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Hello all.
This is my 1st post on here.
I have received my DHD and the battery cover doesn't seem flush from the front. So much so that when trying to find the volume buttons by touch I always press the battery cover instead.
Is anyone else's like this. Wonder if I should get it exchanged.
Many thanks.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Same here, I feel as though it needs to be pushed down more..even though it seems secure. There does seem to be a very slight raised lip.
I feel that my battery cover is secured really well. It's solid as a rock and requires quite a bit of effort to remove.
I do wish the volume buttons were more distinct (i.e. separate or at least with a feelable division between up and down) and stuck out a bit more.
how do you take the battery out of the phone ? mine seams like its stuck in lol
dazultra2000 said:
I do wish the volume buttons were more distinct (i.e. separate or at least with a feelable division between up and down) and stuck out a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also find the volume buttons quite hard to feel, especially through the silicone case my phone is in.
I've ended up putting a volume widget on my home screen, as I'm only ever toggling between volume on and silent anyway.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
OK. Thanks for your help.
Looks like I'll have to put up with it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
When I got my DHD and went to remove the plastic slip from the battery, I noticed that the battery compartment cover was not flush with the alumiium chassis. So much so, that it was a nightmare taking it off. After exerting a little more force than I'd have liked, I got it to pop off by sliding a fingernail up along the volume switch.
When it came to putting it back on, I noticed there is some "give" at the two narrow sides of the cover - it is possible to get it flush by trial and error. I was surprised that was the case but there ya go, it can be done.
i nearly returned a phone cause of this but if you remove it make sure the back is slid into place, and push down on both sides of the volume rocker at the same time it will fit flush mine was like yours took me 3 attempts to fit it
Exactly the same problem.
Should I get it replaced?
Both DHD covers are dodgy in my experience. Once you get them to fit, don't touch them. Both covers feel as if they'd suffer very easily from mechanical wear and tear.
It seems to me HTC have multiple versions of the covers with slightly different shapes. My SIM cover has a small piece of plastic/gum glued onto it to level its height towards the SD card area. I suspect a dodgy manufacturing batch which they augmented rather than ditched for a new one.
I'm yet to see a perfect fit of the covers.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
The covers fit perfectly. The problem is getting them in right. Once they're in they're perfect.
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
bert682 said:
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I did a little more reading and it seems that a gorilla has changed the screen on this phone in the past and he / she has used compound to stick the screen down and some of it has gone around the sensor and the resulting press down on the screen has created a few air pockets.
Looking less forward to changing the screen now as no doubt with my luck the "technician" will have used some crazy heat resistant glue!
Also....missing the speaker grille....funny how you only notice things after you have bought them!
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
It will work for sure, I posted this fix on a YouTube screen replacement guide of octopus glues I think and its confirmed to work from a lot of people. Then if you use a custom rom go to brightness settings while having auto brightness enabled and try changing light sources from dark to very bright places to see the instant lux values you get. If you are not satisfied with the result try custom auto brightness values.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Planterz said:
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a "kit" off eBay, [URL="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
That's the full part. The one you've posted is the type I usually go for, they're good quality so far.
bert682 said:
I got a "kit" off eBay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you), I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other components shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
Planterz said:
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you, I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other comments shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video[/i] that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I saw some cheaper screens but that one notes that its LG compliant etc. I bought a set of tools separately so will have all the stuff needed. Didnt think about the battery, will order one as it does make sense!
Thanks for the info, will update as I go.
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
bert682 said:
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this is normal.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
New screen in and working well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
Planterz said:
Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not with the correct tools. I will admit had I not bought the plastic tools, tweezers etc I may have struggled.
The battery was my main concern, its really stuck down, even though this had been replaced before and likely a less tacky glue used it was still tough. Had to use some heat to soften it and the "battery cover" has seen better days. Next thing to replace is that, just for piece of mind.
All in all, pretty nice experience, the phone seems more modular that other phones I have taken apart which is nice.
Normally I don't experience issues with my phones that I've seen online. Especially the whole "gapgate" Note 4 problem! But today I noticed my home button making a loud click noise when pressed. It was also a bit hard to push down. So I took a regular paper towel and put some alcohol on it. Just enough to make it damp. I then wiped the home button and around it. Then I used a can of air and blew over and around it. No more click and it's smooth as ever! Just thought I post this in case anyone else came across this issue. *Try at your own risk*
I did the same on the 2nd day of release having my note 4.. Had some juice on my hand from my son and wiped over the fingerprint and it got some between the button.. Alcohol seems to be the best for this as it dissipates leaving no liquid behind..
Sent using my T-Mobile Note 4
My Note 4 recently started doing this. Thanks for the info. I will try it tonight.
Strange, my home button never did this, though I've noticed some home buttons appearing recessed and some elevated above the display of the phone.
My home button won't sink in though it still register touches and fingerprint scanner works fine.
Unfortunately wiping the home button didn't correct it. I'm having it replaced under warranty.
Mine did the same for the first 2 months. Then it went away
ROLL THAT SHT, LIGHT THAT SHT. SMOKKKKE THAT SHT
Home button not suppose to click?
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Home button not suppose to click?
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not supposed to make a very audible click. Mine started doing it months after it purchased and it stopped a week shortly after. Very weird.
Mines makes a noise lol why wouldn't it
Sent from my: SM-N910T / SQC100-4 with Tapatalk : PIN 2BFBBCE3 : T-Mobile 4G LTE
Facebook.com/UnFazedRebel
Uh...
shook187 said:
My home button won't sink in though it still register touches and fingerprint scanner works fine.
Unfortunately wiping the home button didn't correct it. I'm having it replaced under warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did they replace it?
Allow me~
So if you guys have seen me around, I am one of the guys who was on the forum about Note 4 bezels and replacing them. I replaced my Note 4 (black) with a gold bezel and power/volume buttons. Which definitely was easy as heck to do. Anyways, the point I'm going to mention is this:
The power button is supposed to be clicky, but not like those found on iPhone or Samsung S6/S6E. As they said prior, you can place alcohol into that area and it will help that problem with a sticky button. What I presume is some of the adhesive that keeps the screen down on the main board (NOT REFERRING TO THE LCD ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS) gets in the way and makes it sticky. The adhesive is some weird mix between some silicone or whatever. It feels almost like tar, in terms when heated its stretchy but pretty stiff when back to normal temps.
As for the dropping of the home button, that is caused by the mUSB port not being pushed up enough by the bezel. Basically, the mUSB port is not applied enough upward pressure by the bezel to keep it sitting flush. What is interesting is that this can also constitute to something where the home button is mushy and doesn't click. Not in the sense of "sticky" but as the point of just no tactile feedback, such as a click feeling or sound.
As for the "gapgate" issue, I just placed some silicone in between the cracks, between the glass and the aluminum bezel, and pushed it in. Then grabbing a cloth and removing the excess while smoothing the stuff in the cracks by going in a single direction. Let the stuff dry and its golden. Remember to tape off the earpiece, mic holes, and other stuff.
If anyone needs some pics on what I said above, let me know and I'll try getting those in.
philliman said:
Normally I don't experience issues with my phones that I've seen online. Especially the whole "gapgate" Note 4 problem! But today I noticed my home button making a loud click noise when pressed. It was also a bit hard to push down. So I took a regular paper towel and put some alcohol on it. Just enough to make it damp. I then wiped the home button and around it. Then I used a can of air and blew over and around it. No more click and it's smooth as ever! Just thought I post this in case anyone else came across this issue. *Try at your own risk*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anybody trying this alcohol treatment to the home button, I strongly suggest you turn off the phone and take off the battery while doing so. before turning it back on, also make sure it's totally dried off. you can use a hair drier to make sure....
does this happen after a while?
Thanks for this! Mine has always been that way. Painfully loud click. Like I broke something. Used an alcohol wipe (phone off) and I get a nice soft press now. Click is like my wife's Note 3 now. Much, much better.
I found the best solution... an app called " Swype Home". With a little swap from the home button to the screen acts like thehome button and goes
even more faster than clicking.. and it fixes the obsolescence of the button... works like a charm.
Averant said:
So if you guys have seen me around, I am one of the guys who was on the forum about Note 4 bezels and replacing them. I replaced my Note 4 (black) with a gold bezel and power/volume buttons. Which definitely was easy as heck to do. Anyways, the point I'm going to mention is this:
The power button is supposed to be clicky, but not like those found on iPhone or Samsung S6/S6E. As they said prior, you can place alcohol into that area and it will help that problem with a sticky button. What I presume is some of the adhesive that keeps the screen down on the main board (NOT REFERRING TO THE LCD ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS) gets in the way and makes it sticky. The adhesive is some weird mix between some silicone or whatever. It feels almost like tar, in terms when heated its stretchy but pretty stiff when back to normal temps.
As for the dropping of the home button, that is caused by the mUSB port not being pushed up enough by the bezel. Basically, the mUSB port is not applied enough upward pressure by the bezel to keep it sitting flush. What is interesting is that this can also constitute to something where the home button is mushy and doesn't click. Not in the sense of "sticky" but as the point of just no tactile feedback, such as a click feeling or sound.
As for the "gapgate" issue, I just placed some silicone in between the cracks, between the glass and the aluminum bezel, and pushed it in. Then grabbing a cloth and removing the excess while smoothing the stuff in the cracks by going in a single direction. Let the stuff dry and its golden. Remember to tape off the earpiece, mic holes, and other stuff.
If anyone needs some pics on what I said above, let me know and I'll try getting those in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to understand how the microusb port is blocking the button, is there any way you can explain it, and is it an easy fix? I just got a used note 4 and the home button doesn't click in.
IMO the Nexus 6 was easier to use one handed. I can't believe how slippery this phone is, whenever I use it one handed I feel like I'm going to drop it (and I've actually done it several times already). This is surprising because the few reviews I saw said "the aluminum backing has a nice texture making the phone easier to grip." It's slightly easier to grip because it's thinner, but when I try to balance it on my fingers like I did the 6 so that I can reach entire screen with my thumb, it slips out of my hand very easily.
On my 6 I used a full body protector (no case) and didn't find the phone slippery at all. I'm not sure what I want to do with the 6P, a case (hopefully not), a "plastic film" full body protector on the back (again, hopefully not, I think it'll ruin the aluminum look), or nothing and risk dropping/breaking it every time I take it out of my pocket.
Maybe I just need to learn to hold it differently than I did the 6.
Any thoughts? What are others doing?
Thanks
Oh for me this phone is way eaiser to hold , the more narrow body really helps
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Nope, the 6p is definitely easier to hold. The fingerprint sensor acts as a dimple and it's narrower than the nexus 6.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I agree its narrower so it's easier to grip. But, when I'm trying to reach the far left of the screen or the top half of it, and I have to unwrap my fingers from left edge and slide to them to the back for that extra reach with my thumb, the phone feels much more precarious because of how slippery the back is. I've dropped it a couple times already and I never dropped the 6.
Don't have my 6p. But didn't have much problem with my N6 because the curved back and the case I had. My n6p case seems hard to hold, but might be easier with some weight. Lol
Sent from my Nexus 7
Yeah, I don't think you'll have a problem. I'm probably going to get a case because I think the plastic or rubber will be grippier than the aluminum is.
Well, not for me. But I can see how it could be a more slippery. But personally, I'll take it being slightly more slippery and remove the plastic back. This phone itself feels top quality in its build.
It's slippery. I ordered a brushed silver dbrand skin just to increase the grip when using one handed.
EvanVanVan said:
IMO the Nexus 6 was easier to use one handed. I can't believe how slippery this phone is, whenever I use it one handed I feel like I'm going to drop it (and I've actually done it several times already). This is surprising because the few reviews I saw said "the aluminum backing has a nice texture making the phone easier to grip." It's slightly easier to grip because it's thinner, but when I try to balance it on my fingers like I did the 6 so that I can reach entire screen with my thumb, it slips out of my hand very easily.
On my 6 I used a full body protector (no case) and didn't find the phone slippery at all. I'm not sure what I want to do with the 6P, a case (hopefully not), a "plastic film" full body protector on the back (again, hopefully not, I think it'll ruin the aluminum look), or nothing and risk dropping/breaking it every time I take it out of my pocket.
Maybe I just need to learn to hold it differently than I did the 6.
Any thoughts? What are others doing?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Definitely more difficult to hold than the 6 even though it's bigger. In fact, the only phone that got it right was the OnePlus One with the sandstone back. The biggest problem for me is that I normally hold the phone with the thumb closer to the upper left edge and the index, middle and fourth finger on the other side. With this phone, that's smack in the territory of the power and volume buttons. Worse, because of the fingerprint sensor, I want to keep my index finger near or abouts the sensor, which makes holding the phone safely even more difficult.
I still haven't figured out the right grip on this. I'm coming from the LG G3, which I thought was incredibly well designed for the screen to device ratio. To fit the front facing speakers, this phone is longer with huger top and bottom bezels. It's also got slightly more bevel on the sides. LG totally nailed it on the G3. It had a plastic back, but was never slippery like the Galaxy G3. The one terrific thing about the 6P is that there isn't any smudges whatsoever on the aluminium back. But it's too smooth. I hate putting any kind of a cover or film on the phone. But I think I'll have to. I'm pretty sure I'm going to drop it.
os2baba said:
Yup. Definitely more difficult to hold than the 6 even though it's bigger. In fact, the only phone that got it right was the OnePlus One with the sandstone back. The biggest problem for me is that I normally hold the phone with the thumb closer to the upper left edge and the index, middle and fourth finger on the other side. With this phone, that's smack in the territory of the power and volume buttons. Worse, because of the fingerprint sensor, I want to keep my index finger near or abouts the sensor, which makes holding the phone safely even more difficult.
I still haven't figured out the right grip on this. I'm coming from the LG G3, which I thought was incredibly well designed for the screen to device ratio. To fit the front facing speakers, this phone is longer with huger top and bottom bezels. It's also got slightly more bevel on the sides. LG totally nailed it on the G3. It had a plastic back, but was never slippery like the Galaxy G3. The one terrific thing about the 6P is that there isn't any smudges whatsoever on the aluminium back. But it's too smooth. I hate putting any kind of a cover or film on the phone. But I think I'll have to. I'm pretty sure I'm going to drop it.
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You really don't need your finger to move to the sensor unless you're going to use it? That can't be very often (unlock, purchase).
Sent from a phone that is not a 128GB Frost Nexus 6P
[hfm] said:
You really don't need your finger to move to the sensor unless you're going to use it? That can't be very often (unlock, purchase).
Sent from a phone that is not a 128GB Frost Nexus 6P
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That's right. The fingerprint sensor is the feature about this phone that got me most excited. It's not the unlocking of the phone, but the unlocking of apps. Right now I'm using it for unlocking Nine for work email and Safe In Cloud. I'm hoping that I can use it on other apps soon like KeePass, Alarm.com, Cerberus, Dropbox, Solid Explorer (after I get root) etc. So I expect to be using it often. Ideally, my index finger would have been right next to the sensor. Not possible with this phone. So I need to find the correct grip.
Right now, as I'm typing on the phone, I'm using both thumbs and supporting it with my right pinky, holding it at an angle. Not a very good grip. If I'm in a place where someone could walk past and accidentally hit my arm, this phone would be lying on the floor. But you have to get used to we get every new phone. This one is no different. But it's not easy. And as the drop tests and repairability has shown, it would be an expensive proposition. I really baby my phone and have never had a case or screen protector on mine. This one looks to be an exception. So a tempered glass screen protector and hopefully a not too big case that will protect it in a fall.
My wife's Essential PH-1 screen filled with lines while she was using it (listening to music). Phone continued working until she tried to reboot it.
After reboot screen now looks like this. I tried powering off, then power+vol-up and power+vol-down but just see the same.
I think the cpu is still working as pushing buttons elicits the tactile vibration response but screen seems gone.
Obviously Essential is out of business. In addition I've read a few posts that even when they were in business they were not repairing dead/cracked screens rather just replacing the phone.
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
dorkshoei said:
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
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If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that). Good quality aftermarket replacement screens are available and not expensive (I bought mine on Amazon more than a year ago for US$70, and now I can see them for less than $50). The process itself is of average difficulty (not too bad compared to some other phones), but could be a bit too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. Fixez.com has a great and useful video (don't use the guide from ifixit.com, they screwed up this one).
I am sure any repair shop would be able to do this job, if you are not a DIY kind of person, but I have no idea what they would charge. Or think of any friend you may have who is good with electronics (hobby or pro)...
kt-Froggy said:
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that).
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I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $70 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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That's why I said don't do it the way Ifixit did, LOL... Watch the video from fixez.com. You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly. Otherwise, it's not that hard. And you need to get either a narrow (1mm) adhesive tape or a liquid glue to mount the new screen. Also, a couple of things to watch out for around the earpiece opening and silicone gasket for the front camera. If you consider a DYI job, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help. My PH-1 has been working perfectly since the repair in Feb 2019, and I've done screen replacements quite a few times on similar phone designs like Sony Xperia Z series.
kt-Froggy said:
You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly.
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I have an SMD rework preheater that works great for softening the glue on screens, far more precise than a heat gun .... but as I said above I don't think I'll need it
Now, the issue is whether it's a mainboard issue or LCD.
Fixez seems to have a screen for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
dorkshoei said:
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Digitizer-Replacement-Assembly-Complete/dp/B07CLNDBZS/
@kt-Froggy Is the above what you were referring to. I guess I can always order, see if it fixes, else return it.
Fixez has one for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
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Yep, that's exactly the screen I got, and left a detailed review on Jan 29, 2019 (from a user KT). $24 from Fixez is even better, and sounds like a no-brainer. And if your screen is already removed, then you don't have to do the most difficult part. Just plug in the new screen and confirm if it works Like I said, be careful around the earpiece opening and the gasket. Good luck!
Ok, ordered from Fixez. We shall see if it corrects the issue.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
gk1984 said:
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
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Yeah, big surprise with the guide from iFixit... This one left me scratching my head. Probably the only one I know where they so royally screwed up.
A few comments from my experience replacing the screen on PH-1... The screen on my phone was shatterred badly enough to make a suction cup useless, so I had to pry it out (still, with a heat gun). There was no concern about saving it, anyway. But if I had to open up the phone again, e.g. for replacing the battery, I am pretty confident I could do that safely. From the repairability standpoint, there are two problems with the screen on this phone. One is a very narrow shoulder to mount the screen assembly to the frame (but this is also a good thing, as there's not that much adhesive to struggle with). And the other is a very fragile "sandwich" behind the glass that contains the LCD and the backlight components. It's too easy to damage that sandwich from the sides with a tool, even made of plastic. It will be pretty obvious once you have a replacement screen in your hands and take a close look at it.
A general issue with disassembling the phones of this design at home is that most people will not be able to heat the perimeter evenly to lift the screen off by a suction cup only (I know I can't). So, you would most probably have to use some tool around the edges. The trick is to NOT pry the screen out (or you will crack the edge), but only use a tool to carefully undercut the adhesive as you pull with a suction cup, so the screen can separate from the frame. This way, you can gradually work your way around the perimeter, while heating it up and lifting the screen with a suction cup. A thin plastic spudger would work. If you really feel adventurous, maybe a hobby knife, but I don't recommend it. I would suggest starting from the top, as the adhesive strip under the earpiece is extremely thin, and it would be easier lifting off that part of the screen as you heat it.
Another thing is to NOT reach deeper than about 1mm under the edge of the screen with any tool, otherwise you are risking damaging the LCD assembly.
Update. Screen from Fixez.com ($28 shipped) fixed the issue. Happy wife. Happy me.
Easy install, just used some B7000 glue I already had. Clamped screen down for 24 hours.
@kt-Froggy thanks for your help and encouragement.