Is my Amazon Prime Day Essential Phone faulty? - Essential Phone Questions & Answers

Hey guys-
I couldn't resist the ridiculously low Prime Day price of the Essential phone that I had my eyes on from Day 1 it came out....but when I opened it up yesterday, first thing I noticed is some missing section of some sort.
Please look at the images and let me know if I am seeing this right or is this really how it is supposed to be. MId top section.
Thanks in advance-
https://imgur.com/a/Ub1LY2P
https://imgur.com/a/PF1tmZf

That would be the speaker

Ok, the closer I started looking into it zoomed in on the picture, I started thinking the same. Sorry for the dumb question

I'm jealous you got blue

It was that gray actually. Not blue.

I wonder if they was selling used phones? A brand new phone shouldn't have the speaker grill torn out like that.
It won't effect you using it, but probably should get a RMA through Essential before you go through Amazon (they probably don't have any more to replace with.) Get it done before Essential is no more.

Ellises said:
I wonder if they was selling used phones? A brand new phone shouldn't have the speaker grill torn out like that.
It won't effect you using it, but probably should get a RMA through Essential before you go through Amazon (they probably don't have any more to replace with.) Get it done before Essential is no more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What speaker grill torn out? I just see pocket lint on the grill.

I think some people are confused like me. So, to make it clear to everyone....nothing is torn out. That is the speaker grill in the picture, nothing torn out. And some pocket lint all around it.

I got mine from Amazon on Prime Day too, the speaker looks like that. I think you're fine.

Related

So many defects with the G1....

Ok, I purchased an ADP1 last month and have been running into issues since.
So far:
1. Phones been creaky. I had to fix this by putting electrical tape on the chin of the phone.
2. The earpiece makes a buzzing noise, occasionally harder to hear than the caller on the other end. Had to fix this with more electrical tape on the earpiece.
3. The back battery case was making a chirping noise when I held it with my hand. Had to apply electrical tape on the inside of the case to fix that.
4. Now -- Just discovered that my pictures I take have a huge black spot on each of them (I've attached a picture as an example... the spot is usually noticeable during the day time/outside, but thats a picture against a white wall). Does anyone know how to fix this issue/experience this problem as well?
So many problems with this product is really starting to piss me off. Can anyone offer any suggestions on #4? I've fixed the others with tape. But I just discovered #4 and I'm really beginning to lose patience here.
Defective phone, return it for a new one.
Yeah I would say that you have a defective phone need to look into getting it replaced or return for another one. As for number 4 the only thing I can think of is something on the camera lense or the backcover of the phone but that would be to easy
someprogr said:
Ok, I purchased an ADP1 last month and have been running into issues since.
So far:
1. Phones been creaky. I had to fix this by putting electrical tape on the chin of the phone.
2. The earpiece makes a buzzing noise, occasionally harder to hear than the caller on the other end. Had to fix this with more electrical tape on the earpiece.
3. The back battery case was making a chirping noise when I held it with my hand. Had to apply electrical tape on the inside of the case to fix that.
4. Now -- Just discovered that my pictures I take have a huge black spot on each of them (I've attached a picture as an example... the spot is usually noticeable during the day time/outside, but thats a picture against a white wall). Does anyone know how to fix this issue/experience this problem as well?
So many problems with this product is really starting to piss me off. Can anyone offer any suggestions on #4? I've fixed the others with tape. But I just discovered #4 and I'm really beginning to lose patience here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a new one.
man that buzzing sound is really annoying me too... disappointed...
i just dont want to send it in because i paid to have this one unlocked and paid to have a full body shield which i installed on it...
thats like 40 dollars i would lose out on
hopefully you have better luck
kp126 said:
man that buzzing sound is really annoying me too... disappointed...
i just dont want to send it in because i paid to have this one unlocked and paid to have a full body shield which i installed on it...
thats like 40 dollars i would lose out on
hopefully you have better luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, well actually I fixed the buzzing noise with black electrical tape on the keyboard ends. I havent heard the noise since.
As far as the spot goes on my camera lens, I'm going to write a perl script that undertakes gimp and automatically eliminates dust from any pictures I take with the click of a button. Hopefully that will fix that issue.
I'd hate to send it in too and get a 'refurb' that has different problems etc.
Open up the back cover and wipe the camera. Maybe that spot is just a spot on the lens.
someprogr said:
I'd hate to send it in too and get a 'refurb' that has different problems etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refurbs don't always have "different problems" a refurb is a remanufactured device. Which in most cases is better off then a "Brand New" phone because they go through more testing. I have a "refurb" because of the creaking and I have not experienced anything wrong with this device, and have had it for about 2 months. Not always the case but why "put up"with something that you can have fixed. Also refurbs are not always returned devices due to failure, granted the majority are but some also come back as "buyers remorse" type return. "I didn't like it, I don't want it."
Sorry for the long post but point is don't just "put up" with something because of the misconception that because you are getting a refurb it will automatically have problems. You are just cutting yourself short and will never be happy with your device.
savethechicken said:
Refurbs don't always have "different problems" a refurb is a remanufactured device. Which in most cases is better off then a "Brand New" phone because they go through more testing. I have a "refurb" because of the creaking and I have not experienced anything wrong with this device, and have had it for about 2 months. Not always the case but why "put up"with something that you can have fixed. Also refurbs are not always returned devices due to failure, granted the majority are but some also come back as "buyers remorse" type return. "I didn't like it, I don't want it."
Sorry for the long post but point is don't just "put up" with something because of the misconception that because you are getting a refurb it will automatically have problems. You are just cutting yourself short and will never be happy with your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooth. The refurb I'm running (TMo forced me to RMA my initial one in November due to a dead cell tower in my neighborhood) was in better condition than my first one. I love customers at my job that whine, piss and moan about receiving a refurb as a replacement. New items aren't tested and there is an acceptable failure rate out of the box. That's the way it is with EVERY equipment manufacturer where as refurbs are tested and repackaged. Personally, I'll buy used if it was tested as functional and comes with the same warranty (which generally happens). But today's generation is now now now, new new new = better better better.
lol i was typing from g1 so i felt the post was getting to long thus i left out the testing that refurbs go thru. i hear this all day, this is always the biggest complaint but people really dont understand what goes into remanufacturing a device
how about removing the electrical tape from the camera lens.
Just a thought
Ok, well im considering returning it back to brightstarcorp.
There they have to conduct "testing" to determine whether its a hardware problem and its "damaged" or "defective"
Would a dust speck fall under this category?

Is the bottom edge of your Iconia A500's glass "spongy" too?

Hey all,
I am on my 3rd Iconia now.. The first one had a couple dead pixels, the second one creaked like mad and could flex way too much (I believe someone put the backing up improperly), now, this new unit the bottom edge of the glass can be pushed down about 1/16th of an inch, it feels slightly loose and a bit different from the top glass. I notice this especially in the middle of the bottom edge and to the right of the bottom edge.
Does anyone else notice that if you push near the bottom edge of the glass (opposite side of the volume rocker, I'd call the volume rocker the top) the glass bends/gives a tiny bit in the middle and the right edge?
All in all, I do not think this will cause any issues, it could even be designed that way on purpose as the speakers are behind this area in the glass.
Thoughts? I really don't feel like returning a 3rd unless it's necessary (I've set these things up 3 times now!)
I really appreciate anyone chiming in with their own Iconia's findings,
Autom8r
Return it. Mine does none of that. Check your new one in the store before you take it home.
UGH! Not even a little give on the bottom edge? I can't believe I may have to get a 4th unit.. how the heck can these be so different unit to unit? Seeing as the last 3 I've had had defects, I may just stick with this one as this defect is minor and unless the screen falls off, there is no effect from this defect.
I am slapping it in a case today, and I may just mentally ignore it. I like this tablet a lot more than the other Android tablets, the sound is awesome and the speed is good too.
I feel so stupid going back for a 4th lol...
Mine does not do that either, I'd say you should go back for your 4th one, man thats a bummer. Sorry to hear about your troubles sir.
Alright, it's official, I am going back for a 4th tablet... wow. For those who have no problems, can you please check the build date of your tablet? I will try to get one around the same build date. Mine was built in May 2011, I guess I should look for something more recently built.
autom8r said:
Alright, it's official, I am going back for a 4th tablet... wow. For those who have no problems, can you please check the build date of your tablet? I will try to get one around the same build date. Mine was built in May 2011, I guess I should look for something more recently built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems with mine, may 2011 build.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
ziggy34 said:
No problems with mine, may 2011 build.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I wonder why these are so hit or miss! Dangit....
Solid
Mine is solid as a rock.
Not sure where to find the build date but I have none of those issues with mine. I played with the wife's and none of that on hers either. In fact she uses hers a lot more than me.
thehunted1 said:
Not sure where to find the build date but I have none of those issues with mine. I played with the wife's and none of that on hers either. In fact she uses hers a lot more than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build date is on the box
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
got mine in late april and it's spongy at the bottom center like you said. on the far edges, the glass is lower than the bottom aluminum piece, but in the center, it's higher. Mines been that way for a couple of months. i didn't notice it until after the 14-day return period.
Actually all the display models felt exactly like mine when pressed in the same spots, I think it is normal, so convinced I didn't bother trading in. I'm gunna need a cases anyway so its a moot point then regardless! Cheers!
Same here with mine, no movement I mean. The glass is solid as a rock all the way round the frame
Take it back, and keep going until you get a good one, they are faaaaaar too expensive to accept low build quality.
odd
Have a May 2011 build on mine according to the box - no strange issues like you are reporting.
You may qualify as the most unlucky person ever, four tabs with build quality issues is pretty damn unlucky
actually they all give in these spots I assume you guys are pushing right on the edge, if you press about half an inch above the edge you will see flex. All the display models did this too, it is a non issue to me now cheers!
under alot of light check closely
My tab has movement in the same area.if you look really closely.for me it looks as thou its the allumn that is moving not so much the display.thoui can see how it seems tto be the glass
Hope you see the same after second look.I would worry about the glass.this so called allumn tab
Is plastic with a very thin allumn skin. Yes I had One apart.
Got mine during the $100 off about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
Build date is July. No flexing on mine.
I see many people complaining about the charger having a short cord.
Mine is 5 feet. Were the older ones shorter?
frankws said:
Got mine during the $100 off about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
Build date is July. No flexing on mine.
I see many people complaining about the charger having a short cord.
Mine is 5 feet. Were the older ones shorter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. That's what we all got - a cheapo extension cord fixes that "issue"
Absolutely no spongy on mine. Rock solid with no problems what so ever. Love this tablet. April 2011 build.
Mine's loose, too
I apologize for reviving this old thread but is this "sponginess" in the area near the docking connector common and tolerated? Mine does it after only three days (holding it mostly vertical). It was tight as drum when I bought it and I can see how this could be attributed to material fatigue when one holds the tab by the long thin aluminum edge. It feels like the edge is slowly giving way and bending.

Speaker replacement ideas

Alright, so I don't want to wait for Asus to repair the blown speakers on my tablet. I opened it up today and took a quick look, and it looks like you can pretty much replace the N7 speakers with just about anything. The connector to each speaker is just two wires, which I can easily solder to.
The only problem is that I have no idea where I might be able to buy decent speakers for a tablet. Are there retailers in the US that sell small components for tablets and laptops? Should I buy online instead? Has anyone else tried this yet?
Ideally it'd be cool to replace the speakers with something of admirably better quality, or just anything that is guaranteed to last longer than three weeks.
EDIT: I ordered some speakers from an Eee netbook on ebay. If they work, I'll post pictures.
Lol, waiting to receive new speaker will take longer then replacing your nexus 7
Envoyé depuis mon Nexus 7 avec Tapatalk
earlyberd said:
Alright, so I don't want to wait for Asus to repair the blown speakers on my tablet. I opened it up today and took a quick look, and it looks like you can pretty much replace the N7 speakers with just about anything. The connector to each speaker is just two wires, which I can easily solder to.
The only problem is that I have no idea where I might be able to buy decent speakers for a tablet. Are there retailers in the US that sell small components for tablets and laptops? Should I buy online instead? Has anyone else tried this yet?
Ideally it'd be cool to replace the speakers with something of admirably better quality, or just anything that is guaranteed to last longer than three weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have blown speaker too.
how bad is yours? mine only start to show distortion if volume >40%.
anything less than that speaker is clear and working fine.
i opened up the case and look at it as well.
realize the blown speaker is the one on the left (when screen is facing downwards,and charging port facing towards you)
wonder if i just cut the left 2 wires that powers the left defective speaker, will my problem be solved.
mtxx1 said:
i have blown speaker too.
how bad is yours? mine only start to show distortion if volume >40%.
anything less than that speaker is clear and working fine.
i opened up the case and look at it as well.
realize the blown speaker is the one on the left (when screen is facing downwards,and charging port facing towards you)
wonder if i just cut the left 2 wires that powers the left defective speaker, will my problem be solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both mine are blown, and the distortion happens at all volumes. I ordered some speakers out of an Eee netbook, no idea if they're going to actually fit. However, the nice thing is that it was only $5, and the connector on the end of them looks identical so I might be able to save myself some of the soldering work. I'll post some pictures if I manage to get them to work when they arrive sometime next week.
Are blown speaker covered by warranty?
jamesst20 said:
Are blown speaker covered by warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, yeah. I haven't heard of anyone that hasn't be able to get it repaired under warranty. The only problem is that Asus hasn't responded to my RMA request after submitting it 5 days ago, so something tells me I'm going to be much better off replacing the speakers myself.
I dont this they are blown just expanded?" I opened mine up thinking to replace them too but I simply pushed them down and they have been working better since
adeon said:
I dont this they are blown just expanded?" I opened mine up thinking to replace them too but I simply pushed them down and they have been working better since
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that first, but no improvement. They're just completely blown for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1866845
i mentioned of a temporary fix in this thread. it works for me

Nexus 4 feels like cheap crap

I switched from GNex because I couldn't stand that plastic back panel crackling and how cheap it feels (like every Samsung does). Now I have N4 and what started happening to my GNex after two weeks, the same thing started happening to my brand new N4 after 4 freakin' days!!! I am pissed beyond words! This is suppose to be Google's flagship? Seriously?! I seriously regret that I didn't take HTC One instead!
Even small pressure, like putting the phone on desk or holding in hand, will push back plate slightly into phone, thus creating gap right next to it on the right side and on bottom of the left side. When I put it to my hand to clean the display the back plate will make move again. So in the end almost every pick-up I make is "packed" with crackling sound from either back plate or sides, like if I was holding cheap Samsung crap for 1 €! I didn't pay 450 € for this disappointment!
Thanks for your opinion. Not.
This thread is going to be closed.
Terepin said:
I switched from GNex because I couldn't stand that plastic back panel crackling and how cheap it feels (like every Samsung does). Now I have N4 and what started happening to my GNex after two weeks, the same thing started happening to my brand new N4 after 4 freakin' days!!! I am pissed beyond words! This is suppose to be Google's flagship? Seriously?! I seriously regret that I didn't take HTC One instead!
Even small pressure, like putting the phone on desk or holding in hand, will push back plate slightly into phone, thus creating gap right next to it on the right side and on bottom of the left side. When I put it to my hand to clean the display the back plate will make move again. So in the end almost every pick-up I make is "packed" with crackling sound from either back plate or sides, like if I was holding cheap Samsung crap for 1 €! I didn't pay 450 € for this disappointment!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a tiny creaking noise, and from that you're saying it feels like crap? *Cough"OCD*Cough* Let the phone 'ware in'..
It's anything but tiny. I can hear it and feel how it moves by simply using it. I don't need to perform any special moves or something. A simple pick up suffice. Considering this phone has nothing removable (except SIM card), but still manage to bring the same issue, it says a lot about it's build quality.
I think it's the issue with your particular Nexus 4... mine one feels very solid. :/ maybe try to exhcnage the phone?
I used to have a GS3 but i couldnt stand its cheap materials, so the nexus 4 feels like a much needed upgrade in terms of hardware
The back panel literally bends into the phone. How is this even possible with glass back panel is beyond my comprehension.
P.S.: I was worried, like many others, that I'll scratch it somehow and somewhere, so I was keeping safe. I mean extremely safe. I didn't even imagine that this would happen regardless what I do.
I would not call the device crap if you are having problems. Its something wrong with you or that particular device, as numerous people and developers love this phone
This guy is for fail
What did you really hope to accomplish by posting this here? Your first world OCD problem does not concern any of us and in fact and this may come as a shock. Most people frequenting this forum happen to like our N4. Stop being a whiny ***** and sell it if you don't like it.
Terepin said:
It's anything but tiny. I can hear it and feel how it moves by simply using it. I don't need to perform any special moves or something. A simple pick up suffice. Considering this phone has nothing removable (except SIM card), but still manage to bring the same issue, it says a lot about it's build quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The noise most likely comes from the camera assy when the lens moves inside it. (known feature since the launch)
And the back glass indeed does flex some under pressure. Most likely thats a feature also to minimize the risk of breaking the back glass.
At least my rev11 version does flex (very)little when i press it.
Did you even test the phone anywhere before buying it?
Terepin said:
I switched from GNex because I couldn't stand that plastic back panel crackling and how cheap it feels (like every Samsung does). Now I have N4 and what started happening to my GNex after two weeks, the same thing started happening to my brand new N4 after 4 freakin' days!!! I am pissed beyond words! This is suppose to be Google's flagship? Seriously?! I seriously regret that I didn't take HTC One instead!
Even small pressure, like putting the phone on desk or holding in hand, will push back plate slightly into phone, thus creating gap right next to it on the right side and on bottom of the left side. When I put it to my hand to clean the display the back plate will make move again. So in the end almost every pick-up I make is "packed" with crackling sound from either back plate or sides, like if I was holding cheap Samsung crap for 1 €! I didn't pay 450 € for this disappointment!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
****ing douchebag, go back to your cave of iPhones since you think that's quality, and HTC one isn't even better..just because its aluminum makes it better?? Gtfooh..and don't think you can resell it either at full price because its probably beat to **** with no screen protector like every other phone a crack head sells on craigslist
Nexus 4-CarbonROM(0100)
Tapatalk2
So get mommy and daddy to buy you another different phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
So this is how it supposed to work right? Your gonna tell us, how the N4 feels like a cheap piece of crap, and if we disagree we are either A) in denial? or B) out hands aren't as finely acute as yours are and we are just too simple to realize the crappiness that is the N4 build? Thanks for this, without I would still think that the N4's build quality was actually one of the finer points of the phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Thread closed. If you dont like the device sell it and get something else. Simple.

Cracking noise from back cover

I am using Mi A1 for about half month and noticed cracking, rattling or clicking noise when I touch ( I wouldn't say press) back cover around fingerprint sensor and camera. Sounds like some adhesive coming lose or something.
Similar as being discussed here:
http://en.miui.com/thread-884436-1-1.html
Is someone else experiencing the same? Im not considering RMA right now since the phone is without issues and good as new (never felt or something, everything working)
Infernus-cz said:
I am using Mi A1 for about half month and noticed cracking, rattling or clicking noise when I touch ( I wouldn't say press) back cover around fingerprint sensor and camera. Sounds like some adhesive coming lose or something.
Similar as being discussed here:
http://en.miui.com/thread-884436-1-1.html
Is someone else experiencing the same? Im not considering RMA right now since the phone is without issues and good as new (never felt or something, everything working)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought a Global version, 64 gb, black a couple of days a go and mine does that as well . It is getting on my nerves now. Going to return it back and have another one.
My phone have same sound/clicking noise too, but the phone is working properly without any issue, from January 15, when I bought it.
Most probably is from the camera lens, I'm not sure, just I'm guessing, so my advice is to ignore that sound and do not shake too hard the phone, use it normally like any other phone.
I can confirm that, noticed this 3 days after i bought this phone.
I must rate the build quality 2 out of 5.
Feel like it has plastic back cover.
I can confirm the same thing on mine
Now i keep pressing mine
Hi guys i noticed that mine does this too
Its annoying noise but no problem with software
Anyone has problem with such issue?
I heard about this issue a long time ago and i don't have it
As far as i know, it's just a black tape/adhesive on the back cover. Don't worry about it
After some time I visited back and see it is a common problem. I no longer use my A1 without a case so it doesn't bother me anymore. Also the phone has been flawless all around
Yeah with a case doesnt bother me too
Now I am a relieved .. and I dont worry for this sound thank you
I bought the Samsung A73 on this 6th September. It has the metal sides with plastic back-body. When playing the nulls brawl game, i just clicking its back side, and it, too, gave some hollow sound. It's like it's hollow inside. Before this mobile, i had Redmi Note 9 Pro with glass body that never gave that hollow-kinda sound. So, I was so disturbed with this sound, thinking there's a fault in this brand new mobile.
Reading all these comments, i'm relaxed that it's normal and not a issue with the mobile. I, then, bought the Spigen hard backcover. And there's no sound now.
For sure this so-called issue is so confusing when you buy a new phone and hear this annoying sound on touching the back of the phone. Who would want to go to the procedure of exchanging the phone just right after buying it? So tiring. I thanked god when I found out it was just normal sound for phones having plastic body.
Norita12 said:
I bought the Samsung A73 on this 6th September. It has the metal sides with plastic back-body. When playing the nulls brawl game, i just clicking its back side, and it, too, gave some hollow sound. It's like it's hollow inside. Before this mobile, i had Redmi Note 9 Pro with glass body that never gave that hollow-kinda sound. So, I was so disturbed with this sound, thinking there's a fault in this brand new mobile.
Reading all these comments, i'm relaxed that it's normal and not a issue with the mobile. I, then, bought the Spigen hard backcover. And there's no sound now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone also getting creaking sound when we hold it without cover what should I do ??
use a backcover...or just ignore it. it's not a fault

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