So, I got my hands on a used Sony Z2 the other day...
The rear glass has previously been cracked, and a new one that was proabably bought from eBay was fitted.
The thing is that the hole for the camera LED is slightly offset, so the LED itself is partially covered, which messes
up the light and causes the images to turn out with a heavy blue tone when the light is used. It is supposed to
be OEM, but I'm not so sure that I trust all the sellers on eBay claiming the product they sell is OEM.
Here you can see the offset and how the LED is covered:
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I have already ordered a new back panel to exchange this one with from an eBay seller in UK, but I'm curious to
know if this is something that's common with replacement back panels bought off eBay? Is it pointless to try
getting one with the hole correctly aligned?
Currently hoping that the new panel that should arrive next week solves all the problems with the light so that
I can at least take some decent pictures even though the light isn't too good.
I have changed my back panel several times with parts from eBay. Some are really good, but some are not so good. They are quite cheap, so I usually order a few.
Im satisfied with the overall quality compared to the prices.
That back cover is not OEM. It is likely made from a third party. An original back cover is usually more expensive and the camera lens is noticeably higher quality. On an original back cover, the metal circle around the camera lens is actually a separate piece glued onto the lens, rather than painted underneath it (like the one you have installed). The only original back covers I have come across include the nfc sticker.
iblendfruits said:
That back cover is not OEM. It is likely made from a third party. An original back cover is usually more expensive and the camera lens is noticeably higher quality. On an original back cover, the metal circle around the camera lens is actually a separate piece glued onto the lens, rather than painted underneath it (like the one you have installed). The only original back covers I have come across include the nfc sticker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so I was right about that one. I have only seen this one since I haven't looked at another Z2 before and mine was delivered like this. I looked closer at some pictures, it looks like this metal ring is usually raised a bit from the glass, is that true? Mine has a flat edge. So, that might be part of why most of my pictures turn out very grainy. I'll give the new glass (Likely not OEM either) a shot next week, and if that does not help I'll have to order a real OEM glass panel.
Here is an example of how extremely bad the pictures can turn out. This is one of the more extreme examples, shot to show the blue/purple tone I wrote about earlier, and the result is absolutely horrible.
This is the reason why I still stay with my broken original back, rather than buying an eBay/amazon -fake - there are to much bad comments / experiences with the replacements....
Qwerty1208 said:
Alright, so I was right about that one. I have only seen this one since I haven't looked at another Z2 before and mine was delivered like this. I looked closer at some pictures, it looks like this metal ring is usually raised a bit from the glass, is that true? Mine has a flat edge. So, that might be part of why most of my pictures turn out very grainy. I'll give the new glass (Likely not OEM either) a shot next week, and if that does not help I'll have to order a real OEM glass panel.
Here is an example of how extremely bad the pictures can turn out. This is one of the more extreme examples, shot to show the blue/purple tone I wrote about earlier, and the result is absolutely horrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is caused by the flash bleeding under the cover. Try posting a picture without using the flash.
I've encountered this myself. To fix it you have to remove the back cover, and make a small shield of some sort between the flash and the camera lens. I used a strip o tick tape, and the blue tint disappeared. You can also try pressing on the back cover while using flash to see if the blue gets less visible.
myrums said:
This is caused by the flash bleeding under the cover. Try posting a picture without using the flash.
I've encountered this myself. To fix it you have to remove the back cover, and make a small shield of some sort between the flash and the camera lens. I used a strip o tick tape, and the blue tint disappeared. You can also try pressing on the back cover while using flash to see if the blue gets less visible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I meant. Since the LED is covered the light spreads itself behind the cover.
I'm going to replace the back next week, I might try something to keep the light out then.
Related
I paid about 30$ for it, and it came with a nice wrist strap. For me it's ideal because I can work with the wizard's keyboard perfectly, the protection is good for the device and excellent for the screen. Sadly the only color I could pick was white.. The only problem is that apparently I've got a defected one, because the back part won't stick to the device (the front sticks as it should, so I believe that after replacing the back part it will also work. I use a double-sided duct tape in the mean while)
Here are the photos:
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Always makes me wonder, what keeps the case on, on both sides? There just doesn't seems to have places to grip on.
It's semi-rigidized, so the frame around the device is made of plastic and coated with silicon. The frame has small clasps that keep the case on the device. Actually one was broken so I'm holding it with the duct tape and going to replace it today. These are the clasps:
They look flimsy but they're OK.
Cool...
Hey...Where did you find that? I have been looking for a case like that everywhere...ok, obviously not everywhere or I would have found it...all I have been able to find were cases for the cingular 8125...could you post the link please? thanks...oh one more thing, does it come off pretty easily?
I read somewhere awhile back that somebody had dyed their clear silicone cover
They used some dye that can be found at most stores(Walmart, Target, etc.)
I dont think it was food dye...maybe something along the lines of clothing dye.
Anyway, they put this tablet of dye in warm water, then placed the silicone cover inside and then left it in there for several hours.
It came out looking great....I think the guy had done some using black, blue, and red.
I Found It...
Thanks to Aviv for a little help in the right direction...
http://pdaden.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&action=view&product_id=18120&substring=wizard
just search for wizard and scroll down to the bottom of the screen.
My long search is over...it's only $24 with international shipping...Thank you so much Aviv
The front part is held tight, but the rear doesn't, at least mine. With the duct tape it's OK.
Well good idea for a silicon case, but looks forced. Also I prefer the PD'air aluminium cover, really protects the phone. Have dropped it several times by mistake and (phew) phone still works.
I have the aluminum case also, it is kinda bulky. But aside from that I think that it feels odd using it. Having to open it just to use the touch screen, not to mention the keyboard, is a little much for me. I have dropped mine plenty of times with out any case and it still works fine (scares the daylights out of me when it happens though).
Aluminum cases are bulky and heavy. With this silicon case I can work with the wizard without giving up protection, it's always inside. Furthermore, the silicon case is nice to hold, even better then a naked wizard. It won't slip and it's soft to touch.
hmm whats those yellow things on ur keyboard
Hebrew letters.
Anyone tried this with the Cingular 8125 version. It's more rectangular. Kinda of uglier... I just shipped the back case and I think I'd rather get a silicon case but I want one that's made for the cingular version.
This is the closest that I have seen...only problem is that it doesn't allow the keyboard to slide open. The 8125 seems to have the most options as far as silicon cases though so you might check around.
http://www.boxwave.com/products/flexiskin/flexiskin-cingular-8125_1053.htm
Did anyone else get this case yet?
It pretty good but I'd like to get some more opinions before buying it.
It's on order. I'll give you my feedback when it arrives.
beorn said:
It's on order. I'll give you my feedback when it arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks
how'd you do all those things to your today screen? mine is still boring like when i first got it
Aviv said:
I paid about 30$ for it, and it came with a nice wrist strap. For me it's ideal because I can work with the wizard's keyboard perfectly, the protection is good for the device and excellent for the screen. Sadly the only color I could pick was white.. The only problem is that apparently I've got a defected one, because the back part won't stick to the device (the front sticks as it should, so I believe that after replacing the back part it will also work. I use a double-sided duct tape in the mean while)
Here are the photos:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ultra clear Brando screen protector for hd
1 It fits perfect (because is 1/2 mm smaller than the original and it fits perfect at the edges)
2 Covers the entire screen
3 it disappears the Whiteness under big viewing angles (this phenomenon appears with the original screenprotector )
Can you post, link or price, or...
http://shop.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=02912&dept_id=039&cat_id=0980
I'm wondering which one should i get, the screen protector or the invisible shield?
i bought brando ultraclear. Now i'm waiting
I just ordered it as well.
Looks cool and got a lot positive reviews. Should be ok than
The Brando Ultra Clear fits perfect on the Touch HD.
For me I use the Brando´s screen protectors for years and I think it´s the best you can get.
I have the Ultraclear and found it is about 1mm too short - it leaves a very small amount of fascia just below the buttons unprotected.
That said, it is better than the rubbish one that comes in the box.
If you are in the UK, they are available from Inkino from stock.
I bought mine from xpansys which is quite good, fits brilliantly & covers full screen exactly. you get two in the pack
http://www.expansys.com/htc/p_htc_item.aspx?i=173045
apd said:
I have the Ultraclear and found it is about 1mm too short - it leaves a very small amount of fascia just below the buttons unprotected.
That said, it is better than the rubbish one that comes in the box.
If you are in the UK, they are available from Inkino from stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it's too small, but much better then the htc one.
im also thinking of getting that screen protector. but yall saying is doesn't fit the whole screen. is it noticeable. can you guys show a pics with the screen protector on the phone. thanks in advance.
My Brando Ultra Clear arrived in yesterday's mail from Hong Kong. Now I feel like a total idiot ... I can't get this @&%@ thing to stick down and stay on the screen. How on earth does it attach? There's no adhesive or sticky side. I've spent an hour trying to fit it to the Touch HD. Lots of bubbles - the screen looks like it has leprosy. I've washed it, cleaned it, tried everything I know.
HELP! Please!!
BTW, it has a cut-out for the light sensor, but not for the front cam (which the stock HTC one has).
is Brando's soft film?
This screen protector is 100x better than the stock one, in my opinion. Here's a picture for size reference
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Yes indeed...I can see...it fits very well...no edges...
AFW said:
My Brando Ultra Clear arrived in yesterday's mail from Hong Kong. Now I feel like a total idiot ... I can't get this @&%@ thing to stick down and stay on the screen. How on earth does it attach? There's no adhesive or sticky side. I've spent an hour trying to fit it to the Touch HD. Lots of bubbles - the screen looks like it has leprosy. I've washed it, cleaned it, tried everything I know.
HELP! Please!!
BTW, it has a cut-out for the light sensor, but not for the front cam (which the stock HTC one has).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you trying to put on the actual screen protector or the piece of film that covers the protector when you open that pack? I was doing this myself for a couple of minutes, if its the top cover then its quite rubbery and green tinted, the actual screen protector is probably still stuck to the back cover of the protector still as mine was.
As for the Brando protector once it's on its a lot more impressive than the HTC one from the box, there is a very tiny gap at the bottom of the screen but less than a mm and doesn't affect useage.
KASM said:
Are you trying to put on the actual screen protector or the piece of film that covers the protector when you open that pack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying, KASM! No, I'm using the clear Utra Clear itself and not the bluey-green film that protects the protector. The instructions say that one should fit the protector to the device and then remove the green film. I tried that, with no success whatsoever. After fiddling for a while the clear protector had fingerprint smudges, so I washed it (without the device, as the instructions recommend ), dried it with a hairdryer (as recommended) and tried for another hour.
This is rather infuriating as I'm considered rather handy with little tech thingies ... I can't quite change a transistor on the silicon, but doing electronics is a doddle, so why the [email protected]#& is this giving me such grief...
AFW, did you try the other side of this screen-protector?
Cos normally they have that sticky surface covered by this blueish-greenish film
Although I got mine on with little fuss, I must have made a hash of cleaning the screen as it shows as lots of dust particles underneath the SP, have to do the damn thing again after cleaning it.
Determined to get it right after spending so much on a piece of plastic.
KASM said:
Although I got mine on with little fuss, I must have made a hash of cleaning the screen as it shows as lots of dust particles underneath the SP, have to do the damn thing again after cleaning it.
Determined to get it right after spending so much on a piece of plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine arrived this afternoon BUT after a number of failed attempts to get a perfect fit I think I might need to give the screen protector a wash
Does anyone have any tips on the best way to wash the screen protector before I try to reapply it (I suspect that flinging it in the washing machine isn't considered a good move )
I am waiting for my ultra-clear, i beg on my knees somebody with a "BRANDO deployment certification" to kindly explain the process so that i avoid to put my self-confidence at stake!
http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=176956
I'll be interested to hear people's thoughts on this case when they get it. I've pre-ordered it from the UK site, it's not available until the 25th here.
I get it on Friday and will post a short review
PGMMA said:
http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=176956
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think it is that great. I bought one off ebay (the most common black silicone case that shows up in the auctions) and its very well moulded.
That official one seems to have the back cut out to expose the entire metal back where the camera is. This is probably the next most vunerable part that gets scratched since you put the phone down on its back all the time.
The one off ebay actually covers the entire phone and fits tight too while not adding to the overall thickness of the phone. I use this in addition to my invisible shield for that added protection.
i reckon its open because of the speaker
its about time HTC got some decent cases out, in colours.
Just received the cover/ short review as promised
1. All cutouts line up perfectly - mic, USB, stylus and camera.
2. Power button and volume rocker work very well.
3. Cutout for the whole metal area around the camera looks attractive. The material is slightly thicker than the metal so if the phone is set down, the metal does not contact the surface.
4. The general fit is very good with the case just slightly overlapping the touch surface.
5. The material feels similar to the HD back and not like the other silicon cases I've bought.
I now have 3 silicon cases - the Ebay grey transparent and widely available black and this is by far my favorite.
Hi PGMMA,
Thanks for the review. When you zoom in to the picture at expansys site, it gives you a view from the bottom with a tiny hole for the mic. I was wondering if there is something similar on the top for the led light which makes it visible...
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sk282 said:
Hi PGMMA,
Thanks for the review. When you zoom in to the picture at expansys site, it gives you a view from the bottom with a tiny hole for the mic. I was wondering if there is something similar on the top for the led light which makes it visible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no extra hole for the led.
Thanks for the feed back on this, would like to give this a try, and at the same time am really enjoying the transparent grey one.
sk282 said:
Hi PGMMA,
Thanks for the review. When you zoom in to the picture at expansys site, it gives you a view from the bottom with a tiny hole for the mic. I was wondering if there is something similar on the top for the led light which makes it visible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No hole but the silicon over the light is thinner than the rest of the button area so it might be easy to make a hole. I just can't figure out how to make a perfectly round hole. Black and Decker makes drill bits with something they call Bullet tips that might make a nice hole but I'm not sure if they come small enough. If I find a solution, I'll post here.
By the way, the case is slightly different from the picture - the edge around the screen does not have such a tall ridge and the microphone hole is bigger.
Thanks again PGMMA for the reply and thanks to you also vincentvega.
Good luck with the hole thing and don't blame me if anything goes wrong
Can you please post some pics from different angles?
Alright, here are some pictures!
Hi,it's the same as brando silicon case ...
Marcdu81 said:
Hi,it's the same as brando silicon case ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look closely you'll see they are not the same.
http://shop.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=03002
Right,the difference is in the protection of the camera that is better protected with Brando ...
Thanks, Great pictures! Can we get one from the side?
Thanks for the pictures and comments. I have to admit I was a little sceptical over paying so much for a silicon case compared to the (ebay) alternatives, but your comments are encouraging.
jdlorinser said:
Thanks, Great pictures! Can we get one from the side?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go!
Thanks alot
I'm looking for original back cover, Ocean Blue version. Already ordered two pieces from Ali (cheap ones) but blue is not "blue" and both overall feels weird in hand. Glass is not even close to stock one in terms of used material.
So if someone bought one or is sure that it's going to be orginal, please post some links, thanks!
genniegennie said:
I'm looking for original back cover, Ocean Blue version. Already ordered two pieces from Ali (cheap ones) but blue is not "blue" and both overall feels weird in hand. Glass is not even close to stock one in terms of used material.
So if someone bought one or is sure that it's going to be orginal, please post some links, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://dragon-tt.com/Products.aspx?sid=274
I bought this one a while ago because I broke the back cover, it's identical to the original (and I think it IS an original one):
https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/33011854891.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.28be6c37xx6c9Y
Chrisgia said:
I bought this one a while ago because I broke the back cover, it's identical to the original (and I think it IS an original one):
https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/33011854891.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.28be6c37xx6c9Y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely fake. There are missing logos in the back panel in both the links posted here.
omgomg said:
It's definitely fake. There are missing logos in the back panel in both the links posted here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The logos (CE) are only present on the global version. All fake ones seem to have protection sticker the foil the same size as the cover, the real ones with QR code inside have the foil with a little extra tab on the top part of the cover. If it's really really real.. Not sure, but worth a try
Vin87 said:
The logos (CE) are only present on the global version. All fake ones seem to have protection sticker the foil the same size as the cover, the real ones with QR code inside have the foil with a little extra tab on the top part of the cover. If it's really really real.. Not sure, but worth a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's the exact same print as i had previously.
And yes there was a QR Code inside
I received mine today ( Explorer version). It seems to be the real deal:
-It comes with much more protection film than the fake ones
-It includes the same barcode on the inside as the real ones (not present on the fake ones)
-The adhesive color is the same as the original one (light grey)
-It includes adhesive for the camera
-It has a better fit
-It has a much better shine
I love mine
Vin87 said:
I received mine today ( Explorer version). It seems to be the real deal:
-It comes with much more protection film than the fake ones
-It includes the same barcode on the inside as the real ones (not present on the fake ones)
-The adhesive color is the same as the original one (light grey)
-It includes adhesive for the camera
-It has a better fit
-It has a much better shine
I love mine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also ordered from Chrisgia link, at least in these one you can see some kind of reflection and photo looks real.
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Vin87 said:
the real ones with QR code inside
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About QR code I'm not 100% sure because stock/original cover from black version had small sticker with QR, not "dot" printing, like you posted here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80102727&postcount=31
So all I have left is hope that blue going to be also as good as you described yours.
omgomg said:
It's definitely fake. There are missing logos in the back panel in both the links posted here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First look after package arriving and sadly I think it's fake.
Cheap blue version with some sort of reflection but it's definitely not "ocean" blue.
Photo coming soon...
genniegennie said:
First look after package arriving and sadly I think it's fake.
Cheap blue version with some sort of reflection but it's definitely not "ocean" blue.
Photo coming soon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well at least mine (Lavender one) doesn't look cheap at all. I compared it with the original side to side and they looked exactly the same.
Sorry for you
I have ordered from witrigs an OEM rear camera glass replacement, since i dropped the phone and cracked it, not sure if 100% OEM but there is back cover too w ww.witrigs. com/oem-battery-cover-for-xiaomi-mi-9-blue anyone has ever ordered by witrigs?
It's not that bad as I was thinking after quick first look.
So... aura effect is visible, adhesive tape that is already attached is great and it's also around camera cutout. Glass quality and feeling is much better than previous.
Is it original? No, I don't think so.
Aura/holo effect isn't as good and reflective as original. QR code is missing. "Mi" logo was fully covered by black tape, maybe they were afraid that someone would see it.
Overall it's better than two of my previous ali orders and it's worth that extra $$$.
At this point I'm going to end my journey around Ali "original" covers.
Thanks for links and help
I am looking for a screen protector
- with no front camera cutout
- that supports fingerprint unlock
What did you guys buy? What do you recomend?
Using the nilkin ones, but they don't cover the full glass and has a black bezel. I usually don't like those with the bezels as they seem to have something to hide there. Switching over to a full glass with UV glue one in a week's time, fingers crossed.
the nilkin ones have no cutouts and fingerprint works perfectly. similar to the full glass one that i just bought.
both bought on my local ecommerce store, but here's the link anyway for the full glass one, https://shopee.sg/Full-Cover-UV-Tem...reen-Protective-Glass-i.262589788.13832922399
ronaldyeo said:
Using the nilkin ones, but they don't cover the full glass and has a black bezel. I usually don't like those with the bezels as they seem to have something to hide there. Switching over to a full glass with UV glue one in a week's time, fingers crossed.
the nilkin ones have no cutouts and fingerprint works perfectly. similar to the full glass one that i just bought.
both bought on my local ecommerce store, but here's the link anyway for the full glass one, https://shopee.sg/Full-Cover-UV-Tem...reen-Protective-Glass-i.262589788.13832922399
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I might get some nilkin.
Also please report back to us about the tempered glass with UV glue once you get it.
The nilkin one isn't really tempered glass though, and after some time, it yellows out but not too big of an issue for me, was just surprised when I took it out.
The UV tempered one feels great and I love that it does not have the black bezel. However, not sure if it is just this brand or me but the glue might not have cured well, and the edges are coming off.
Spoiler: Image
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However, everything else is working great. In fact the front camera is better when compared to the nilkin one which causes a bit of a flare, wasn't too sure if it was like that from the start since I don't use the cameras often.
So currently I have switched back to the nilkin one, and noticed that the provided kit is slightly off, you'd need to shift it higher a little and it would be great which was what I did.
I guess the quest for SP has come to a pause for now.
But I did go on a bit of a hunt for the SP and their review, and with this being a China phone, the best place to search was on Taobao, and see if I can find something similar on Aliexpress. Finds below.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004346010642.html - one of the top ones, and seems pretty decent but pricier, from SmartDevil
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003187657681.html - 50/50 on this since the description images were similar and all, but that's about it. reviews from a russian didn't seem too good though.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003142091232.html - this looks okay, in terms of review but it might be one of those which only has glue around the edges, and you have a thin gap between the glass and the phone.
Apart from that, some learnings for the UV application ones.
It removes very well, and pretty much like a regular SP, kinda just a bit more DIY where the factory doesn't set the glue for you and the protector sheet (pretty smart, and cost-saving for them IMO)
When applying the glue down, videos show to have one big puddle in the middle or 3 smaller ones along the long axis of the phone. You have to make sure that your phone is leveled and not tilted else it will just flow off.
You have to then accurately set the glass down, and not move it or even press on it as this is what causes the bubbles, I've learnt.
Thereafter, apply the UV for a good 10 minutes without touching the device.
For the bubbles, what I tried was pressing them out to the side, and trying to fill with more of the liquid but doesn't quite work as well. That's it for now.