Database Users

For all returning their phone because of screen separation

I have an HW 003 Novatech EVO built on May 19th.
Like many others I want to return my phone for a new one because of the light leakage and screen separation issues.
However, after reading a few posts and confirming my thesis, there is no point in returning your phone now as the replacement will more than likely have the same defects.
I spoke to a Sprint representative today and she recommended doing this: wait until HTC announces they have shipped newer HW models such as 004, or just a new batch with fixed screens.
Again, save yourself the trouble of unrooting, returning, rooting, etc...
Update: HTC has said they have partnered with several different vendors including Sony to make the screens for the new batch of EVOS. You can read an article about the EVO shortages on Buzzbox. I am not allowed to post the link here..

Hmm, I guess perhaps I should not plan on getting another Evo within the next few weeks. I'm reading a lot of bad stories about the Samsung Galaxy, I don't like the look of the Droid X and this iPhone 4 I just got has a small screen that just doesn't do it for me like the Evo's large screen. But I def do not want to get another Evo and have screen issues again. Oh what to do, what to do......

The replacement I received has no screen separation or like leakage issues. Maybe it takes awhile? my other one had it right off the bat.

Plancy said:
The replacement I received has no screen separation or like leakage issues. Maybe it takes awhile? my other one had it right off the bat.
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My launch day Evo had leakage from day one but the screen wasn't rising until about week later. Now When I last cleaned the screen I could feel movement that I hadn't felt in the beginning. The big deal for me is that I don't want to use an Evo for many months and then the glue problem starts and then the device has the chance of becoming something I can't sell on ebay and would probably not want to give away to friends or family with a faulty screen. It would be nice if HTC could just open up and talk about it and explain how they've fixed the problem and how we have nothing to worry about down the road anymore then we would with another touchscreen phone.

AshMa said:
It would be nice if HTC could just open up and talk about it and explain how they've fixed the problem and how we have nothing to worry about down the road anymore then we would with another touchscreen phone.
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Indeed this would be nice. However, HTC is notorious for not responding to the real issues even though they are aware of them.
As we know, not every EVO has these issues; furthermore, not every EVO has these issues right out of the box. My EVO had no problems until about a 2 weeks after use.
I would recommend playing it safe and just waiting for a newer batch from HTC and then exchange your phone.
We will all probably end up better off

These threads really are not helping my O.C.D.
Hope you guys get everything squared away with your phones. Sucks to hear that the problems can occur even a few weeks down the road

Thats why i'm glad I have an accidental damage warranty. My screen has no separation issues but if it ever does I have a feeling I might accidentally drop this one.

I as well am paying for the warranty, 7$ a month. There is still a 100$ deductible on the new phone.

I've heard screen separation a lot with the novs
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

I ordered online (sprint.com) launch day, and got a 002 with screen separation, called 2 weeks ago when sprint.com had some in stock, they made me verify the problem at a local sprint authorized reseller (nearest corporate store is 3hrs away) and by the time i got it verified and called Order Support back they were sold out, they sent me the return kit (i have to return it by August 1) yet its been almost 2 weeks since then and they havent had any in stock to ship me a replacement. Its a little ridiculous as i need to get the replacement through sprint.com, and they are never in stock. I'm terrified of just getting another broken one and having to go through this fiasco again.

If you have screen separation issues, try gently heating the edges of the screen with a hairdryer while pressing down.

dehelflix said:
I ordered online (sprint.com) launch day, and got a 002 with screen separation, called 2 weeks ago when sprint.com had some in stock, they made me verify the problem at a local sprint authorized reseller (nearest corporate store is 3hrs away) and by the time i got it verified and called Order Support back they were sold out, they sent me the return kit (i have to return it by August 1) yet its been almost 2 weeks since then and they havent had any in stock to ship me a replacement. Its a little ridiculous as i need to get the replacement through sprint.com, and they are never in stock. I'm terrified of just getting another broken one and having to go through this fiasco again.
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Strange , I spoke with a sprint rep on Thursday, 7/8, for a exchange, received my return kit today and received email confirmation that the replacement was shipped as of Saturday 7/11. You may want to contact Jerry. 3 day turn around for replacement.
By the way, my return kit states: return original package, manuals, battery, sdhc card, and phone..... I have all of these, but come on original package and manual.

Phone 1 Bad Earpiece speaker
Phone 2 None functioning headphone jack
Phone 3 Screen kept shutting off, but still could recieve calls so it was not a lockup, bad screen maybe?
Phone 4. Ok so far except for light leakage at the bottom. Every one of my replacements had light leakage though, so i wouldnt be returning your phone at this point if light leakage is your only problem. Remember these phones have a 1 year warranty, so if the screen seperates you will get a new phone (refurb)
I dont think HTC as addressed the screen issue, its still very hit and miss with people getting phones that are perfect, and the ones who are, sounds like some are having the issues after a couple weeks use. My newest phone was built on 6-21, and when i got my newest replacement, my brother joined my plan with an evo and both phones had light leakage. My buddy works at sprint, and every employee there that has an evo has light leakage.
Getting a refurb too may be even better, because if they replace the screen, maybe the new screen will be installed properly with a new type of glue, but who knows.

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10 char

My Sprint repair store replaced the screen... HTC is sending screens to key repair centers. I ended up fighting til I got a new phone though.

chaoticallysweet said:
Strange , I spoke with a sprint rep on Thursday, 7/8, for a exchange, received my return kit today and received email confirmation that the replacement was shipped as of Saturday 7/11. You may want to contact Jerry. 3 day turn around for replacement.
By the way, my return kit states: return original package, manuals, battery, sdhc card, and phone..... I have all of these, but come on original package and manual.
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called them back today, had to escalate call 3x, got a order number should get new phone in 3-5 days, thanks.

I picked my EVO on launch day, it was a 002 with a nova screen. Exchanged it 29 daya later due to the light leak / screen separation problem. I got a 003 with an Epson screen and no problems in the last week and a half that I've had it.
Return was done at the Sprint store I purchased it from.
Posted via XDA Android app from Evo

My Google I/O EVO has always had it. I am going to try the hair dryer trick, and if that doesn't work I will just wait for a new hardware revision.
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Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using Tapatalk Pro.

It's easy as heck to fix, most all phones suffer from this it's just more noticeable on the EVO due to the lights but when you hear reports of dust under the screen etc on other phones its usually from the same thing. The adhesive doesn't have time to properly set during the initial huge runs of these phones so some of them will dry with the screen not secured as flat as possible. All you have to do is use a heat gun (blow dryer will work just takes longer) run it around the edges that are lifted long enough for the adhesive to melt then push the screen down flat and hold it long enough for the adhesive to set and you have a perfectly flat screen with no seperation.
It's a pretty common thing, I do this with every new phone I purchase and even with some laptops to make sure the screens are sealed properly to avoid problems down the road even if I don't see any problems initially. Better safe than sorry!

Hey guys I have had zero issues with mine. It’s a 003 Novatec screen....it’s too bad some of you have had so much trouble. I’m just curious since many of you have actually exchanged your phones. Can you just call and do an over the phone exchange?...When I had t-mobile this is what I always did. Sometimes for really stupid issues, but was always nice to get a scratch less replacement. They ship you a new one and you just ship it back? I also have the TEP plan but I would rather not pay 100 bucks if I do run into an issue since I think these should be warranty claims.

Replace or repair?

Hey guys! I just need a little help here.... I had issues with my camera with pictures being bad quality in the dark .... called Google and HTC .... finally HTC decided to replace or repair the device! Though Google agent stated I would be entitled for a new device, HTC at the end of the conversation mentioned it would be "like new" but not new phone. My phone is only a week old! I have no experience with repair/replacement with HTC and I would appreciate if you can share your experience with similar situation in the past!
Also, please vote your opinion at the top in next 3 days so I can decide quick!
TIA!

Their replacement units are basically the same as a new phone, no signs of wear or anything

How bad do your pictures look? You can't expect much from any phones with an LED flash in regards to night pictures. The only phones that take somewhat respectable pictures in the dark are the ones with xenon flash.

ctbear said:
Their replacement units are basically the same as a new phone, no signs of wear or anything
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I've had the opposite experience. The replacements that I received had new problems and one unit even had some light scratches on the screen. The most common aesthetic problem that I saw on the replacements was that the black piece sitting underneath the screen was not flush with the screen. Another one came with a weak vibrate and one of the other ones I remember had a problem with the camera, where the photos would turn up saturated (looking at the back of the camera, it looks like the camera had been tampered with or underwent repair).
I haven't had any experience with repairing the phone, however, if you're thinking about getting a replacement, I would only choose that as the last resort.

I had a discussion with a htc rep about the "like new" phones. I was told that they are actually better than new ones since they replace the motherboard, casing, and screen. Then they each go through the testing process. She said that the brand new phones don't all get tested, only around 1 in 5 or so.
I am not sure if this is true or not, just what was told to me on the phone.

r0adki111 said:
I had a discussion with a htc rep about the "like new" phones. I was told that they are actually better than new ones since they replace the motherboard, casing, and screen. Then they each go through the testing process. She said that the brand new phones don't all get tested, only around 1 in 5 or so.
I am not sure if this is true or not, just what was told to me on the phone.
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Get a new replacement phone. If you send it back to repair, you might end up 2 or 3 weeks without the phone according to HTC's track record.

hbkmog said:
Get a new replacement phone. If you send it back to repair, you might end up 2 or 3 weeks without the phone according to HTC's track record.
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Yep it took me around 4 weeks for my last repair job. (had to get dust under screen fixed twice).
Next time I'm getting a replacement.

r0adki111 said:
Yep it took me around 4 weeks for my last repair job. (had to get dust under screen fixed twice).
Next time I'm getting a replacement.
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I've actually had very good experiences with HTC.
It takes about 3 days to ship to the HTC factory, they fixed my screen in under a day and had it back out with 2day shipping. So about 7 days, BUT the first time they fixed my phone, they didnt connect the camera or motherboard so my earpiece, camera, and flash would NOT work.
They fixed it again for free, and I did indeed get MY phone back. Not a refurb. I dropped my phone the first week and it had a scuff near the top which is indeed still there.
I think you should use a cheap replacement phone for a 1-2 weeks it will take for HTC to fix it rather then getting a refurb where you have no idea if it has DIFFERENT problems.

Thank you do much for all your response guys! They also gave me another option to authorize my credit card for full value of the phone, they send you a replacement phone then you play with it and then send the defective back in 10 days if not you pretty much buy both the phones. This option seems to be more attractive since I get to compare and decide, so I'm leaning more towards this but still waiting for some more experience / opinions
Thanks again
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Nexus 7 RMA

I bought a 16gb nexus 7 on launch and like many of them I had a very small amount of screen lift on the left side. I never really cared much about it because it was minimal. Now after months of use the screen has lifted more and the case creaks when I touch on the left side of the screen. So now that it's much worse I want to exchange my nexus 7. Is this screen lift issue covered under the 1 year warranty from Google? It sounds to me that this issue is so common that they should give me a new one no problem. Is this true or am I going to have to deal with a lot of reps to get a new one?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

SupWiz17 said:
I bought a 16gb nexus 7 on launch and like many of them I had a very small amount of screen lift on the left side. I never really cared much about it because it was minimal. Now after months of use the screen has lifted more and the case creaks when I touch on the left side of the screen. So now that it's much worse I want to exchange my nexus 7. Is this screen lift issue covered under the 1 year warranty from Google? It sounds to me that this issue is so common that they should give me a new one no problem. Is this true or am I going to have to deal with a lot of reps to get a new one?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
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If you bought it from Play Store you should be fine. Call during daytime business hours to get the more knowledgeable call centre. When I called to RMA my N73G on the weekend, I got some totally spaced out rep who said she'd open me a ticket and nothing happened. Finally on my third call I got someone totally on the ball, and she walked me through the whole process of a device swap.
Basically what they do is set up an RMA ticket, and then they e-mail you a special link to "order" your replacement on Play Store. It will charge a hold to your credit card. My ship date is still a week from now but at least they're honest. Upon arrival of the new device you have (14? 21?) days to send the old one back.
If they're willing to do a swap on a blown-out speaker I would think they'll do one for screen lift.

cmstlist said:
If you bought it from Play Store you should be fine. Call during daytime business hours to get the more knowledgeable call centre. When I called to RMA my N73G on the weekend, I got some totally spaced out rep who said she'd open me a ticket and nothing happened. Finally on my third call I got someone totally on the ball, and she walked me through the whole process of a device swap.
Basically what they do is set up an RMA ticket, and then they e-mail you a special link to "order" your replacement on Play Store. It will charge a hold to your credit card. My ship date is still a week from now but at least they're honest. Upon arrival of the new device you have (14? 21?) days to send the old one back.
If they're willing to do a swap on a blown-out speaker I would think they'll do one for screen lift.
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Thanks for the info. I will give them a call and see how it goes. It sounds like the screen lift issue is common enough that they know about it and will exchange it for me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

SupWiz17 said:
Thanks for the info. I will give them a call and see how it goes. It sounds like the screen lift issue is common enough that they know about it and will exchange it for me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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How did your RMA go? Did they exchange it and provide a new one free of charge or was a complicated process?
My N7's whole body is creaking when I hold it and there is backlight bleeding as well on its bottom left corner. So I was thinking of initiating a complaint as well..

Shall I return my Nexus 6p?

Hi all,
Received my 6p this morning and it is a wonderful device. When setting up the phone I immediately noticed that the bottom left of the screen is slightly cut off with a blue outline. See attached image. If you zoom into the bottom left youll see the defect. This is really only noticeable in full screen mode as otherwise the navigation bar hides it.
Not sure if I should return it or not.

That's a manufacturing defect. Return it.

Return it.

Feel so gutted after waiting a month! Will email Google. Only problem is that i don't want to wait another few weeks for another phone.

mo123456789 said:
Feel so gutted after waiting a month! Will email Google. Only problem is that i don't want to wait another few weeks for another phone.
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The few people Ive seen mention getting RMA replacements were getting them within a couple days, not weeks.

I would return it without a doubt.

Like everyone said-return it! It is a defect and Google will overnight you a new one

Will they send me a new phone and then ask me to return the defective one. Or will I have to send the defective one first.

chrisexv6 said:
The few people Ive seen mention getting RMA replacements were getting them within a couple days, not weeks.
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Not sure how quick it is here in the UK. There were already having production issues from day one

mo123456789 said:
Not sure how quick it is here in the UK. There were already having production issues from day one
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It seems like people with problems are given priority over others. Most things I've seen said they overnight a new one to you then you return the defective one. They will put a hold on your credit card for the cost of the phone. It will never be charged unless you don't return the bad one. The money they hold won't be available to you though, until they get it back.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

mo123456789 said:
Feel so gutted after waiting a month! Will email Google. Only problem is that i don't want to wait another few weeks for another phone.
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You will receive your replacement within two days. I've received 3 rma's

I'm rma-ing one right now. My screen has a very noticeable yellow tint compared to my friends 6P. My credit card has a hold on it. They will send out a new phone before I have to return this one so I won't be without a phone. As for shipping, the replacement was processed same day and you select what shipping options you want. To overnight it was about $20. I just did the ground 3-5 days for free. They send u a rma form and shipping label to return the old phone.

OP, yes you should. This is a legitimate manufacturing defect, one of the few I've seen posted...

I'll definitely be returning it and will try getting free next day delivery as this defect is quite bad. For something this obvious to pass quality control is beyond me.

Just had a chat with google rep and sent over the same photo. She said she cant see the defect!

She's blind. I'd RMA it.

I've sent over some more photos. Let's see what happens!

RMA

I got my 6p replaced. How can I tell if it's a new device or a used device. It came in packaging just like a new device. I've never got a replacement Fromm Google before so I'm not sure what their protocol is for packaging a used or refurbished device. Thanks to anyone who may help

Since the 6P is basically brand new to market, I would image the RMA phones are brand new phones, not refurbs.
treIII said:
I got my 6p replaced. How can I tell if it's a new device or a used device. It came in packaging just like a new device. I've never got a replacement Fromm Google before so I'm not sure what their protocol is for packaging a used or refurbished device. Thanks to anyone who may help
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ripv2 said:
Since the 6P is basically brand new to market, I would image the RMA phones are brand new phones, not refurbs.
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But how would I know? I want to know for sure. But thanks.

I guess by simply asking support directly, they would tell you whether they are brand new phones or refurbs. Other than doing that, I don't specifically know.
treIII said:
But how would I know? I want to know for sure. But thanks.
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ripv2 said:
I guess by simply asking support directly, they would tell you whether they are brand new phones or refurbs. Other than doing that, I don't specifically know.
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I asked before they sent the phone. They said it would be a refurbished. But it came in new packaging that's what is puzzling me. So if someone had replaced their 6p I thought maybe they'd be able to chime in. Thanks

Out of curiosity what made you RMA the phone to begin with?

Unfortunately, it is most likely refurbished, especially because they actually told you that!
They are cleaned, fixed and repackaged to look like new but I'm sure they are not. The RMAs seem to ship from a different location (my new phone shipped from Mira Loma, CA very close to where I live but my two RMAs shipped from Illinois). I received 2 replacements, the original had a yellow screen (but I wish I'd just kept it), first RMA device I got actually had a fingerprint on the screen and a scratch on the bezel and the radio was all jacked up (couldn't make calls). The second RMA was much better but still not perfect (has a scratch or abraision on the glass/plastic surround between the metal body and the display). I ended up keeping the second one and just using a case with it.
Sort of pisses me off that they would send a defective device to begin with then replace with a refurb. Didn't I pay for a brand new working device?

bigdave79 said:
Unfortunately, it is most likely refurbished, especially because they actually told you that!
They are cleaned, fixed and repackaged to look like new but I'm sure they are not. The RMAs seem to ship from a different location (my new phone shipped from Mira Loma, CA very close to where I live but my two RMAs shipped from Illinois). I received 2 replacements, the original had a yellow screen (but I wish I'd just kept it), first RMA device I got actually had a fingerprint on the screen and a scratch on the bezel and the radio was all jacked up (couldn't make calls). The second RMA was much better but still not perfect (has a scratch or abraision on the glass/plastic surround between the metal body and the display). I ended up keeping the second one and just using a case with it.
Sort of pisses me off that they would send a defective device to begin with then replace with a refurb. Didn't I pay for a brand new working device?
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Well that's not good. I got my phone Monday that I ordered on Dec 28th and it shipped from Illinois. They wouldn't dare sell a RMA'ed phone as new would they? I'd be pissed because my display has pretty bad viewing angles, but the color is outstanding now that I calibrated it on Franco's kernel with auditiur.
It looks brand new and was packed as such. Doesn't have a blemish on it. Who knows.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

So the way to tell is when you went to order your replacement, it says on the order page if the phone will be refurbished or not. This is how it was with the nexus 6. Normally, the first year the phone is it, google only uses new phones as replacements. After the year when they get s build up of refurbs, they start to use those.
This is what I have gathered from all the replacements I and several others have done on devices dating back to the n4.

treIII said:
But how would I know? I want to know for sure. But thanks.
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If they told you it would be a refurbished phone why would you question it?
Sent from a 128th Legion Stormtrooper 6P

[hfm] said:
If they told you it would be a refurbished phone why would you question it?
Sent from a 128th Legion Stormtrooper 6P
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Because it came in new packaging. Also I spoke to a Google supervisor today and they are not and will not send anyone a refurbished phone until after one year of the purchase date. I sent back the phone they sent me as I thought something was wrong with my camera. Turned out the phone I received took pictures identical to what I have. This camera isn't as good in low light as the hype on the internet and for some reason and its noted on the web my son's 5x takes better pictures. Hands down. This has been tested against 3 nexus 6ps. Though I must say there has only been his 5x to compare them to. There are certain low light though not close to dark situations in my home that this phone struggles with color, and noise that puzzles me. My son's 5x does not. Colors are true to life and the noise is much lower with his 5 x. And this is verified by putting the pictures on a computer and checking them. This is my favorite phone of all time and takes excellent photos. If a person uses what controls the camera app has to decide whether to flash or use hdr etc.. then pictures can be a lot better than just using hdr automatic though it does well 90% of the time. Love my 6p.

treIII said:
Because it came in new packaging. Also I spoke to a Google supervisor today and they are not and will not send anyone a refurbished phone until after one year of the purchase date. I sent back the phone they sent me as I thought something was wrong with my camera. Turned out the phone I received took pictures identical to what I have. This camera isn't as good in low light as the hype on the internet and for some reason and its noted on the web my son's 5x takes better pictures. Hands down. This has been tested against 3 nexus 6ps. Though I must say there has only been his 5x to compare them to. There are certain low light though not close to dark situations in my home that this phone struggles with color, and noise that puzzles me. My son's 5x does not. Colors are true to life and the noise is much lower with his 5 x. And this is verified by putting the pictures on a computer and checking them. This is my favorite phone of all time and takes excellent photos. If a person uses what controls the camera app has to decide whether to flash or use hdr etc.. then pictures can be a lot better than just using hdr automatic though it does well 90% of the time. Love my 6p.
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This is exactly what I just said