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Hello everyone.
I got my HD2 a couple of weeks ago and as usual with new toys, am still taking some extra care with it. I had a Touch HD before that withstood quite a few bumps and two small drops. I saw people carying iPhones in pants pockets, back and front. Given that HD2 screen is significantly larger, how fragile is it, really? I usually carry my phones in jacket pocket, screen towards the body, without any case or sleeve. Do I need to take so much care for it or is it actually more resilient than it seems? Yes, I've seen the threads with broken screens. Anything can break, given enough force.
Any serious feedback is welcomed. Thanks.
Cheers, R
Well I have had mine since it was released in the UK and have had it in my right hand side front pocket in my jeans/trousers etc, sat on floors etc and all sorts and nothing has ever happened to it at all. Its a pretty tough screen I think, as long as when its in you pocket its not at an odd angle, I cant see any problems keeping it in there. I certainly have no problems.
Scratch test
There is a YouTube video of a scratch test of the screen of an HD2, its in foreign but gives a good idea of its screen tolerances (those of a nervous disposition may wish to look away towards the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcEaehKWr2s
Hmm I can only speak for myself and my HD2... but my screen has 2 (really small) scratches..
I think these are from a keychain or maybe a lighter in my pocket. I don't really know where the came from - but not from dropping it.
I would recommend to use a (thin - not that thick vikuti) foil to protect it against scratches.
--> Question: What would you recomment regarding a foil to cover the screen? I bought 1 Vikuti foil and really disliked it - it is sooo thick
Edit: I think the knife in the video would be able to scratch the screen... only a matter of right angle an pressure
I dropped mine on new years eve - drunk and the only thing i noticed the following day was that i had lost the backplate lol
Someone on here very kindly gave me a replacement.
Other than that - no scratches so far
Had mine three weeks, using front trouser pocket though I am very conscious of checking the pocket for keys etc first.
I have a full body invisibleSHIELD skin, and i'm extremely happy with it.
I've knocked it a few times on the edge of tables and chairs, once on the metal hand grip on a bus seat, and theres not a mark on it anywhere.
I have a screen protector that covers the entire screen, and carry the phone in my pants pocket in the leather case that came with the phone (I'm waiting on a holster from eBay).
The screen is in perfect condition, however, I did scuff the corner of the HD2 by dropping it (in its leather case) as I went to put it in my pocket coming out of a movie theatre...dropped onto cement.
: /
I use a screen protector and have a very nice silicone case for it that fits very snug, but I'm just being careful.
I believe that common sense is enough to keep this device from being damaged. As you can see from the linked video above, the screen is very resiliant, but it's not scratchproof. Also, why on earth anyone would put it in the back pocket of their trousers and sit down is totally beyone me, but people have done it (and probably still do), but they end up on here asking how to fix their damaged screen. (My advice to them is to hook up a flex capacitor to their car, drive at 88mph, go back in time to before they broke it and slap themselves round the face and say "STOP BEING SILLY!!!")
It's tough, but not unbreakable. Just treat it with respect, look after it sensibly, and DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR BACK TROUSER POCKET OR FRONT SHIRT POCKET!!!
As the meerkats say... simples
(I hate those adverts, but I do like Back To The Future )
johncmolyneux said:
FRONT SHIRT POCKET!!!
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Click to collapse
Why not...I put it in there all the time?
So it won't fall out or...?
Spike15 said:
Why not...I put it in there all the time?
So it won't fall out or...?
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lol - I've NEVER seen anyone on this forum say that that has happened to them <sarc mark>
johncmolyneux said:
lol - I've NEVER seen anyone on this forum say that that has happened to them <sarc mark>
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Just making sure I wasn't missing something.
Personally I don't bend over when I need to get something on the floor et cetera...I bend my knees...I've heard that bending like that is bad for your back.
Spike15 said:
Just making sure I wasn't missing something.
Personally I don't bend over when I need to get something on the floor et cetera...I bend my knees...I've heard that bending like that is bad for your back.
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Click to collapse
Yes, and even moreso if you have a hernia! Good to see that xda is also responsible for good health advice too
I can't wait for mine to arrive next week. I can tell you from experience that the IPHONE has cracked 3 times in pocket when I put too much pressure. Apple does replace them on a regular basis. They allow for what they call a hairline. If it spiders they won't replace it but a hairline is within their tolerance and is common enough for them to replace it without question. That is how I ended up with a new replacement recently. I wasn't using the phone much but my HD battery died on site so I put the time into the IPHONE to use it. I squatted with the IPHONE in backpocket and CRACK. I probably should check my beltline while I am at it..
They replaced it and that worked out anyways as I am going to sell it. Keep my HD and Bold as backup.
The glass looks pretty solid and as many people reported it a good solid piece of hardware.
i keep mine in the case it comes with when i am carrying it around... any pocket really.
i just make sure i dont sit on it! lol
the screen itself is extremely resilient when it is out and in use.
I leave mine lying around all of the time out of the case and it still looks brand new.
I dont use any screen protector.
screen strength
being a kapasitive screen it uses a propper glass cover instead of ****ty plexi glass or resistive glass as most phones use, this naturally gives it a more scratch proof serface but makes it less resilient to actually breaking. like one guy said it all has to do with angle and preshure.. and abit of bad luck when it comes to screen protection i recomend invisiShield. they are nice and thin, VERY clear plastic so it doesnt disturb teh screen quality. and last but not least, the fabric its made of is teh same as teh stuff that they use to cover helicopter rotor blades with, so it comes with a 30 year waranty.
Thanks for all the replies so far. I suspected as much, but it sure is nice to hear other people's experience
Cheers, R
Impunitus said:
Thanks for all the replies so far. I suspected as much, but it sure is nice to hear other people's experience
Cheers, R
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I had the same fear with its screen .. i posted a poll on the screen
see this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=618978
Hi,
Got my HD2 couple months back and using it with silicon cover since beginning but now I want to take the cover off and show the real beauty of the phone to everyone but I am too scared to take the silicon cover off because I am clumsy and I drop my phone way too frequently.
I know the phone looks very durable but exactly how durable is it??? can people share some experiences like oh I dropped it from 5ft and it was intact or oh I dropped it from 2ft and the screen broke etc etc.
I used to have HTC Kaiser/tilt and I dropped it way too my times without any covers but it never gave up on me.
PS: I know there is no real way to define durability of a cellphone but u know there are some cellphones which are really delicate and u have to handle them with extra extra care. While there are some like the kaiser who are made for rough use. Just want to know which category our HD2 belongs to?
Sorry for the double post, by mistake i posted it in accessories section!
Hey, i droped it many times and nothing happens.
Sometimes from 150 cm and a bit more and less.
I have thrown my Diamond down the street many times on a night out, but I would never want to drop my HD2 outside of a case, the entire front of the phone is glass, so you may get lucky a couple of times you may not. I wouldn't want to take the chance, it's expensive to replace.
I've dropped my HD2 a few times, most recent was when my mate rugby tackled me on a night out and broke my hand in the process, the HD2 survived almost unscathed due to it being in its case, although there is now a tiny chip on the front-facing bezel above the headphone socket where it meets the glass.
I never bothered with a screen protector and the screen looks as good as new and I've had mine since Nov2009. It's a tough little phone. As long as you keep it in its case when its not being used you will be fine.
hardik119 said:
Hi,
Got my HD2 couple months back and using it with silicon cover since beginning but now I want to take the cover off and show the real beauty of the phone to everyone but I am too scared to take the silicon cover off because I am clumsy and I drop my phone way too frequently.
I know the phone looks very durable but exactly how durable is it??? can people share some experiences like oh I dropped it from 5ft and it was intact or oh I dropped it from 2ft and the screen broke etc etc.
I used to have HTC Kaiser/tilt and I dropped it way too my times without any covers but it never gave up on me.
PS: I know there is no real way to define durability of a cellphone but u know there are some cellphones which are really delicate and u have to handle them with extra extra care. While there are some like the kaiser who are made for rough use. Just want to know which category our HD2 belongs to?
Sorry for the double post, by mistake i posted it in accessories section!
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Click to collapse
If you're that clumsy, I'd suggest you keep it in it's case Hardik119 as Murphys law says you'll drop it as soon as you take that cover off?
Hulmeman said:
If you're that clumsy, I'd suggest you keep it in it's case Hardik119 as Murphys law says you'll drop it as soon as you take that cover off?
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Click to collapse
hehe, i can see tomorrows post already
'so last night i fumbled whilst taking the case off and the phone exploded into 900 pieces'
hardik119 said:
Hi,
Got my HD2 couple months back and using it with silicon cover since beginning but now I want to take the cover off and show the real beauty of the phone to everyone but I am too scared to take the silicon cover off because I am clumsy and I drop my phone way too frequently.
I know the phone looks very durable but exactly how durable is it??? can people share some experiences like oh I dropped it from 5ft and it was intact or oh I dropped it from 2ft and the screen broke etc etc.
I used to have HTC Kaiser/tilt and I dropped it way too my times without any covers but it never gave up on me.
PS: I know there is no real way to define durability of a cellphone but u know there are some cellphones which are really delicate and u have to handle them with extra extra care. While there are some like the kaiser who are made for rough use. Just want to know which category our HD2 belongs to?
Sorry for the double post, by mistake i posted it in accessories section!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's great, I dropped it several times from 0.5m-1.0m and it's working perfectly ATM.
Had mine for 9 months now, never put a silicon case or it or screen protector. Only use the leather-ish case that came with it, have dropped my HD2 loads of times. I am litterally the worst person with phones, i had four new phones in a 2 year contract before this because i am so clumbsy, including the kaiser and tp2. HD2 is far more resilient and mine has not noticable marks on it.
Maybe i'm lucky with this phone, but i have seen videos of hd2 and iphone being pushed together screen to screen and the iphone breaks way earlier and considering the screen is that much smaller more pressure would be technically be being applied to the HD2.
Dust in your HD2's USB port is more likely to break your phone than dropping it.
The screen is gorilla glass, check out youtube for some videos of guys trying to break or scratch it, not easy! As for the case, I dropped it a couple of times on asphalt, and while the case looked fine, there is a rubbery edging around the screen that did get gouged. You can't really tell by looking, but you can feel it.
Such a classy device needs to be treated elegantly!!
A screen protector is a must have.
And to show off with ur sexy phone use a OEM leather pouch (slim and rich looking) that can be bought from ebay with a reasonable price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Leather-pou...389855?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item415267839f
for such a big screen with lots of glass, its pretty tough, im a bit clumsy with phones, like some, i dropped by LG BL40, good job, it was ****e, but screen shatterd, chucked it in the bin and got this...always used the pouch, but had it out playing music, a broom(yes a broom) fell over and i have a c shaped scratch, drives me mad...but did scratch easier i thought..the case marks pretty easy to. But for such a large phone, thumbs up.
sevoflurane said:
Such a classy device needs to be treated elegantly!!
A screen protector is a must have.
And to show off with ur sexy phone use a OEM leather pouch (slim and rich looking) that can be bought from ebay with a reasonable price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Leather-pou...389855?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item415267839f
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Click to collapse
not sure I agree with the screen protector. I can never keep one on the phone, it will be on for a couple of months, then start annoying me and I take it off. The screen is very scratch resistant and I don't tend to drop phones. It stays in it's bodyglove kickstand case (which adds a little lip to the edges) and goes in a leather beltclip case.
hardik119 said:
I know the phone looks very durable but exactly how durable is it???
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Click to collapse
The screen is very durable. Over the 9 months I've owned my HD2 the screen hasn't had one scratch on it despite no screen protector.
Drop it and one of two things will happen: nothing or total destruction of the screen.
Unfortunately, after 9 months of being careful I recently dropped my phone onto concrete from about 2 feet and the screen is totalled
The problem lies with the thinness of the bezel where it meets the screen (it deforms easily) and the tight tolerances of the join between the bezel and glass.
The combination is deadly and any design engineer ought to have noticed that at pre-production.
Someone at HTC sacrificed how the phone felt in the hand to how the glass screen reacts to side on pressure as a result of the bezel deforming on impact.
I'd be happy to have a chunkier bezel with just a few more mm of metal on the bezel if it prevents deformation on impact.
The phone is insured but I'll probably get reamed at policy renewal time next year.
the hd2 is durable as far as drops go (i don't use a case) - i've dropped mine twice, once on a wooden floor from about 5 ft up,no damage, and once onto concrete from the same height,only damage a very tiny dent/scratch on the corner of the case where it hit the street.
however, do NOT believe the bull**** about the screen being super scratch resistant !! after only two weeks of GENTLE use,and only being kept in my back pocket with nothing else,there was a one inch scratch across the front. i know,i saw the videos as well, but the fact remains. it scratches,and it scratches pretty damn easy.
GET A SCREEN PROTECTOR IMMEDIATELY !!!!
Neither case nor screen protector has (or will) ever touched the perfect curves of my hd2. Furthermore, it has seen a heavy ammount of abuse.
As far as dropping it goes... I wouldn't reccomend it. Mine has survived chest high (I'm 6'4") drops on to concrete (landing screen first) and not broken. However, many a sad story has been told by users with falls from lesser heights. The unlucky folks notwithstanding, I have to say that the screen is certainly well-made. In the 6+ months I've owned it, the screen remains conspicuously scratch-free. It should be noted that I often take out my car keys and and aggressively assault the screen with them (to the horror of onlookers). I also regularly lay my device down face-first. Still can't seem to find a single scratch.
As previously mentioned, I do not have or use a case of any kind. I keep my phone on me at all times in my front pocket (screen facing my leg). This includes when I am at work. I work... at a warehouse. Which means my hd2 gets to enjoy pallets, boxes, and various other blunt-force trauma slamming against it in my pocket. Here's what I have found.
The parts that are NOT so tough:
1) Battery cover.
I have noticeable scratches and marks on the battery cover. There is a thin coating on it that will flake off after a certain ammount of abuse.
2) The flash.
My led flash was dislodged slightly (some time while at work) and pressed up against the vibration motor. Although it was easy enough to fix by popping the phone open and remounting it.
The parts that ARE tough:
So far... everything else.
jamima69 said:
it scratches,and it scratches pretty damn easy.
GET A SCREEN PROTECTOR IMMEDIATELY !!!!
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No. It really doesn't. Whatever happend to your phone to cause a scratch is unfortunate... but it is the exception, not the rule. When I am unable to INTENTIONALLY scratch something, aforementioned "thing" can not be considered "easily scratchable".
I dropped mine from 4-5 feet high a few times (a couple onto concrete) and it was fine.
Then yesterday I dropped it from 2 feet high onto a wood floor and the screen was totally destroyed. Must have just hit at the right (wrong) angle...
Also, my screen has several scratches on it, so saying it is EXTREMELY scratch resistant is BS. However, now that my screen is destroyed anyway, I tried scratching it with a key, and knife, a pushpin, and a couple other things (haven't tried my wife's diamond ring, heh) and cannot for the life of me scratch it. But it DID get scratched somehow... and one of them was there after only a few days of use.
jamima69 said:
however, do NOT believe the bull**** about the screen being super scratch resistant !! after only two weeks of GENTLE use,and only being kept in my back pocket with nothing else,there was a one inch scratch across the front. i know,i saw the videos as well, but the fact remains. it scratches,and it scratches pretty damn easy.
GET A SCREEN PROTECTOR IMMEDIATELY !!!!
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Click to collapse
the one inch scratch on your HD2 is very unfortunate, but does not mean at all that it scratches "pretty damn easy". At this point I totally disagree. I have my HD2 now for more than 1 year and I'm a heavy user, but after all this time there is not one single scratch to detect on the screen. I must say though, that I always have my HD2 in a leather belt case when not in use, but never used a screen protector on my HD2.
So in conclusion: the HD2 does not scratch easlly at all, but you have just been unfortunate and very unlucky.
regards, Kuzibri
I've recently replaced the screen in my HD2 because the old one had sustained some serious damage through an unfortunate encounter with asphalt. The device can handle some serious punishment, but the screen can crack quite easily when dropped just the wrong way. I've heard the screen can handle 400 newton of force which is quite a lot, but a 1 meter drop and slide across asphalt was too much.
Also, the screen is almost scratch-free except for sand! Sand can scratch the screen easily (had it in my pocket when working on the beach) so use a screenprotector when in a sandy environment.
While the phone is durable, it is always a good idea to to have the phone in a gell case to keep it from getting mangled when dropped. having owned several touch phones I have not found a need for a screen protector as I do not put my phone face down or in a pocket with other things...
I'm thinking of buying a GS2 and what scares me the most are the threads by people who cracked the screen.
All my phones fall, from the first siemens (back in the '90) to my my last htc hero.
At least once a month it makes a flight off the sofa, off the table, on the cement ... at most the back cover comes off, the battery flies away and the body (not the display) reports some scratches.
My hero also shows signs of bites and scratches by a cat, but nothing more!
(try to control a cat a let me know ...)
I read the last post of a poor guy whose s2 fell to less than one meter on the gravel and the display cracked!
But is it really so fragile?!
Is there someone whose s2 has been dropped from a reasonable height and the screen survived ?
L.
volpe71 said:
I'm thinking of buying a GS2 and what scares me the most are the threads by people who cracked the screen.
All my phones fall, from the first siemens (back in the '90) to my my last htc hero.
At least once a month it makes a flight off the sofa, off the table, on the cement ... at most the back cover comes off, the battery flies away and the body (not the display) reports some scratches.
My hero also shows signs of bites and scratches by a cat, but nothing more!
(try to control a cat a let me know ...)
I read the last post of a poor guy whose s2 fell to less than one meter on the gravel and the display cracked!
But is it really so fragile?!
Is there someone whose s2 has been dropped from a reasonable height and the screen survived ?
L.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at the right angle anything can crack
buy this
youtube
You have a 4.3 inch screen, 8mm phone, ofcourse it's fragile. All of them are. Like ^ said, buy a nice case, and you'll have some protection against small falls.
If you cannot afford the Case Mate Tough Case , then Amazon has some reasonably cheap gel cases , do not buy a silicone case as they attract dirt/dust like a magnet
OP, I dropped mine from 1 meter height a number of times, but always on wooden or carpeted floor. Never dropped on concrete or gravel. But I bet most modern smart phones with large touchscreens will crack if dropped on hard surface landing on the screen or even not on the screen but at a proper angle like someone already mentioned.
Either buy a good case, or buy a tough weather and impact proof phone.
dropped mine 100 times.....apart from a few cosmetic scratches, been fine
volpe71 said:
Is there someone whose s2 has been dropped from a reasonable height and the screen survived ?
My hero also shows signs of bites and scratches by a cat, but nothing more!
(try to control a cat a let me know ...)
L.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dropped mine the first day from about 1.7 meters/5.6 feet(?) (I guess that's the height my ear is at) on the pavement. It's fine, just scratches and scuffs on the corners and the back, but nothing bad.
Bought the CaseMate Tough Case though, just to be sure.
PS. Damn cats! mine keeps battling my remote, it lights up as he touches it... chews through the lcd screens
I have just a full-body screen protector on mine and have dropped it a couple of times and its been fine. What part of the phone that hits the ground first is going to make a big difference too. If it hits the ground vertically on a corner than yes, you're more likely to have the screen crack. A couple of the reported cracks were from stress where the screen was in someones pocket and either pressed against something or sat on. Also, consider how many are out there now and the cracked screen reports are less than a dozen. I was afraid of it when I first got it but less so now.
qwerty warrior said:
at the right angle anything can crack
buy this
youtube
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Gonna get one of those. Looks good.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Having come from Nokia phones and Htc phones.. this is as light as a feather and just slipped through my hands quiet a few times.. but you get used to it..
Once it dropped of the table but no harm done. yes it is very light and I would suggest getting it a case or something to make it feel more in the HAnds although I never used cases on any of my phones leave alone screen protectors.
But yeah you get used to it after a while so go GET one
i threw mine, it still works. Buy a big leather case. Top tip of the day, it saves you ££££'s
You guys just need to be more careful with your phones.
DVC1985 said:
You guys just need to be more careful with your phones.
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http://youtu.be/lcepWNOuUuM
LOL at "iPhone Dropped in Slow Motion"
Tinderbox (UK) said:
If you cannot afford the Case Mate Tough Case , then Amazon has some reasonably cheap gel cases , do not buy a silicone case as they attract dirt/dust like a magnet
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Click to collapse
600€ for the phone so the price of the case would not be a problem.
A must have accessory (for my use) is an active car holder; one you put the phone in without having to plug cables, to put the phone out from the case, etc. ( like the original samsung one )
Anyway, thanks to everybody.
At the end I think I'll go for the phone, some "invisible skin" protector and an insurance.
L.
I am really a bit confused about this entire thread. Maybe I just haven't seen the flood of threads complaining about cracked screens, but the only ones I've seen even remotely related are:
1) Some dude dropped a dumb bell on his phone. You be the judge of whether or not that is indicative of the screen's robustness.
2) Some dude dropped his phone into the toilet for a swim with some poo and water. And, it still survived.
So, I guess if you want a phone that is impervious to heavy metal weights being dropped directly on it, then yes, I would be wary of this phone. The good news is, if you're the type to possibly have your mobile phone go for a **** swim every once in a while, you're in luck.
All joking aside, get a decent case for it, screen protectors, and the phone is as well built as any other well built phone. Plus, the phone in its "naked state" is a bit too thin for me anyway.
I dropped mine from like 1,5M on solid stone. Landed on a corner which now has a little dent other then that there is nothing to see...
I was actually surprised it survived i have seen phones die from less.
1m height to solid stone
Dropped mine from 1m onto solid stone floor. Landed flat on the screen side. 2 or 3 fix points on backcover opened. Other than that, not even a scratch. Back cover was also ok.
I have read these unfortunate threads before and I admit I was scarred to to pick it up lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ErXqnQKs-tA
cmd512 said:
I am really a bit confused about this entire thread. Maybe I just haven't seen the flood of threads complaining about cracked screens,
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XDA is not the only place in the world talking about phones ... anyway, am I free to be scared and ask or not? ;-)
L.
dropped mine 2 days ago ad the screen is chipped and cracked, now on the lookout for a new piece of glass
Hey guys! I have a question to ask you fellow SGS II owners, ive noticed that there is a faint "scratch" line forming on the edge of the back of the phone ( the chin part where the antenna is) on mine and my friends, where the battery cover meets the chin, there is a faint scratch/used out line forming on the chin.
Have any of you guys noticed this on your S2, is it something to be concerned about?, the line is really faint but i fear it might get worse over time; its honestly the only thing that makes me want to put a case on this thing because the body is perfect otherwise.
Thanks for your input! cheers
Nip it in the bud and get a case-mate tough case. (or case of your choice)
Not only will it protect it from further damage, but will also hide it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
chrisjcks said:
Nip it in the bud and get a case-mate tough case. (or case of your choice)
Not only will it protect it from further damage, but will also hide it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
yeahh, i just hate using cases because then the phone gets all bulky and loses its amazing thinness! but yeah if this scratch thing is bad then i guess ill likely use a case
unleashed12 said:
yeahh, i just hate using cases because then the phone gets all bulky and loses its amazing thinness! but yeah if this scratch thing is bad then i guess ill likely use a case
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Click to collapse
Personally I had to get a case for mine, as it is just too ludicrously thin and light it didn't feel right in my hand... Just saying.
Got this one, free post came the next day, nice and perfect fit
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GADGETSNTEC...IRMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314876435&sr=8-1
yep tha bit of the sgs2 will pick up scratches and show them more then others , it comes into touch with things before most parts of the phone ie laying it camera side down the bit you mention will always be leant on by the rest of the phone
if you are a bit like me and dont like scratches then the casemate tough is defo a good option
however i do agree with you the sgs2 feels so nice without a case its a tricky one i love the way it feels without a case yet i know ill be gutted when it gets scratched :-(
on the other hand can an item i use so much as my sgs2 be expected not to pick up useage marks?? it gets used loads and its bound to pick up wear marks no matter how hard you try to keep it nice
2 options i reckon , get used to the case on the device or learn to live with useage marks tiny little useage scratches aint so bad its when chunks are missing from drops etc
You could buy the zagg invisible shield full body, and you will not notice any difference in weight or size then and you phone will be protected against scratches.
I have my cases on hold, while i think about the new Samsung 2000mah battery as normal might not fit and it would be a waste of money buying one now.
MJ-12 said:
Personally I had to get a case for mine, as it is just too ludicrously thin and light it didn't feel right in my hand... Just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here
CaseMate added weight and reduced the risk of dropping my baby because of the rubber surface
The back cover on this phone doesn't make a sound, but in terms of durability is CHEAP AS HELL: it gets scratched very very easy...the first layer is really thin and weak, and when it starts wearing off the back cover begins to look white/gray, and that's really annoying. I keep my phone in a case pulling it out just to clean it from time and it's already full whitish micro scratches. God knows what would happen to it without a proper case... Also the screen is very prone to scratches: personally i haven't scratched mine because i use a protector since day 1, but a friend of mine went without it for a day and his screen had at least 5 micro scratches already. Note that he's a bank clerk, not a bricklayer, and no, he doesn't carry uncut diamonds in his pockets.
I know that gorilla glass is scratch resistant and not scratch proof, but on the GS2 there's a layer of oleophobic coating on it, which scratches really easy. Be careful with your phone guys, screen protector and case is a must have on this guy
Yes, the scratches on that lip will certainly get worse if you don't cover that area by some method. I think mine got there just from going in and out of my Jeans pocket..
I held the same opinion as OP.. why cover up this of all devices, with it's USP of ultra fine lightweight design? I finally resolved to putting a case on mine when, heavily burdened by shopping bags, I attempted to quickly pull the phone out of my pocket to answer a call but instead lost my grip and sent it cartwheeling across a concrete pavement. All four corners now bear nasty dents/abrasions. A case means a more firm grip and covers up said ugly fall damage...
mine too...
So here is the situation. My PH-1, defying logic, has a cracked screen despite me having a case and a screen protector on it. It started out as a hairline crack at the top of the screen but also with a fair amount of corner damage. What doesn't make any sense is that before I purchased the case and screen protector the phone survived quite a few drops without a scratch. Yesterday I dropped it again, on its back, and upon turning the phone over know it is really shattered. Still works but it is in rough shape.
I scored the phone on the Sprint deal at 145 plus the camera so I can't really complain if I have to spend another 199 to have a new phone. The problem is, I don't want to spend another 199 if the same thing is going to happen again. I have never had a phone crack with both a case and a screen protector installed before. That being said, the screen protector was a poor fit and did not cover the corners at all. It almost seems as if the case had a negative effect which is also very odd. No damage before installing the case.
Just wondering if this is a rare occasion or if it is common.
I really like the phone and I want the company to succeed. But if they are this fragile I would probably pick up an LG or an HTC.
I am on Verizon so a One Plus isn't an option.
chiadrum said:
So here is the situation. My PH-1, defying logic, has a cracked screen despite me having a case and a screen protector on it. It started out as a hairline crack at the top of the screen but also with a fair amount of corner damage. What doesn't make any sense is that before I purchased the case and screen protector the phone survived quite a few drops without a scratch. Yesterday I dropped it again, on its back, and upon turning the phone over know it is really shattered. Still works but it is in rough shape.
I scored the phone on the Sprint deal at 145 plus the camera so I can't really complain if I have to spend another 199 to have a new phone. The problem is, I don't want to spend another 199 if the same thing is going to happen again. I have never had a phone crack with both a case and a screen protector installed before. That being said, the screen protector was a poor fit and did not cover the corners at all. It almost seems as if the case had a negative effect which is also very odd. No damage before installing the case.
Just wondering if this is a rare occasion or if it is common.
I really like the phone and I want the company to succeed. But if they are this fragile I would probably pick up an LG or an HTC.
I am on Verizon so a One Plus isn't an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what happened to you is a one off. You should go buy a lotto ticket maybe? On the bright side, you'd still be paying less than what I paid for 1 PH-1 with the 360 cam, used. I bought my combo from swappa in mint condition for $390. You're only at $344, and you got 2 phones Granted one bit the dust. But if I were you, I'd get the replacement. I'm not sure there is a better phone out yet, imo. Only thing to make this phone better on gen 2 would be to get rid of the black bar at the bottom so it is completely bezeless, and to up the IP rating to 68 at LEAST 67. Motorized selfie cam? No notch? That would be nice. I hardly ever use the selfie cam anyway. Just my $0.02. If mine broke, I'd be buying another one
surface13 said:
I think what happened to you is a one off. You should go buy a lotto ticket maybe? On the bright side, you'd still be paying less than what I paid for 1 PH-1 with the 360 cam, used. I bought my combo from swappa in mint condition for $390. You're only at $344, and you got 2 phones Granted one bit the dust. But if I were you, I'd get the replacement. I'm not sure there is a better phone out yet, imo. Only thing to make this phone better on gen 2 would be to get rid of the black bar at the bottom so it is completely bezeless, and to up the IP rating to 68 at LEAST 67. Motorized selfie cam? No notch? That would be nice. I hardly ever use the selfie cam anyway. Just my $0.02. If mine broke, I'd be buying another one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of what I was thinking. Just hoping to NOT see other reports of similar breakage.
Thanks for the .02
chiadrum said:
That's kind of what I was thinking. Just hoping to NOT see other reports of similar breakage.
Thanks for the .02
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I literally just put my broken one in the mailbox to go back to Essential (Asurion is actually the insurance claim handling company). Mailman hasn't even picked it up yet. I cloned everything into the new replacement last night w/TWRP. So, there was virtually no on-screen setup (security/fingerprints had to be redone), and I'm back up and running as if my phone was simply repaired. That's something that's just not possible with a different phone.
Essential was quick about responding. They take 1 biz day to process and the replacement is sent FedEx Standard overnight.
I am overall disappointed with the fragility of the phone as its durability was a major selling point for me. Essential still has that PH-1 bouncing and tumbling on concrete on their homepage. But, right now there is not another phone with the dimensions, design quality, and components that can compare to this. Now, if I broke another one, I probably would not do it again, unless the price was at least half.
I am a little concerned about your situation being that you had screen protection and a case. But if I were you, I would still do the replacement, and try completely different protective devices. Especially since you got such a deal on the first one, I think it would be a no-brainer for me. I paid $350 for mine w/no 360 cam, and I still did the replacement.
I mean, even knowing this outcome, (I'm $550 in at this point) I still don't think I would have went for the OnePlus 5T. I really appreciate the form factor of this phone, and I plan to baby this replacement.
GospelNerd said:
I literally just put my broken one in the mailbox to go back to Essential (Asurion is actually the insurance claim handling company). Mailman hasn't even picked it up yet. I cloned everything into the new replacement last night w/TWRP. So, there was virtually no on-screen setup (security/fingerprints had to be redone), and I'm back up and running as if my phone was simply repaired. That's something that's just not possible with a different phone.
Essential was quick about responding. They take 1 biz day to process and the replacement is sent FedEx Standard overnight.
I am overall disappointed with the fragility of the phone as its durability was a major selling point for me. Essential still has that PH-1 bouncing and tumbling on concrete on their homepage. But, right now there is not another phone with the dimensions, design quality, and components that can compare to this. Now, if I broke another one, I probably would not do it again, unless the price was at least half.
I am a little concerned about your situation being that you had screen protection and a case. But if I were you, I would still do the replacement, and try completely different protective devices. Especially since you got such a deal on the first one, I think it would be a no-brainer for me. I paid $350 for mine w/no 360 cam, and I still did the replacement.
I mean, even knowing this outcome, (I'm $550 in at this point) I still don't think I would have went for the OnePlus 5T. I really appreciate the form factor of this phone, and I plan to baby this replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I am addicted to the form factor after having the hand stretching, ache causing Nexus 6. And the fingerprint scanner for unlocking and notifications. What caused your breakage? Did you have a case and/or screen protector?
chiadrum said:
Yeah, I am addicted to the form factor after having the hand stretching, ache causing Nexus 6. And the fingerprint scanner for unlocking and notifications. What caused your breakage? Did you have a case and/or screen protector?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine fell from my back pocket onto concrete, about 1.5 ft drop. I had a case.... in my backpack . It's just too pretty a phone to want to case it much. But, that's all over for me now.
GospelNerd said:
Mine fell from my back pocket onto concrete, about 1.5 ft drop. I had a case.... in my backpack . It's just too pretty a phone to want to case it much. But, that's all over for me now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cracked yours?
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Yep I did. I bet if I could have watched it happen in slow motion, it would have looked just like the video on the Essential homepage, except...crack!
chiadrum said:
So here is the situation. My PH-1, defying logic, has a cracked screen despite me having a case and a screen protector on it. It started out as a hairline crack at the top of the screen but also with a fair amount of corner damage. What doesn't make any sense is that before I purchased the case and screen protector the phone survived quite a few drops without a scratch. Yesterday I dropped it again, on its back, and upon turning the phone over know it is really shattered. Still works but it is in rough shape.
I scored the phone on the Sprint deal at 145 plus the camera so I can't really complain if I have to spend another 199 to have a new phone. The problem is, I don't want to spend another 199 if the same thing is going to happen again. I have never had a phone crack with both a case and a screen protector installed before. That being said, the screen protector was a poor fit and did not cover the corners at all. It almost seems as if the case had a negative effect which is also very odd. No damage before installing the case.
Just wondering if this is a rare occasion or if it is common.
I really like the phone and I want the company to succeed. But if they are this fragile I would probably pick up an LG or an HTC.
I am on Verizon so a One Plus isn't an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try not to drop fragile electronic devices.
On the other hand I can be a dolt so I always get insurance.
I got a SquareTrade coverage on this phone right after I got it.
It was $140 for three years with a $75 deductible for repairs.
So I suggest getting a SquareTrade warranty on the next one.
It also adds value when you want to sell it.
tech_head said:
I got a SquareTrade coverage on this phone right after I got it. It was $140 for three years with a $75 deductible for repairs. So I suggest getting a SquareTrade warranty on the next one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the 'out-of-warranty' replacement is $199, unless you think you might go through more than one replacement, neither the extended warranty from Essential, or the price you gave for SquareTrade would be worth it. That's why I never sign up for them. I figure if I manage to break my device, the repair or replacement fee is going to be either my incentive to be extra careful from then til the next device, or impetus to sell it and try something else.
chiadrum said:
despite me having a case and a screen protector on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@chiadrum Mind letting us know which make/models of case and screen protector you had on it when this happened?
GospelNerd said:
Since the 'out-of-warranty' replacement is $199, unless you think you might go through more than one replacement, neither the extended warranty from Essential, or the price you gave for SquareTrade would be worth it. That's why I never sign up for them. I figure if I manage to break my device, the repair or replacement fee is going to be either my incentive to be extra careful from then til the next device, or impetus to sell it and try something else.
@chiadrum Mind letting us know which make/models of case and screen protector you had on it when this happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, $140+$75 = $215 which is a wash if you have one incident at $200.
It also covers any other issue for three years, so YMMV.
But even a bricked device would be covered.
One might argue that insurance is never worth it. you can only make the argument until the first time you drop and break your device, have a battery issue, brick or anything else.
I don't typically break or lose my phones, but there is a first time for everything.
YMMV
tech_head said:
Actually, $140+$75 = $215 which is a wash if you have one incident at $200.
It also covers any other issue for three years, so YMMV.
But even a bricked device would be covered.
One might argue that insurance is never worth it. you can only make the argument until the first time you drop and break your device, have a battery issue, brick or anything else.
I don't typically break or lose my phones, but there is a first time for everything.
YMMV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to pay the initial$140 either way, so it's $75 vs $200
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
avd said:
You have to pay the initial$140 either way, so it's $75 vs $200
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless there is a deductable.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Do it
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
GospelNerd said:
Since the 'out-of-warranty' replacement is $199, unless you think you might go through more than one replacement, neither the extended warranty from Essential, or the price you gave for SquareTrade would be worth it. That's why I never sign up for them. I figure if I manage to break my device, the repair or replacement fee is going to be either my incentive to be extra careful from then til the next device, or impetus to sell it and try something else.
@chiadrum Mind letting us know which make/models of case and screen protector you had on it when this happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Case was the Tudia without the notch for the 360 cam, so a full coverage case in other words. Fits pretty snug and covers the edges for sure. Screen protectors were mocolo. Screen protector can be placed on the phone even with the case on, that is how much screen is still exposed even with the protector. Also, the phone was not nearly as responsive to touch with that protector on. Really surprised that the case didn't do the trick with the corner covered. The corner is where the downfall began.
chiadrum said:
It almost seems as if the case had a negative effect which is also very odd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate on this statement in the OP? Got any pics?
I got some of those edge-only adhesive screen protectors with the black borders, which leaves a tiny amount of screen glass exposed (barely 1mm on top [which allows for the speaker opening], and on bottom, and probably 0.5mm on either side). It appears that even with that gap, only the screen protector or the plastic around the screen could make initial contact on a fall. But, my Incipio clear case doesn't fit without catching the edges of the protector and audibly making them peel up (not necessarily visibly). So it's not wearing a case at the moment.
I have a Tudia Lula 2.0 case coming (the one with the 360 cam cutout), so your incident is a little concerning.
I don't care about the durability of a case or screen protector as long as they do their job when it matters, and that is to prevent the phone itself from sustaining damage. But it's for naught if they don't prevent, or worse even cause damage.
GospelNerd said:
Can you elaborate on this statement in the OP? Got any pics?
I got some of those edge-only adhesive screen protectors with the black borders, which leaves a tiny amount of screen glass exposed (barely 1mm on top [which allows for the speaker opening], and on bottom, and probably 0.5mm on either side). It appears that even with that gap, only the screen protector or the plastic around the screen could make initial contact on a fall. But, my Incipio clear case doesn't fit without catching the edges of the protector and audibly making them peel up (not necessarily visibly). So it's not wearing a case at the moment.
I have a Tudia Lula 2.0 case coming (the one with the 360 cam cutout), so your incident is a little concerning.
I don't care about the durability of a case or screen protector as long as they do their job when it matters, and that is to prevent the phone itself from sustaining damage. But it's for naught if they don't prevent, or worse even cause damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the Essential is any more or less fragile than other phones.
My daughter dropped her S9 in a case with a green protector.
$149 to replaced the device.
tech_head said:
I don't think the Essential is any more or less fragile than other phones.
My daughter dropped her S9 in a case with a green protector.
$149 to replaced the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think phones with an edge to edge screen are way more susceptible to damage from a drop than phones with bezels or whatever you call them on all 4 sides. Unless you get a bulky case with raised edges that completely obliterates the beautiful design of the phone a case will probably provide little to no protection in a drop. The same is true of a screen protector because it provides zero protection for the edges of the glass.
jhs39 said:
I think phones with an edge to edge screen are way more susceptible to damage from a drop than phones with bezels or whatever you call them on all 4 sides. Unless you get a bulky case with raised edges that completely obliterates the beautiful design of the phone a case will probably provide little to no protection in a drop. The same is true of a screen protector because it provides zero protection for the edges of the glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair point. I always said screw design,give me a tank.I did pull the trigger on the replacement.Got it in a day.Signed up for OTA 8.1 and had it in a couple of hours.Now I just have to baby this thing.And this one is fully unlocked.My original was a Sprint variant and it was bugging out when I pulled the SIM and I could never have used it on vacation overseas.
GospelNerd said:
Can you elaborate on this statement in the OP? Got any pics?
I got some of those edge-only adhesive screen protectors with the black borders, which leaves a tiny amount of screen glass exposed (barely 1mm on top [which allows for the speaker opening], and on bottom, and probably 0.5mm on either side). It appears that even with that gap, only the screen protector or the plastic around the screen could make initial contact on a fall. But, my Incipio clear case doesn't fit without catching the edges of the protector and audibly making them peel up (not necessarily visibly). So it's not wearing a case at the moment.
I have a Tudia Lula 2.0 case coming (the one with the 360 cam cutout), so your incident is a little concerning.
I don't care about the durability of a case or screen protector as long as they do their job when it matters, and that is to prevent the phone itself from sustaining damage. But it's for naught if they don't prevent, or worse even cause damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry just seeing this now.Cant find a pic but there was a gash on the corner and a crack across the top.Then one last drop and it was a spiderweb.
Hey Guys,
I am from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I dropped my 3 month old Essential Phone on concrete floor face down and the display is completely smashed in one corner and has cracks all over the screen. Mine broke because I had neither the case nor any screen protector on the phone.
I am planning for the 199$ replacement but heard from them that its a refurbished device. Just want to know whether the refurbished replacement device is void and free of any scratches/ dents or any other physical defects on the body of the phone. And also the overall quality of the phone is good before I take this plunge.
Thanks,
Zulfiqar