Pitting/surface scratches - AT&T HTC One (M8)

Curious how everyone else's phones have been holding up so far. The back of my phone is covered in little specks, which appear to be from pitting and minor surface scratches. It's very disappointing since I've had my phone permanently in a case since I've had it. I'm wondering if the metal is just so soft that little vibrations while in the case is causing marks.
I'm hoping there's a way I can get them out but seeing as it has a brushed finish, I don't see it being all that easy.

That's indeed pretty surprising (marks with a case on). I would think the only way this would be possible, is if there was some grit or sand between the case and the device. If this were in fact true, I can see it rubbing on the finish over time (as others here have also mentioned). Even so, the scratches would probably just be in isolated areas, not for the back to be covered in scratches, unless there was grit captured everywhere inside the case. Which is very unlikely, as you would have noticed that.
The other possibility is scratches from a hard plastic case (you haven't mentioned what kind you have). Again, this is something that some folks on here have observed. But folks have mentioned scratches in a few isolated locations (like the edges) not covering the back.
I have had a cheap soft TPU case on my M8 for a month and a half, and not a single visible scratch on the back, that I can find.

The dirt/sand certainly makes sense. But I've repeatedly taken out the case and cleaned it, and it appears like I'm getting more of these. The case, is a soft tpu clear case.
Further, I only rarely use this case once a day for an hour when I go to the gym. The rest of the time my phone sits in my leather pouch, which I KNOW there's no way that's scratching it.
It certainly shouldn't be getting marked up like this from such careful use. I'll try to post pics later.

Sorry for the linked images. You can download them to see full size. It's very difficult to capture up close. But you can see the specks all ordier the phone.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Anyone? I'm wondering if there's a defect in my casing and if I should ask for a new one or not. Combined with my letters falling out my resale value is definitely going to hurt by this.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Haven's seen anyone else complain about this. Its especially weird, since you have a case on the phone. I can only guess the finish is delaminating or falling off, regardless if any external wear/contact is present or not.
I'd say its a warranty issue, between this and the letters coming off. But you won't get a new one. AT&T's policy is that you get a refurb after 14 days of purchase. And I've heard mixed reports on the refurbs (on past devices). Some are indistinguishable from new; while others are beat up, or may even have some hardware issues that weren't fixed properly.

A refurb is exactly what I'm afraid of. I don't want to trade in a phone with cosmetic issues for one with potentially worse issues. Any way of getting them to send a new one? AT&T has been nothing short of great for me in the past but Idk about getting a new phone replacement.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

cgibsong002 said:
Any way of getting them to send a new one? AT&T has been nothing short of great for me in the past but Idk about getting a new phone replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not in their policy. But you can always ask . . . than complain, kick and scream, etc.
Its also not in their policy to let folks switch to another brand/model. But I've seen that happen when folks complain enough. Highlight how long you've been a customer, if you have multiple lines, etc. Not sure if they have ever sent out brand new phones for warranty claims. But it sure doesn't hurt to try.

Just thought I'd add, I'm having the exact same issue with the Google Play Edition in a clear TPU case too! Were you using a Spigen case by any chance?

evandunkel said:
Just thought I'd add, I'm having the exact same issue with the Google Play Edition in a clear TPU case too! Were you using a Spigen case by any chance?
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Click to collapse
Wow, strange, mine too, exact same case. I took the case off the other day to clean it, it was looking nasty, and sure enough there was like some kind of grit in there. I bet that's what's doing it. Of course that's the least of my worries, it fell out of my pocket and I ran this thing over with my tractor, and crushed the side so far that I had to pry out the volume buttons, they were stuck, lol, had tire marks across the screen even. This thing is a tough phone!

hack14u said:
Wow, strange, mine too, exact same case. I took the case off the other day to clean it, it was looking nasty, and sure enough there was like some kind of grit in there. I bet that's what's doing it. Of course that's the least of my worries, it fell out of my pocket and I ran this thing over with my tractor, and crushed the side so far that I had to pry out the volume buttons, they were stuck, lol, had tire marks across the screen even. This thing is a tough phone!
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Click to collapse
Haha, very nice. Good to hear it'll survive a tractor lol. I feel like I should leave a review on that case. It seems to be flawed if it's allowing grit in. I'd consider my use quite typical, not near any sand or dirt. I'm pretty sure that lost me $100 in resellability.

Related

Poor Design For Screen (BEWARE)

For something billed as practically bullet-proof, the razr disappoints.
Thanks to poor design and too much flex the internal screen on my razr is toast. I have intentionally waited a few weeks to post this because I wanted to be more objective over this. Let me start by saying I am the very average user case, I make a few phone calls, mostly text messages and when I am stuck somewhere a little bit of web browsing. I am an engineer and I understand pretty well things like internal stresses and loads. I am also very methodical and keep my phone in the same pocket every time, I baby it and ensure it never can fall. So this being said I was amazed when I pulled it from my pocket to see a scrambled then black screen.
So to explain, a few weeks ago I am in a bar with my girlfriend and my buddy. We are pretty much the only ones there, I pull out my phone from my front pocket send a message to some other people who are going to join us, put the phone back in my pocket, walk over to the bar get drinks and return. I pull my phone out of my pocket again and the internal screen is cracked. I don't wear emo pants, I didn't body slam myself to the ground, I didn't get struck by a vehicle, I simply walked 20 feet back and forth and my phone went from "everything is a go" to "congratulations on your $300 paperweight". In addition, the rest of the phone was fine, the backing, the gorilla glass on the front, everything, just the internal screen starting at the center on the left and radiating out a few inches was a few tiny cracks.
Again, I reiterate, I have babied this phone, I never dropped it in the 3 months I had it, kept it nice and safe. The reason was that before this I had an htc eris, I bought it used in decently rough shape, and it was a veritable tank, it had been dropped and it had taken a beating, and it barely slowed. Then I decided that I actually was going to try out having a nice smartphone with a nice blazing data plan so I could enjoy having the benfits of a real smartphone (the eris was on a plan with no data). So I didn't mind shelling out the $300 to get a piece of the glory. I was a little disappointed by the color quality on the screen, and the atrocious battery (I would actually watch it drain batter while plugged in if I was browsing and I never had it last a full day with nothing running and not using it). Though in spite of this I actually got used to the phone and kind of liked it, at least until this.
As expected verizon was useless to provide me any help, all they did was to accuse me of dropping it. I was informed that it was an excellent phone and the only way for this to happen was to be dropped quite a ways onto a hard surface. They also told me that they used them and their batteries lasted all day with talking, texting and web browsing without being plugged in (HAHA). Unforetunately for me I didn't opt for the insurane on the razr and I ended up buying a brand new phone (this time a rezound) and I got the extended battery and can't even fathom how I did it with the razr's battery.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a word of warning be very careful. If you notice there is a lot of flexibility that they have by making this a very wide phone but very thin. This may well be any of your undoing despite how good of care you take.
CTP
I think you have been unlucky. My phone is always in its otter box case screen in toward my leg when in my pocket.
The phone actually has a steel frame as well. No where had it ever been sold as bullet proof though.
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Unlucky.. probably. But I did want to serve a word of warning. And up until this happened there was nothing wrong, so saying I have had this 3 months and nothing bad has happened to me isn't proof it won't happen. Because until that moment we were in the same boat, and I hope that we won't be in the same boat now for your sake.
None the less, there is nothing I can do now anyway so I am done being bitter.
CircuitsToPlowshares said:
Unlucky.. probably. But I did want to serve a word of warning. And up until this happened there was nothing wrong, so saying I have had this 3 months and nothing bad has happened to me isn't proof it won't happen. Because until that moment we were in the same boat, and I hope that we won't be in the same boat now for your sake.
None the less, there is nothing I can do now anyway so I am done being bitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is insured against accidental damage of any kind. Even getting it wet.
So even if I did end up in your boat it wouldn't matter
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Sorry to here about your bad luck. Guess that's why I paid full retail for my Razr Maxx so I had insurance no matter what. I've been through alot of phones and never had any problems as you mention. Well atleast not the screen if anything it was basic stuff. Man I remember way back in the day I had one of those Motorola beige brick phones. I drop it , threw to against a wall and it never failed. Just goes to show how things have changed and build quality can always be in question.
So sorry to hear this..
still a big confused on how this can happen. the phone feels very solid.
It sort of feels solid. If you take it and hold the bottom in your left hand and the top in your right hand and turn both hands opposite directions you will notice it flexes quite a bit and without much force at all. Or at least mine does right now at the moment I can get several millimeters of flex which would be enough for the more fragile screen to give way. (Caveat probably not a good idea to try what I am saying as if it yeilds it won't be good).
A screen protector and or some meat on them bones would have prevented this...
No but seriously that sucks. It could just be a fluke phone. I keep my phone in my otterbox commuter case so I am sure that helps a bit.
Its been dropped (nothing serious, few inches) and banged. jJust "normal" wear and tear. I do use screen protectors too. I know the phone is thin but I have never had an issue with the flexing like you describe. So far this phone is turning out to be tough.
I wonder if you can describe the situation to VZW and get a new one unde a manufacturer defect. If not, just get a replacement thought insurance.
ddemlong said:
A screen protector and or some meat on them bones would have prevented this...
No but seriously that sucks. It could just be a fluke phone. I keep my phone in my otterbox commuter case so I am sure that helps a bit.
Its been dropped (nothing serious, few inches) and banged. jJust "normal" wear and tear. I do use screen protectors too. I know the phone is thin but I have never had an issue with the flexing like you describe. So far this phone is turning out to be tough.
I wonder if you can describe the situation to VZW and get a new one unde a manufacturer defect. If not, just get a replacement thought insurance.
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Click to collapse
With full due respect....in terms of protecting from crack of a gorilla screen,what a screen protector does is not more than sticking broken glasses together after the tragedy
From my RAZR MAXX
That's the thing, the gorilla glass is fully intact and still smooth as a baby's butt. It was the internal screen that cracked. Also vzw did nothing but accuse me of dropping it, they had no incentive to help me.
jiwengang said:
With full due respect....in terms of protecting from crack of a gorilla screen,what a screen protector does is not more than sticking broken glasses together after the tragedy
From my RAZR MAXX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I know, short of an extra layer of glass or some sort of hard clear resin screen its not gonna help one bit.
The Maxx is much better, but I know you bought this before it came out. Did you go into the retail store and they told you you dropped it? Or was it customer service over the phone? If you have proof that these is not a scratch on the phone, how can you be told it was dropped? I would push the matter further, all the way up to corporate if I had to. But the real problem lies with not having that protection plan. That is the real bummer.
flashman2002 said:
The Maxx is much better, but I know you bought this before it came out. Did you go into the retail store and they told you you dropped it? Or was it customer service over the phone? If you have proof that these is not a scratch on the phone, how can you be told it was dropped? I would push the matter further, all the way up to corporate if I had to. But the real problem lies with not having that protection plan. That is the real bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In store and they all but called me a liar outright. It was frustrating, the only funny part was that I had two alarms set for the morning but the touch screen didn't work, though it would intermittently think you pressed the buttons for snooze, so the alarms were going off psuedo randomly for minutes at a time. The whole time the alarms were going off creating annoyance for them and customers.
The bad part was I was 3 hours from home on an anniversary with the GF and travel a bunch so I had to have a phone right then. I had no option but buy a new one. Lesson learned I have insurance and I have a feeling I will lose it more often now.
Go to a different store. I drive 20 miles because I hate the local. I went to the different store and they yeah thats why I left there or is so and so still there. Local store sucked but the other is great and always helps. Sad I have to drive but usually try and do something else I need to get done while out there. Customer service has been hit or miss. Usually you dont get follow through. Verizon tried to get a hold of me for 3 days and left a message telling me that created a trouble ticket to make sure I was happy. Never had them call like that before.
You might have had a defected phone. The RAZR is very solid I've dropped It a few times and punched it more than once. I dont use a case either. Screen is fine no scratches on it either though there's scratches and chips on the phone. I'm pretty hard on my phone but that's why i pay for insurance that covers everything that I got from best buy. I hate Verizon's insurance.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Same here, i am a carpenter and mine is abused and buried in saw dust all day. Dropped many times, and rides in my bibs front pocket where it gets pushed on and crushed by body weight. Hrmmm, watch it will break tomorrow, shoot..
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Right they don't want to help in such cases, despite claiming the opposite
From my RAZR MAXX
JDCFH said:
Mine is insured against accidental damage of any kind. Even getting it wet.
So even if I did end up in your boat it wouldn't matter
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup me too. Full coverage of accidental damage. This day in age I can't imagine not paying the extra $8 a month for this for ANY phone. They are too expensive and when we have them with us 100% of the time in our daily lives there is too much opportunity for damage. Regardless of what phone model.
The problem is the backing. It's very flexible.. you really can fix this by getting a hard case.
I have full coverage so I don't mind if it breaks. My SD card has everything important and I backed it up a few days ago so I'm all set
You should try going to Motorola instead, post this in their forums to see what they can do.

Question: has anyone ever tried to use a plastic polish on the screen?

Reason i ask is, i recently swapped out my first GNote for a second to see if the replacement would get better benchmark numbers and on the second day of ownership i managed to scratch the screen. I remember that Megiures has a plastic polish to remove scratches from convertible top windows that are plastic. Versus taking this one back for a new one (BB black tie), I wanted to try and remove the scratches.
Any thoughts or experiences you may have is welcomed.
Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
The screen is glass. I doubt a plastic polish would do much of anything. I don't remember where but there was a glass polish posted somewhere that apparently works well.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Gorilla glass is a alkali-aluminosilicate glass, which is just fancy talk for chemically treated glass, so any plastic methods may or may not work, depending on how they work. I came from the Samsung Vibrant which has GG and I remembered this thread on XDA. It’s far beyond just a small scratch and the fix isn’t perfect, but it shows what can be done. There are down sides to doing this obviously.
As for the swap, I’ve ran into the same situation before and encountered snags. I went to exchange BB for a palm phone for a BB. The palm I had wouldn’t connect to BT in my car, refused to sync regularly, and a host of other problems. Well it has a small knick in the corner so they said they couldn’t exchange it for a BB. So I told them fine, I want a new one because this one doesn’t work right. They upheld their end of the bargain and did the exchange. I walked outside, attempted to connect to BT which I knew it would fail as it was a known issue, and took it right back in and said “id like to exchange this unscratched like new phone for a BB”. They had no room to move because I was following the rules this time. So moral of the story, you may have to exchange for a new Note then trade for a BB based on the new unscratched note not performing. It’s a long PITA, and be ready to argue about those restocking charges that AT&T love to charge.
Chief Geek said:
Gorilla glass is a alkali-aluminosilicate glass, which is just fancy talk for chemically treated glass, so any plastic methods may or may not work, depending on how they work. I came from the Samsung Vibrant which has GG and I remembered this thread on XDA. It’s far beyond just a small scratch and the fix isn’t perfect, but it shows what can be done. There are down sides to doing this obviously.
As for the swap, I’ve ran into the same situation before and encountered snags. I went to exchange BB for a palm phone for a BB. The palm I had wouldn’t connect to BT in my car, refused to sync regularly, and a host of other problems. Well it has a small knick in the corner so they said they couldn’t exchange it for a BB. So I told them fine, I want a new one because this one doesn’t work right. They upheld their end of the bargain and did the exchange. I walked outside, attempted to connect to BT which I knew it would fail as it was a known issue, and took it right back in and said “id like to exchange this unscratched like new phone for a BB”. They had no room to move because I was following the rules this time. So moral of the story, you may have to exchange for a new Note then trade for a BB based on the new unscratched note not performing. It’s a long PITA, and be ready to argue about those restocking charges that AT&T love to charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he meant BB as in Best Buy, not Blackberry, not that it really matters. And thanks for posting the link to that thread, I knew it was around one of the galaxy forums, just didn't remember which one.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
welchertc said:
I think he meant BB as in Best Buy, not Blackberry, not that it really matters. And thanks for posting the link to that thread, I knew it was around one of the galaxy forums, just didn't remember which one.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I see, just assumed the Black Tie was a recent BlackBerry release, I avoid best buy at all costs so I'm not up on their lingo.
dakleenupman said:
Reason i ask is, i recently swapped out my first GNote for a second to see if the replacement would get better benchmark numbers and on the second day of ownership i managed to scratch the screen. I remember that Megiures has a plastic polish to remove scratches from convertible top windows that are plastic. Versus taking this one back for a new one (BB black tie), I wanted to try and remove the scratches.
Any thoughts or experiences you may have is welcomed.
Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done some research on this and there's really no way to remove visible glass scratches. HOWEVER, often times if the scratch isn't too deep your average screen protector will 'seal' the scratch (fill it with the thin film of adhesive coating that most of them come with). I imagine this would also be true of the glass type protectors.
It depends on how deep the scratch is, but when I put a hairline scratch on my iPhone 4 a good clear screen protector 'erased' it and I'd forgotten it was there until I pulled it off recently.
billzilla2000 said:
I've done some research on this and there's really no way to remove visible glass scratches. HOWEVER, often times if the scratch isn't too deep your average screen protector will 'seal' the scratch (fill it with the thin film of adhesive coating that most of them come with). I imagine this would also be true of the glass type protectors.
It depends on how deep the scratch is, but when I put a hairline scratch on my iPhone 4 a good clear screen protector 'erased' it and I'd forgotten it was there until I pulled it off recently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason it seems to fill it is actually quite the oppisite. A small scratch is actually difficult to see. It's when it collects dirt and grime that it really starts screaming at you. Buy cleaning the screen (always first step in applying SP), you are effectivly minimizing the gunk in it, then preventing any future gunk plus applying a surface for eyes to gravitate to rather then the scratch. This helped alot on my ipod touch which saw alot of abuse getting passed around to the wife and other people playing with it in the living room.
Chief Geek said:
Gorilla glass is a alkali-aluminosilicate glass, which is just fancy talk for chemically treated glass, so any plastic methods may or may not work, depending on how they work. I came from the Samsung Vibrant which has GG and I remembered this thread on XDA. It’s far beyond just a small scratch and the fix isn’t perfect, but it shows what can be done. There are down sides to doing this obviously.
As for the swap, I’ve ran into the same situation before and encountered snags. I went to exchange BB for a palm phone for a BB. The palm I had wouldn’t connect to BT in my car, refused to sync regularly, and a host of other problems. Well it has a small knick in the corner so they said they couldn’t exchange it for a BB. So I told them fine, I want a new one because this one doesn’t work right. They upheld their end of the bargain and did the exchange. I walked outside, attempted to connect to BT which I knew it would fail as it was a known issue, and took it right back in and said “id like to exchange this unscratched like new phone for a BB”. They had no room to move because I was following the rules this time. So moral of the story, you may have to exchange for a new Note then trade for a BB based on the new unscratched note not performing. It’s a long PITA, and be ready to argue about those restocking charges that AT&T love to charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I will not be doing what was suggested on that post. For all that, I might as well just return and exchange.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
dakleenupman said:
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I will not be doing what was suggested on that post. For all that, I might as well just return and exchange.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to you, or anything, but that seems EXTREMELY unethical to switch out a $600 phone just because you scratched it... there's no reason to return it, you are the one that scratched it....
pl0xn00b said:
No offense to you, or anything, but that seems EXTREMELY unethical to switch out a $600 phone just because you scratched it... there's no reason to return it, you are the one that scratched it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of people on here for some reason think AT&T owes them an exchange for their own ignorance.
Chief Geek said:
The reason it seems to fill it is actually quite the oppisite. A small scratch is actually difficult to see. It's when it collects dirt and grime that it really starts screaming at you. Buy cleaning the screen (always first step in applying SP), you are effectivly minimizing the gunk in it, then preventing any future gunk plus applying a surface for eyes to gravitate to rather then the scratch. This helped alot on my ipod touch which saw alot of abuse getting passed around to the wife and other people playing with it in the living room.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cleaning prior to applying a SP is good advice, but I'm not talking about grime in a scratch. You can see some glass scratches regardless of dirt (whether it's on the surface in good light or deep enough to see with the display on).
After the screen is cleaned, the adhesive coating of the screen protector fills the small furrow so your eye doesn't see the light being diffracted by the edges that have been etched (scratched) into the glass. The general concept is used to 'fix' larger glass cracks and chips with epoxy/resin when replacing the whole thing is not possible or worthwhile.
pl0xn00b said:
No offense to you, or anything, but that seems EXTREMELY unethical to switch out a $600 phone just because you scratched it... there's no reason to return it, you are the one that scratched it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you. But since im paying Best Buy per month for accidental coverage snd they offer it full well knowing things like this occur, ill gladly get my moneys worth.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA

Camera window scratched

I've been using my Note since I got it in March of this year. I didn't purchase a case as I had my iPhone 3GS for close to 3 years and never had an issue dropping it or damaging it.
A few weeks ago I took a picture and it didn't look real good. I opened other pictures I had taken previously and they looked much sharper. I looked into settings and everything looked normal. I looked at the camera window and noticed it was scratched and dirty looking. I tried cleaning it but that didn't do anything.
I contacted Samsung and was told this is physical damage and I need to pay to get this fixed.
I'm not one to try and get everything fixed for free but in this case I think it's a poor design of the camera window as it isn't caved in and sticks out and can get scratched by having the phone rest on it's back. I think this is the normal way to place the phone when I'm not using it.
I would like to know if you guys think this is a poor design or if I'm the one who messed it up ? I know I could of bought a case and this would of never happened but I think if a phone needs a case to keep this from happening then Samsung should supply the case or worn you that you need one. My iPhone 3GS with no case never had an issue with the camera window getting scratched.
If you think this should be covered under warranty how should I convince Samsung as they tell me it's not.
Thanks for your time.
Just hard brick it and return it in for warranty. That's how most folks nowadays do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
I can't speak for your phone, but I never use a case on any phone. My phones go through hell, very dusty and harsh environment (custom cabinet maker / installer). I have never had a problem with my camera lense cover. And I'm the guy who walks in the office and does the toss slide on the desk with my phone. But one thing I'm very good about is nothing ever goes in the pocket with my phone. Change, keys, lighter, none of that. But as hard as they try to make sure everything they produce is of the same quality, there are exceptions that slip through the cracks.
I love my note!
21productionz said:
I can't speak for your phone, but I never use a case on any phone. My phones go through hell, very dusty and harsh environment (custom cabinet maker / installer). I have never had a problem with my camera lense cover. And I'm the guy who walks in the office and does the toss slide on the desk with my phone. But one thing I'm very good about is nothing ever goes in the pocket with my phone. Change, keys, lighter, none of that. But as hard as they try to make sure everything they produce is of the same quality, there are exceptions that slip through the cracks.
I love my note!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always put in my pockets with nothing in my pockets. I will admit I do put it on the counter when I'm at a bar and may move it around on the counter but I still think a 600 dollar phone shouldn't have the camera window flush where it can get scratched.
I sent Samsung an email telling them I find this unacceptable and that this should of never happened and it's not because I'm careless. If they expect us to use a case then supply it with the phone or maybe tell us to never put the phone on it's back as the camera window may get scratched. Guess if they still expect me to pay to get the window changed I will have to learn how to hard brick the phone.
I love my Note and changed because I liked the bigger screen and having a better camera than my iPhone 3GS. I've dealt with Samsung for an issue with my TV and it was pretty hard to get things resolved. Now I have an issue with one of there phones and it seems to be an issue again. My 3GS had an issue with the sensor called Apple got an appointment at an Apple store got there 15 minutes later I was out with a new phone. The new phone had the power supply burn up. Same scenario call got to the Apple store 15 minutes later out with a new phone. That being said I prefer Android over iOS but for customer service Samsung is way behind Apple.
Thanks for the replies. Will keep yo posted on the reply from Samsung to my latest email.
That's your bad my camera is fine and I've had it since pre-order. No case either.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
I hate to say this but "IF it had a case, this probabaly would've never happend". The HTC one X camera bulges out and so far there isn't a lot of complaints about the camera lense getting scraped. Claiming that it was poorly designed is just a bad excuse.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
[Lady]: "How do you carry that huge phone in your pocket?"
[Note User]: "I'm used to having huge stuff in my pants"
I never touch my lens with anything but a micro-cloth (plus it's in a fairly thick case, so sliding it around isn't an issue), and even then I got a scratch on it straight through the middle the first week I had the phone. But it's not noticeable in pictures. You'd REALLY have to screw up the lens to be able to see anything in a picture, the focal point is so far away from the lens...
EDIT: You may be able to just find a replacement lens and fix it yourself. I did that on a prior phone when the lens cracked from being dropped.
The camera is just that lens with a ribbon cable that connects it to the mainboard. Its not too hard to remove. I have seen replacements for other phones available.
Thanks for the replies. All I know my pictures look grainy now and when I look at the lens/window it's dull looking and I can't get it back clear. If I messed this up I would like to know how I did this as I have done nothing different with my Note compared to my 3GS. Will look into trying to fix this myself as paying 75-100 to get this done by the Samsung service center is expensive. I could understand if I did something stupid to mess it up but as far as I know I didn't.
DS1969 said:
I've been using my Note since I got it in March of this year. I didn't purchase a case as I had my iPhone 3GS for close to 3 years and never had an issue dropping it or damaging it.
A few weeks ago I took a picture and it didn't look real good. I opened other pictures I had taken previously and they looked much sharper. I looked into settings and everything looked normal. I looked at the camera window and noticed it was scratched and dirty looking. I tried cleaning it but that didn't do anything.
I contacted Samsung and was told this is physical damage and I need to pay to get this fixed.
I'm not one to try and get everything fixed for free but in this case I think it's a poor design of the camera window as it isn't caved in and sticks out and can get scratched by having the phone rest on it's back. I think this is the normal way to place the phone when I'm not using it.
I would like to know if you guys think this is a poor design or if I'm the one who messed it up ? I know I could of bought a case and this would of never happened but I think if a phone needs a case to keep this from happening then Samsung should supply the case or worn you that you need one. My iPhone 3GS with no case never had an issue with the camera window getting scratched.
Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, perhaps you should look into getting a replacement lens from ebay.
Here's a link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-SAMSUNG...795739?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item20c9df1c9b
If you think this should be covered under warranty how should I convince Samsung as they tell me it's not.
DS1969 said:
Thanks for the replies. All I know my pictures look grainy now and when I look at the lens/window it's dull looking and I can't get it back clear. If I messed this up I would like to know how I did this as I have done nothing different with my Note compared to my 3GS. Will look into trying to fix this myself as paying 75-100 to get this done by the Samsung service center is expensive. I could understand if I did something stupid to mess it up but as far as I know I didn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously did if it's not an issue for anyone else...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Otterbox. Period.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Yes ....otterbox ....
Mine has been very effective ....g
I don't really like cases but I went with the otterbox commuter and I love it. You might want to look into a case once you fix the camera.
My outside silver bezel was scratched from dropping and it also has the camera window. Not to hard to replace. Just need to undo screws and something to pry it off. Found part on eBay.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
If you've been relegated to spending money to fix it or getting a warranty replacement, maybe try to polish it first, it has worked for me in the past with similar issues. I don't know if its a polycarbonate lense, but automotive stuff always helped me. Meguiars plastiX is the stuff I've used with reasonable success, at least with plastic parts. Maybe trying something like that will help clear it up, if the scratching isn't too deep anyway.
I am going to try this tonight.. as i also have a very very beat up camera window and mines been in a case from day 1. but its in my pocket with countless other things. i am going to try and hand polish it and if that fails low speed dremel with a polish wheel and some polish creme lololol worst that happens is i screw it up.. i've got a spare note anyways. I'll try and post some before an after pictures.
EDIT:
after looking at the protective shell its just plastic and not even attached to the camera. you can buy the replacement lens cover here for $5 and its 9 screws to change it out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140854323974
That's what I did. Hardest part is popping off the piece. I used something called an orange stick (plastic wedge thing). Its very easy though, hope it works out for you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
ukguy115 said:
That's what I did. Hardest part is popping off the piece. I used something called an orange stick (plastic wedge thing). Its very easy though, hope it works out for you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u take the phone apart so the back is off 9 screws and a case opener tool. you can bend those tabs straight and the piece falls right out. drop the new one in and bend the tabs down and done.
If you take some paper and roll it up and put it on either side of the camera when you're snapping the back cover on it will make it pop up enough to stick out a bit further than the camera cover but not so far as to stop it from locking all the clips on the cover. When you put it back down after that the camera cover doesn't touch the table.

Scratched rim around the screen - any tips?

Guys, I need help. I've bought a used RAZR HD a month and a half ago and it was in a very good condition. 9/10, maybe even 9.5. had just a scratch or two on the rim around the screen.
Since then, I've dropped it onto concrete two times and on both occasions in went corner down, so now I've got two completely wrecked corners. Nothing else is broken, it's all fine, the kevlar back is pretty much mint, the screen is great, it's just that rim that is now completely ruining the look of the phone...
Did anyone face the same problem and what have you done to fix it, if anything? The only idea I've got now is to sand down the rim to be at level with the screen, that would possibly make it look good again. Naturally, I'd be very careful as to not scratch the screen...
Can that rim be replaced anyway? I'll check out the disassembly guides and videos now to see whether it goes together with the screen...
I'm so annoyed right now. The second drop happened minutes ago... God flipping damn it. The problem is that Moto's have not been widely used here in Serbia for years now and that makes the availability of any equipment for them more than scarce. I'll be ordering a universal case right now (the one in which you slide the phone in and out) but I'd still love to make it look good again.
Flipping damn it
*edit*
According to this video... It's glued very very strongly together - http://youtu.be/LfAyttf6fWU
That's just great... And I can't even find a silicon case, be it no name or branded, to cover it all up. Will see if I can order anything from across the border.
niksy+ said:
Guys, I need help. I've bought a used RAZR HD a month and a half ago and it was in a very good condition. 9/10, maybe even 9.5. had just a scratch or two on the rim around the screen.
Since then, I've dropped it onto concrete two times and on both occasions in went corner down, so now I've got two completely wrecked corners. Nothing else is broken, it's all fine, the kevlar back is pretty much mint, the screen is great, it's just that rim that is now completely ruining the look of the phone...
Did anyone face the same problem and what have you done to fix it, if anything? The only idea I've got now is to sand down the rim to be at level with the screen, that would possibly make it look good again. Naturally, I'd be very careful as to not scratch the screen...
Can that rim be replaced anyway? I'll check out the disassembly guides and videos now to see whether it goes together with the screen...
I'm so annoyed right now. The second drop happened minutes ago... God flipping damn it. The problem is that Moto's have not been widely used here in Serbia for years now and that makes the availability of any equipment for them more than scarce. I'll be ordering a universal case right now (the one in which you slide the phone in and out) but I'd still love to make it look good again.
Flipping damn it
*edit*
According to this video... It's glued very very strongly together - http://youtu.be/LfAyttf6fWU
That's just great... And I can't even find a silicon case, be it no name or branded, to cover it all up. Will see if I can order anything from across the border.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was this with a case on the phone or with the phone not in a case? Just curious as I have my phone in a case and have dropped it on the corner and no issue like you describe. In fact, no scratches at all.
Just curious.
iBolski said:
Was this with a case on the phone or with the phone not in a case? Just curious as I have my phone in a case and have dropped it on the corner and no issue like you describe. In fact, no scratches at all.
Just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was bare naked, mate. I haven't got any kind of case as of yet
*edit* Here goes a couple of picture, so someone could relate... I'm so annoyed that I've put it up for sale. If nobody takes it, I'll be sanding the rim/bezel. Perhaps all around, perhaps just this corner, not sure for now...
niksy+ said:
The phone was bare naked, mate. I haven't got any kind of case as of yet
*edit* Here goes a couple of picture, so someone could relate... I'm so annoyed that I've put it up for sale. If nobody takes it, I'll be sanding the rim/bezel. Perhaps all around, perhaps just this corner, not sure for now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i recommend an otterbox defender, got mine off amazon for 20 dollars and because they are guaranteed for life i have gotten two replacements for free. i have dropped my phone off a 12 foot ladder and have thrown it against walls( dont ask) and have zero scratches or dents. phone is in mint condition.
ncsuwolfs said:
i recommend an otterbox defender, got mine off amazon for 20 dollars and because they are guaranteed for life i have gotten two replacements for free. i have dropped my phone off a 12 foot ladder and have thrown it against walls( dont ask) and have zero scratches or dents. phone is in mint condition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be it, right - http://youtu.be/Eg5qkRCm5pU ? But, doesn't it turn what is already a quite a big phone into a massive one? Because it certainly seems so I'm guessing this cannot fit a pocket of any sort of pants? But it does seem to offer outstanding protection. Alas, at what a price, both functionality and monetary-wise (the price is $40+ on amazon?)... But even if I wanted to spend that amount of money on a case, I'd have to keep my fingers crossed for probably no less than a month, hoping that it will eventually arrive, intact and without many additional fees. Third world problems...
Thanks for the advice, anyway! I might pick up the Commuter edition, it seems more reasonable for my needs
niksy+ said:
This would be it, right - http://youtu.be/Eg5qkRCm5pU ? But, doesn't it turn what is already a quite a big phone into a massive one? Because it certainly seems so I'm guessing this cannot fit a pocket of any sort of pants? But it does seem to offer outstanding protection. Alas, at what a price, both functionality and monetary-wise (the price is $40+ on amazon?)... But even if I wanted to spend that amount of money on a case, I'd have to keep my fingers crossed for probably no less than a month, hoping that it will eventually arrive, intact and without many additional fees. Third world problems...
Thanks for the advice, anyway! I might pick up the Commuter edition, it seems more reasonable for my needs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes thats it, im in construction so i went with defender, my sister has commuter and it seems to offer a level of protection for most peoples uses (2-3 foot drops) and yes it does make the phone bigger so if thats a concern i would go with commuter, also the screen protector on the defender is part of the case but with the commuter its a stick on screen protector if that matters to you( i can never get those to go on without wrinkles) i beleieve the 40 $ ones are the black ones bc otterbox stopped making them i bought a black one for 20$ 6 months ago
ncsuwolfs said:
yes thats it, im in construction so i went with defender, my sister has commuter and it seems to offer a level of protection for most peoples uses (2-3 foot drops) and yes it does make the phone bigger so if thats a concern i would go with commuter, also the screen protector on the defender is part of the case but with the commuter its a stick on screen protector if that matters to you( i can never get those to go on without wrinkles) i beleieve the 40 $ ones are the black ones bc otterbox stopped making them i bought a black one for 20$ 6 months ago
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information once again, mate! And, yeah, I just figured out that there are different versions. The one with pink details is the cheapest...damn
We'll see how I can get my hands on one. The shipping fees are going to be higher than the price of the case itself, ffs :/
niksy+ said:
Thanks for the information once again, mate! And, yeah, I just figured out that there are different versions. The one with pink details is the cheapest...damn
We'll see how I can get my hands on one. The shipping fees are going to be higher than the price of the case itself, ffs :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I have (well, it's the same style but mine is a Body Glove that I purchased from Walmart but I cannot find it anywhere online):
http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Mat...9233999&sr=8-2&keywords=motorola+razr+hd+case
It's worked well so far. I've dropped my phone a couple of times, once face down and maybe two times on the side and/or corner, and my phone has been protected.
Overall, it adds a little bulk, but nothing like an Otterbox. I can put this into my pants pockets without much issue.
iBolski said:
Here's what I have (well, it's the same style but mine is a Body Glove that I purchased from Walmart but I cannot find it anywhere online):
http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Mat...9233999&sr=8-2&keywords=motorola+razr+hd+case
It's worked well so far. I've dropped my phone a couple of times, once face down and maybe two times on the side and/or corner, and my phone has been protected.
Overall, it adds a little bulk, but nothing like an Otterbox. I can put this into my pants pockets without much issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very much like the generic cases available here for most smartphones, priced at $2-3. Would you say that your case has a premium quality and is worth the higher price? Because I've found those generic ones available together with free shipping on eBay. But I know how lousy their protection and appearance are, so I'm still weighing my options.
niksy+ said:
This is very much like the generic cases available here for most smartphones, priced at $2-3. Would you say that your case has a premium quality and is worth the higher price? Because I've found those generic ones available together with free shipping on eBay. But I know how lousy their protection and appearance are, so I'm still weighing my options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, that is not exactly the case I have, but I purchased it at a Walmat department store for about $14.
It feels rubbery and it's flexible when the phone is not in it. Mine says "Body Glove" on it but I cannot find it on their site (they don't list any cases for the Droid RAZR HD).
Overall, I wouldn't say it's premium quality (not like I had with my Otterbox cases for my OG RAZR MAXX that I used to own), but it does seem to do the job for me. As I said, I've dropped the phone face down with the case I have (which is similar to the one I linked to on Amazon) and the phone came out unscathed. It was about a three foot drop onto the concrete floor in my garage if that gives any indication.
iBolski said:
Here's what I have (well, it's the same style but mine is a Body Glove that I purchased from Walmart but I cannot find it anywhere online):
http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Mat...9233999&sr=8-2&keywords=motorola+razr+hd+case
It's worked well so far. I've dropped my phone a couple of times, once face down and maybe two times on the side and/or corner, and my phone has been protected.
Overall, it adds a little bulk, but nothing like an Otterbox. I can put this into my pants pockets without much issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another vote to the Diztronic - it would cover that damage and will prevent the same type of damage when you drop it again. Mine has lived in one of these since I got it and gets tossed around all the time. Has landed face first a few times and has not skipped a beat thanks to the raised lip.
OrBy said:
Another vote to the Diztronic - it would cover that damage and will prevent the same type of damage when you drop it again. Mine has lived in one of these since I got it and gets tossed around all the time. Has landed face first a few times and has not skipped a beat thanks to the raised lip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, mate. The Diztronic looks wonderful compared to the chinese "s-line" thing I bought because of free shipping... It's just crap and it doesn't even cover the edges properly - the left one is fine, but it cannot stay on top of the right one. Check the picture for illustration. I'll be sure to get the Diztronic one in the future. Can you just tell me whether its rubberised or is it just the matte finish making it look as if though it were? Because it looks like it is and that it's insanely sticky and that I wouldn't be able to stick it in my pocket, but I guess it's just the matte finish

imatch OnePlus 6T case

This case looks promising, but I don't know. It has no reviews anywhere, and was only featured for an old Samsung s6. If anyone on here has it or wants to try it let me know. It comes with glass screen protector, and it's apparently all screwed in. The pricetag is also sort of hefty so idk.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IMATCH-Alu...hash=item2870b06b48:m:mzVBS8NkURWPndburZIVdig
Damn thing is a tank
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
Id be worried about cell reception with all that aluminum. If you get it be sure to do a before and after signal test for us.
Learned my lesson with aluminum cases, it ALWAYS affects signal.
abhisek1994 said:
This case looks promising, but I don't know. It has no reviews anywhere, and was only featured for an old Samsung s6. If anyone on here has it or wants to try it let me know. It comes with glass screen protector, and it's apparently all screwed in. The pricetag is also sort of hefty so idk.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IMATCH-Alu...hash=item2870b06b48:m:mzVBS8NkURWPndburZIVdig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually sending mine back this week. It's just way too impractical. The screen protector it comes with is very cheap so I didn't bother. It's also one of those cases that covers the bottom speaker and routes it to fire forward. I don't like that. You have to unscrew everything just to put the phone in and out and the metal frame, the way it rests on the phone, it doesn't give me a lot of confidence. In fact, I'm afraid it could help put enough pressure on the display to crack it with the way it's designed. Maybe I'm being too paranoid but it's not worth the risk, IMO.
Also, the little pin/lever thing on the side that's meant to move your volume slider? It doesn't work. I have to use two fingers to move both ends at the same time but it doesn't move the slider. Only the plastic pins move. So forget about being able to adjust the volume slider above the power button.
The case in general is just too bulky. I'm a pretty big guy and this case still feels too bulky and awkward to hold. It reminds me of the early days of Otterbox cases when they wanted to promote this "tank" protection-level mentality but today as you can see they've slimmed down and become more practical.
They're keeping about $7 for returning it, regardless of Prime or what return method you choose. FYI.

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