Database Users

Word of warning for those considering buying a beta Streak from the grey market...

Considering I got burned for ~500 dollars, I thought I would issue a warning to people considering the same thing I did.
I would say people are considerably more at risk of getting burnt from grey market sources that have limited consumer protection with the Streak than one would at first expect.. I bought one from Craigslist, and the Streak I received basically can't do anything for more than ten minutes without overheating. The best I was able to do was convince the seller to give me a partial refund, in this case a measly 100 dollars.
The largest issue here is that Dell won't touch beta units, not even if you pay them (also, I have heard they're more prone to manufacturing defects than production units). This means there's a much larger percentage of beta owners that have a defect that can't be fixed, which would translate to a larger number of people trying to hawk them for money in markets that rely on trust to keep transactions clean.
As for me, I'm going to have another go, but this time I am going to pay the extra money I should have paid and will buy a UK production unit that has a warranty. I found a nice reseller that automatically takes off the VAT for non-uk buyers.
Good luck guys.

Not much consolation but at least you have a source of spares in case you break something on your new streak. That or you could dismantle your beta and sell the parts on eBay, you would have no trouble selling the screen and body shell.

Aww I did like you and bought myself a "NON BOOTABLE as-is" Beta Dell Streak, thinking I wasted $275 but turns out it only needed a hard reset. So far I have not noticed any issues/defects along the way. sorry to hear your story but it makes me feel good now we have at least spare parts for dell streak
P.S. I saw a screen on ebay going for $150.

Yep, I have a US Beta Streak with no problems at all. I've had it about 4-5 weeks now. I'm sure there are defective units out there, but I'm willing to bet the small percentage of people with problems are the vocal ones.

Bizzach said:
Yep, I have a US Beta Streak with no problems at all. I've had it about 4-5 weeks now. I'm sure there are defective units out there, but I'm willing to bet the small percentage of people with problems are the vocal ones.
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The point I was making was, though there may only be a small percentage of defective units, the fact it is impossible for them to be serviced or replaced by Dell increases the risk people face when buying from sources where people can get away with selling bunk hardware.
You mentioned a vocal mintority, what about the nonvocal minority who head right back to CL to make back their loss?

erm does DELL in US already officialy sell the Streak?

irenic said:
erm does DELL in US already officialy sell the Streak?
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Yup. I've had mine for a few weeks now.

I have a beta US streak, working flawlessly, except that at&t keeps banning my IMEI and suspending my account silently. See thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=742696&page=8

Dead pixel

Not sure if I'll get into trouble for posting this as a new thread. Just got phone and it hurts...
Used the screen check code
*#0*#
ONE dead pixel! what do i do? return it?

I think you can't return the phone if you only have one dead pixel. I don't know the exact amount but there is tolerance of dead pixel you might have.

That is true, they will not really replace it. BUT again, thats a gray area. Make a fuss about it and or dispute the charges with your Bank / CC Company and fight it out.
Worsts thing would be that you will end up with the device and have the CC Company fight it out for you because you wont pay the CC Company.
Done it a few times and have had success.

It depends how long you've had the phone. If it's less than 14 says then you should be able to just return it for a refund and then you could buy the phone elsewhere.
Of course that depends if it's on contract or not.
Having said that, it's not unheard of that a store will replace it for one pixel. If they won't then you could try calling Samsung.
Where did you get the phone anyway?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

It is up to the store's policies usually... I'd suggest waiting a few more days though, as stock on some places (ahem O2 UK) is very low...
I've taken back at least 2 things to my local Tesco (a 42" TV, and a cheap photo frame) due to a single dead pixel. Both times, they expressed absolute horror and had an employee take the old one from me and carry a new one out to my car (in the case of TV), and they got me a new photo frame (actually ended up a better one as they were out of stock)
It depends though... Tesco ain't exactly the most technically "briefed" for some things like this, and they see a defect and agree to exchange. RE a phone you might have trouble, as the shops will train staff in the acceptable number of DOA pixels
Normally it is acceptable to have upto X dead pixels, Y (where Y < X) bright pixels, and a maximum of (P*Q) dead pixels together, where P*Q < X, or a maximum of (R*S) bright pixels together, where R*S < Y
OK so that was messy, so let's try again.
There is usually a permitted number of dead/bright pixels over entire screen. The permitted bright is usually less than permitted dead. Some don't permit any bright.
There is also usually a restriction on the number of adjacent dead/bright pixels permitted. ie. a dead row or column would qualify as faulty.
Sometimes they also define the maximum number in a given area, like maximum of 2 dead in any square inch, or whatever. If it meets any of the criteria, it would be faulty.
That's just a generic thing though - samsung will have their own policy, as may the store...

Bought it from Handtec.
Got it 5 min before this post.
discovered dead pixel (green pixel dead) 1min after turning on using *#0*#
I mean what are the odds? I would like to know if anyone else has it. this will give me a better idea, whether they always have some dead pixels on every phone etc.
ps. my HD2 has 1 dead pixel as well right from the beginning.

asefsef said:
Bought it from Handtec.
Got it 5 min before this post.
discovered dead pixel (green pixel dead) 1min after turning on using *#0*#
I mean what are the odds? I would like to know if anyone else has it. this will give me a better idea, whether they always have some dead pixels on every phone etc.
ps. my HD2 has 1 dead pixel as well right from the beginning.
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I think someone on here yesterday or the day before had a full row of dead blue pixels. Do a search for blue on this forum.

Thats a concerning matter now that over 5 people have reported this issue. Although thats not much considering how much Samsung has already sold the device, but what are the odds of it arriving with a dead pixel from the start.

Don't Worry...Be Happy...Lol...
^ Don't worry Dhruv, by the time the device releases in India, you won't have to go through much trouble because the initial kinks (glitches) would have been worked out by then. Cheers

I have a handtec handset and everything is K.. unless my eyes are betraying me..

Did you try the screen check code?> *#0*#
Any way, handtec got back to me. In short, not fault since only 1 pixel, but told me I can exchange/return within 7 days no matter what (good service).
But, said since it's not a fault, I'll have to pay shipping both ways. (28 pounds per way, ouch)
Does that sound right to you guys??

both ways? return it back, get your money back and rebuy it so they can pay for P&P

RedBlueGreen said:
both ways? return it back, get your money back and rebuy it so they can pay for P&P
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Doesn't that still incur shipping both ways? As in, i send it there, that will be £28. Then when I buy the phone, from anyone, there's a shipping cost. (handtech + Fedex charges £28)
is that right? no matter what I'm going to pay AUD$90 to get rid of that dead pixel?

asefsef said:
Doesn't that still incur shipping both ways? As in, i send it there, that will be £28. Then when I buy the phone, from anyone, there's a shipping cost. (handtech + Fedex charges £28)
is that right? no matter what I'm going to pay AUD$90 to get rid of that dead pixel?
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Yes. This is a textbook example of why I'd never buy a phone from another country, even if it meant waiting longer to get my hands on it.

Possible Fix?
There is an app called jscreenfix or something, https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jscreenfix.android2&feature=search_result
May be able to fix your problem without the hassle of a return. Good luck.

bcam117 said:
There is an app called jscreenfix or something, https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jscreenfix.android2&feature=search_result
May be able to fix your problem without the hassle of a return. Good luck.
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That works on LCD screens only I think - only those screens can have "stuck" pixels that can be fixed with that software, or "massaging".
With OLED there is nothing to get "stuck". Your subpixels either work (emit light of an RGB color) or do not work.

arjun90 said:
^ Don't worry Dhruv, by the time the device releases in India, you won't have to go through much trouble because the initial kinks (glitches) would have been worked out by then. Cheers
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I hope so Arjun, but the chances are that the stock that will be distributed will be of the same build standards that has already been delivered. Changing the Screen's or identifying the issue will either delay the launch in India or will take longer to identify.
Although I am sure Samsung is already aware of these glitches by now.

dhruvmalik said:
I hope so Arjun, but the chances are that the stock that will be distributed will be of the same build standards that has already been delivered. Changing the Screen's or identifying the issue will either delay the launch in India or will take longer to identify.
Although I am sure Samsung is already aware of these glitches by now.
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TBH I doubt you will get it any better. Dead/stuck pixels are just a fact of life when making things in bulk. There's always a few get out with some, and I doubt we will ever manage to make them in these quantities without ANY dead ones...
Changing the manufacturing process before other regional launches would seem to be unlikely to me...

My thoughts exactly, just the Processor speedbump cost a 30 day delay, and that was prior to launch, I am sure that IF Samsung now wants to rectify anything, they will continue to distribute their stock in locations which already have it launched and delay it in regions that are yet to be launched in.
In either way, its a delay which is not worthy of a minor glitch like this. Worst comes to worst, Samsung replaces the unit.

asefsef said:
Doesn't that still incur shipping both ways? As in, i send it there, that will be £28. Then when I buy the phone, from anyone, there's a shipping cost. (handtech + Fedex charges £28)
is that right? no matter what I'm going to pay AUD$90 to get rid of that dead pixel?
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Oh.. i thought u lived in england/ didnt know where u bought it from.
P&P was free for me so i based it on my own experience.

SanDisk 64 gb $16.99 and Samsung 32gb class10 $15

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SanDisk-Mob...roSDXC-micro-SDXC-micro-SD-Card-/190707919764
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-32G...HC-TF-Flash-Memory-Card-Class10-/200798591681
I am not for sure if the cards are real but, for these prices, you can pull the plug easily. If they turn out to be fake you can always file a claim or contact the seller.
Sent from my SGH-T999

Wow! That looks like a good deal. I'm so tempted. But last time I bought something that looked too good to be true from eBay I got scammed...

Did OP or anyone buy this?

"The shipment will take 7-14 WORKING DAYS
And we will process orders within 24-48 hours
All returned items MUST BE in the original packaging and you MUST PROVIDE us with the shipping tracking
number ,your eBay ID ,and specific reason for return
Returned items must be in its original condition and packaging with all components and accessories included
Return shipping and insurance charge are to be paid by the buyer
We do not guarantee the compatible issues "
**** that, you have to pay return shipping with insurance to China if there's an issue.

I've been burnt every time that I bought a memory card at a dirt cheap price on ebay. Not risking it again.

silversonic1 said:
I've been burnt every time that I bought a memory card at a dirt cheap price on ebay. Not risking it again.
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especially when it is shipping from china too

raviluke said:
especially when it is shipping from china too
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lol, nothing like waiting 3 weeks to get scammed,
If I am going to bend over, I'd rather not wait 3 weeks to do it...

Yeah. It looks too good to be true but what if it is?:0
Sent from my SGH-T999

I agree. Last time I ordered a card on ebay that I thought was a 32GB class 10 kingston I later learned it was a fake when the writing came off from me touching. The worst thing is I didn't even save that much just so I just ordered a sandisk off newegg for $10 dollars more and Im happy.

That seller's feedback is near perfect though. And wow that 64GB card is so tempting.

Feedback
Feedback doesn't mean as much as you think. I recently saw something similarly attractive, a 32gb usb flash drive for like $14, and the guys feedback was like 99.2 or something, but when I got the card which also was shipping from China the actualy memory chip had been cut out. I looked the seller up on Google and got a load of scam complaints. I truly wonder though, how they have such great feedback...

lets all pitch in and buy one

am i the only one that got a little bit pissed with many threads in this section with obvious knock-off SD cards?
obvious fake SD cards are obvious there's no GREAT DEAL with something like that, the prices will NEVER get that low like it or not its FAKE

I am cautious when buying stuff like that from eBay.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

This seller hasn't only got near perfect feedback he is also a top rated seller though but the price does look too good to be true.

I think a lot of times there are those that purchase items like this and don't even realize that they have been scammed and thus the good feedback. I mean I know a lot of people who just buy the products based on price and are not aware of how the product should function. for example it doesn't matter (because they don't know the difference) if it's a class 10 or a class 4 as long as their pictures are on it, to them it works as advertised and then give good feedback. Many may not even check or even know how to see if the card actually has as much memory as it should. the only thing that matters is that the price is right and that they received it ahead of the estimated delivery date (I once heard my daughter express surprise that she received a phone case way ahead of said date and would give a good feedback based on this)

Scam!!!!!!!
Thread needs to be closed before people jump in
Galaxy Note @ mobile

it's a scam. there were deals like this back on February. Me and my friend spent like almost $100. i lost my money. my friend got his money back from paypal.
They sent us no memory card, instead usb card readers. Please be careful!!! I learned my lesson
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

I bit the bullet and bought + paid for this. Not counting on it to be 64gb of course. However, while I've been burned by China before, I've also received the occasional unexpected gift.
I remember that I used to have a tool that could A) write a whole USB drive's memory, and report back it's true capacity, and B) modify the capacity declaration to more accurately reflect the drive's actual size.
I'll take a look and see if I can track this software down again, and I'll report back with my findings.
aalupatti said:
Scam!!!!!!!
Thread needs to be closed before people jump in
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I think the XDA member demographics probably trend toward being a pretty astute tech-buying crowd. I doubt anyone will misinterpret the OP as an endorsement of that particular eBay auction.
If you're a frequent ebayer, and stay on top of timelines, then it's pretty low-risk to order stuff like this. The eBay and Paypal dispute systems work fairly well for buyers. Truthfully, most Chinese sellers will settle a complaint before it even gets to that stage. They seem to be very intent on avoid negative feedback, and preventing Paypal claims. In my experience, most Chinese sellers don't want to go through any kind of formal return process. I think their mentality is just to move on, push more product, and sell-sell-sell. They'll generally offer some sort of compensation for a product that doesn't work, or even just outright refund your purchase if you agree not to leave a negative feedback. Even if that isn't the case, eBay and Paypal are good about handling disputes over fraudulent items, and I doubt that you would ever be made to pay for tracked shipping back to China.
Where most people run into trouble, is that they let more than the 45 day dispute window elapse, or the wait beyond the point where negative feedback can be issued (at which point, most Chinese sellers on eBay don't care about your complaints). =
Instead of closing the thread, maybe the OP could more explicitly warn everyone about the likely fakeness?

SanDisk 64 gb for $16.99, if it sound too good to be true, IT IS. Goddamn when will you M.F. learn. I've bought so much stuff from china, cheap and expensive never been burned. you need to know whats real and whats not(how do you know: if it sound too good to be true, IT IS) . If it was priced around 40 or 30 dollars (20 to40% cheaper compared to global prices I would believe it. but nearly 70% cheaper....
If you know anything about electronics you should know that the margins on memory chips are extremely low at the moment.. could be theft... well if you like that buy it, karma is a *****. Do some research, before buying any thing: example in china a 1ghz dual core cortex a9 always means 2x 500mhz cores. a 256GB USB stick (are expensive and hard to get) on ebay @30 dollars: means a usbstick put on infinite loop copying. meaning you need to be glad if it turn out a 256mb file fits.
I expect more from people visiting these kinds of sites (i'm often disappointed), leave this threat open as a warning to the wannabe's -hackers-, and the really gullible folk.
if it sound too good to be true, it is.
ps even with proper research and guys with great ebay scores (witch means absolutely nothing, thank baby jezus for paypal) you can get burned, but you reduce the changes of getting burned significantly.

Anyone on upgrade programme

Am on this ... lost original phone. I do have chance of one proof from insurance. Sat window for upgrade open in a few days..
Do we get it early ? Do we get any freebies. Do the s8 + be backwards comparable to older gear vr ? So many questions.

I am thinking of joining the upgrade programme and was wondering about the insurance thing to if i lose my phone.

Have been told I was ok as long as I have confirmation of change of imei from insurance company.

i am on this program - but i was told no freebies for us or early(er) delivery than everyone else
on top of that - they say they can only deliver the phone at my home address when i really want to deliver at my office
what stupidity

Mine says upgrade window is in 8 days... whatever that means... how long are we without a phone?

I was able to enter my imei number and surname into the members area and pre-order the S8 as I joined the program on 10th March last year for the S7 edge. Should receive new phone on April 20th. Had to fill in details on the condition of my current device and re-apply for finance which all went fine. My only query is when and how do we return the current handset for inspection? Perhaps they collect it when they deliver the new one?

CJLewis87 said:
I was able to enter my imei number and surname into the members area and pre-order the S8 as I joined the program on 10th March last year for the S7 edge. Should receive new phone on April 20th. Had to fill in details on the condition of my current device and re-apply for finance which all went fine. My only query is when and how do we return the current handset for inspection? Perhaps they collect it when they deliver the new one?
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it said on the terms and conditions that they will send the return packaging out with the new s8 and that it needs to be returned within 7 days

Strangeland16 said:
it said on the terms and conditions that they will send the return packaging out with the new s8 and that it needs to be returned within 7 days
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ah right thanks I did have a scan over the T&Cs but must have missed that part. I wonder when they settle the balance on my "old" S7 agreement seeing as I've now entered a new 24 month plan for the S8. Presumably not until they have received my old device back and it passes their checks. The reason being my new direct debit commences on 29th April and my usual payment for the S7 would be due in about 10 days' time.
Overall been pretty happy with how this programme works, was able to enter my details and upgrade without hassle a few hours after the unpacked event. Not only that, due to my SIM only deal being a tenner with Giffgaff, it's only setting me back £39 a month. Not bad considering you get the chance to upgrade every year and by the looks of things the current deals in the UK far exceed that with the main networks

I'm on this too, how do you check what's left to pay on last year's phone, they're going for £400+ on eBay still so it might be better selling on there and settling the upgrade account with the proceeds. Can you sign up for a new upgrade account for the S8 without returning the old phone?

jbpf77 said:
I'm on this too, how do you check what's left to pay on last year's phone, they're going for £400+ on eBay still so it might be better selling on there and settling the upgrade account with the proceeds. Can you sign up for a new upgrade account for the S8 without returning the old phone?
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yes you can you can upgrade and choose to keep old phone. but obviously you will be paying for 2 until you settle the first one
---------- Post added at 08:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------
CJLewis87 said:
ah right thanks I did have a scan over the T&Cs but must have missed that part. I wonder when they settle the balance on my "old" S7 agreement seeing as I've now entered a new 24 month plan for the S8. Presumably not until they have received my old device back and it passes their checks. The reason being my new direct debit commences on 29th April and my usual payment for the S7 would be due in about 10 days' time.
Overall been pretty happy with how this programme works, was able to enter my details and upgrade without hassle a few hours after the unpacked event. Not only that, due to my SIM only deal being a tenner with Giffgaff, it's only setting me back £39 a month. Not bad considering you get the chance to upgrade every year and by the looks of things the current deals in the UK far exceed that with the main networks
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you keep paying your current finance until you have sent the s7 back once they have received and checked condition etc they will pay off the first agreement. you wont start paying for the second agreement until around 30 days after you receive the s8
---------- Post added at 07:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------
jbpf77 said:
I'm on this too, how do you check what's left to pay on last year's phone, they're going for £400+ on eBay still so it might be better selling on there and settling the upgrade account with the proceeds. Can you sign up for a new upgrade account for the S8 without returning the old phone?
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I got a yearly statement last month which shows payments to date . and whats left owing I have 358 pound left to pay cant be arsed with the hastle of selling etc so will just return mine and get my old finance paid off

Strangeland16 said:
I got a yearly statement last month which shows payments to date . and whats left owing I have 358 pound left to pay cant be arsed with the hastle of selling etc so will just return mine and get my old finance paid off
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Same here coming to think of it. But I'm like you, can't be bothered with the hassle so happy enough to just return my current phone and start over. I guess the only hassle that could arise is if at some point you lose the handset or knacker it beyond repair and you have to have it replaced via insurance. Although as mentioned above it sounds as though it should be okay providing your insurer confirms the change of IEMI.
I see on the T&C's it states " To the extent possible, we ask that you include the box and any original accessories
which were included within the box when you return the Existing Handset to us."
Which version of the S8 did you go for? I've really enjoyed my S7e so decided to go with the standard S8 seeing as its the same size dimension wise yet with a bigger sceeen

CJLewis87 said:
Same here coming to think of it. But I'm like you, can't be bothered with the hassle so happy enough to just return my current phone and start over. I guess the only hassle that could arise is if at some point you lose the handset or knacker it beyond repair and you have to have it replaced via insurance. Although as mentioned above it sounds as though it should be okay providing your insurer confirms the change of IEMI.
I see on the T&C's it states " To the extent possible, we ask that you include the box and any original accessories
which were included within the box when you return the Existing Handset to us."
Which version of the S8 did you go for? I've really enjoyed my S7e so decided to go with the standard S8 seeing as its the same size dimension wise yet with a bigger sceeen
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same here ive gone for the s8 in grey I also have the s7 edge and it just about fits in my pockets I did toy with the idea of getting the s8+ but there is no way that's going to fit in to my pockets lol. if the s8 is the same size as the s7 edge that's perfect for me and as you say the bigger screen is going to be nice too. the accessories may be an issue I cant think where my headphones are and the power cable has seen better days. it gets folded up in my bag daily and the plastic shield has started to come away I'm really hoping that the accessories are not such a big deal

Strangeland16 said:
same here ive gone for the s8 in grey I also have the s7 edge and it just about fits in my pockets I did toy with the idea of getting the s8+ but there is no way that's going to fit in to my pockets lol. if the s8 is the same size as the s7 edge that's perfect for me and as you say the bigger screen is going to be nice too. the accessories may be an issue I cant think where my headphones are and the power cable has seen better days. it gets folded up in my bag daily and the plastic shield has started to come away I'm really hoping that the accessories are not such a big deal
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Haha I'm assuming it'll be fine. It does say "where possible" so doesn't really state it's a definite requirement. My charger is a bit beaten up too but was going to just keep it anyway as always handy having a spare charger for other devices in the house. I'm pretty sure I've got the original headphones unopened in the box! I would be suprised if that caused bother for people as surely Sammy appreciate the main item of value is the actual handset. I've recycled phones quite a few times in the past when upgrading and they've never asked for chargers to be included.
Anyway, I'm excited for the new phone. Looks great on the videos I've seen. Slightly anxious about the drop to 3000 mAh battery but not a deal breaker for me.

CJLewis87 said:
Haha I'm assuming it'll be fine. It does say "where possible" so doesn't really state it's a definite requirement. My charger is a bit beaten up too but was going to just keep it anyway as always handy having a spare charger for other devices in the house. I'm pretty sure I've got the original headphones unopened in the box! I would be suprised if that caused bother for people as surely Sammy appreciate the main item of value is the actual handset. I've recycled phones quite a few times in the past when upgrading and they've never asked for chargers to be included.
Anyway, I'm excited for the new phone. Looks great on the videos I've seen. Slightly anxious about the drop to 3000 mAh battery but not a deal breaker for me.
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yes the batter is my one concern but I take a charger to work with me daily so have access to charge it anyway hopefully it will be somewhere near what the s7 edge gives me. that was also another thought for the s8+ as it gives the same battery we have now on the edge but that phone is too big for me . need to look in to case options and get a protector for the front and back just so its in pristine condition for next years launch of the s9 . I'm hoping that because the curve on the s8 isn't as fierce as the s7 edge we may get to see some decent glass protectors if not ill have to get a ultimate shield again

Strangeland16 said:
yes the batter is my one concern but I take a charger to work with me daily so have access to charge it anyway hopefully it will be somewhere near what the s7 edge gives me. that was also another thought for the s8+ as it gives the same battery we have now on the edge but that phone is too big for me . need to look in to case options and get a protector for the front and back just so its in pristine condition for next years launch of the s9 . I'm hoping that because the curve on the s8 isn't as fierce as the s7 edge we may get to see some decent glass protectors if not ill have to get a ultimate shield again
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Yes some good points, I'm never far away from a plug and these things charge so damn fast anyway it's never been an issue. I've tended to go with the Spigen neo hybrid cases and found that to be a good option. My track record with phones is woeful normally, so its nothing short of a minor miracle I've kept my S7e in such good condition! let's hope I haven't just cursed it and crack the thing in the next 3 weeks ! :laugh:

The battery is the main thing that's swung me away from upgrading. The S8 is the same size as the S7E but it has the same battery as the smaller S7, which is a strange decision. The battery life is just about perfect on the S7E, if the S8 had the same battery i probably would have upgraded.

Having seen them in store I'm now considering g the s8 plus coming from the s7e. Ps it looks like black and either silver or Gray available. Do you know which ?

Orchid Grey or Midnight Black are the two colour options available if getting direct from Samsung on the upgrade programme

Just joined the upgrade programme and ordered the black s8 though my other half thinks I should have got the plus as not much difference in size. But i personally not like how long the plus looks. Hope I don't regret leaving the note series

Had ordered the s8 but having seen them in the shop I've cancelled and gone for 8+. The s8 looked to small coming from the galaxy s7 edge but the s8+ really doesn't look all that big either also I've gone for the midnight black had gone for the orchard grey bug it looks almost purple from some angles

Protential ebay Buyer of Galaxy S7 Edge SM-G935U Beware (It's a SM-G935P)

I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.

If admin see this, please move this thread to the discussion. Posted here by mistake

"Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to."
For the principal, I'd go for a refund, or more assertive resolution that failing... and look elsewhere

Asking for a refund on 2. Keeping one for personal reason. I think ebay should have a better system in place to punish these sellers. It's said that most customer didn't know they got tricked. 1 star feedback will be given. I wish ebay can notify other buyers of this scam.

e20140 said:
I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be new to eBay...
90% of everything on eBay is fake

*Detection* said:
You must be new to eBay...
90% of everything on eBay is fake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. Im buying 3 phones in the past and not one was a fake.
I think the buyer should be more careful and reading the ratings for example. Not reading the positive ratings.. Read the negativ ratings. I didnt say its his fault... I dont like it too and hate them sellers.
To the op :
Did you Pay via Paypal? So u can Open an issue on Paypal. Until its not solved the seller didnt get his money

lladwein said:
That's not true. Im buying 3 phones in the past and not one was a fake.
I think the buyer should be more careful and reading the ratings for example. Not reading the positive ratings.. Read the negativ ratings. I didnt say its his fault... I dont like it too and hate them sellers.
To the op :
Did you Pay via Paypal? So u can Open an issue on Paypal. Until its not solved the seller didnt get his money
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Click to collapse
Naive
Ratings and feedback mean nothing, I bought a PS3 controller from a guy with thousands of 100% positive feedback, controller was a fake
Bought iPad charger from someone with very high 100% positive feedback, also fake
You want to know how they keep their 100% positive feedback? The same way they tried to get me to reverse my negative rating by refunding me under the agreement that I could keep the item as long as I changed my feedback from negative to positive (I did not change my feedback)
eBay ratings = Nothing
You got lucky

*Detection* said:
Naive
Ratings and feedback mean nothing, I bought a PS3 controller from a guy with thousands of 100% positive feedback, controller was a fake
Bought iPad charger from someone with very high 100% positive feedback, also fake
You want to know how they keep their 100% positive feedback? The same way they tried to get me to reverse my negative rating by refunding me under the agreement that I could keep the item as long as I changed my feedback from negative to positive (I did not change my feedback)
eBay ratings = Nothing
You got lucky
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Kind of luck is always needed.
But Ive learned that there's always a trusted Shop where you can buy.

lladwein said:
Kind of luck is always needed.
But Ive learned that there's always a trusted Shop where you can buy.
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Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days

e20140 said:
I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I would leave this be but this is a legitimate discussion Im goin to move this thread so more can see and read
Thread moved to general and discussion

*Detection* said:
Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For my personal use, I ended up buying it from Bestbuy. Even Items directly from China operated store was good. Got one of those Lenovo's fastest tablet for cheap!
Recent experience of buying new phone on eBay (all local USA sellers) is horrible. Aside from S7 edge, I bought a LG G5 in the summer and ended up returning them all, 5 times total. Again, the phone was installed with unofficial ROMs.
I would like to add, buying from individual ebay sellers (not one with a store) is mostly safe.

I would like to add never buy parts from FixEZ on ebay as they claim oem quality And most def is not...
I bought a lcd and frame assembly from them and its made of reg glass not gorilla and there cust service rep cussed me out when I sent the screen shots of the website as he told me they never claimed oem.
Which they most def did...
The screen cracked in my pocket when i sat down just from the pressure in a front pocket of fairly baggy pants might i add
This was for a LG G4

There is one advantage to there being so many fakes on eBay, so long as the seller advertises them as genuine, and they are not, you can usually get a full refund along with them letting you keep the item if you complain they are breaking eBays Ts&Cs by false advertising
They'll usually try to get you to accept 50% refund & keep the item, but if you push them and tell them you want them to send you a pre-pay box to return the item for full refund & will contact eBay about their false advert, 90% of the time they refund in full and you get an automated message from eBay saying you do not need to do anything else nor return the item
And tbh, I feel no sorrow for them losing any money considering they know they're scamming so many people with fakes

*Detection* said:
Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does factory sealed mean anything when buying on ebay ? Or is there a workaround for that too ? like fake seals or stickers

boydsc331 said:
Does factory sealed mean anything when buying on ebay ? Or is there a workaround for that too ? like fake seals or stickers
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Click to collapse
Everything is possible on eBay, easy enough to buy shrink-wrap and claim it is factory sealed
Stickers have often been faked
Firmware on the phone has been faked
Model number on the back of the actual phone has been faked
Model number on the box has been faked / wrong box used
Buy new if you want 100% guarantee it is what you are buying, or make sure you have a good and sure way of being refunded if you still go the eBay route

ok so I went the ebay route. I found an individual seller, not one of those cell phone stores. I got 2 of the 930FD for $460 each. Not a great price but not too bad I thought. They were factory sealed and brand new. Thankyou all for the tips and suggestions.