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Can someone please tell me how to apply the screen protector that comes with the phone as it's just a large piece of clear plastic with no instructions how to physically attach it to the display!
It has a peel away backing which is much thinner than the protector.
I struggled to find how this attached when I got mine and have since put hair and smudges on the sticky backing. Can't wait for the new ones to come online mid May.
It's a sticker that you stick on the screen. How hard is this?!
Just put it on. Work cleanly though, be prepared and do it right the first time.
Bend the corner of the big part slightly and the two parts seperate
The part that goes onto the backing bit is what goes on screen
start from the top and smooth it down
As mentioned, work in a clean/dust free environment!
I've done it many times but even this time round, I got fluff inside - just one spec thinking as it was brand new out of the box, it wouldnt have anything on the screen and so I wouldnt need to clean it !
In removing the protector to clean it out... I ruined it
Got my new Brando one the other day which feels a bit more stronger and durable but still clear so I'll be putting that on later tonight
And now I have a air can with me too so if I get anything in the way, I can blow it out rather than trying to scrape it out
I've now put on the screen protector that came with the phone, but it feels a little thin and flimsy.
I'd like to know people's opinion of other aftermarket brands of protector for this phone as I'd like to get something a bit better quality.
Same thoughts here too
I ordered a pair from HTC direct but I think looking at them now that I have them, they are the same as the originals so I will probably not bother using them
I also have the Brando version now - Not opened yet but I will open and apply it to my phone tomorrow evening - just need a dust-free environment to test it
Apparently, Brando boast they have the best protectors so lets see
It does feel a lot stronger than the original
akash_84 said:
Same thoughts here too
I ordered a pair from HTC direct but I think looking at them now that I have them, they are the same as the originals so I will probably not bother using them
I also have the Brando version now - Not opened yet but I will open and apply it to my phone tomorrow evening - just need a dust-free environment to test it
Apparently, Brando boast they have the best protectors so lets see
It does feel a lot stronger than the original
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Click to collapse
Did you try this new Brando screen protector, and if so, is it any good?
Also, has anyone else had any experience of after-market screen protectors for this phone?
OK I applied mine today - sorry for the delay but I was just waiting for a time I could be patient !
I ordered it from HTCDirect as they are the only ones that had in stock
Recieved it promptly the next day so Kudos to them on that...also the guy I kept in touch with over email (Carlos if I remember correctly) was great and prompt in my queries.
My main query was - does it have the SAME fitment as the original bundled one.
As you know, the bundled one covers the entire screen including the slider for zoom and camera
The answer was Yes, it was exactly the same fitment.
So when I opened the pack, I was a bit annoyed as it was clearly NOT the same fitment! It's close however, but the top of the camera where on the HTC is all the way round with a small hole for the camera, the Brando one is in a U shape leaving the top bit of the camera open.
OK onto application
Just like all Brando protectors, it is protected by two covers on either end with clear instructions - pull one side BEFORE application and the other AFTER application
Once the dust was off the screen and the original protector...
I did just this - and after several attempts of lining it up - and I note, it is very EXACT in lining up. Slightly out and you will have more black on one side from the screen than the other.
Peeled it off, applied it and smoothed it out - the latter bit was hardly needed as the bubbles just vanished which was great.
At this state, the protector looked smoked a little and not as clear as the original one.
Once I was happy, I peeled the top part - noticed one bubble near the end where the label to peel was, smoothed it out and the protector was as clear as the original one.
First impressions:
It does feel MUCH more durable
It has a very slight and I mean SLIGHT smoked affect in that it is not 100% transparent as the original one but this shows how good it is potentially in strength.
Usage is fine, I can glide over it with my finger and stylus without any issues. The original was a finger print magnet but this seems to not stain with it which is great.
Now the downside....
I think HTCDirect sent me a slightly duff one. It has clearly got markings on the top (once the top layer was off) which look like impact marks.
It is very tiny - almost like what happens to a screen without a protector after 12months
I'm not too fussed but feel a bit cheated. Its no use removing it now as I would have no protector on it during the replacement stages - not to metion I would have to pay to ship back etc.
For now, I am ok with it but if it bugs me, I will throw it away and put the original one on (I ordered 2 extras from Clove who as usual, got it to me instantly, good communications and speed in delivery).
The clove one has no marks at all so thats an option.
Hope this answers some of your questions but to summarise your question
Is it stronger?
Yes it is
Is it worth it?
If you can get one mark free - yes it is
Benefits?
It's re-usable, stronger, washable, and I notice it does not let as much light reflect of it - something I had huge problems with in the sunlight with the original one where I could not see the screen - I am not exaggerating!
Downsides?
Where I got mine from, it has marks on it - something that might just force me to remove it and go back to the original one
Also the camera does not go in a O shape but rather a U shape
OK during the submit button, I realsed the marks and the U shape was bugging me too much
I knew it was a matter of time that gap in the U would get clogged up with dust that would eventually get stuck around the U bit
Removed it and applied the original one I bought from Clove... I have two so if it does wear down, I can replace it
I know from experiance that the original one in the box that I applied lasted fine up till now (a month now since I've had my TD2) so I dont doubt that it will be worn out - May not last as long as Brando's guarantee of it outlasting te device but that's fine given the price of the HTC ones.
Applied it without any dust getting trapped (the main reason I had to buy these and the brando one)
I found those marks were actually dust that was already stuck under the protective layer - whether this is HTCDirects fault or Brando during factory release - who knows but I think as a lesson, I'm staying away from both and sticking to the original stuff.
Hope you make the right decision either way - for now, a brando goes into the bin
akash_84 said:
Bend the corner of the big part slightly and the two parts seperate
The part that goes onto the backing bit is what goes on screen
start from the top and smooth it down
As mentioned, work in a clean/dust free environment!
I've done it many times but even this time round, I got fluff inside - just one spec thinking as it was brand new out of the box, it wouldnt have anything on the screen and so I wouldnt need to clean it !
In removing the protector to clean it out... I ruined it
Got my new Brando one the other day which feels a bit more stronger and durable but still clear so I'll be putting that on later tonight
And now I have a air can with me too so if I get anything in the way, I can blow it out rather than trying to scrape it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damnit, didn't pay enough attention to dust & co...so after i saw that i catched a few dust pieces under it, i've tried to get them out manually - big mistake.
so trashed the original one and waiting for the new brando to put it on. being a former iphone-user, i must admit that the diamond2 screen is pretty sensible to scratches. i thought that i won't be needing any protection, but i already have a few small ones...so a screen protection is a must-have now.
Should have read this first
I should have read this thread before I tried to apply my screen protector. Straight away I had dust underneath the screen protector. Obviously I will now have to order some more protectors but will I be alright using my phone until they arrive? How delicate is the td2 screen?
You'll be fine using it while its there - just be annoying to see the dust specs!
I ordered a pair of the original ones in the end as I was not happy at all with the premium Brando one - the look, feel and visibility was terrible
Reason I ordered 2 of the original ones is I was hearing rumours before the unit was even released that the original HTC one was not durable and would need to be replaced after x amount of months - having had mine for 4-5 months now and with heavy usage, I can report back to say the first protector of the two is still on there - still very clean with no stylus/finger/nail marks and still as durable as it was when I put it first on.
arsenal84 said:
I should have read this thread before I tried to apply my screen protector. Straight away I had dust underneath the screen protector. Obviously I will now have to order some more protectors but will I be alright using my phone until they arrive? How delicate is the td2 screen?
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From what other threads are saying the screen should be treated with care. Don't push it hard and avoid impacts. Don't stick the phone in your back pocket! Some people have experienced damaged screens even after a short time.
Shouldnt put any phone in your back pocket!
The number of phones I have to fix or write off because they have had severe pressure on them - ie: sitting on them has increased 5 fold recently.
And lets face it...the countries population are not getting any thinner/smaller!
eXelero said:
damnit, didn't pay enough attention to dust & co...so after i saw that i catched a few dust pieces under it, i've tried to get them out manually
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Click to collapse
I know it is not recommended. but I use a small drop of water on the screen before applying the screen, wiping the water as it is squeeze out. The water takes the dust with it.
Hi
I've applied mine that came with the Diamond 2 and after a few attempts you can't see it is there. Ironically I fits so well I almost want to put another screen protector on top of it so it doesn't become damaged and need replacing.
Anyway a tip. Working in a dust free environment is the key. A bathroom is a good place. I have a hepa air filter (for hayfever) and this removes dust really well so run that for a bit which helps.
With all the care in the world dust can get underneath, I had a few specs, and they tend to cause a small bubble as the screen screen protector can't fit flush. I found it very easy to remove them. Have some sticky tape handy, this can be used to lift up the screen protector from the corner. Lift it back up enough to get to the spec of dust, and using another piece of sticky tape dab the spec of dust off the sticky side of the protector, then lay it back down.
Regards
Phil
Hairs
Fru T Bunn said:
It has a peel away backing which is much thinner than the protector.
I struggled to find how this attached when I got mine and have since put hair and smudges on the sticky backing. Can't wait for the new ones to come online mid May.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean I made an okay job of the one that came with it. The rubber case I bought of eBay came with one as well and made a right pigs ear of that. I think they need to be applied in a clean room
I've since bought some more off eBay so next time, I'm going to be a lot more careful!
Cheers, Rob.
I got 3 screen protectors with the original phone (2 of them as a gift). The first one was perfect except for a piece of fluff near the middle of the screen. I tried to remove it with a cloth(!!!) and ruined it. So I went for the second one, but at this stage the screen was not clean so I tried to use a microfibre cloth, which made it worse because it leaves even more fluff. I tried to fix it a few times and so now I have fluff inside, plus a bubble (the protector is a bit scratched) plus it doesn't stick properly on most of the sides and around the holes.
I am tempted to use the last one, but if I ruin it once more I am out of them. My biggest problem is how to clean the screen before sticking the protector. Will all the fluff come away when I remove the old protector? How can I clean the screen, knowing that the microfibre leaves fluff? Shall I blow with a can of compressed air?
I find magic tape is great for removing dust spots. Use the backing sheet to gently lift a corner then push the tape underneath to clean screen or protector as needed.
My favourite screen protectors are from Martin Fields. Really tough and easy to apply. Also, they are washable so if you do get a real dust problem you just take it off an run under the tap. Don't try that with the phone though...
Everything works fine (except for the camera focus, which I can live with since everything is in focus always as it is because it shoots at like f/8). What's weird is that it has survived so many other falls onto concrete, and this just happens now.
I really need to replace the glass as soon as possible. It looks pretty unprofessional cracked like this.. I am out of warranty (bought the phone in September 2010 from T-Mobile), and T-Mobile no longer has any G2s .
I've looked through a few people who have mentioned replacing their front glass, and would like to do so myself. Anyone have advice regarding how I could do this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-dR8CHEGjY
less than $20 for new digitizer, takes 30min -- leave yourself an hour if your new to this
Sweet thanks! Looking forward to getting this done. Will keep this thread updated.
Ordered it from the website. Hopefully will get it soon.
captainreynolds said:
Ordered it from the website. Hopefully will get it soon.
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Click to collapse
I highly advise AGAINST super glue for securing the digitizer.
silverton said:
I highly advise AGAINST super glue for securing the digitizer.
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Click to collapse
Okay - what would you recommend instead?
the glue that is on your phone now will sufice. when heat it up with hair dryer (be carefull if you use a heat gun) most of it will stay along the frame of your phone. just keep it warm and quickly put new digitizer back. have done it twice now with g2s and countless times with g1s and no dust has ever seeped in.
but with g1s i often replaced the casing as well. here i would use 3m double sided tape that worked very well. if you are also replacing the case or for some reason dont feel the glue is enough use this
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
I recommend 2mm 3M adhesive tape. I have used it for the 3 g2s I own and it holds darn well. Its less then 5 bucks on amazon and you will have quite a bit of it. Dont use glue. I always take off that old black tape.
http://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Sticker-Digitizer-Supersonic-Incredible/dp/B004WIQW3U
demkantor said:
the glue that is on your phone now will sufice. when heat it up with hair dryer (be carefull if you use a heat gun) most of it will stay along the frame of your phone. just keep it warm and quickly put new digitizer back. have done it twice now with g2s and countless times with g1s and no dust has ever seeped in.
but with g1s i often replaced the casing as well. here i would use 3m double sided tape that worked very well. if you are also replacing the case or for some reason dont feel the glue is enough use this
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Okay - thanks for this!
Darkseid83 said:
I recommend 2mm 3M adhesive tape. I have used it for the 3 g2s I own and it holds darn well. Its less then 5 bucks on amazon and you will have quite a bit of it. Dont use glue. I always take off that old black tape.
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The tape doesn't make the digitizer bulge away from the surface at all? I feel like it would. I'll give that link a buy though, just in case.
the tape he and i is refuring to is thinner than paper, i have not needed it for a g2 before but only have done 2 digitizers on these so i cant say its never necessary unless you are replacing the case as well, but its cheap to have around and may be needed
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
The tape doesn't make the digitizer bulge away from the surface at all? I feel like it would. I'll give that link a buy though, just in case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No if you stack it right I had to stack three pieces of that tape to flush it. It does not move around if you tape in the right spots. Its very thin and almost invisible.
That is weird... I did the SAME thing last week lol! I busted it on the concrete too and everything. It scratched up the bezel pretty bad too. I had insurance so I ended up getting the MT4GS (aka HTC Doubleshot). I love how speedy it is but I REALLY miss the development here and the GREAT community here in the Desire Z/G2 sub forum As far as repairing/replacing the screen (the digitizer specifically), everyone here gave great advice. I used to repair phones for a number of years and we always used a sealant very similar to double sided tape that y'all were mentioning. It basically was foaming glue that acted similar to silicon or something. I agree that about not using super glue. Bad idea. Also be careful with the ribbon wires and watch a few videos prior to disassembly. There were a few tear down threads here I'd keep handy while repairing. Good luck to ya!
Make sure you are VERY careful when removing the lcd its very fragile. I reaced my digitizer easy and was careful and lcd got mrssed up ie no pic. Ordered a new lcd and it had not brightness control always dim waiting for new replacement now. Side note once new screen comes in I will be selling this phone if anyone is interested i have 3 of them only need 2
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
Son of gun. The last three screws I need to remove do NOT fit with the philips head screwdriver that was recommended. Now I get to scramble around with my phone in pieces trying to find a smaller philips head screwdriver. Awesome.
They are philips head, not torque screws. I checked and triple checked.
Anyone have any idea what to do here? I can't find smaller screwdrivers anywhere. Home depot has got nada.
Go out and buy a precision screwdriver set or maybe a eye glasses repair kit. Only the first 3 screws are torx T5. Also there is 7 of them tiny ones not 3. There is 3 on either side and one more under keyboard backstop
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
anoymonos said:
Go out and buy a precision screwdriver set or maybe a eye glasses repair kit. Only the first 3 screws are torx T5. Also there is 7 of them tiny ones not 3. There is 3 on either side and one more under keyboard backstop
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
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Click to collapse
No it's the three screws across the back at this time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=u-dR8CHEGjY#t=251s).
They are smaller than all the others and I still cannot get them out. I cannot find an eye glasses repair kit or precision screwdriver set small enough.
http://www.repairsuniverse.com sent me the screwdrivers for the Inspire 4G. Pretty sure the digitizer is for the G2 but I'll have to check the screen sizes to make sure.
Update. Fry's elecronics had a repair kit for smartphones that fit the screws. Still working on it.
captainreynolds said:
No it's the three screws across the back at this time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=u-dR8CHEGjY#t=251s).
They are smaller than all the others and I still cannot get them out. I cannot find an eye glasses repair kit or precision screwdriver set small enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you keep watching the video you will see that when he removes the sticky keyboard backstop there are three more identical size screws mirrored from the ones you are talking about right on edge of phone, and then when you remove that piece after you remove the screws there wiil be one more (this makes number 7 ) screw of the same size tiny. Also i dont think it is metioned in the video but when you go to remove the keyboard backstop (the shiny piece under the sticky strip ) use your safe pry tool to unlock the tabs from the edge and then you must slide the piece towards the center of the phone it does not just pry off there are tiny tabs holding one side down opposite of the screws ( edge of phone ) And as far as the screwdriver for eye glasses repair, is it you cant find one or it just does not work? You should be able to find one at any walgreens or equivalent drug store or pharmacy. You could also try a hobby shop they might have something that will work. I personally use quite a big screwdriver to disassemble you just need to make sure it has a sharp point at the tip of the star ( mine is a phillips number 00 ) Believe me once you get it apart once you will be that was so easy.
Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.
WestAussie said:
Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use a hairdryer for loosening the adhesive to separate glass and digitizer , being patient is the key but there is a good chance of messing it up
It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P
pietro_spina said:
It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
WestAussie said:
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine had a battery.
This is the part I bought.
OEM LG Nexus 4 E960 LCD Screen and Digitizer Assembly with Front Housing and Battery
from this page (they ship out of Hong Kong)
http://www.etradesupply.com/lg/android-models/lg-nexus-4-e960-parts.html but it appears to be out of stock now. (Maybe I got the last one)
Like I said, it was pricey, but i couldn't risk me screwing it up further since I run my architecture firm with this phone. I was looking for a minimal down time solution because the alternative for me was just buy a new phone in a retail store the next day. Not having access to the lower parts of my screen was seriously limiting. I slogged away for a week using all sorts of work-arounds to activate the dial pad, use parts of the keyboard etc while I waited for the replacement part.
This guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDAIgwbXk4 does not show the heating stage but he is so freaking calm, it can't be that bad... Do remove the main board before prying on the battery if you go that route...
-p
I just want to add, for anyone finding this thread, that the part I got from etradesupply.com has some pretty obvious yellowing of the screen. This screen was either removed from someone else's n4 because of this defect or taken from the reject bin at the factory.
In the future if I have any breaks, I will sent it to an LG facility.
Does anyone know of another place to buy the front screen with housing? It is OOS at etradesupply....
Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm
pietro_spina said:
Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm
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Click to collapse
Thanks... looks like mixed reviews about this company, though.
I picked up a cracked glass/working LCD S4 for $100. I've ordered replacement glass and watched several videos of the process and I've done this kind of thing before (careful delicate work with electronics that is.) Phone works fine, just the glass is cracked - but touch, lcd and all features seem ok.
The only aspect I'm unsure of is whether I really need to re-glue the new glass using something like this: LCD Glue
It sounds like a lot of people have just done the glass, no new glue and heated the phone slightly afterwards to re-adhere the tape. I'd rather not use new glue if I don't have to - looks like a messy step and one that could easily go wrong with too much glue and I don't have a UV curing light so that'd add to my cost of doing this.
Does anyone have firsthand experience with a phone whose glass has been successfully replaced either with or without new glue?
Thanks!
Loca is about the closest your gonna get to a oem experience, but if I was you, I would pay Samsung to fix the display.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Andrew149 said:
Loca is about the closest your gonna get to a oem experience, but if I was you, I would pay Samsung to fix the display.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
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I've completed the operation without adhesive and it was largely a success but there's a small bubble spot on the display. I like it better than the cracked glass but it's not perfect. I've got an S4 for slightly over $100 - even if I just have an S4 with a spot for $115, I can live with that. And I may redo it and use adhesive. I just got it because it was cheap - I have a Note 2 I'm still quite happy with and don't intend to switch over. If I pay Samsung for anything, it'll be a Note 3.
Considering how I felt part way through getting the glass off - I was fairly sure I'd destroyed it - I'm very happy with the result.
Thanks for the reply!
LanceDiamond said:
I've completed the operation without adhesive and it was largely a success but there's a small bubble spot on the display. I like it better than the cracked glass but it's not perfect. I've got an S4 for slightly over $100 - even if I just have an S4 with a spot for $115, I can live with that. And I may redo it and use adhesive. I just got it because it was cheap - I have a Note 2 I'm still quite happy with and don't intend to switch over. If I pay Samsung for anything, it'll be a Note 3.
Considering how I felt part way through getting the glass off - I was fairly sure I'd destroyed it - I'm very happy with the result.
Thanks for the reply!
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That's great glad you had some success!
This is from my personal experience with replacing glass on my S3.
1) replaced JUST the outer glass and all was well with how the phone worked. With just replacing the glass there were a couple cons to it. First con was it was VERY HARD/almost impossible to see anything on the screen when out in the sun. Second con was that you would either have what looked like a bubble under the glass. This was caused because the glass was touching part of the lcd and would look like it was wet in the middle of the phone. When you press on the screen the WET LOOK got worse. But heck for the $20 I spent on the new outer glass I had a functioning phone. Third the outer screen is now not sealed and you can get dust/debris/liquid in between the glass and lcd which in time will look bad.
Now onto the SECOND TIME I broke my glass on my S3. I used LOCA that cured using Uva light. Well it looked great but I did not have a Uva lamp with me at the time when I did it and the sunlight didn't cure it fast enough. So the phone LOOKED and WORKED perfectly like it was brand new for a few days . Then my lcd stopped working. Pulled phone completely apart and found that the uncured LOCA had made it in between the lcd and the electronics part if the phone and shorted it out. So this is where I went wrong and LEARNED from it.
LOCA is great and I would recommend it with these instructions. 1. Before applying LOCA remove EVERYTHING from the phone. And I mean everything. So you only have the front glass, lcd, frame/bezel. This is very easy to do and only held together with 10 or so screws. Then use LOCA and MAKE SURE to have a UVA LAMP on hand before attempting. Once it is full cured with the lamp (only takes a few minutes under the Uva lamp to fully cure) then you can reassemble the phone and it will be like brand new. Still for only about the price of $50 for the outer glass and LOCA.
Read in the ATT S3 forums and you can learn a lot before attempting it. You will see where things can go wrong and where things go right. I was one of the first guinea pigs to test out the LOCA and after making my mistakes other learned and we're able to complete it correctly.
When my lcd went out I just bought the S4. Finally I recently bought a lcd with a cracked outer glass, new outer glass, and already had some local still. Now my S3 looks brand new again and functions perfectly.
Sent From My Spiderman Themed I337
RockRatt said:
This is from my personal experience with replacing glass on my S3.
...
Now onto the SECOND TIME I broke my glass on my S3. I used LOCA that cured using Uva light. Well it looked great but I did not have a Uva lamp with me at the time when I did it and the sunlight didn't cure it fast enough. So the phone LOOKED and WORKED perfectly like it was brand new for a few days . Then my lcd stopped working. Pulled phone completely apart and found that the uncured LOCA had made it in between the lcd and the electronics part if the phone and shorted it out. So this is where I went wrong and LEARNED from it.
LOCA is great and I would recommend it with these instructions. 1. Before applying LOCA remove EVERYTHING from the phone. And I mean everything. So you only have the front glass, lcd, frame/bezel. This is very easy to do and only held together with 10 or so screws. Then use LOCA and MAKE SURE to have a UVA LAMP on hand before attempting. Once it is full cured with the lamp (only takes a few minutes under the Uva lamp to fully cure) then you can reassemble the phone and it will be like brand new. Still for only about the price of $50 for the outer glass and LOCA.
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LOCA, 2mm double sided tape and a UV Light on the way. Even with all that my cost on the phone isn't bad. And I can cure nail polish too!
I do plan to remove as much as I can from the phone to prevent the glue shorting anything.
LanceDiamond said:
LOCA, 2mm double sided tape and a UV Light on the way. Even with all that my cost on the phone isn't bad. And I can cure nail polish too!
I do plan to remove as much as I can from the phone to prevent the glue shorting anything.
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Sounds like you checked out the thread and are all ready to go. Good luck and let us know how it went for you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
RockRatt said:
Sounds like you checked out the thread and are all ready to go. Good luck and let us know how it went for you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
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Well the patient lived but he isn't entirely his out of the box brand new self...
I did remove the mid-frame and motherboard and I'm glad I did because if I hadn't, I'd have had adhesive in between the mid-frame and display assembly I suspect. I didn't use enough adhesive at first so before curing it, I pulled the glass back off and put more adhesive in. When I did this, it introduced a few bubbles and worst of all, some adhesive got up where it's barely obstructing the front facing camera. It still notices when you wave your hands at it and I haven't played with it a lot yet.
I didn't fully understand how LOCA cures - you can hit it with UV for a few seconds and it sort of "pre-cures" and then wipe away excess and whatnot. I didn't do that, put the UV on and left it curing the excess and gluing the phone to the bench with adhesive than ran out lol. A bit of scraping and clipping later I got it unstuck and cleaned up but had I just pre-cured, wiped up, then long cured it'd have been better.
Not unhappy considering it had broken glass, now it doesn't and it looks decent and is functional and I don't have much $ in it for having an S4 to play with!
Update: I took the phone apart again and removed the front facing camera and did a little cleanup with acetone & some q-tips. Front facing camera is now fine. Only diff between this phone & stock/new is there are several bubbles - but several bubbles is a hell of a lot better than broken glass! Touch is very responsive and contrast looks great.
Something else to watch for......
On larger phones, like Note etc. LOCA glue is NOT an option! If you don't use it,you will almost certainly have problems with the touch sensor. Part of the glass will touch the sensor, usually near the middle of the screen. This will cause all kinds of random behavior and can even cause the phone to appear to lock up or freeze.
My wife's Essential PH-1 screen filled with lines while she was using it (listening to music). Phone continued working until she tried to reboot it.
After reboot screen now looks like this. I tried powering off, then power+vol-up and power+vol-down but just see the same.
I think the cpu is still working as pushing buttons elicits the tactile vibration response but screen seems gone.
Obviously Essential is out of business. In addition I've read a few posts that even when they were in business they were not repairing dead/cracked screens rather just replacing the phone.
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
dorkshoei said:
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
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If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that). Good quality aftermarket replacement screens are available and not expensive (I bought mine on Amazon more than a year ago for US$70, and now I can see them for less than $50). The process itself is of average difficulty (not too bad compared to some other phones), but could be a bit too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. Fixez.com has a great and useful video (don't use the guide from ifixit.com, they screwed up this one).
I am sure any repair shop would be able to do this job, if you are not a DIY kind of person, but I have no idea what they would charge. Or think of any friend you may have who is good with electronics (hobby or pro)...
kt-Froggy said:
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that).
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I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $70 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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That's why I said don't do it the way Ifixit did, LOL... Watch the video from fixez.com. You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly. Otherwise, it's not that hard. And you need to get either a narrow (1mm) adhesive tape or a liquid glue to mount the new screen. Also, a couple of things to watch out for around the earpiece opening and silicone gasket for the front camera. If you consider a DYI job, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help. My PH-1 has been working perfectly since the repair in Feb 2019, and I've done screen replacements quite a few times on similar phone designs like Sony Xperia Z series.
kt-Froggy said:
You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly.
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I have an SMD rework preheater that works great for softening the glue on screens, far more precise than a heat gun .... but as I said above I don't think I'll need it
Now, the issue is whether it's a mainboard issue or LCD.
Fixez seems to have a screen for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
dorkshoei said:
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Digitizer-Replacement-Assembly-Complete/dp/B07CLNDBZS/
@kt-Froggy Is the above what you were referring to. I guess I can always order, see if it fixes, else return it.
Fixez has one for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
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Yep, that's exactly the screen I got, and left a detailed review on Jan 29, 2019 (from a user KT). $24 from Fixez is even better, and sounds like a no-brainer. And if your screen is already removed, then you don't have to do the most difficult part. Just plug in the new screen and confirm if it works Like I said, be careful around the earpiece opening and the gasket. Good luck!
Ok, ordered from Fixez. We shall see if it corrects the issue.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
gk1984 said:
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
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Yeah, big surprise with the guide from iFixit... This one left me scratching my head. Probably the only one I know where they so royally screwed up.
A few comments from my experience replacing the screen on PH-1... The screen on my phone was shatterred badly enough to make a suction cup useless, so I had to pry it out (still, with a heat gun). There was no concern about saving it, anyway. But if I had to open up the phone again, e.g. for replacing the battery, I am pretty confident I could do that safely. From the repairability standpoint, there are two problems with the screen on this phone. One is a very narrow shoulder to mount the screen assembly to the frame (but this is also a good thing, as there's not that much adhesive to struggle with). And the other is a very fragile "sandwich" behind the glass that contains the LCD and the backlight components. It's too easy to damage that sandwich from the sides with a tool, even made of plastic. It will be pretty obvious once you have a replacement screen in your hands and take a close look at it.
A general issue with disassembling the phones of this design at home is that most people will not be able to heat the perimeter evenly to lift the screen off by a suction cup only (I know I can't). So, you would most probably have to use some tool around the edges. The trick is to NOT pry the screen out (or you will crack the edge), but only use a tool to carefully undercut the adhesive as you pull with a suction cup, so the screen can separate from the frame. This way, you can gradually work your way around the perimeter, while heating it up and lifting the screen with a suction cup. A thin plastic spudger would work. If you really feel adventurous, maybe a hobby knife, but I don't recommend it. I would suggest starting from the top, as the adhesive strip under the earpiece is extremely thin, and it would be easier lifting off that part of the screen as you heat it.
Another thing is to NOT reach deeper than about 1mm under the edge of the screen with any tool, otherwise you are risking damaging the LCD assembly.
Update. Screen from Fixez.com ($28 shipped) fixed the issue. Happy wife. Happy me.
Easy install, just used some B7000 glue I already had. Clamped screen down for 24 hours.
@kt-Froggy thanks for your help and encouragement.