think of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep also put screen towards leg to protect it, just in case I do knock into anything!
Also had over a dozen phones over a dozen yrs and never ever broken one before!
Used kies to back up the phone, as it still starts up fine
I will just have to be very careful with my S4
SATAN999 said:
Yep also put screen towards leg to protect it, just in case I do knock into anything!
Also had over a dozen phones over a dozen yrs and never ever broken one before!
Used kies to back up the phone, as it still starts up fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added a list of the other threads I have seen in my first post (no 11)

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