Broke my GS4 screen, couldn't CWM, switch to Nexus 5? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So a couple months back I pulled my Galaxy S4 (i337) out of my pocket to find a spider-crack smash on the right side of the home button. I've used the phone since they with the cracks going all the way up the screen. I bought the replacement screen, tools, and 2mm tape to repair it myself an I end up cracking the digitizer (ugh...).
My phone has an insurance plan through AT&T with a $200 deductible. But I've been a little intrigued by the Nexus 5 as of late. Backing up a bit I spent the last week getting my GS4 rooted and I've been unsuccessful installing Clockworkmod to do a proper backup and I've been wanting to install ROMs to try and get rid of the Samsung/ATT bloatware but I haven't had any luck (phone build is MK2).
Anyway, my question I wanted to ask people is should I pay $200 and get the phone replaced and wait for a suitable ROM to be available down the road or is it worth paying $349+tax to get a 16MB Nexus 5?
My main concerns about the N5 have been battery life, no external storage, and poor camera compared to the GS4, and the on-screen buttons taking up screen real estate. Thoughts? Suggestions?

This got moved between sub-forums so just refreshing so others can see. Thanks!

RavynX said:
My main concerns about the N5 have been battery life, no external storage, and poor camera compared to the GS4, and the on-screen buttons taking up screen real estate. Thoughts? Suggestions?
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Click to collapse
In addition to what you mentioned, keep in mind that the battery is not replaceable and is the same crap as LG, Sony, Apple and HTC. Once your battery dies, your phone dies with it which is also from an ecological point of view very questionable. I´d try to get a S4 produced before August 2013 so you don´t need to worry about Knox or region lock and can flash whatever you like and be free :fingers-crossed:

Chalao said:
In addition to what you mentioned, keep in mind that the battery is not replaceable and is the same crap as LG, Sony, Apple and HTC. Once your battery dies, your phone dies with it which is also from an ecological point of view very questionable. I´d try to get a S4 produced before August 2013 so you don´t need to worry about Knox or region lock and can flash whatever you like and be free :fingers-crossed:
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Click to collapse
Well, I think you can replace the battery but you void your warranty by opening the case on the Nexus 5. I ended up going with the insurance claim to get a replacement GS4. It would probably take me forever to find a used GS4 on Craigslist that hadn't had its software updated or had a bad IMEI. Ah well. I'll keep my hopes up for the next one that doesn't have Knox on it, bleh.
That and we're in the process of buying a house so I don't have the luxury of waiting after thinking about it for a couple of days. Meh. =/

Related

[Q] [DISCUSS] HD2 Damaged - Opinions Requested!

So over a trip I went on, my beautiful HD2 stopped working. I have my suspicions as to what caused the damage, but they still come off as odd. Basically, I had my HD2 working perfectly ... I went into the bathroom to take a shower ... and I guess it was steamier than usual [since I was in a different climate than usual] ... the next day the device would vibrate to indicate boot but only display a faint logo onscreen of the ROM I am using [meaning backlight broken] then it would turn off after trying to boot I guess. I checked out the phone, looked for damage or water or anything ... couldn't find anything significant. I did notice that the tags on the phone and batter, which I learned are for water detection, had turned red. That struck me as odd because it wasn't the first time I had the phone in the bathroom with me. In any case, at this point the device won't even turn on ... plugging in the charger does nothing. It is basically dead.
NOTE: AT NO POINT DID THIS PHONE GO INTO THE SHOWER OR TOILET OR WHATEVER. IT WAS PLACED DOWN ON A DRY SURFACE BEFORE THE SHOWER.
So I am going to T-Mobile tomorrow, see if they will be kind to me haha. I highly doubt it, because the tags don't lie .. regardless of whether or not I feel it was a valid case of "water damage".
So, if they give me warranty and provide me with a new HD2, then this thread will be useless, but under the assumption they don't ... I was wondering if the HD2 is the phone to stick with.
I think it is great and all, but I always wonder if there is something better.
I was reading that the Nokia N8 can be run on T-Mobile USA when unlocked, I am not sure of the truth behind that ... but the specs on that device look pretty awesome. I just don't like that it is a huge switch from WinMo/Andro/WP7 capabilities. It also doesn't have that XDA-Developers community backing.
That is basically all I was thinking in terms of alternatives ... any other thoughts?
Man that really sucks about your HD2, and that is very curious that the water indicators turned red. I also don't think you will get much love from T-Mobile either because of the water indicators. But I say get another HD2, I know it is starting to become a older device now but to me there is just no other phone out there that can stand up to the awesomeness of the HD2. Besides you know if you get anything besides a HD2 you will be kicking yourself in the butt later on for not getting another HD2.
The Nokia N8 will not keep you happy, there are issues with both the software and hardware, similarto the issues Nokia software has been displaying from the 5800/5530 software fiasco.
I would never go near a top range nokia - they have lost the plot over the last 2/3 years. all imho of course
I have a myTouch 4G/HTC Glacier and the phone is a beast. screen looks awesome(but not as big as hd2), hspa+, 768mb RAM, front facing camera, etc...lots of nice ROMS and great devs. Im running cm7 rc4 on mytouch and get 30+ hours on a full battery charge
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Keep checking this thread m8 for ppl's views on OS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020358
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you choose WP7, you can run Android off SD card via MAGLDR.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be willing to sell my hd2
So I ended up buying a new [Used] HD2. I was told that the only issue was the metal plate over the batter [which I saved from my old HD2] ... so I was fine with it. I just got it today, it had a few minor scratches on the screen as well as what i think is a tiny Crack. So I am debating putting up with it, or calling the guy up and asking him what is up with that...
I purchased it on eBay ... so I just wanted your opinion on this: I bought it pretty cheap [235$] in comparison to other offers on the site, and the description was:
HTC HD2 (T-Mobile) cell phone
Used but in overall excellent condition
The only issue is that the metal cover on the back has some scratches, nothing major, screen is excellent
Includes phone /w battery and charger only, charger is not the original HTC charger, but it works 100%t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called the guy up to ask a few questions: Is it just the back-plate that has superficial damage? Has the device been tested to work as though new? The screen has nothing on it? And the guy basically told me that the back-plate was the only issue. Now that I have the phone, though, there are those minor scratches, and that small crack on the screen, as well as the cover to the earpiece missing/worn so it is silver now, and also the top right and left corners have a bit of damage.
Basically, when I put the soft-shell cover I have over it [stock], I can't see any of the superficial things except the screen, so they don't bother me as much. After all, it was listed USED, so I expected so much. I am just concerned about the SCREEN. If it is a crack on the screen, it will just get worse with time, am I right? If it were a scratch I could deal with it MAYBE, but being a crack I just don't want to have to look towards buying a THIRD device later on due to a cracked screen ...
[by the way, this crack wasn't a result of shipping I think ... it was in a nice thick layer of bubble-wrap and none of the bubbles had popped.]
So what is your opinion? Should I call this guy up, see what the deal is? Or should I deal with it?
Opinions appreciated!
EDIT:: Here are some low-res photos [one close-up, one far away]. I had to use my Exca to take them, I couldn't find my camera
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_026.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_027.jpg
Swapping just the one piece is harder than swapping a glass digitizer screen combo, since to get them apart involves baking the phone for so many minutes at (I think it is) 60 degrees, then you will need to glue the new one back to the digitizer.its not just a simple swap. Plus the screen is the last piece in the stripdown process, EVERYTHING comes apart before you get to the screen.
If I were you I'd consider asking for some money back and live with the crack, or if he wont go for that tell him you want full refund. But you need to be quick, eBay will support your claim but leave it too long makes it look dodgy.
as for cracked screen getting progressively worse, that's not necessarily the case. I dropped mine ages ago (several months) and it now has around 8 or9 large cracks, all the way through the glass radiating from one corner all the way up to the top, and they are no worse now than when it happened, (i have a screen protector to save my fingers from possible sharp bits) though the rigidity has suffered greatly, and it now creaks and groans when it gets pressure in my pocket.
Yeah, I figured so much about the screen ... Turns out what I have is screen+digitizer, but the cable for the digitizer isn't in any condition where it will work again, haha. I didn't expect/want to do a screen-replace when I took apart my broken HD2.
Yeah, I know I have to act quickly for eBay to hold up a better case, in case the guy doesn't want to be easy about it. I just got the phone literally an hour ago in the mail.
I'll try to have some more higher-res photos up by tonight because I am still not sure if it is just a nasty scratch, or a crack...and as you can see my Excalibur doesn't exactly take a good picture haha. What I find odd is that usually a crack starts at the edge of the glass and progresses inwards, but this one starts in the middle of the screen and has like 3 little 'legs' of it coming out. I'm not scratch/crack expert so I can't really say ... I'll just have the photos up later.
Otherwise, I'll probably call the guy up tomorrow, see what the deal is/is going to be.
I would demand a Partial refund if you are happy enough with the phone.
If you get it, buy a zagg invisible shield screen protector to preven the crack from getting any worse. Had some good and bad luck with ebay purchases, but thats a story for another thread
Could be a pressure crack, I have a friend with a desire HD and he sat down with it in pocket, and a lighter against the screen, and he has a similar sounding crack, a few small cracks radiating out from a tiny central chip.
Okay, so I got the higher-res images ... the links are as follows:
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0278.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0279.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0280.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0281.jpg
I think that 280 shows it the best, the others give you a view of it in respect to the whole phone. It isn't huge or anything ... decently sized. When the screen is on, I really have to look to find it. Besides feeling it with my finger as I swipe over it, I wouldn't really be bothered by its being there. My friend said it seems more like a surface scratch, but unlike the other scratches, I can actually feel this one [which is why I think it is more like a crack]. Ohh semantics!
In any case, just another curious question. Seeing as I just got the phone, I haven't put on any custom ROM or anything, assuming I would have to settle an issue potentially, but I realized when trying to hook the phone up to my computer that the SD card didn't register. It had registered just fine earlier today, and at my friends house. Then I didn't use it for maybe 4 hours. Then just now it didn't register. It was fixed with a reboot. Is this likely an OS thing that will be fixed with a new flash of a better ROM [this is running a STOCK rom by the way]. This phone would be pretty limited without its MicroSD Card slot. I just want to make sure that if that is a hardware issue, I bring that up.
I guess this will be the final post/update:
I talked to the guy, and he offered me either to ship it back at my expense [but still get a full refund], or he could give me $25 for the inconvenience/hassle. Having really thought about it, looked at the scratch/crack. I took him up on the latter offer.
I guess it just means I should be more careful when using the phone. After all, its like I said: I can't notice it unless I look for it when the device is on. Its a shame that there was a crack on the screen, but for $200, I think it is a darn good bargain. Also, the MicroSD card slot has been working just fine...I think it was an OS thing. If the MicroSD card slot does turn out to be an issue, hopefully it is within the next 40 days, haha, so I can still get it covered by Buyer Protection. Further, I simply cannot find a price as good as that
So, I guess this is the end of this thread. Thanks to anyone who helped

[Q] S4 vs Note 2

I already got 2 S4 coming, but question is, I keep reading around in different threads that maybe the Note 2 is a better device than the S4, a few people who've already got their S4 are saying that the S4 does not compare to the Note 2, my wife wanted the note 2, and I talked her out of it....man I am in deep shi$ if she gets wind of any of this....and she reads a few areas here in xda...I smell the dog house coming
Throw out a few opinions...PLEASE! save me
TheAxman said:
I already got 2 S4 coming, but question is, I keep reading around in different threads that maybe the Note 2 is a better device than the S4, a few people who've already got their S4 are saying that the S4 does not compare to the Note 2, my wife wanted the note 2, and I talked her out of it....man I am in deep shi$ if she gets wind of any of this....and she reads a few areas here in xda...I smell the dog house coming
Throw out a few opinions...PLEASE! save me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used a S4 (I do own a Note 2) and based on specs alone the S4 wins (full hd display with almost twice the pixel density and dual quad core processors). Good news is, if your wife really wants a Note 2 you should be able to easily sell your S4, buy a Note 2 and pocket a few hundred bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
JB910 said:
I have never used a S4 (I do own a Note 2) and based on specs alone the S4 wins (full hd display with almost twice the pixel density and dual quad core processors). Good news is, if your wife really wants a Note 2 you should be able to easily sell your S4, buy a Note 2 and pocket a few hundred bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that advice, spec wise is what I sold her on, but there a few people out there bashing the S4.
I am going to keep her out of the forums until she gets the S4 in her hand, she has a note 1 now.
My wife has a note 2 and the only thing to be envious about is battery life. After using the s4 for a week or two now, I'm always taken back on the screen quality of the note 2. It's no where near as good as the s4. Same goes for ergonomics, camera and so on. You made the right choice, don't listen to trolls and ask yourself, if the note 2 is so much better, why are their fan base posing in the s4 section?
Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
robstunner said:
My wife has a note 2 and the only thing to be envious about is battery life. After using the s4 for a week or two now, I'm always taken back on the screen quality of the note 2. It's no where near as good as the s4. Same goes for ergonomics, camera and so on. You made the right choice, don't listen to trolls and ask yourself, if the note 2 is so much better, why are their fan base posing in the s4 section?
Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Once the S4 gets some stable custom roms out with custom kernels I am sure the S4's battery life issues will be a non factor. I run Jedi Master 13 with Saberkernel 23 on my Note 2 and the speed and battery life of the rom blows the Note 2 stock rom out of the water. You are right, people are just trolling. Based on the S4s specs it is a superior phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Thanks guys, I kinda knew the G4 had better graphics, on the battery side, the Note gets her some serious time. I think I made the right choice, seen a few posts where some of the G4 users are selling them off now. wow. Don't remember, but I think this issue came up when the G3 was released also. man, I can not wait till I have that phone.
thanks, much appreciated!!!!
TheAxman said:
Thanks guys, I kinda knew the G4 had better graphics, on the battery side, the Note gets her some serious time. I think I made the right choice, seen a few posts where some of the G4 users are selling them off now. wow. Don't remember, but I think this issue came up when the G3 was released also. man, I can not wait till I have that phone.
thanks, much appreciated!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, only get the Note if you need the s-pen features and plan to actually, you know, take notes on the thing. Otherwise, go for the newest shiny.
burhanistan said:
Really, only get the Note if you need the s-pen features and plan to actually, you know, take notes on the thing. Otherwise, go for the newest shiny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what my wife and I discovered. She came from the LG Lollipop to the Note2, and she was ecstatic about this thing, even though she "hated touchscreen phones" (mostly due to her experiences a long time ago with the Motorola Backflip, and the HTC Pure ... I don't blame her). She loves the Note2 because of the huge screen and low DPI (yet the picture is very clear and sharp at 720p) - excellent for texting and navigating around. She has no problems with a touchscreen now! Oh, and the camera is pretty good on the Note2 as well, with a snappy shutter time and extras like slo-mo video and such.
When she saw my S4, she was actually somewhat jealous! We've been comparing the devices side-by-side for a couple weeks now, and we've determined that the S4 is overall a much better phone. The primary exclusion to this statement is that the Note2 has the S-Pen, which is a really, really nice feature - for those who really use it. She uses it rarely to doodle or take some notes when she doesn't feel like dealing with the onscreen keyboard, so it would not be a huge loss for her if it were gone.
The sacrifice of .5in of diagonal screen space is noticeable by comparison, but the 5" screen the S4 has will still outshine nearly any other smartphone - especially at 1080p.
Lastly, I will comment on the covers. We purchased the official Samsung flip cover for her device, primarily because it was too difficult to find a third-party cheap-knockoff that actually included the NFC antenna. They exist now, but they were hard to come by when we were shopping. At least the S4 doesn't include the NFC antenna as part of the battery cover. >_<
I purchased the S-View cover at the nearest corporate AT&T store (30mi away or so in the next town) because I wanted it on Day-One (I had my phone on Day-Negative-One, and I was eager to buy the silly cover). After shelling out $60, I drove home with the shiny S-View cover, and I once again made my wife jealous. While she'll admit that the S-View window is a tad gimmicky, she both finds it "really cool!" and actually kinda useful for every-day use.
So, just as burhanistan stated: if you have a great need for the awesome S-Pen that the Note2 provides, buy it. Otherwise, the S4 certainly competes to be the best phone ever created to-date (IMHO).
She has been reading this thread at work, the pen she said is a plus, I think I got her leaning toward the G4, you guys are helping a bunch. I like the idea of the earlier reply, sell the G4 if she is not happy, get her the note 2 and save some $$$.
Or just keep it, and pass it on to some devs to help out with the rom progress, that would be my contribution to the cause.
This seriously is helping, cause she is seeing it from other people who have the phone and have been using it already.
Thanks
Aou said:
That's exactly what my wife and I discovered. She came from the LG Lollipop to the Note2, and she was ecstatic about this thing, even though she "hated touchscreen phones" (mostly due to her experiences a long time ago with the Motorola Backflip, and the HTC Pure ... I don't blame her). She loves the Note2 because of the huge screen and low DPI (yet the picture is very clear and sharp at 720p) - excellent for texting and navigating around. She has no problems with a touchscreen now! Oh, and the camera is pretty good on the Note2 as well, with a snappy shutter time and extras like slo-mo video and such.
When she saw my S4, she was actually somewhat jealous! We've been comparing the devices side-by-side for a couple weeks now, and we've determined that the S4 is overall a much better phone. The primary exclusion to this statement is that the Note2 has the S-Pen, which is a really, really nice feature - for those who really use it. She uses it rarely to doodle or take some notes when she doesn't feel like dealing with the onscreen keyboard, so it would not be a huge loss for her if it were gone.
The sacrifice of .5in of diagonal screen space is noticeable by comparison, but the 5" screen the S4 has will still outshine nearly any other smartphone - especially at 1080p.
Lastly, I will comment on the covers. We purchased the official Samsung flip cover for her device, primarily because it was too difficult to find a third-party cheap-knockoff that actually included the NFC antenna. They exist now, but they were hard to come by when we were shopping. At least the S4 doesn't include the NFC antenna as part of the battery cover. >_<
I purchased the S-View cover at the nearest corporate AT&T store (30mi away or so in the next town) because I wanted it on Day-One (I had my phone on Day-Negative-One, and I was eager to buy the silly cover). After shelling out $60, I drove home with the shiny S-View cover, and I once again made my wife jealous. While she'll admit that the S-View window is a tad gimmicky, she both finds it "really cool!" and actually kinda useful for every-day use.
So, just as burhanistan stated: if you have a great need for the awesome S-Pen that the Note2 provides, buy it. Otherwise, the S4 certainly competes to be the best phone ever created to-date (IMHO).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a pic or a link to the cover?
I had both but returned my S4 & switched back to my GN2 since I'm changing carriers. At first it was hard to get use to since I was so use to the GN2.
I rarely use the spen but the big screen & not having to charge every night with the GN2 is awesome.
I was getting about 20-22hrs w/ 5-7hrs screen time with my S4.
I do admit being able to use the phone with one hand is cool but typing was a little awkward since I'm so use to typing with 2 hands on my GN2.
Now that I'm back to my GN2, I'm not sure if I want to get the S4 when the 32gb for TMO comes out but knowing my habit of always wanting the latest gadgets, I'll probably do get it. Lol.
-Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 2
TheAxman said:
You have a pic or a link to the cover?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This YouTube video shows it in action, but I think it's French or something (dun car, not English). Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8mQOrk2DBg
Here' my experience with the S-View cover:
If you do not have a password/pattern/number lock on your lock screen (simply set to swipe-to-unlock), just opening the S-View cover will turn on and unlock the device. You open it, and it's ready-to-use immediately.
Closing the lid will lock the device for the most part, and for the next 10 seconds or so, it will show the time and notification icons (and battery/signal/etc) through the little window. After 10 seconds, the device shuts off. You can power it back on like this with the power button, but it doesn't unlock it until you open it again.
The window itself appears to be made of glass. It's fairly nice - I was half expecting it to be crappy plastic. If it's not glass, it's really nice plastic.
You can answer or decline incoming calls through the glass when it rings with a swipe of a little round icon one way or the other. Pretty neat, but if you have the touch sensitivity all the way down, you might have a slight trouble using this feature. I haven't tried it since the OTA update, so they may have improved that!
You can hang up an existing call in a similar fashion.
The flip cover itself needs some time to "break in". When you first put it on, it will not lay flat onto the glass of your phone without some convincing, or being held in place by your pocket. After enough use, or a day or two, it gets much better. Don't think the cover is defective from this, it's just too tight in the "hinge" at first, but will loosen up with use.
Occasionally, if I have the cover flipped backwards for long periods, it somewhat emulates the same effect as the above point. It will shy away from the screen for a brief while, and then return to normal. I suspect after several more weeks, this will go away entirely at this rate.
One thing that I really do like about this cover: Because it replaces the battery cover of your phone, it adds virtually no bulk to the phone. It is very slightly thicker, and I can tell you that I appreciate it for one reason: The normal battery cover is inset, such that the camera lens sticks out the furthest, and when placing the device on a flat surface, it rests on the edge of the camera lens. On the S-View flip cover, the new back sticks out just a hair past the camera lens, so it no longer rests on the camera anymore. I take a lot of pictures, so I like to keep my camera lens immaculate.
The glass window will get rather dirty, especially if you shove the phone against a greasy head. Not a big deal, just use a microfiber cloth once in a while and some screen cleaner to get it shiny again.
The normal covers have no window, and so when you open it all the way (flipped around backwards), you can't use the rear-facing camera! With the S-View cover, it lines up such that you can use the camera straight through the glass on the cover. A nice touch, really. Because I take a lot of close-up shots and other detailed pictures, I choose not to flip the cover all the way around, because sometimes the window is dirty. So I just flip it downwards or whatnot.
The flip cover, even when purchased through AT&T, does not have AT&T's logo on the back, like the normal battery cover. I like it that way better. Even better: the front shows "Galaxy S4" near the bottom, and makes it a lot easier to show that you have a really, really cool phone.
I hope this all helps if debating whether to drop $60 on the S-View cover or not. Generics are starting to become available, but I don't know anything about the quality, etc.
---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------
RMXO said:
I had both but returned my S4 & switched back to my GN2 since I'm changing carriers. At first it was hard to get use to since I was so use to the GN2.
I rarely use the spen but the big screen & not having to charge every night with the GN2 is awesome.
I was getting about 20-22hrs w/ 5-7hrs screen time with my S4.
I do admit being able to use the phone with one hand is cool but typing was a little awkward since I'm so use to typing with 2 hands on my GN2.
Now that I'm back to my GN2, I'm not sure if I want to get the S4 when the 32gb for TMO comes out but knowing my habit of always wanting the latest gadgets, I'll probably do get it. Lol.
-Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 2
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I didn't mention battery at all, but you bring up a point. The Note2 has excellent battery life, there's no doubt about that. The S4 has "good" battery life in my experience, especially coming from the S2. People are saying that battery life has improved with the OTA update recently, but I haven't had a good chance to test that out. Freezing bloatware has really been a big help to increasing the battery life, regardless.
My S4 easily lasts the day, and can last two days with moderate/intermittent usage. I think the OTA update may have improved the battery life significantly, but I will have to test this out over the next couple days. Also, keeping it on Wi-Fi where available seems to be the best way to conserve battery life in my area.
Went from the note 2 to s4 pre update, ui fluidity was the only issue. I addressed it with nova launcher and the options in the developers setting, which made the ui very fast. Update addresses that issue and everything else on the s4 is better and my battery life is very comparable. I get 20+ hours with 4+ hours of screen time easily and I'm sure it will increase with roms and kernels.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
porkaysi said:
Went from the note 2 to s4 pre update, ui fluidity was the only issue. I addressed it with nova launcher and the options in the developers setting, which made the ui very fast. Update addresses that issue and everything else on the s4 is better and my battery life is very comparable. I get 20+ hours with 4+ hours of screen time easily and I'm sure it will increase with roms and kernels.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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Thanks, I needed this one....
I had the Note 2 for a week before I traded it for the S4. They are both awesome devices, but imo the S4 was the right choice for me. Much easier to carry it in your pocket. Battery life not as good, but that was expected. Cant go wrong either way. Go to the store and play with them both.
qbanlinxx said:
I had the Note 2 for a week before I traded it for the S4. They are both awesome devices, but imo the S4 was the right choice for me. Much easier to carry it in your pocket. Battery life not as good, but that was expected. Cant go wrong either way. Go to the store and play with them both.
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funny you said that.. we just got back from the mall...saw them both....the wife agreed on the S4...so I am safe..for now....she will be ok when it arrives Monday. thanks...I showed her a few of the posts here...thanks to you all....very good imput.
TheAxman said:
funny you said that.. we just got back from the mall...saw them both....the wife agreed on the S4...so I am safe..for now....she will be ok when it arrives Monday. thanks...I showed her a few of the posts here...thanks to you all....very good imput.
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She made a wise choice, I have a Note 2 and would gladly trade it for a S4. I don't even use my Spen, I got it last September because it had the best guts and it's a Samsung. Never buy a HTC. PITA software and very unforgiving. Buy Sammy, Odin is your friend. Enjoy your S4's!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
JB910 said:
She made a wise choice, I have a Note 2 and would gladly trade it for a S4. I don't even use my Spen, I got it last September because it had the best guts and it's a Samsung. Never buy a HTC. PITA software and very unforgiving. Buy Sammy, Odin is your friend. Enjoy your S4's!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
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I had a htc hd2...it was a nightmare..to flash roms...a win phone..dual boot crap..rock solid...hard to deal with...hehe i ask her..how much are you really use that pen..also the res on the s4 was SWEET...they had the perfect wallpaper on that demo...i showed her she said ok. so when she gets that new rom on it...she won't even mention the note. its on now.
as far as the G3...i love the damn thing..my son is keeping his...so i will be hanging around here for awhile still...sold 2 keeping 1...

S4 amoled screen broken

Hey everyone!
Longtime lurker/first time post here. I have had the very unfortunate experience of pulling my S4 out of my pocket to check the time only to have my heart and jaw drop at the sight of a broken screen. It seems to be the same problem that others have reported where the glass is fine but the touchscreen is cracked, starting on the right side directly at the power button.
I have NEVER dropped this phone. It has been handled with great care at all times. It was always in an Otterbox Defender series case. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened to it while in my pocket (bumping into something, etc) and there was never anything else in the pocket with it. I have really enjoyed this phone and was mindful of it at all times.
So... where do I go from here? I'm looking for some good advice before I take a next step in trying to get a replacement. I do not have insurance on the phone (yeah, I know), but the price each month plus the deductible for a refurbished phone didn't sound like a great deal to me since I'm able to take care of my things for the most part. If it was an accident, I'd bite the bullet and replace the screen myself or get a new phone but this either a design flaw or a manufacturing defect. Has anyone here had success through Sprint or Samsung in getting a replacement or repair? I'm rooted and running The Blu Kuban right now. Do I need to try to ODIN back to stock for warranty purposes before doing anything from here or is there a better option for me? The phone works but I can't see or operate the screen in anyway.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Google... 1st search result.
Are you a homeowner? Try your homeowner insurance. I added coverage for my phones, tablets, and laptops that cover all loses. I think it only added $15 a year to my cost and the deductible is only $25.00 on a replacement. Maybe your insurance may cover the cost of a replacement phone.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks for the useful reply Joe! How did I possibly forget to search for information on the subject before going through the trouble of making my first post on XDA despite being here for awhile?
Seriously... Read the thread. Its filled with disagreements as to what has been successful and turns into accusations of being too rough on the phone. I was asking if anyone here has successfully gotten their phone replaced and what to best method of going back to stock would be without being able to use the screen at all.
Cruise350 - Thanks alot for the suggestion man, but I'm not a homeowner.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
I know when I got my replacement for my evo 3d it wasnt refurbished it wasn brandnew still in the box and seals were not touch.Im hoping that the flaws in the screens are just because it was early in production.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
SierraGT said:
Cruise350 - Thanks alot for the suggestion man, but I'm not a homeowner.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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More and more insurance companies are offering tech insurance and it is very affordable. I don't carry Sprint's insurance either (bad experience many years ago) I generally just keep my newest 'old' phone as a replacement in the event my new phone gets broke or dies.
It pays to shop around (or google) in trying to find good ways to insure devices. I realize this doesn't help you in your current predicament but perhaps for future reference.
You might search youtube for similar experiences which might tell you how they were fixed or offer affordable solutions for replacement.
Good luck.
Search YouTube for complete galaxy s4 teardown. A replacement screen and digitizer and frame is about $241. I've watched the 37 minute process on the video and feel it is way beyond my skill and patience. I don't know what else to tell you other than insurance might have made this easier and more affordable. Depending on where you go, who you deal with, who you talk to, this process can be expensive and full of hassle. Might I suggest, when you do get a replacement, that you invest in a tempered glass screen protector. There are topics in the accessory section on this topic. It will help protect your device better than simple screen film.
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The one common theme in all these broken amoled screens under the glass are pocket users. Not one of these posts have come from someone that uses a case with holster. The gorilla glass on these phones is very strong, but the screen underneath can flex while in your pocket. I know everyone says they don't abuse their phone, haven't bumped it in their pocket, don't carry anything else in their pocket, but something that is happening is flex. With the plastic back of these phones they will definitely flex while you sit, bend, walk, or whatever during your normal routine. The amoled screen probably has a limit to the amount of flex it can handle before it fails. I know, you didn't abuse your phone but calling it a manufacturers defect is just ridiculous. Suck it up, fix or replace your phone, and next time don't put it in your pocket.
cruise350 said:
The one common theme in all these broken amoled screens under the glass are pocket users. Not one of these posts have come from someone that uses a case with holster. The gorilla glass on these phones is very strong, but the screen underneath can flex while in your pocket. I know everyone says they don't abuse their phone, haven't bumped it in their pocket, don't carry anything else in their pocket, but something that is happening is flex. With the plastic back of these phones they will definitely flex while you sit, bend, walk, or whatever during your normal routine. The amoled screen probably has a limit to the amount of flex it can handle before it fails. I know, you didn't abuse your phone but calling it a manufacturers defect is just ridiculous. Suck it up, fix or replace your phone, and next time don't put it in your pocket.
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Just to clear this up... I did say design flaw or manufacturers defect. I've had many phones over the last 15 years. I have never had one break in anyway except for my Samsung Epic 4g, which took a 2 story fall (while in my pocket lol) onto a very hard surface. All it did was crack the screen a bit but was still functional for the next year until my contract was renewed.
To say that I should expect a $650 dollar phone in an Otterbox case to completely break to the point of not being able to use it just by being in my pocket in normal everyday situations is RIDICULOUS.
Should consumers really expect this level of quality? Imagine if a salesperson told you this as you were thinking of buying a phone... "Now just to let you know, never keep this phone in your pocket and then sit or walk because it'll break."
If this phone breaks in peoples pockets and isn't intended to be there, then Samsung would've/should've provided holsters with the phone.
Straight from Samsung - "Offering a highly crafted design with a larger screen and improved battery life, the sleek and innovative Galaxy S4 is slimmer yet stronger, with less to hold yet more to see." Sounds like we should expect a strong, well made phone. Not a something that will break this easily. My phone looks exactly like 4 other pictures I have found of other user's broken screens... all at the exact same spot. I maintain that this is either a design flaw or manufacturer's defect. Yes, as you said - the gorilla glass is strong. I just wish they would of made the frame stronger. Then I'd still have a working phone.
Btw, I am an unabashed Samsung fanboy. TVs, last 3 phones, monitors, etc. I talked 4 different people into getting this phone after I had it. I think normally Samsung makes great products with a high level of quality but they made a mistake on this one. I'm no longer looking forward to the S5 that comes with the required fanny pack... well, not until they make this situation right.
Now... does anyone have any info on my question on returning to stock? Thanks!
This is a tough one. I'd suggest at least attempting to contact Samsungs warranty dept. Perhaps they can offer a better solution than sprint.
Back in the Treo days I actually sent in a phone or two to palm, and got refurbished replacements.
The tough part is your defect.
I provide warranty work for appliances, manufacturers know or believe they know how and why something has failed. Glass stove tops are a prime example. Whirlpool will only cover heat fractures. I have to submit pictures of the top and, 99% of the time, the claim is rejected. Mostly because these tops break from impact or improper installation.
Point being, if you send your phone to Samsung, they may not cover it. But if you're optimistic and patient a few minutes on the phone may yield positive results.
http://m.samsung.com/us/support/service/warranty/SGH-T959HABTMB
Definitely unroot and return to stock.
SierraGT said:
Just to clear this up... I did say design flaw or manufacturers defect. I've had many phones over the last 15 years. I have never had one break in anyway except for my Samsung Epic 4g, which took a 2 story fall (while in my pocket lol) onto a very hard surface. All it did was crack the screen a bit but was still functional for the next year until my contract was renewed.
To say that I should expect a $650 dollar phone in an Otterbox case to completely break to the point of not being able to use it just by being in my pocket in normal everyday situations is RIDICULOUS.
Should consumers really expect this level of quality? Imagine if a salesperson told you this as you were thinking of buying a phone... "Now just to let you know, never keep this phone in your pocket and then sit or walk because it'll break."
If this phone breaks in peoples pockets and isn't intended to be there, then Samsung would've/should've provided holsters with the phone.
Straight from Samsung - "Offering a highly crafted design with a larger screen and improved battery life, the sleek and innovative Galaxy S4 is slimmer yet stronger, with less to hold yet more to see." Sounds like we should expect a strong, well made phone. Not a something that will break this easily. My phone looks exactly like 4 other pictures I have found of other user's broken screens... all at the exact same spot. I maintain that this is either a design flaw or manufacturer's defect. Yes, as you said - the gorilla glass is strong. I just wish they would of made the frame stronger. Then I'd still have a working phone.
Btw, I am an unabashed Samsung fanboy. TVs, last 3 phones, monitors, etc. I talked 4 different people into getting this phone after I had it. I think normally Samsung makes great products with a high level of quality but they made a mistake on this one. I'm no longer looking forward to the S5 that comes with the required fanny pack... well, not until they make this situation right.
Now... does anyone have any info on my question on returning to stock? Thanks!
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***must bite tongue***
Thanks Biff. I think that's what I'm going to do.
Dave, remember to at least nibble your fingers as well next time buddy!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
SierraGT said:
Thanks Biff. I think that's what I'm going to do.
Dave, remember to at least nibble your fingers as well next time buddy!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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LOL ok, ok, nibbling fingers

Anyone come from an S5?

So I made the mistake of trying to replace the charging port on my S5 myself, and when I put everything back together, the screen is unresponsive. Shoulda just stuck with backup batteries.
Anyway, now I'm debating paying $150 to fix the screen or biting the bullet and getting an S7 on eBay for ~$350. Since I'm really only looking for stock/debloated, which I can get on the S7, I feel like I'm only losing removable batteries (which sucks), but getting a better... everything else... for about $200 more than I'd have to pay anyway to fix my S5.
Is there anything eke I'm not thinking of that I'm gonna lose coming to the S7? Any issues I should check buying on eBay? (Like if it's already on Nougat, problems rooting). And... are you liking the upgrade?
Looking for opinions/suggestions.
Thanks!
arl16 said:
So I made the mistake of trying to replace the charging port on my S5 myself, and when I put everything back together, the screen is unresponsive. Shoulda just stuck with backup batteries.
Anyway, now I'm debating paying $150 to fix the screen or biting the bullet and getting an S7 on eBay for ~$350. Since I'm really only looking for stock/debloated, which I can get on the S7, I feel like I'm only losing removable batteries (which sucks), but getting a better... everything else... for about $200 more than I'd have to pay anyway to fix my S5.
Is there anything eke I'm not thinking of that I'm gonna lose coming to the S7? Any issues I should check buying on eBay? (Like if it's already on Nougat, problems rooting). And... are you liking the upgrade?
Looking for opinions/suggestions.
Thanks!
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I upgraded from the S5, the one that was able to have the bootloader unlocked through that exploit found about a year ago.
I have the edge version since the battery life was much bigger. I think the stock S5 battery was 2800mah and the S7's is 3000mah while the S7 edge is 3600mah. That was my biggest decision maker right there.
I miss the ability of using a good tempered glass screen protector (since I have the edge) and the IR blaster but other than that this phone is worth the upgrade.
I had root and Xposed but now I'm running 100% stock. Took me a while to get used to but root in my opinion wasn't worth it for the lag and loss of battery life.
It's nice to have wireless charging built right in instead of a new back cover or chip you had to place inside of the phone. I actually bought a 3D printer just to make a case that would fit with the wireless charging cover and now it just collects dust.
Just out of curiosity, how is the screen unresponsive? Does it turn on at all? Or does the touchscreen just not work?
Hey @Outbreak444 - thanks for responding.
Yeah, I was thinking about the Edge for that very reason. Battery life isn't really an issue on a day to day basis, but on trips, it's huge for me.
I went to the Super Bowl a few years back, and people were cramming around any outlet they could find to get their phones juiced - we ended up not seeing some friends for hours after the game because their phones were dead. I've been at all day tailgating for night time college games and watched the same thing. And golf trips - using GPS on the phone, and then wanting to go out boozing after a round? Nightmare for some guys - I pop in a new battery and I'm good to go. So I'm having a hard time convincing myself to drop that feature alone.
I've done some Xposed stuff in the past, but I'm at the point now of just wanting debloated stock, which I've had with little to no lag, and pretty decent battery life (which again, isn't too big an issue with extra batteries.)
Oh, and the screen does come on and looks fine, but all I can see is my lockscreen - can't even type in my security pin. Completely unresponsive to touch. If you've ever opened one or seen a video of someone doing it, I know I knicked the ribbon in the top right corner that connects the screen to the motherboard - like seriously, a couple mm tear = screen dead. I guess Samsung really didn't want me in there - it's like 1mm from the edge of the screen - way too easy to hit.
I'm also wondering why the price on the S7s have dropped this fast - even with the S8 coming soon, I thought they'd still be upwards of $450-$500. Low demand from the Note debacle?
So I'm still wondering, other than a better camera and better internals, what features would entice me to step-up. I kinda feel like phones have gotten to the point of computers - as long as you've got a fast internet speed, incremental processing power in the device is getting less and less important.

Why does the V20 suck so badly?

Okay so i dont know if this should be posted here, so if it belongs elsewhere please feel free to move it mods. I tried to post in the "real life reviews" but couldnt find a spot to submit a new thread there.
I hate the v20. I've had it since October when i was forced to give up my Note. I wanted to trade it in for the S7 edge but that wasn't available, and i liked what i'd heard about the v20 so i went ahead and went for it. Me and my wife both upgrade at the same time so we both got the v20, after trading in the Notes.
At first it was fine enough. I did enjoy the cameras on the phone quite a bit. Amazing cameras. but then the glass shattered over the two lenses (without so much as a drop) and the exposures became terrible. So the camera was ruined for me. I could have mailed it away to LG but i dont have a second phone and i can't be without mine for 2 weeks while they do repairs so i just have to deal with it. The screen got small scratches on it over time, which really surprised me. I have never had a single device going all the way back to the G1 that has gotten scratched. I dont know if this phone uses gorilla glass or not, but thats another issue.
The battery life sucks. Most days by lunch time my phone is under 15 percent. I've done everything you can think of to solve the problem, but nothing works. New roms, battery savers, efficiency stuff..i've tried it all. It just sucks.
The phone has a million other issues but i won't get in to those now. Long story short, i'm EXTREMELY tempted to get the new S8 plus but i'm gonna wait on the note because i really love that stylus...
Am i alone? does anyone else feel this way? I really hate it because i've never had an android phone i disliked. But i must regretfully admit, that this one sucks.
How do you feel?
First of all, you broke your phone and didn't fix it. Not wise. Second, use the phone for what it is designed around; swappable batteries. They last all day. You are apparently using apps that drain your battery. When that happens, you just pull off the back and swap with a fresh one. That alone sets this phone apart from the rest. Third, you should protect your screen with a tempered glass protector. 10 bucks can change your world. All of your problems are self inflicted it seems...that's what really sucks!
Yea, I'm gonna echo FreakyFrank.
It's not a huge battery given the size of the screen, so get a swapper. Especially given your load it's a wise idea.
Second, check the battery section under Settings and see where your battery is going to. Perhaps you need to remove an app or to that are abusing the juice.
Next, even if you rock case-free, you should still get a tempered glass screen protectors. There are good ones out there for well less than $10 (I got the Spigen and love it).
In short, the V20 sucks for you. Perhaps you've already optimized your phone and it's still not a good fit. That happens. Each phone is a set of trade-offs based on the purpose of that phone as determined by the manufacturer. Some of these make some phones not as optimal for a given person as it would be for others.
@thatisandwas
You couldn't find a temporary replacement phone to use if you'd sent your V20 away for repair? That strikes me as a poor excuse.
And a LG V20 Battery Charging KIT BCK-5200 doesn't cost a lot so thats your second gripe shot down. I bet if it was a non-removable battery you'd be wishing for the old days of removable batteries.
Over 6 months ownership of such a shi**y phone that has a "million other issues" and the only thing you've done is log in here to whinge about it.
Sell your V20, get another phone, and start formulating a rant about its faults 6 months down the line.... Happy days
Edit: you should change "the" to "my" in the thread title...
I'm really (not really) sorry to hear that V20 didn't work out for you quite well. So the morale of the story is
1. Fix your phone once it's broken.
2. always carry a spare phone just in case (at least, $100 cheap android phone)
3. never ever used a phone naked even if the phone is tough or rugged. put on a case and a tempered glass screen protector.
4. take advantage of the phone's main feature (in this case, removable battery).
LOL i +1 all of these posts.
In addition to the following:
-The camera lens replacement is already out there for sell . Ebay, amazon, you name it. And it doesnt cost practically a thing.
-How many user apps do you have? how many of them are constantly synchronizing? How long do you use your phone with heavy battery consuming apps such as ... Well. Facebook alone is a big consumer (it synchronizes a lot). I currently have 93 user apps. from which 28 of them are constantly synchronizing. Not to mention that i play fun run arena for an hour or 2 a day. and my battery last about 4 - 5 hours with screen on. or even up to almost 3 days with screen off and some of the app synchronizing.
But still, i think 6 month is really too late to be writing a thread like this lol!
LOL I Should have expected these responses. The thing is, i shouldn't have to pay money to fix camera glass. I've never had a camera glass break on me, ever. I'm very careful with my devices. I've had dozens of android phones. Never had any of these issues with any of them. Its clearly a design flaw that the glass shatters and you guys are just like "but a new one" as if thats a perfectly acceptable solution. It shouldn't break in the first place. The battery management could be any number of things. I've tried nothing but stock apps. I've had android OS in battery usage exceed 100%. I've now installed a new rom and am getting better battery life, but it still isn't great. I don't want to carry spare batteries. I want my battery to last from 8-5 then i can charge it on the drive home enough to last until it gets to my bedside charger. I don't think thats a very huge ask. But it dies before lunch time most days.
You guys all make good points, and yes i could remedy some of these problems with the suggestions. But you have to admit the camera glass is piss poor design on LGs part. I mean come on? It just shatters with regular usage?
thatisandwas said:
LOL I Should have expected these responses. The thing is, i shouldn't have to pay money to fix camera glass. I've never had a camera glass break on me, ever. I'm very careful with my devices. I've had dozens of android phones. Never had any of these issues with any of them. Its clearly a design flaw that the glass shatters and you guys are just like "but a new one" as if thats a perfectly acceptable solution. It shouldn't break in the first place. The battery management could be any number of things. I've tried nothing but stock apps. I've had android OS in battery usage exceed 100%. I've now installed a new rom and am getting better battery life, but it still isn't great. I don't want to carry spare batteries. I want my battery to last from 8-5 then i can charge it on the drive home enough to last until it gets to my bedside charger. I don't think thats a very huge ask. But it dies before lunch time most days.
You guys all make good points, and yes i could remedy some of these problems with the suggestions. But you have to admit the camera glass is piss poor design on LGs part. I mean come on? It just shatters with regular usage?
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I think i stated on another thread that i was starting to think that it is just a percentage of v20 that has that defect. You know how many times i have dropped my phone or even threw it to the wall by accidrnt (sure it did have a poetic revolution cover) but still, the pressure should have broken the camera glass by now. Nevertheless, mine still intact. And i have 6 month already with the phone. Another thing i have done that i believe it may causes the glass to break out of nothing, is to be on really cold and hot weather. Yet... Thr glass still not broken. (between 24 F and 106 F temprtstures >> oklahoma lol)
"The phone has a million other issues but i won't get in to those now...." < world of difference > "But you have to admit the camera glass is piss poor design on LGs part. I mean come on? It just shatters with regular usage?"
You could be right about the lens debacle but your OP was a tad OTT don't ya think...?
rubiicon59 said:
"The phone has a million other issues but i won't get in to those now...." < world of difference > "But you have to admit the camera glass is piss poor design on LGs part. I mean come on? It just shatters with regular usage?"
You could be right about the lens debacle but your OP was a tad OTT don't ya think...?
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Yes it is over the top. I mean the thing is i have loved ALL my android phones. They all have a "soul" to them tha makes me like them for their own reasons. I can't put my finger on it exactly but it just feels like something is majorly lacking with the v20 compared to my others. I mean does no one agree with me at all on any of the points i made?
Well I inferred understanding what you mean regarding the lens, lots of others have complained about if too.
But I stand by what I said in post #4.
So now I'm interested what you're going to do with your V20.... keep or ditch?
rubiicon59 said:
Well I inferred understanding what you mean regarding the lens, lots of others have complained about if too.
But I stand by what I said in post #4.
So now I'm interested what you're going to do with your V20.... keep or ditch?
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I'm gonna keep it for the time being. I don't hate it so much that i'm willing to spend more to get the s8 plus. But i will more than likely replace it when the note 8 rolls around....after waiting for 30 days after launch, for obvious reasons I can only imagine a large number of people came to v20 after giving up their note 7. I wonder how many of us will end up going to the note 8???
Yep I get your reasons... I think now we're on a similar page.
I've only had my V20 two days so I'm still exploring but so far I'm really pleased with it. Every phone manufactured has good and bad points so I try to take each one on its own merits and flaws rather than making comparisons. More so this time with switching manufacturers.
I've only had one LG in the past, the KF750 Secret, and I really liked that. But there will be no Note for me.
Anyway good luck with your V20, and your next phone too.
And get that lens fixed man
I love my v20. Last phone made with sensibility in mind. Removable battery, IR blaster, and SD slot. Only thing lacking is water resistance, but there are solutions for that. Plus I have 100+ apps installed and mine still lasts all day and then some.
Sent from my LG-V521 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Not exactly on topic (I guess) but as someone who is fully committed and stoked about the V20, I stopped and checked out the S8 the other day. I will say it looks really awesome. Samsung did a fantastic​job with the display.
But it still stands, like others say. The V20 is probably the last phone you can get with such a great feature set. I don't want to buy a new phone every year, other year, week, whatever. I want a phone that will last. Removable battery plus an LCD (not AMOLED) will truly last.
As a iphone user with the 7 Plus being my last and trying out the V20 it does kinda suck. battery life is pretty terrible for a newer model phone, I wanted to give android another shot but it still is not as polished as IOS is.
Sounds to me like you didn't do your research before buying the V20.
LG's V series of phones are meant to be the last of the "oldschool" style cellphones with expandable storage AND a removable battery with Phillips head screw construction. The idea is that when your battery dies, as others have stated, you pop off the back cover and pop a new battery in. Speaking of which, the other users are definitely right about having too many apps running. I have unlocked my bootloader and installed LineageOS (stock android), which could be a factor in my better battery life, and usually get close to 48 hours of moderate to heavy usage per charge. Battery aside, if something breaks, you simply buy the spare part online and replace it yourself. The replacement camera glass is only around $25 and takes about 10 minutes to swap.
I definitely do agree with you that the camera glass is a bit fragile, however, I doubt it broke from just the softness of your touch. If you dropped your phone even just once, it may have broken then, which is a bit ridiculous being that it's the camera glass...But if you had gotten the S7 Edge and dropped it once, there's a very, very good chance the the entirety of your front or back glass would have shattered (or both - the whole phone is glass) so you really should not be complaining about this.
But all comments aside, definitely go with the upcoming Note if you have the dough and are unsatisfied with the V20. I'd love to grab the new Note but I'm just a broke college student (hence why I got the V20. Cheap repairs =P ).
Anyway, best of luck phone hunting in the future!
I appreciate all the responses. I did definitely do a lot of research before buying the v20. Getting the sweet ear buds for free that i'm using as i type this was a big reason why i got it. I agree that it is good in its own merits, such as expandable storage/removable battery. I won't settle on the camera glass though, that's BS on LG's part and the fact that they still haven't acknowledged in publicly as a defect is disappointing to me. I've used LineageOS for a few weeks, and frankly i'm AMAZED if you're actually getting upwards of 48 hours use. Thats insane. I'm super lucky if i get til 5 with any juice left.
thatisandwas said:
I'm gonna keep it for the time being. I don't hate it so much that i'm willing to spend more to get the s8 plus. But i will more than likely replace it when the note 8 rolls around....after waiting for 30 days after launch, for obvious reasons I can only imagine a large number of people came to v20 after giving up their note 7. I wonder how many of us will end up going to the note 8???
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The V20 is a powerhouse and can hold its own against the rest. No phone will be perfect and its all about preference. However, I too gave up my Note 7 for the V20. I will be definitely going back to the Note series.
thatisandwas said:
I appreciate all the responses. I did definitely do a lot of research before buying the v20. Getting the sweet ear buds for free that i'm using as i type this was a big reason why i got it. I agree that it is good in its own merits, such as expandable storage/removable battery. I won't settle on the camera glass though, that's BS on LG's part and the fact that they still haven't acknowledged in publicly as a defect is disappointing to me. I've used LineageOS for a few weeks, and frankly i'm AMAZED if you're actually getting upwards of 48 hours use. Thats insane. I'm super lucky if i get til 5 with any juice left.
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You must have the screen on and be using the phone most if not the whole 5 hours.
Plug it in. If you don't have ac\dc available - get a nice power bank.
The camera glass is only $6.69 on eBay with the adhesive part and the glass.
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/282431684616

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