Database Users

Broken plastic "lens" replaceable

So today my phone dropped on the ground flat on the ground from about hip height and after picking it up i noticed i now have a cracked screen from the top.
I'm wondering how much the plastic front lens will run about. I see some prices online for about 100-180$ and it seems like every1 is pointing to the g1 digitizer?
The touch screen features work properly with no problems at all. I'm wondering, is that whats really needed? Or is there just the plastic lens somewhere?
Don't really feel like spending around 130 bucks for accidental damage. Might awell wait for a different phone to come out .

I know you can order just the glass but I have never needed to repair the glass or LCD on a G1 or MT3G. From just looking at mine I assume you can seperate the digitizer from the LCD.
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=g1+glass+&_cqr=true&_nkwusc=g1+glasss&_rdc=1

the G1 digitizer is not a "plastic lens" it's the touchscreen, which sits on top of the LCD screen. I bought a replacement digitizer for relatively cheap on Ebay. If you are going to fix it be extremely careful. I managed to break the flex cable of my LCD screen fixing the digitizer....

Nexus 7 Digitizer Repair

I've just bought a cracked 16GB Nexus 7 for £40
Prior to buying I read a few guides but another one I've read has got me confused. They say if the touch is affected the screen needs to be replaced but if not its just the glass.
I thought the glass digitizer is the glass and responsible for the touch as well? So if that breaks it wouldn't affect the LCD, would it?
Also, has anybody got any advice for the repair. What side to heat etc.
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

As far as I know, the glass and digitizer can come separately... The glass overlays the lcd/digitizer panel. You can replace just the glass if you need to. The glass does have some effect on the touch, as it transfers touch input to the digitizer. However, if touch still works with the cracked display (which it very well can work just fine), you can save some $ and replace the glass only. It's much easier to replace glass + digitizer, but more cost-effective to replace just the glass. Use your own judgement. If the lcd panel works fine, touch response ok despite the cracked display, then replace the glass. If you have the money, or touch is affected, spring for the entire display assembly- that's what I did on my S3, but then again, my display had burn-in which is an entirely different problem.
To replace glass only:
First remove as many sensitive components (ie battery, speakers, etc) as you can. You don't HAVE to do this, but it's recommended to protect them from the heat. Then, use scotch tape to tape the cracked areas of the screen- this secures the bits of glass and makes removal easier. Next, heat with a heat gun or hair dryer to a maximum of 180*F. You should probably use a digital thermometer (like you use for cooking or electronics) to keep an eye on the temp. Heat only the glass-side/screen of the device. Move the heat over it evenly and constantly. Once the adhesive is warm enough, you can GENTLY slide a long blade under the glass and release it from the lcd digitizer. You can also use a plastic tool/plastic knife. Be careful not to scratch the lcd, and gently clean it with 90%+ alcohol after you remove the glass, and before placing the new glass. Watch some Youtube vids to see the process in action.
NOTE: I've heard both that the Nexus 7 screen is held in place by adhesive and that it's held in place by retaining clips. I'm assuming it's adhesive, but I would get that verified before you undertake this project. Good Luck!
Edited to Add:
Alas http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2431525

absinthesummer said:
As far as I know, the glass and digitizer can come separately... The glass overlays the lcd/digitizer panel. You can replace just the glass if you need to. The glass does have some effect on the touch, as it transfers touch input to the digitizer. However, if touch still works with the cracked display (which it very well can work just fine), you can save some $ and replace the glass only. It's much easier to replace glass + digitizer, but more cost-effective to replace just the glass. Use your own judgement. If the lcd panel works fine, touch response ok despite the cracked display, then replace the glass. If you have the money, or touch is affected, spring for the entire display assembly- that's what I did on my S3, but then again, my display had burn-in which is an entirely different problem.
To replace glass only:
First remove as many sensitive components (ie battery, speakers, etc) as you can. You don't HAVE to do this, but it's recommended to protect them from the heat. Then, use scotch tape to tape the cracked areas of the screen- this secures the bits of glass and makes removal easier. Next, heat with a heat gun or hair dryer to a maximum of 180*F. You should probably use a digital thermometer (like you use for cooking or electronics) to keep an eye on the temp. Heat only the glass-side/screen of the device. Move the heat over it evenly and constantly. Once the adhesive is warm enough, you can GENTLY slide a long blade under the glass and release it from the lcd digitizer. You can also use a plastic tool/plastic knife. Be careful not to scratch the lcd, and gently clean it with 90%+ alcohol after you remove the glass, and before placing the new glass. Watch some Youtube vids to see the process in action.
NOTE: I've heard both that the Nexus 7 screen is held in place by adhesive and that it's held in place by retaining clips. I'm assuming it's adhesive, but I would get that verified before you undertake this project. Good Luck!
Edited to Add:
Alas http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2431525
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Click to collapse
edit: ok, the internet doesn't even have a guide so I have no chance

UrbanDesigns said:
Nooooo
It can't be that hard to seperate the digitizer from the LCD.
It's got to be easier then doing a phone!
I'll just try it any way, worst that happens is I break the LCD as well.
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Click to collapse
True, lol... suppose it wouldn't hurt to try!

So im waiting for my digitizer/lcd to arrive but all things I read say the digitizer and lcd are fused and cant be seperated. I didnt even bother trying. So far dissasembly was a breeze. Used my daughters hair dryer and a small flat head screwdriver to seperate digitizer from the bezel with minimal breakage. This is my reference photo for reassembly
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

rezistrat said:
So im waiting for my digitizer/lcd to arrive but all things I read say the digitizer and lcd are fused and cant be seperated. I didnt even bother trying. So far dissasembly was a breeze. Used my daughters hair dryer and a small flat head screwdriver to seperate digitizer from the bezel with minimal breakage. This is my reference photo for reassembly
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't look like it's even possible, can't find anything online about it.
I'll just sell it as new screens are £60 and I paid £40 for it (16GB WiFi)
Wouldn't be worth buying a new screen

That's probably the best thing to do, put that money towards a new digitizer assembly. I literally just changed the display on my Galaxy S3 and it was a breeze. Way easier than replacing the glass would have been (although I needed the LED panel, not the glass, so different situation)... Now I have a beautiful new screen. I hope my N7 screen never breaks! I would be extremely upset about that.
The thing that bothers me is, there's gotta be a reason they're selling the glass only and not just the assembly... apparently someone has successfully changed the glass only, otherwise I'd think they're just in it for a money grab- sell screens that are impossible to change and then cash in when someone destroys the lcd and has to buy that too. What a shame.
---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
rezistrat said:
So im waiting for my digitizer/lcd to arrive but all things I read say the digitizer and lcd are fused and cant be seperated. I didnt even bother trying. So far dissasembly was a breeze. Used my daughters hair dryer and a small flat head screwdriver to seperate digitizer from the bezel with minimal breakage. This is my reference photo for reassembly
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what are you doing with your old digitizer? If it's already bad, maybe you wouldn't mind giving it a go and confirming whether the glass screen can be separated or if it is hard-fused...? Or can you tell just by looking that it would be an impossible task?

absinthesummer said:
That's probably the best thing to do, put that money towards a new digitizer. I literally just changed the digitizer on my Galaxy S3 and it was a breeze. Way easier than replacing the glass would have been (although I needed the digitizer, not the glass, so different situation)... Now I have a beautiful new screen. I hope my N7 screen never breaks! I would be extremely upset about that.
The thing that bothers me is, there's gotta be a reason they're selling the glass only and not just the assembly... apparently someone has successfully changed the glass only, otherwise I'd think they're just in it for a money grab- sell screens that are impossible to change and then cash in when someone destroys the lcd and has to buy that too. What a shame.
---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
So what are you doing with your old digitizer? If it's already bad, maybe you wouldn't mind giving it a go and confirming whether the glass screen can be separated or if it is hard-fused...? Or can you tell just by looking that it would be an impossible task?
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Click to collapse
The glass you're referring to is the digitizer, that's attached to the LCD.
There isn't 3 units, it's the digitizer which is glued to the LCD and the digitizer that is the hardest thing to replace.
edit: actually that's wrong, it's the glass>digitizer>lcd

I didn't assume 3 units.. But everyone calls the layers (exterior glass and underlying lcd or led panel) different things, and I may have gotten my wording mixed up because I'm doing many things at once... I will edit my post accordingly. But that wasn't the point of the question though.
Anyway, I know on my phone the glass can be separated from the led panel. We've heard its fused for the N7. I was just wondering if the other poster would be willing to attempt separating them if they're just going to be throwing the assembly out anyway (since they're getting a new assembly). That's something I would do with a display that's already bad. But that's me.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

absinthesummer said:
I didn't assume 3 units.. But everyone calls the layers (exterior glass and underlying lcd or led panel) different things, and I may have gotten my wording mixed up because I'm doing many things at once... I will edit my post accordingly. But that wasn't the point of the question though.
Anyway, I know on my phone the glass can be separated from the led panel. We've heard its fused for the N7. I was just wondering if the other poster would be willing to attempt separating them if they're just going to be throwing the assembly out anyway (since they're getting a new assembly). That's something I would do with a display that's already bad. But that's me.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After doing more research I know it can be done (it's bonded, not fused) but it's just hard, re-bonding looks like the hard part but it can be done:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2337288
It's actually not all that difficult with the proper equipment, my only worry is the backlight

Agreed... I'm watching a video now about replacing the assembly & pulling the bezel off... That part doesn't look too bad, reassembly looks simple enough too... But even they were like "it's impossible, get a new assembly. All you need to decide is whether to get one with a new bezel or one without and salvage your old one."
That sucks. :/
Edited to add: just saw that link, it looks like a PITA! It can be done, but should it be done?

absinthesummer said:
Agreed... I'm watching a video now about replacing the assembly & pulling the bezel off... That part doesn't look too bad, reassembly looks simple enough too... But even they were like "it's impossible, get a new assembly. All you need to decide is whether to get one with a new bezel or one without and salvage your old one."
That sucks. :/
Edited to add: just saw that link, it looks like a PITA! It can be done, but should it be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the bezel part is easy enough.
not sure what i'm gonna do now though. might still try it anyway

[With pics] How to replace only the glass (not the whole "LCD") on a Galaxy S3!

[With pics] How to replace only the glass (not the whole "LCD") on a Galaxy S3!
You don't.
Although it is entirely possible, the chance of failure if done by people with absolutely no experience with mobile phone repairs is very high.
If you've broken the screen on your Samsung Galaxy S3 and have considered replacing the screen by yourself because your local mobile phone repair shops charge a hefty price for the repair, you should reconsider. You may have seen videos like the following that make it seem it is very easy to replace the glass only:
(skip to 3:00 in this one)
Maybe it seemed too easy. That's because it was too easy. Chances are those screens have already been replaced before by a third party who has access to professional equipment and skills. Possibly the screen has been broken more than once?
Even if you do successfully replace the glass only, it is guaranteed that you will get scratches, dust, fingerprints and adhesive marks on the Super AMOLED panel, no matter how much you clean it. That's because you won't be doing the repair with gloves on in a clean room free of dust. And that's not all - after a few weeks or months of use, dust will somehow find a way to get in between the glass and SAMOLED+ panel because you didn't use machine-cut adhesive that adheres your glass perfectly, leaving no gap for dust to get in. Your screen's touch sensitivity will drop as well, since it's not making adequate contact with the digitizer. And on top of that, the visibility will also drop.
Those problems don't show up on camera, and can easily be masked/hidden from the camera, too.
If this is only your first time breaking the screen on your S3, those tutorials won't work for you because your screen was manufactured as one whole piece by Samsung. The glass on your phone won't fall out by itself because the whole glass is optically laminated to the SAMOLED+ panel using a Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive, or LOCA for short. This kind of adhesive is a little bit sensitive to heat, but can't be completely removed because it is cured using UV light, not heat.
Optical lamination is a manufacturing process employed in more high end mobile devices that eliminate the air gap usually present between the display panel (usually either LCD or AMOLED) and the glass digitizer panel on top. Phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note 2 and Note 3, iPhone 4/4S/5/5S/5C, HTC One X, One, Butterfly, Droid DNA, LG Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Sony Xperia Z, Z1, Z Ultra etc. have displays that are optically laminated. Optical lamination has a number of advantages:
Visibility is increased (especially under sunlight), since there aren't multiple layers reflecting ambient light creating optical interference
Screen clarity is increased, since optical lamination makes the display look like it is on top of the glass as opposed to being under it
It is impossible for debris like dirt and dust to get trapped in the air gap between the display and glass, because that gap is filled with LOCA
Higher contrast ratio, because there's less light reflecting off the parts of the screen that aren't emitting light
But the biggest disadvantage is the increased cost of repair. That's what you have to pay for all those aforementioned advantages. It also certainly doesn't help that the screens are getting thinner and thinner every year. The likelihood of breaking the screen increases every year too.
Here's a little photo album that I'd like to share with everyone documenting my experiences trying to remove the glass from full original Samsung screens that haven't been replaced or tampered with before. Click to enlarge.
This is a picture of the Black Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-i9300. Only the glass was broken, so I attempted to separate it from the AMOLED panel using a heat gun and some plastic pry tools. So far so good, until the AMOLED panel broke because it is optically bonded to the glass and also stuck to the frame underneath it. You can still see some LOCA on the AMOLED panel and glass.
Second is the Galaxy S4 GT-i9505. It was broken on the top half, so I started removing the glass from the bottom. Again, the LOCA wasn't very cooperative, staying quite solid throughout the removal. Eventually, the S4's AMOLED panel broke too.
It didn't look like the broken original Samsung screens wanted to be separated, so I moved on to fully intact screens.
It was a pain trying to separate this one. The adhesive was very difficult to remove, and the screen's touch digitizer circuit and polarizer started to separate from the AMOLED panel. As you can see, the glass came off intact, but the AMOLED underneath was completely destroyed.
It doesn't look like the digitizer circuit/polarizer is bonded to the AMOLED. It just gets sandwiched on top, so it is very easy to unintentionally separate it from the AMOLED instead of leaving it on and only removing the glass, especially if the glass is smashed into a thousand fragments. The glass was in one piece though, and you can see how that turned out.
This is a good representation of what the AMOLED sandwich consists of. From top to bottom:
Gorilla Glass
Touch digitizer circuit/polarizer (you can see the rest of the glass is a lot darker than the top left corner where polarizer was removed)
AMOLED panel (it looks very reflective without the polarizer on top of it)
Midframe
Some of the AMOLED panel itself came off and was still stuck to the glass!
You can see how thin and fragile the AMOLED panel is on the Samsung Galaxy S series phones. Sure, it's thin, but is it worth it? The panel has to be supported by the frame and the glass to stay intact. The panel on the S4 has a slimmed down bezel and was made thinner again, so it's a lot easier to break the AMOLED on the S4 than it is on the S3.
Ugh, don't even get me started with the iPhone 5 screen. LCDs are more robust than AMOLEDS but still...so much LOCA...so much glass...
Sure, these glass panels can be had for about $10, but is it worth all the effort to end up with a screen full of dust and fingerprints, has a warped frame and will eventually come loose and fall off, or simply just to destroy the AMOLED panel then spending extra money on a whole display assembly? Reapplying the glass leaving no gaps for dust to get in requires adhesive that is machine-cut perfectly for your frame.
Edit: Even then, you still don't have any LOCA or the necessary facilities to fill that air gap. (Thanks to @KrzychuG !)
Do you have what it takes?
Sorry for such a long post. I'm spending my time, efforts and money so you don't have to. I will occasionally add to this thread when I get more screens to experiment with.

This is a good video on how these screens can be separated and replaced with a perfect bubble-free and dust-free finish:

Most of the time its a better idea to just buy an entire replacement. I've replaced glass on nexus 7's and Galaxy Note2's a few times. it's not fun to replace glass or lamination, and it's just a whole lot easier to purchase a "parts" phone with a working display from ebay and swap out boards. Glass is one of my least favorite things to play with.

vantt1 said:
This is a good video on how these screens can be separated and replaced with a perfect bubble-free and dust-free finish:
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Click to collapse
Awesome dude! thanks alot for the tutorial, but i dont think people have industrial size vacuums in their house, lol,

Thank you so much, this is very helpful!
Can I ask how you got the information? That would be very useful to do further research about other devices
Thanks again!

I will never, ever separate the glass and the screen. I know that it will break for sure. When I replace phone glass, I replace the entire front screen assembly which includes the glass, screen, and any frame to attach it into the phone. Even if it's just the glass that's broken and the LCD still works, still replace the entire front assembly.

Pizza_Dox said:
Awesome dude! thanks alot for the tutorial, but i dont think people have industrial size vacuums in their house, lol,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the point is that unless you have all this stuff you shouldn't be even attempting to replace the glass.

i have tried this multiple times and all i can say is for anyone at home wihtout the professional equipment your not gonna get anywhere.. this isnt like and iPhone 3G/S where you take the screen off and seperate the LCD from the digitizer with a heatgun or hairdryer, ive tried all possible ways an failed every single time, either broken AMOLED or in some cases half the AMOLED comes off with the adheasive...
just save your money and buy the digitizer with the AMOLED attached..

HankChill said:
I will never, ever separate the glass and the screen. I know that it will break for sure. When I replace phone glass, I replace the entire front screen assembly which includes the glass, screen, and any frame to attach it into the phone. Even if it's just the glass that's broken and the LCD still works, still replace the entire front assembly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but what will you do with the old screen with the broken front glass ?

andr3wchong said:
but what will you do with the old screen with the broken front glass ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chuck it

I have replaced many screens, and in my experience, you're always best buying everything as readily assembled as possible. Out of 5 attempts at separating the S3 Glass from the AMOLED panel, I have managed it twice without breaking the AMOLED, and that involves also keeping the digitser intact as well, which is between the outer glass and the AMOLED.
Back when I was doing this, you were looking at £175+ for the complete assembly, so to some people, £20 at a risk was worth it if I could manage it. Now though they're cheap enough to replace the whole lot without the worry.
There is an app on Play Store called ifixit which gives pretty detailed step-by-step instructions for most DIY teardowns and fixes for phones, tablets, consoles and even some household applicances, and they have a website too. Unfortunately, it's only experience (and expense) that make you realise that just because they make it look doable, it doesn't mean everyone can do it easily. There are many, many pitfalls that you will only discover yourself when you take on these DIY repairs, to the point where I don't do them all that often anymore, just because it's too stressful and costly if it goes wrong. My first iPhone 4 (am I allowed to say that here? ) screen replacement took me 3 hours just because of how careful I was. Now I can do it in 20 minutes, just because of experience. But even then you can be plagued with problems for no apparent reason. If you don't handle stress well, my best advice is to leave it to the experts

matmaneyre said:
I have replaced many screens, and in my experience, you're always best buying everything as readily assembled as possible. Out of 5 attempts at separating the S3 Glass from the AMOLED panel, I have managed it twice without breaking the AMOLED, and that involves also keeping the digitser intact as well, which is between the outer glass and the AMOLED.
Back when I was doing this, you were looking at £175+ for the complete assembly, so to some people, £20 at a risk was worth it if I could manage it. Now though they're cheap enough to replace the whole lot without the worry.
There is an app on Play Store called ifixit which gives pretty detailed step-by-step instructions for most DIY teardowns and fixes for phones, tablets, consoles and even some household applicances, and they have a website too. Unfortunately, it's only experience (and expense) that make you realise that just because they make it look doable, it doesn't mean everyone can do it easily. There are many, many pitfalls that you will only discover yourself when you take on these DIY repairs, to the point where I don't do them all that often anymore, just because it's too stressful and costly if it goes wrong. My first iPhone 4 (am I allowed to say that here? ) screen replacement took me 3 hours just because of how careful I was. Now I can do it in 20 minutes, just because of experience. But even then you can be plagued with problems for no apparent reason. If you don't handle stress well, my best advice is to leave it to the experts
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Click to collapse
you musty be really good out of i think 7 possible 8, i have managed to seperate once, but still i scratched the AMOLED...

ricky310711 said:
you musty be really good out of i think 7 possible 8, i have managed to seperate once, but still i scratched the AMOLED...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never feels like I'm very good when I see the screen go though. Just that sick feeling :/
Saying that as well, I gave the phones back to whoever they belonged to when they were done. There's nothing to say that a couple of weeks/months down the line they faced the problems of dust under the glass, touchscreen sensitivity reduced etc. They were just happy to get them back 'looking' perfect.
Never again

matmaneyre said:
It never feels like I'm very good when I see the screen go though. Just that sick feeling :/
Saying that as well, I gave the phones back to whoever they belonged to when they were done. There's nothing to say that a couple of weeks/months down the line they faced the problems of dust under the glass, touchscreen sensitivity reduced etc. They were just happy to get them back 'looking' perfect.
Never again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your right, quallity also plays a BIG part aswell, like you said never know what could happen, but better brands generally have better touch respones and just generally more smoothe, i knew someone who had just got the digitizer replaced by a phone repair shop, they couldnt use their phone in the wind thats how bad the replacement was..
EDIT: response**

thank you, says my sii p
you saved a sii today, i'm using my phone without screen protection so it gets scratches after long times and i said to myself that's ok, i will replace the gorilla glass. that would be open the phone replace it then close it and i will have a new sii p again but sounds it's not that easy.

Very interesting thread.
I must be lucky,as on several occasions with most phones I have owned (HTC Desire hd, HTC One X, HTC One,Nexus 5, Samsung Note 3) I have accidentally dropped my phone. I've never had a case on and have on some occasions been unlucky to have the phone land on the screen, it has happened indoors and outdoors, on concrete and tarmac, despite this I haven't ever broken the glass.

andr3wchong said:
but what will you do with the old screen with the broken front glass ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HankChill said:
Chuck it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't follow the advice to "Chuck it". We purchase these cracked glass assemblies as long as the touch screen and LCD still work fine. We can pay up to $100 PER screen, depending on the model. PM us for prices for bulk orders.

I very recently bought myself an used Galaxy S3 and to my great disappointment the glass has no scratches because it has been replaced. Now I got ****ty touchscreen response and already dust is gathering between the digitizer and the glass. I might try to sell it off and buy myself another one, this time checking very carefully that everything is in perfect working condition!
So much for thinking I had found a bargain for this fantastic phone (which, despite the problems, is a nice upgrade from my Galaxy Ace!)

MobileEMT said:
I wouldn't follow the advice to "Chuck it". We purchase these cracked glass assemblies as long as the touch screen and LCD still work fine. We can pay up to $100 PER screen, depending on the model. PM us for prices for bulk orders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I have a crapload

ricky310711 said:
Really? I have a crapload
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear! We'll PM you. Feel free to contact us if you would like to sell or refurbish them.

Cracked screen help.

Hi all. I cracked the glass on my g4. should I replace the glass for 6 bucks or the whole screen and assembly for 60. Phone works fine. I also ordered an honor 8 for cheap if I can't do it, if I can fix Moto cheap I may sell the honor or sell the Moto as is or fixed. So anyone have any suggestions?

brownd7380 said:
Hi all. I cracked the glass on my g4. should I replace the glass for 6 bucks or the whole screen and assembly for 60. Phone works fine. I also ordered an honor 8 for cheap if I can't do it, if I can fix Moto cheap I may sell the honor or sell the Moto as is or fixed. So anyone have any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either one poses some risk. I thought the glass was glued to the lcd assembly. From what I've read it's best to replace the front frame, lcd and glass as one piece. There have been cases where people don't get the original assembly though and their phone doesn't have a working display at all after replacement.

Tel864 said:
Either one poses some risk. I thought the glass was glued to the lcd assembly. From what I've read it's best to replace the front frame, lcd and glass as one piece. There have been cases where people don't get the original assembly though and their phone doesn't have a working display at all after replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is glued to it and apparently it can be very difficult to replace just the glass. I just have a hard time spending 60 to replace the LCD assembly for 60 when I bought the phone for 125 new. Hmmm not sure what to do.

brownd7380 said:
It is glued to it and apparently it can be very difficult to replace just the glass. I just have a hard time spending 60 to replace the LCD assembly for 60 when I bought the phone for 125 new. Hmmm not sure what to do.
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Click to collapse
I would have no problem spending the 60 but I've read of too many people getting the lcd for another model or an after market screen and it still doesn't work. If everything else is OK and you're absolutely 100% sure it's the exact same assembly and not some knockoff crap then it might be worth it. If there is any doubt then I'd have to pass.

Screen glass replacement

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy just the glass for screen? I have a small crack in bottom right corner and a sliver of glass fell out so I can see inside the phone. The LCD digitizer is fully intact no issue. Only thing I can find is full screen replacement with digitizer and all.

I'd like to know as well. I checked one repair shop (Ubreakifix) they stated they have successfully performed the screen replacement once but it was very difficult and cost more than the 200 out of warranty replacement essential offers.

I would personally not bother and just go with the $200 out of warranty replacement that Essential charges

Nickvanexel said:
Does anyone know if it's possible to buy just the glass for screen? I have a small crack in bottom right corner and a sliver of glass fell out so I can see inside the phone. The LCD digitizer is fully intact no issue. Only thing I can find is full screen replacement with digitizer and all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can.
Check out the Essential Reddit.
There is a thread there and also where to get the parts.

tech_head said:
You can.
Check out the Essential Reddit.
There is a thread there and also where to get the parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find it.

Nickvanexel said:
I can't find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/8mx94d/successfully_exchanged_the_display/

I see some sellers on ebay, selling only the Glass Lens screen. I am ordering one today for my cracked screen which still responses well. The glass lens is for ~10dollars vs the whole lcd replacement kit for 60bucks.
Let know if anyone has had success with replacement the glass lens only.

DuaSahab said:
I see some sellers on ebay, selling only the Glass Lens screen. I am ordering one today for my cracked screen which still responses well. The glass lens is for ~10dollars vs the whole lcd replacement kit for 60bucks.
Let know if anyone has had success with replacement the glass lens only.
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How did your install go? I'm thinking about going the same route but I'm concerned it'll just be a big hassle and waste of time.

Nickvanexel said:
Does anyone know if it's possible to buy just the glass for screen? I have a small crack in bottom right corner and a sliver of glass fell out so I can see inside the phone. The LCD digitizer is fully intact no issue. Only thing I can find is full screen replacement with digitizer and all.
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Not that I know of, a Fix It Fast repair shop said they can't replace just the glass and have to do the full screen.
I paid $70 for a screen online and they charged $30 for labor so I paid $100 in all to have mine fixed(Only took 45 mins).

I broke my screen and not living in the US meant essential wanted nothing to do with me. If you don't mind buying from Aliexpress there are loads of sellers selling replacement screens. Despite what iFixit say, it was really easy. I just used a heat gun and a suction cup and lifted from the top of the phone first as the ribbon cable is at the bottom. After that there just 2 small screw that hold the cable in.
Only real caveat I have for the DIY route is none of the screens I've seen ship with adhesive to fit them. I just used the narrowest 3M double sided tape for screens I could get and still had to trim it down.
The glass, digitizer and screen are pretty much bonded together as one thing I would really not recommend attempting that even if you find somewhere just selling the glass.