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Despite my concerns about the glass back on the Nexus 4, I went ahead and got one, for various reasons (my other leading contender was a HTC One X+).
But I hate cases. Just wondering if anybody who has had the Nexus 4 for a while has been using it without a case or bumper (or screen protector). How has that gone? Glass back okay? Cracks? Scratches?
cb474 said:
Despite my concerns about the glass back on the Nexus 4, I went ahead and got one, for various reasons (my other leading contender was a HTC One X+).
But I hate cases. Just wondering if anybody who has had the Nexus 4 for a while has been using it without a case or bumper (or screen protector). How has that gone? Glass back okay? Cracks? Scratches?
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Click to collapse
I received my phone at the end of November and didn't have any protection on it. It lasted until this week, when the glass back shattered (not from any impact, I believe it was the result of temperature differences). It had gotten a little bit of wear and tear, with a few hairline scratches on the glass.
If you want to keep your phone in pristine condition, wrap it up. If you're okay with it getting wear and tear, the bumper should be fine. If you go bare, I believe it's probably just a matter of time before something happens.
I've been using the Nexus 4 with a Diztronic case and it seems fine, however I'm still awaiting an OtterBox for my Nexus 4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I'm not using protection... It is just a matter of time before something happens... But in the mean time this phone feels and looks awesome.
I'm an architect and it has always bothered me to cover up nice design... Though, I do wish they had prioritized durability in their design criteria...
P
I got n4 when it first came out so there were no decent cases around. I used my phone naked for about two weeks and ended up with three scratches on the back and a few more on the bezel.
I now have the LG bumper and a screen protector on the back. The front is holding on line a champ though so im not using protection.
I got the scratches because the phone feel of my desk twice (be careful is really slippery).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
not a single scratch!
The phone comes with a screen protector on the back that is so clear and thin, that I didn't even realize it was there, It has protected the actual phone from scratches. Though a body screen protector is on it's way and a nice hybrid case that covers the front too. I'm not rough with my phones, but my GS2 has almost no bezel left from the nicks. And my hopes are to sell the Nexus 4 for enough to buy the nexus 5 when it comes out (as many people seem to have been able to do that with the galaxy nexus)
Thanks for the replies.
Yeah, for now I've left the plastic covering that comes on the back, since it's not very noticeable anyway. Maybe I'll get a bumper at some point. It's the experiences of people who have the back shatter without any obvious impact that worries me.
*
Lokitez said:
I received my phone at the end of November and didn't have any protection on it. It lasted until this week, when the glass back shattered (not from any impact, I believe it was the result of temperature differences). It had gotten a little bit of wear and tear, with a few hairline scratches on the glass.
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Do you have a sense of the particular temperature situation that caused the problem?
Ive got that paranoid over reading threads about the N4 exploding in to a billion shards of glass for no reason i ordered a case before i even ordered the dam phone!
cb474 said:
Do you have a sense of the particular temperature situation that caused the problem?
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Click to collapse
Oddly, it was unseasonably warm last week, with morning temperatures in the mid-40's and highs near 70. I suspect that the phone warmed up from using the GPS (Nexus 4 owners know how warm they can get) and then because I had ambient air coming out of the vents, that cooled it down. Over the course of two months of doing this, it probably weakened the glass and then one day, it all just gave out.
I bought a screen protector for the front and back, the screen looked horrible so took it off. Back protector is still on
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
I posted about this earlier but I had it less than a week and was so careful with it because of what I read and noticed a hairline crack about a 1/2 inch long starting from the middle edge. No drops or anything. I immediately ordered a Zagg protector and only put it on the back. I'm hoping it stops it from running any further.
I haven't put it on the front because I hate the way it feels, and the Gorilla Glass seems to resist scratches very well; unless you do something stupid like keep it in the same pocket as keys or change or something. I had my SII for almost 2 years with no screen protection and the front glass looks brand new. And the front of this is Gorilla Glass 2 so hopefully it will hold up even better.
I wish they would have used the same glass on the back as the front, but I'm sure the cost would have been too much.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Mines been naked since december and its still good. I have it in a pouch when in my bag to prevent scratches.
My oleophobic coating has pretty much gone though. Screen is no where near as smooth as it was. I'm going to try the fusso liquid coating. Anyone have any experience with this?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Used mine for 2 months without any protection. Fell once on the pavement, got few bad dings on the chrome plastic bezel, guess it's time for a bumper to cover that up. Also has couple of scratches on the back. Front glass looks perfect so far.
I used my first nexus 4 without any protection and after a month, the back glass had lots of scratches and the front only a few ones (usually invisible). Then I had problems with it and I placed a RMA, this one has had from the first day a screen protector and a TPU case.
Got my Nexus 4 a few days ago but was still waiting on my case to come in. I decided not to take off the front and back screen protector that came with it.
Good thing I didn't too because yesterday I was listening to music on my phone. A coworker bumped into me and it fell out of my hand (about chest height) and landed face down. I was in shock and couldn't move for a good 6 seconds. Thoughts were racing through my head. Lol. I was like yup. Only two days in and my phone is shattered. It's done for.
I picked it up and there were a lot of scratches on the screen. My face was so sour. I tried to rub it off but it wouldn't come off. After work, I went inside my car and looked at it again. I decided to take the screen protector off. Lo and behold, the screen was pristine. Not a single crack or scratch. I was so relieved. Lol.
My case finally came in today. I would advise for a case to at least protect the back. I won't be using a screen protector though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I've had mine since the last week of Nov. I use it 24/7 no case no screen protector. And I stay in Houston where the weather is constantly changing. No issues here whatsoever. Still looks brand new.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I can't stand cases or screen protectors. I carry the phone in the front pocket of my jeans and a case simply makes the phone too bulky to carry for me. Nothing ever goes in the same pocket as my phone, so I don't worry about scratches so much.
That being said, over time there is no way to prevent the back and sides from being scuffed up. Not only that, this phone is pretty slippery totally naked. To solve these two problems, I use Skinomi carbon fiber skins not only on this N4 as I did on my GS2 and my Transformer Prime and dock. I like to keep my devices in mint condition for resale value. I highly recommend.
I've had a Cruzerlite TPU case on my N4 since day one. Still in perfect condition. I ordered the official bumper when it went back in stock last week. I don't like it. Way too slippery, especially compared to the grip the TPU case provides. The bumper looks better, it's sexy, I'll give it that... but the device doesn't feel secure in my hands at all. I went back to the TPU case and I'm returning the bumper.
This is the first phone I've used a case on. I generally hate the added bulk and covering the design. But the horror stories about the glass back are far too numerous to go naked with the N4. The Cruzerlite case is quite thin and I've grown to like it.
I bought case but don't use it .
No screen protector from last 1 month .
I do have protector for back but not any case.
I just be careful not to drop my phone . I did drop it once but it was from 2 feet on the carpet . have no scratch on front or back but screen need to be cleaned cause It gets dirty.
Only scratched I got is on the bezzel and it was due to my case so I stopped using case.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Want to stop using my screen protector and want to know how many of you guys use the bare screen and do you have scratches
Ashun95 said:
Want to stop using my screen protector and want to know how many of you guys use the bare screen and do you have scratches
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Click to collapse
Do it. Mine is sweet. No worse than any other device...
Had mine since December. No screen protector and no scratches. As long as your not around sand your good.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
yeah im using it without a screen protector too, stopped using screen protectors after the s2, then onex, now this
got inspired after seeing my friend use his nexus s for 3 years, perfect screen
but i do have light scratches though, my fault for wearing diamond earings. diamond > glass durhhh
Ashun95 said:
Want to stop using my screen protector and want to know how many of you guys use the bare screen and do you have scratches
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None whatsoever. I use the LG bumper and keep it in my pockets along with any change, keys, golf tees, etc.
GeoMil said:
Do it. Mine is sweet. No worse than any other device...
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Click to collapse
Really Want to but scared of getting a horrible scratch that would both the hell out of me like those dust pieces in the screen protector
How about the back do you have one on it
I was the same as you. I took mine off a few weeks ago and I realized the screen doesn't easily scratch. I would recommend keeping a case though.. I couldn't imagine my phone without the case, I wouldn't break it in seconds
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Have the bumper so yeah that will stay on and a dbrand skin on the back
I'm not using a screen protection. Got my N4 2 days after it was released (11/16/12 as far as I remember) and there is no scratch on the front glass. The back...well, it's not gorilla glass and you can see that on my phone. Got some small scratches there.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I don't use a screen protector on mine, although I sat it on the ground once at an outdoor basketball court to record my game. It flopped on its face and I got a very very small chip on the screen. I still prefer a naked screen over having a screen protector.
I don't have scratches. I used it for a month with no screen protector with no scratches at all, then decided it was time for a protector just in case. I also have an el'cheapo protector on the back to keep it nice and shiny and new.
My first N4, I had from November to April. I didn't have a screen protector on it, only had the bumper from February to April. No scratches on it. I RMA'd it and got a new one in May. I got a few light scratches on it a few days ago. I'm not using the bumper or a screen protector on this one. Maybe I should've. It looks nicer without anything on it, but you might get scratches. I don't know how they got there. It might've been when someone else was using my phone. I take good care of all my phones. If you go naked, eventually you'll get some light scratches.
The rolled edge of the glass was designed to be a pleasure to use as you swipe the screen. If you use a screen protector, you ruin that experience.
I've been using my phone without a case or screen protector on the front since I got the phone some months ago. Even from multiple trips to the ocean and being around sand, my screen is flawless. The glass is extremely scratch resistant.
I keep a screen protector on the back because that **** is not Gorilla Glass and it scratches easy.
Also, the oleophobic coating on my screen is completely gone now but oh well. I'm not obsessive compulsive about fingerprints.
I have a few very small ones and a huge horizontal one that goes almost to midway of the screen but they're not noticeable when screen is on. I knew they would eventually come so I don't really care anymore
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
mine is already 3 month old and NO SCRATCHES . I use dbrand for the back. I carry it in a pouch..
is it ok to put both nexus 4 and key?? my key scratched the screen protector several times
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I have 3 big scratches on my screen. It is quite deep and oleophobic coating is wearing off quite bad :crying:
( If you see my scratches, i think you won't use it without protector :laugh: )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2267465
Had my N4 for 3 months naked. Been on the beach and not a single scratch in front and at the back. Screen still very smooth. Maybe im just too careful with my phone.
I ordered the skinomi screen protector a few days before I ordered the phone. I never really thought about the wet application process and the speakers on the front of the phone. Has anyone successfully installed one of these without ruining their speakers? Thinking about just going tempered glass. Sigh.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I had it applied, no problems with speaker. But man its bad,not worth the money. I took it off and applied a cheap non wet screen protector. I'm waiting for my temper glass screen protector to arrive..
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Yep I been using it for the past couple days . Also got my spigen new case.
I got my Nexus 6P a week from last Wednesday and everything has been fine. I have been researching cases and tempered glass screen protectors trying to find the best ones. In the meantime I have been treating my 6P like it was made of glass (Which I guess is part true) and always being cognizant of where I set it and how I move when it is in my pocket.
Long story short I was sitting on a friends hardwood floor in a new pair of pants and the phone slid out. It slid maybe two inches onto the floor, but it was face down. It wasn't until the next day I noticed two rather large scratches down the front, maybe an inch long. It's really noticeable with the screen off, and even a little noticeable with the screen on. With full brightness I can see slight discolored lines. I checked the phone under a bright light and also notice at least 5 other micro scratches all over the front.
I'm absolutely pissed and kicking myself for not waiting to use the phone until my case and screen protector got here. I guess I am just wondering if there is anything I can do. Can I somehow return the phone and buy a new one later? Will they notice the scratches and not accept it? If I can't do anything I suppose I'll have to live with it and just learn from this. I'm kind of surprised how easily it scratched given how hyped up Gorilla Glass 4 was. My Nexus 5 never had a screen protector and didn't scratch until the second year I had it.
itsTimmm said:
I got my Nexus 6P a week from last Wednesday and everything has been fine. I have been researching cases and tempered glass screen protectors trying to find the best ones. In the meantime I have been treating my 6P like it was made of glass (Which I guess is part true) and always being cognizant of where I set it and how I move when it is in my pocket.
Long story short I was sitting on a friends hardwood floor in a new pair of pants and the phone slid out. It slid maybe two inches onto the floor, but it was face down. It wasn't until the next day I noticed two rather large scratches down the front, maybe an inch long. It's really noticeable with the screen off, and even a little noticeable with the screen on. With full brightness I can see slight discolored lines. I checked the phone under a bright light and also notice at least 5 other micro scratches all over the front.
I'm absolutely pissed and kicking myself for not waiting to use the phone until my case and screen protector got here. I guess I am just wondering if there is anything I can do. Can I somehow return the phone and buy a new one later? Will they notice the scratches and not accept it? If I can't do anything I suppose I'll have to live with it and just learn from this. I'm kind of surprised how easily it scratched given how hyped up Gorilla Glass 4 was. My Nexus 5 never had a screen protector and didn't scratch until the second year I had it.
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Click to collapse
that is bs if the glass is that soft, seems like a defect to me.
i use this tg on my 6 and 6p, they are very nice. i bought about 5 or so different for the 6 to find out which one was best. this one was the clear winner for quality and proper fit. same seems true on the one i put on the 6p.
It was some sand. Unfortunately, though keys wont make a mark and you can take a knife to it without a trace, GG remains completely vulnerable to scratches from grains of sand.
mredamon said:
It was some sand. Unfortunately, though keys wont make a mark and you can take a knife to it without a trace, GG remains completely vulnerable to scratches from grains of sand.
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Ugh, that's what I figured. Any way I can get a replacement from Google? Return it in this shape or convince them it's got a defect somehow?
I believe you have 14 days from the day you received it to return it if you are unhappy with it. No restrictions
PaisanNYC said:
That is committing fraud, and illegal subjects should not be discussed publicly on XDA.
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My apologies, that's not my intention at all. I should have worded it better. I'm just so frustrated with the situation and kicking myself for it.
Bummer, hope it works out for you...
mredamon said:
It was some sand. Unfortunately, though keys wont make a mark and you can take a knife to it without a trace, GG remains completely vulnerable to scratches from grains of sand.
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itsTimmm said:
I got my Nexus 6P a week from last Wednesday and everything has been fine. I have been researching cases and tempered glass screen protectors trying to find the best ones. In the meantime I have been treating my 6P like it was made of glass (Which I guess is part true) and always being cognizant of where I set it and how I move when it is in my pocket.
Long story short I was sitting on a friends hardwood floor in a new pair of pants and the phone slid out. It slid maybe two inches onto the floor, but it was face down. It wasn't until the next day I noticed two rather large scratches down the front, maybe an inch long. It's really noticeable with the screen off, and even a little noticeable with the screen on. With full brightness I can see slight discolored lines. I checked the phone under a bright light and also notice at least 5 other micro scratches all over the front.
I'm absolutely pissed and kicking myself for not waiting to use the phone until my case and screen protector got here. I guess I am just wondering if there is anything I can do. Can I somehow return the phone and buy a new one later? Will they notice the scratches and not accept it? If I can't do anything I suppose I'll have to live with it and just learn from this. I'm kind of surprised how easily it scratched given how hyped up Gorilla Glass 4 was. My Nexus 5 never had a screen protector and didn't scratch until the second year I had it.
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This. Saying this for so long. Metal is softer than glass. Not going to scratch it. The only thing that will is silica.. Dirt and sand, gravel, etc.. If it slid screen side down and there was sand grains on the floor it's just bad luck.
Sent from a 128th Legion Stormtrooper 6P
itsTimmm said:
Ugh, that's what I figured. Any way I can get a replacement from Google? Return it in this shape or convince them it's got a defect somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got that $89 Nexus coverage, you get damage replacement x2 for 2 years. Deductible is I think $79.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
I had same issue, Google said they can't help at all. They told me to contact Huawei Support @ 888-548-2934,Saturday & Sunday / 8:00am-4:00pm /Pacific Standard Time. Their hours seem weird to me, but whatever. I'm going to give them a call this weekend, keep you posted.
Outch, that's why I preordered those tamp. Glasses that were like 25 cents on amazon months ago, they did not have sensor cut but still applied first day and waited like 2 weeks for replacements with cut at no charge.
I too learned from my nexus 5, which for my luck had scratches right by dead pixels, RMA no problem, did not know had dead pixels until I read online was one of the most common issues with N5, I just downloaded a dead pixel app from app store and did the tests, dead pixels and scratches the app showed me, good luck to get replacement, good luck to you too.
Easy answer is screnn protector. If your a reader of xda then theres plenty of warnings. Hope its not to bad.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Free mobile app
Wow that's unlucky, had mine for almost 2 weeks before my protectors arrived kept mine in one of my socks.
I work around football stadiums and not a single scratch from all that sand floating around in the pits and camera positions around the pitch but then it was buried in my pocket and a sock.
I never rock a phone without screen protectors for to long, I'd say you got unlucky same happened to my nexus 7 2 days after I got it.
I'd say if you can live with it let sleeping dogs lie, any chance its in the oliophobic coating ? If so give it a good clean with some very high proof IPA might clear it up but remove the layer.
Not really an issue if it helps then you slap a protector on.
i'm shocked.......
Pretty poor
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Yikes... ***quickly orders case***
Sent from my SM-N930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
wooow one drop on the screen and the screen is dead thats bad hopefully covers will be shipped before the phone
Amritttt said:
wooow one drop on the screen and the screen is dead thats bad hopefully covers will be shipped before the phone
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Click to collapse
My cases showed up yesterday from Amazon. Still waiting the 28th for the phone. I ordered it along with a tempered glass protector from vzw. It's a shame really how bad this phone has turned out to be for some people.
Verizon stores have the Tech21 cases which I love.... Blew $30 on cases on Amazon I'll be returning. They also have tempered glass screen protectors. $65 for case and screen protector.. A tad overpriced, but peace of mind is priceless?
Sent from my Pixel XL
tommyntpham said:
My cases showed up yesterday from Amazon. Still waiting the 28th for the phone. I ordered it along with a tempered glass protector from vzw. It's a shame really how bad this phone has turned out to be for some people.
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I will be getting my phone by October 30th to dubai and tampered screen,case,covers will be here by 26th phone will be delivered home by DHL really exicted
Sad to see somebody destroying a new device.
I just wonder when he broke the screen how high was that drop.
In real life what is the worst drop you may subject your device to maybe 4 or 5 feet on to concrete, this drop looked worse to me.
Holy cow!!!! That's crazy! I ordered the rhino bumper, glass protector and a bestskinsever.com matte back cover. Hope that's enough! Based on this video, I'm thinking maybe not!
Crazy. You drop glass and it breaks. Why are people so enamored by these.
Not one part of this is a controlled experiment that tells you anything. Could be a loose connection in that unit etc. Until a lab does a test don't give it another thought. Put a case, don't put a case but don't put a case because of this guy's video.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
jackdforme said:
Crazy. You drop glass and it breaks. Why are people so enamored by these.
Not one part of this is a controlled experiment that tells you anything. Could be a loose connection in that unit etc. Until a lab does a test don't give it another thought. Put a case, don't put a case but don't put a case because of this guy's video.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
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Because it fares poorer than other phones so far. Yeah, 1 non-scientific test isn't conclusive, but it's not a good start.
Yikes..
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Not surprised. I'm handling mine with kids gloves until my case arrives..
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If I'm going to watch a video like this, id pick one that didnt have a jump cut after they drop the phone before it's picked up lol.
Just dropped mine 2 feet and the screen cracked, stopped responding, and started turning purple. Strange thing is it had a tempered glass protector on it that is undamaged. Very disappointed in the screen on this. I don't use cases and I've never broken a phone, especially not one where the tempered glass protector was undamaged.
I've seen TONS of phones with broken screens and intact screen protectors.
People that think they help with drop protection are living in a fantasy land. Why would that tiny piece of tempered glass do anything on a drop? I'll answer my own question by saying it doesn't. Anyone that works at a phone repair center knows that firsthand. It is a placebo.
They do help with scratch protection though, obviously.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
That Gorilla Glass 1,2,3,4...100 is just a marketing scheme, and that piss poor back glass design on Pixel just makes it worse
Obviously you've never dropped a phone and had that tiny piece of glass break while the screen is intact. It's happened to me over a dozen times as well as my wife and probably countless others. Just because you've never experienced it doesn't mean it never happens.
JasonJoel said:
I've seen TONS of phones with broken screens and intact screen protectors.
People that think they help with drop protection are living in a fantasy land. Why would that tiny piece of tempered glass do anything on a drop? I'll answer my own question by saying it doesn't. Anyone that works at a phone repair center knows that firsthand. It is a placebo.
They do help with scratch protection though, obviously.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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I have indeed. But none of those drops would have cracked the MUCH thicker phone screen anyway.
It is basic physics that a 0.2mm piece of glass is going to break before one 5x+ thicker.
There simply is no real shock absorption in that amount of glass.
Can definitely help with scratches and nicks caused by abrasive impact though.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk