Related
I just received my beautiful white N7100 and I purchased through Amazon Prime with Bluetekusa as the seller and I noticed that the box has NO seals on it like I have seen on almost every single unboxing and there was a fingerprint on the screen underneath the screen protector which is why I know that it has been opened... I did receive a US adapter inside the box but I think that they should be sealed and supply that as an external addition IMO... I am just really cautious when it comes to spending $700 on a phone that I have no idea where it came from and it has been opened...But, I am going to keep it and make sure it works correctly because I have been saving up for quite awhile and don't just wanna turn around and ship it right back.. Also, what kind of warranties are offered in the US for a phone like this (if any) cause I would like to be protected from at least mechanical failures... Thanks for any info or suggestions in advance!!
That sucks mate, of course it's always best get sealed box so that you surely know it is brandnew, but if there isn't any hairscratch and it's flawless phone then there's nothing to worry about.
Use display tester from market to see the display is perfect.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Be careful with the dodgy sellers on amazon. I never buy from third party sellers because of reasons such as this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app
What a strange story. There was another guy who got a note 2 in my country. With all the seals intact. However it was rooted and flashed with a custom kernel! Weird! I guess you can fake the seals.
His story:
vaud27 said:
hi. this is my first time posting on xda. i bought 2 galaxy note 2 from gray market(ghills) for me and for my sister. i checked the seals before opening the box. everything is fine and i bought the 2 note after checking it. when i got home i checked everything again and i see that my note 2 is already rooted. it has an app called supersu and i check the custom binary download and it says yes and the system status is also custom instead of official. i checked the other note but it is fine. i texted the owner of the shop where i bought the note and he told me that it is impossible for them to fake the seal of the box. he's also my 'suki' so i am confident in dealing with him. do you think they can fake the seal of the box and gave me a second hand unit? the unit is good as bnew in appearance. it has no dent or hairline scratches. the plastic in the back and in the front where also there when we open the box. even the charger, battery and the headset where still in the plastic just like the other note that i bought and everything is clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Jobiza said:
That sucks mate, of course it's always best get sealed box so that you surely know it is brandnew, but if there isn't any hairscratch and it's flawless phone then there's nothing to worry about.
Use display tester from market to see the display is perfect.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fokas. said:
Be careful with the dodgy sellers on amazon. I never buy from third party sellers because of reasons such as this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
prinzhernan said:
What a strange story. There was another guy who got a note 2 in my country. With all the seals intact. However it was rooted and flashed with a custom kernel! Weird! I guess you can fake the seals.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I am probably over reacting but I am going to start testing it out in about an hour after the battery is fully charged and then I will know for sure if it's a keeper or not... I just have NEVER seen a box like mine on ANY unboxing video with no seals... Usually they have 3 seals... I purchased mine through Amazon Prime so I will have no problems returning it and getting a full refund if necessary... If I root this and install a custom recovery and rom can I get it back to factory state if I find it has problems within the first 30 days?? Cause that's what I had planned anyways and I did call Squaretrade and they said that they could not provide a warranty for my item... Kinda sucks! Any other options guys? Thanks!
shojus said:
Ya I am probably over reacting but I am going to start testing it out in about an hour after the battery is fully charged and then I will know for sure if it's a keeper or not... I just have NEVER seen a box like mine on ANY unboxing video with no seals... Usually they have 3 seals... I purchased mine through Amazon Prime so I will have no problems returning it and getting a full refund if necessary... If I root this and install a custom recovery and rom can I get it back to factory state if I find it has problems within the first 30 days?? Cause that's what I had planned anyways and I did call Squaretrade and they said that they could not provide a warranty for my item... Kinda sucks! Any other options guys? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why could they not provide warranty? You got it without warranty? I would return it if I could but it all boils down to you. Hope your phone is okay. *crosses fingers*
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
prinzhernan said:
Why could they not provide warranty? You got it without warranty? I would return it if I could but it all boils down to you. Hope your phone is okay. *crosses fingers*
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the US and it's an International phone so I guess Squaretrade says that it has to have a US warranty to be covered... Sucks!
I dont know if it would be possible to remove the seals without scratching the box.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
3rd party resellers on Amazon are generally sketchy. I'd get from Newegg or wait on Amazon themselves to sell it direct. Too many shenanigans with resellers. They are generally shady people.
Nutsonfire said:
I dont know if it would be possible to remove the seals without scratching the box.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that is exactly what I thought... I did find out it is from Trinidad and Tobago area with the country code and it appears to be working fine except it says I'm roaming on T-mobile? Something to do with the APN I imagine... But it definitely did not have seals like all of the others I have seen... I plugged into Kies and upgraded to the latest OTA and I'm good I believe... :good:
shojus said:
I know that is exactly what I thought... I did find out it is from Trinidad and Tobago area with the country code and it appears to be working fine except it says I'm roaming on T-mobile? Something to do with the APN I imagine... But it definitely did not have seals like all of the others I have seen... I plugged into Kies and upgraded to the latest OTA and I'm good I believe... :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roaming on t mobile? Weird. I guess just factory reset or flash a clean unbranded stock rom.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
i bought from a guy never-msrp on ebay. which i bought phones from before. he thought he could get one up on me.. there was a double seal on the box over the original samsung seals! which wasnt put on perfect. so i assume these seal are easy to get if you can get phones in bulk. there was finger prints on the back cover. nick on the top. and finger print on the lense. opened a claim right away on ebay and won. send it back :good::good: should never have to pay that much and get a open product. thats bs
daddioj said:
i bought from a guy never-msrp on ebay. which i bought phones from before. he thought he could get one up on me.. there was a double seal on the box over the original samsung seals! which wasnt put on perfect. so i assume these seal are easy to get if you can get phones in bulk. there was finger prints on the back cover. nick on the top. and finger print on the lense. opened a claim right away on ebay and won. send it back :good::good: should never have to pay that much and get a open product. thats bs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
ericshmerick said:
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess in his case there was deceit involved as his phone had a nick on the top. I don't know how that could happen if your only intent was to put a charger in.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
ericshmerick said:
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no there is no reason to open the box to put the charger in. you put it in the shipping box like a normal person. not open up someones brandnew phone. 100% feedback not there to scam anyone. first time i even opened up a case on anyone. i got my money back and he got his used scratched phone back. i'm glad your fond of 700 dollar used products because i am sure as hell not. and his newly feedback shows other buys saying openbox now. so i'm not the only one
even if they were opened to put a "charger" in state this in the auction number one. and number 2 dont try to reseal the box.
oh and btw hows this for resealing? didnt even try to do a good job lmao look at the double seal. i took this to send to paypal
http://i47.tinypic.com/2zzry2v.jpg
if the phone looks new and it had the sticker on the front of the screen, who cares if the box was opened.
Everytime a new device comes out, peoples OCD levels goes up.
daddioj said:
no there is no reason to open the box to put the charger in. you put it in the shipping box like a normal person. not open up someones brandnew phone. 100% feedback not there to scam anyone. first time i even opened up a case on anyone. i got my money back and he got his used scratched phone back. i'm glad your fond of 700 dollar used products because i am sure as hell not. and his newly feedback shows other buys saying openbox now. so i'm not the only one
even if they were opened to put a "charger" in state this in the auction number one. and number 2 dont try to reseal the box.
oh and btw hows this for resealing? didnt even try to do a good job lmao look at the double seal. i took this to send to paypal
http://i47.tinypic.com/2zzry2v.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn dude, chill out. You got your money back. Move on.
shook187 said:
if the phone looks new and it had the sticker on the front of the screen, who cares if the box was opened.
Everytime a new device comes out, peoples OCD levels goes up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
new phone to the market. i want it sealed. and now that you bring up the sticker, the one that goes on the back battery cover fell right off because of dirt. it has nothing to do with OCD. product used. scratches. why should we have to pay full price for it. if you bought a new car and before you got in it. the dealer put a scratch in it would you still take it? lol
---------- Post added at 03:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 AM ----------
ericshmerick said:
Damn dude, chill out. You got your money back. Move on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm chill. just responding to what others post. you chill.
This is why you buy from a reputable seller (i.e. Newegg). As if "never-msrp" isn't shady enough. Lesson learned, right?
Anyway, glad you got your money back. Not into getting into an idiotic comment war with you. Have a good one and better luck next time.
ericshmerick said:
This is why you buy from a reputable seller (i.e. Newegg). As if "never-msrp" isn't shady enough. Lesson learned, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? newegg? your joking right. there shipping is a joke. always smashed boxes lol. and 2 peanuts in the box. to protect the product. lets not get started on them ha ha :good:
So recently I have been noticing that my back button has not been working. I will go to press it and it will be unresponsive while the "home" and "recent apps" button and the rest of the touch screen are responsive. Went to motorola's support site and filled out a repair request. They overnighted me a phone (new in box, with a new charger and everything) and sent me a box and label to send my old phone (only, no box or charger) back to them. I am charged $0 for shipping and everything.
I got my phone on October 31st, not sure why the back button was not working but hoping I don't have the same issue on this one.
About the best customer service experience I've seen in a long time.
Mine does the same thing sometimes but only when on a charger. It's weird. Might have to see if Moto will help me out with that too.
Impressive. I did not have anywhere near that experience, in fact they wanted to put a deposit of $500 for them to regular mail me a phone prior to me sending mine back. As far as the buttons go, I've had that experience with this turbo and every samsung I've touched, must just be my fingers.
Had an issue with my turbo. Overnighted me a new one in box with all accessories. Told me to keep mine too. I had to do the security deposit of $500 but didn't care. Amazing customer service. They didn't pester me for receipts or anything either. Customer service is why I'll never purchase another HTC again.
same issue
I have currently that issue but it happens every once in a while and not so often. I found out how to get it working again right away. mostly happens to me when i browse online on chrome , so what I do is when i get no response i just swipe up and down the current page im on and then the button reacts once again.
Juliann826 said:
So recently I have been noticing that my back button has not been working. I will go to press it and it will be unresponsive while the "home" and "recent apps" button and the rest of the touch screen are responsive. Went to motorola's support site and filled out a repair request. They overnighted me a phone (new in box, with a new charger and everything) and sent me a box and label to send my old phone (only, no box or charger) back to them. I am charged $0 for shipping and everything.
I got my phone on October 31st, not sure why the back button was not working but hoping I don't have the same issue on this one.
About the best customer service experience I've seen in a long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fantastic news. But I was wondering why you went to Motorola and not Verizon? Does motorola do brand new and Verizon does refurbished? I'm probably one of the rare ones that actually doesn't mind refurbish phones because in my mind it's been inspected more times? I don't know lol
mw3kgt said:
Impressive. I did not have anywhere near that experience, in fact they wanted to put a deposit of $500 for them to regular mail me a phone prior to me sending mine back. As far as the buttons go, I've had that experience with this turbo and every samsung I've touched, must just be my fingers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to put a deposit as well. I had them put in writing that if when they receive the phone they "claim" physical damage I will receive a phone call or email from them and then have the choice to either:
1. Pay for the "repair" of my phone
2. Pay the $500
3. Have them ship back my old phone with shipping box/label for the one they sent me (I will not be charged shipping)
zathus said:
That's fantastic news. But I was wondering why you went to Motorola and not Verizon? Does motorola do brand new and Verizon does refurbished? I'm probably one of the rare ones that actually doesn't mind refurbish phones because in my mind it's been inspected more times? I don't know lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the phone off contract and I don't have an insurance plan on it (Verizon screwed me on that). I don't like Verizon's customer service, it's horrible. Plus, in this situation they really have no obligation to help me since I bought the phone full retail.
Agree with Op.
Ask for the White Glove dept too.
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 AM ----------
zathus said:
That's fantastic news. But I was wondering why you went to Motorola and not Verizon? Does motorola do brand new and Verizon does refurbished? I'm probably one of the rare ones that actually doesn't mind refurbish phones because in my mind it's been inspected more times? I don't know lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not believe Vzw FRUs come from Motorola. My current xt 1080 Maxx FRU was my upgrade by the white glove dept.
Packaging of the moto FRU is unique.
No bad HW either.
Vzw Frus are notoriously bad.
---------- Post added at 11:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 AM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fyi-dim-screen-moto-white-glove-t2753559
aviwdoowks said:
Agree with Op.
Ask for the White Glove dept too.
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 AM ----------
I do not believe Vzw FRUs come from Motorola. My current xt 1080 Maxx FRU was my upgrade by the white glove dept.
Packaging of the moto FRU is unique.
No bad HW either.
Vzw Frus are notoriously bad.
---------- Post added at 11:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 AM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fyi-dim-screen-moto-white-glove-t2753559
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll keep that in mind next time I have a issue. Ive had pretty good luck with Vzw but sounds like moto is the smarter choice.
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Free mobile app
After returning two handsets to verizon, in an attempt to solve the volume problem, i decided to just do an RMA with Motorola after reading this post. Each of the two times i appemted to get a replacement from verizon, they sent me a refurbished phone in worse condition. And, in the end, it appears that my issues was software related and fixed, and i would have been fine with the original. Presently, I am stuck with a device that has a worse volume problem, as well as a dent. Thanks verizon. So, hopefully Motorola comes through.
You're lucky you got good service. I have had an insanely bad experience multiple times dealing with an accessory of theirs.
Any way to tell if a phone is refurbished or not? I just got my replacement and I am curious to find out
Hey all,
My friend just got a brand new galaxy s4 on Friday the 8th of January this year. She's had multiple software problems on lollipop, many force closes and heavy battery drain for the last few days. It's been plagued with issues. Now her screen is messing up, there's a clear line of some sort of app imprinted on the screen, she also says a time has been imprinted on the screen where it shows in the notification bar. Is her phone just a defect or is it just lollipop?
Last night she dropped it from about one and a half feet onto the screen, its got a tempered glass screen protector on it but now the screen has those imprints. I've attached the photo. Looks to me like burn in but she said she thinks she noticed it since she dropped it. Surely the S4 couldnt be that bad? What do you think of it? Any way to fix it?
Thanks,
Lachy
http://i.imgur.com/pWb3IH9.jpg
Are you sure it's a genuine phone? I doubt new phone would have such problems.
GDReaper said:
Are you sure it's a genuine phone? I doubt new phone would have such problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it has a download mode (not just recovery), it should be a real S4.
Humm.....
Looks like a refurbished or used phone..... Burn-ins shouldn't appear this fast, as a S4 owner myself I didn't notice any burn-in in my 2 year old phone.
Try installing Phone INFO from Play Store and do a refurbish test or something like that in the menu section.
GDReaper said:
Are you sure it's a genuine phone? I doubt new phone would have such problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, all of the features are working, air view, infared sender etc. Runs pretty smooth, feels like a legit phone. No scratches or anything. I'll get her to get that app. Thanks!
EDIT: Has a download mode
CHIN3S3_N00B said:
Looks like a refurbished or used phone..... Burn-ins shouldn't appear this fast, as a S4 owner myself I didn't notice any burn-in in my 2 year old phone.
Try installing Phone INFO from Play Store and do a refurbish test or something like that in the menu section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, surely something like this couldn't have been from a drop at two feet though? I'll get her to download that app you mentioned and report back
News
Okay hey everyone got some things to report back. The phone has a download mode, so it is a legit version. I got her to download the phone info app and I have pasted the screenshots below. It was bought at an electronics expo in Singapore advertised as a new Galaxy S4 GT-i9500 for $239. Something weird I have found is that the samsung info app states it is a SPH-L720T, which after I googled saw it was the Sprint LTE version. All of the other apps, including about phone in settings state it is the GT-i9500. One thing to note is that she is on a holiday in Singapore, but has a prepaid card from Starhub (I don't think the LTE bands match up though) and is apparently getting 4g on her phone (tried switching to 3g but to no avail), but doesn't want to check because she'll waste her credit. I find this weird because the apps state different things. It didn't look refurbished to me and I didn't notice the streaks across the lines. What do you guys make of this?
http://imgur.com/a/9YO2l
Thanks heaps!
Lachy
EDIT: She noticed three more lines running through the screen. But now they're more obvious, looks like it's getting worse. Not a great experience for a brand new phone
SECOND EDIT: Her sisters phone also has the line in the middle, albeit much much feinter. Are both of these defective?
It is definately refurbished.
It probably has been repaired with parts from different S4 models and then sold as refurbished. That's why there is no match between the phone model info. This might also be the reason for the various problems.
Edit: If it really is brand new she can take it back to the store for warranty service. Every store offers warranty with brand new products. Refurbished phones also have some sort of warranty I think.
Edit2: The screen might need to be replaced. As for the app problems, check the phone model in download mode and flash a rom (stock rom) for that model. Apps can be fooled, download mode not so easily.
GDReaper said:
It is definately refurbished.
It probably has been repaired with parts from different S4 models and then sold as refurbished. That's why there is no match between the phone model info. This might also be the reason for the various problems.
Edit: If it really is brand new she can take it back to the store for warranty service. Every store offers warranty with brand new products. Refurbished phones also have some sort of warranty I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was sold as brand new. Her sisters states black as the colour in that phone info app, when it is white. And also has 4g. But unlike this one the model number is GT-i9500. On the box I remember it said American version only, for use with american sims only. But then it worked with the one from Singapore. This is super weird :/
toobywedge said:
It was sold as brand new. Her sisters states black as the colour in that phone info app, when it is white. And also has 4g. But unlike this one the model number is GT-i9500. On the box I remember it said American version only, for use with american sims only. But then it worked with the one from Singapore. This is super weird :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do they have warranty? If yes, send the phones to service. If no, the store is not legit and they got hustled.
As I said, brand new products have a warranty, generally for a 2 year period.
---------- Post added at 02:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 AM ----------
The L720 model is a I9505 from Sprint.
I doubt Samsung would mix parts together..
I'm telling you, those phones are clearly not factory new. They have been repaired with spare parts from various S4 models.
GDReaper said:
Do they have warranty? If yes, send the phones to service. If no, the store is not legit and they got hustled.
As I said, brand new products have a warranty, generally for a 2 year period.
---------- Post added at 02:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 AM ----------
The L720 model is a I9505 from Sprint.
I doubt Samsung would mix parts together..
I'm telling you, those phones are clearly not factory new. They have been repaired with spare parts from various S4 models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks about right. Her sisters phone was also meant to be a GT-i9500 but by the IMEI it says it's a SGH-1337 which is the AT&T 4G LTE. I guess both of these phones were false advertised as the GT-i9500 (even on the box) and as brand new. Looking like they're definitely replaced parts or something?
Yea. The original phones might have had their screen broken so they took the motherboards and put them into other frames. I like to call them frankenphones.
I don't think Samsung would do that. So somebody else repaired them. Factory new phones don't come with mixed parts and used screens.
toobywedge said:
Looks about right. Her sisters phone was also meant to be a GT-i9500 but by the IMEI it says it's a SGH-1337 which is the AT&T 4G LTE. I guess both of these phones were false advertised as the GT-i9500 (even on the box) and as brand new. Looking like they're definitely replaced parts or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yap, agree with @GDReaper , they just assembled those phones with parts that they could find and didn't at least try to flash a new firmware for Singapore before they sell it. And that product name... I think the nomenclature used is jflte for all Qualcom variants and the two or three last words are to specify which like jfltexx for international LTE(GT-i9505) jflteatt for AT&T(SGH-I337) but jfltefreshspr... of which spr is code for Sprint.... but that fresh which means refreshed?????
In my opinion give back those phones and order a refund if possible, if not you'll have to change those screens which where I'm living now still has a nasty price of 130 euro (the touchscreen and the AMOLED one are bundled together) Which will cost almost the cost of the phone....
EDIT1: They probably grabbed some i9500 box or made some with cardboard and covered it with printed exterior and also replaced the broken safety anti-tamper seals for them to look authentic and genuine which they are not.
Other thing is that they just cosmetically replaced those models with i9500, that like i said before they didn't even try to flash a new firmware as they are afraid bricking those devices.
My mother has an S3 which also has the same kind of burn in problems you describe, so clearly this is a problem with Samsung screens, I have never seen this on any other screen except my pals old plasma flat-screen TV....
tommern said:
My mother has an S3 which also has the same kind of burn in problems you describe, so clearly this is a problem with Samsung screens, I have never seen this on any other screen except my pals old plasma flat-screen TV....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well. It's not Samsung's fault it's the natural degradation of AMOLED matrix due to heavy use or prolongued static image display.
The drop did it. I know this because someone I know has a same problem, and I saw this a several times. Also sadly, there is no way to fix this problem ;(
Sent from my E300K, jaltektt - CM 12.1
They gave me shipping instructions to send my repair to. They said the repair would be free of charge, even though I said the damage was accidental. The call also disconnected while setting up repair and they called me back! Overall very pleasant experience. I'll keep you guys posted. Will be shipping tomorrow.
I'm in the US and the number that called me is from L.A. California.
Okay guys, I just got my device back. It looks like a new device (can't tell if it's refurbished, but I think it's new.) It did not come in an original box, but it came with the screen protector installed, no fingerprints and it looks brand new. Serial number is definitely different than the one I sent in. I shipped the phone on the 18th, they got it on the 20th. Then they shipped the (new) phone out on the 21st and I got it today. Needless to say I'm very impressed with the service Le Eco provided, considering the damage was accidental and really should have cost me something to fix (aside from me paying shipping both ways it was free.) They even threw in another charger. I'm in the US and it was replaced with another x727 model.
Almost want to buy another phone from them for a family member...haha
Wow that's good to know. Was your device rooted when you sent it or did you restore it to stock?
moist_line said:
Wow that's good to know. Was your device rooted when you sent it or did you restore it to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I restored to stock and wiped it before I sent it.
wow.. I have same situation... my phone's camera glass broke, I will call them tomorrow and see what happens. What did you use during the time your phone was gone?
---------- Post added at 03:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 AM ----------
Also who paid for shipping?
bocondo said:
wow.. I have same situation... my phone's camera glass broke, I will call them tomorrow and see what happens. What did you use during the time your phone was gone?
---------- Post added at 03:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 AM ----------
Also who paid for shipping?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They had me pay shipping both ways. (You include a prepaid shipping label in the package that you send them.) I happened to have a spare Nexus 5x that worked for me in the mean time. If you don't have another phone to use, might need to buy a cheapo one for a few days. Le Eco only had my phone for roughly 24 hours or so before it was shipped back. :good:
Ascertion said:
They had me pay shipping both ways. (You include a prepaid shipping label in the package that you send them.) I happened to have a spare Nexus 5x that worked for me in the mean time. If you don't have another phone to use, might need to buy a cheapo one for a few days. Le Eco only had my phone for roughly 24 hours or so before it was shipped back. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick reply... I called them today got she response to send my phone and they will repair/replace my phone. Now couple more questions for you...
1. How did u unroot and make it stock? Is there a thread already out here?
2. New phone is rootable easily? I can live with cracked camera glass, but not with unroot phone.
bocondo said:
Thanks for quick reply... I called them today got she response to send my phone and they will repair/replace my phone. Now couple more questions for you...
1. How did u unroot and make it stock? Is there a thread already out here?
2. New phone is rootable easily? I can live with cracked camera glass, but not with unroot phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restore stock 5.8.20s twrp backup from Dev section. It'll include the recovery too.
I was able to root my phone again. Just follow one of the newer Pat's in the bootloader thread. You'll have to manually flash the aboot image then you're good.
Ascertion said:
They gave me shipping instructions to send my repair to. They said the repair would be free of charge, even though I said the damage was accidental. The call also disconnected while setting up repair and they called me back! Overall very pleasant experience. I'll keep you guys posted. Will be shipping tomorrow.
I'm in the US and the number that called me is from L.A. California.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which number did you call? I have a completely shattered screen on my L3 Pro 3 might be worth it to see if they will send me out a new one.
I also would like to know the number you called; my lens just spiderwebbed.
xBane_ said:
I also would like to know the number you called; my lens just spiderwebbed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the number I called. But I think they closed down their business over here in the US.
Le Mall: 855-343-6688
Ascertion said:
This is the number I called. But I think they closed down their business over here in the US.
Le Mall: 855-343-6688
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't hurt to try.
I bought the phone from ebay from china, the seller claims its "new and original , send in sealed box, not opened." How do I test if it is real and not some knock-off and/or not used? I'm thinking it could be fake or used because:
1. Cheap plastic wrap on the box
2. Box says made in Korea but phone back plate says made in china
3. Poor print quality in manual and on some labels
4. Doesn't match boxing T-mobile unboxing videos online
5. Different screen protector from online
6. There was no security sticker on the box
7. Phone box says b&o but the back of the phone doesn't say it
8. Battery was inside the phone, but was the terminal was covered in yellow tape
9. When I booted up the phone , the phone was already set up.
10. No plastic film over the camera
other than the the phone seems to be fined but i haven't used it enough.
EDIT:
https://ibb.co/6g4QwXC
https://ibb.co/B28p9gV
https://ibb.co/Lp8PdmK
https://ibb.co/nqGqQdY
https://ibb.co/3c6brjj
https://ibb.co/qYgHz5V
I was recently in the same boat so I'll take a stab at this.
By "genuine", are you asking if it is a real H918 or are you asking if it is "new/unused"?
The listing says it's new. I would say there is about a 99.9999999999% chance it is not "new/unused".
All of your suspicions are valid. I would add the following:
As far as I know, the H918 was only a T-Mobile phone and a new one would only come in a T-Mobile branded box. If you haven't already done so, look at Jerry Rig Everything's unboxing video. That's what a T-Mobile H918 box looks like.
The sticker on the side would not look like what you have posted. Most, if not all of the Chinese Frankenphones/refurbs have the type of sticker in your picture. The UPC code on that sticker (8801031687305) is for an LG G3, not a V20. Use a barcode scanner and check for yourself.
The battery wouldn't have that capton tape over the contacts and wouldn't be in the phone. It would be sealed in a separate bag. I'll bet the writing on the back of the battery is all Chinese. Correct? A "real" H918 battery would be in English.
The date on the inner label is from 11/2015 and the V20 wasn't even released until the 2nd half of 2016 (IIRC Sept/Oct).
Those screen protectors that say "V20" are what you usually see on a refurb. The screen protectors on new "real" H918's were clear.
A "genuine" V20 would come with a flat USB C cable.
No H918's had the B&O tuning and wouldn't say B&O on the box.
The mere fact that it is coming from China probably means it is some sort of refurb. Also, look at the seller's feedback. 97.7% isn't very good.
Check if the serial numbers on the box, battery compartment and inside the phone settings all match. I would be surprised if they do.
With all of that said, just because it is a refurb, doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. It could have new parts (screen, mobo etc.) Check out ALL of the functions, and also check for screen burn in/image retention. If you already have image retention, then you know the phone has already been used extensively. If not, and everything else is OK, then maybe you got a decent phone for a pretty good price, considering these things were $700ish when new.
Here is a Reddit thread that talks about things to test when you get an H918.
I hope this helps.
Another thing you can try for checking a used phone might be to go to About Phone -> Hardware Info and check the value of lifetime calls as well as the internal S/N. The vast majority of "older" phones on eBay are refurbs even if they say "new". Most say "New - Other" as if that lets them get away with it. They typically have new cosmetic housing, but the internals are used. I would trust a listing by an actual person with in depth description and pictures of that specific phone over a large eBay seller any day.
"Lifetime Calls" in settings is a great indicator of a used phone for sure, but I don't think the H918 has it. My VS995 has it, but neither of my H918's have it, unfortunately. They only have "up time" which only tells you how long the phone has been on since the last power cycle.
Rootabaga said:
I was recently in the same boat so I'll take a stab at this.
By "genuine", are you asking if it is a real H918 or are you asking if it is "new/unused"?
The listing says it's new. I would say there is about a 99.9999999999% chance it is not "new/unused".
All of your suspicions are valid. I would add the following:
As far as I know, the H918 was only a T-Mobile phone and a new one would only come in a T-Mobile branded box. If you haven't already done so, look at Jerry Rig Everything's unboxing video. That's what a T-Mobile H918 box looks like.
The sticker on the side would not look like what you have posted. Most, if not all of the Chinese Frankenphones/refurbs have the type of sticker in your picture. The UPC code on that sticker (8801031687305) is for an LG G3, not a V20. Use a barcode scanner and check for yourself.
The battery wouldn't have that capton tape over the contacts and wouldn't be in the phone. It would be sealed in a separate bag. I'll bet the writing on the back of the battery is all Chinese. Correct? A "real" H918 battery would be in English.
The date on the inner label is from 11/2015 and the V20 wasn't even released until the 2nd half of 2016 (IIRC Sept/Oct).
Those screen protectors that say "V20" are what you usually see on a refurb. The screen protectors on new "real" H918's were clear.
A "genuine" V20 would come with a flat USB C cable.
No H918's had the B&O tuning and wouldn't say B&O on the box.
The mere fact that it is coming from China probably means it is some sort of refurb. Also, look at the seller's feedback. 97.7% isn't very good.
Check if the serial numbers on the box, battery compartment and inside the phone settings all match. I would be surprised if they do.
With all of that said, just because it is a refurb, doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. It could have new parts (screen, mobo etc.) Check out ALL of the functions, and also check for screen burn in/image retention. If you already have image retention, then you know the phone has already been used extensively. If not, and everything else is OK, then maybe you got a decent phone for a pretty good price, considering these things were $700ish when new.
Here is a Reddit thread that talks about things to test when you get an H918.
I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I checked all the functions and sensors, and headphone ports. camera, recording, etc. everything seems fine and no screen retention. The only issue i experienced was when the power button didn't work, but taking a screenshot fixed it. I hope i didn't miss anything.
The battery surprising matches what i see online from Jerry Rig Everything, minus the part that says it was made in late 2018. I emailed LG the IMEI and s/n and they confirmed that my phone was sent in for a "full refurbishment". But after that, the s/n was altered. I find it weird how they said the phone was made in USA but the box and the back of the phone says otherwise. I'm going to msg the seller.
jackson019 said:
Another thing you can try for checking a used phone might be to go to About Phone -> Hardware Info and check the value of lifetime calls as well as the internal S/N. The vast majority of "older" phones on eBay are refurbs even if they say "new". Most say "New - Other" as if that lets them get away with it. They typically have new cosmetic housing, but the internals are used. I would trust a listing by an actual person with in depth description and pictures of that specific phone over a large eBay seller any day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone doesn't have the lifetime calls.
I noticed my phone has the t-mobile device unlock app and it says my phone is carrier unlocked. Online says the app will disappear once i unlocked my phone. But i was able to make and receive calls from 2 different sim cards/networks just fine. Do I need to worry about this? should i do it anyways to see what happens?
EDIT: ran the unlocking app and when i press permanently unlock, it fails. I accidentally pressed temporary unlock and it worked. hopefully i didn't screw it up in the long run.
It is pretty hard to copy a v20 never seen a cloned one yet.......