HTC screen protectors (UK) - Touch Pro2, Tilt 2 Windows Mobile General

Apologies for posting this message in the wrong place earlier.
Hello,
I've bought about 6 packets of the official protector (2 in a pack) here in the UK and found that all of them have a diagonal crease in the top right corner, just above the hole for the camera. It was driving me mad. Every time I finally got one to stick down properly there was a long diagonal air bubble in the corner which looked crap.
I complanied to Handtek (GPSK) and they at first they told me I had either caused the crease myself or wasn't putting them on properly. I finally convinced them to open a packet and look for themselves and they admitted they could see the problem. They said they would take it up with the manufacturers but when I checked back the next week they told me they had lost the protector so they couldn't do anything! I had also sent 3 unused packets with the same crease back to them but 3 weeks later they still haven't arrived although the post here is a but messed up at the moment.
I called another company (Clove) and asked if they had the same screen protectors. I explained the problem and someone opened a packet and found the same fault. So it seems a widespread thing.
Yesterday I got an e-mail from Handtec telling me they had received a new batch but that they all had the same crease and now they had something concrete to take up with the suppliers/HTC.
At first I thought I was going mad but now I see that they have accepted it is a problem and are doing something about it. It may sound like a small crease is a tiny problem but it means the protector won't stick down properly and there will always be a big air bubble in that corner. Handtec say I'm the only person to ever take this up with them. Is this true? Has anyone else come across this problem? If you've managed to buy official HTC protectors without this problem please let me know from where as I've run out and need more!
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Related

[Q] Hairline crack "under" the screen.

Hi.
I've got a small question for all. I had my galaxy phone for only 2 weeks now, and treaded it with the same care I've done with all my phones (have had earlier a Galaxy S for 1.5 years without a single scratch on it).
Just a few days ago I saw a very thin crack in the screen, stretching from almost the edge of the top left corner, and diagonally down a bit to the right side.
Curiously as I am, I checked if anyone else had the same problem.
I found a few places online, but not a lot.
[cant add links due to first post]
I want to know if this can be a build problem, since I'm pretty sure I didn't miss treat it.
It doesn't affect the usability of the screen, meaning all pixels and everything with the touch layer seems to be working perfectly, and its quite hard to spot even if you know its there. You need the right amount of light and angle to see it. Perhaps that's why I cant find a lot about it.
Has anyone a similar problem?
That sucks. You might not be able to exchange it since that is physical damage. Youre probably going to have to live with it, sell it or get it repaired which will be costly.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Is that on the digitizer or on the glass? If its on the surface you could throw a screen protector on it to fill it in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoMRO4OiXw4
if its on the digitizer, that shouldn't happen. I would try and get it replaced.
there is certainly no harm in taking it back to the place of purchase to see if they are willing to help...
I've tried to take it back, but they didn't want to take it without examination, and that will cost $150, and from experience, they will probably come to the conclusion that its not a manufacturer error (unless several people reports the same issue)
Its not in the top glass, but as far as I can see, its not in the digitizer either (I assume the digitizer would at least behave differently with a crack in it)
Still hoping that more people have this problem, since that would prove that its a bad batch or something..
Hi Mazy,
I just discovered a hairline crack on my nexus too.
Unfortunately I don't have a camera right now to take pictures of it, but suffice to say the crack matches the one you have!
I cannot think of how this crack came to be - its so new and hasn't been mistreated at all.
I'll try and upload some photos in the next few days if I can borrow a camera to do so.
With some effort I managed to get to take a photo with a webcam (see attachment).
I haven't yet contacted the place of purchase to see what can be done about this - I'll keep this thread posted.
Thanks for that image.. This seems to be more than a coincidence, the angle and size of the crack seems very similar. I suspect that your phone works as normal as well, and that the crack is more or less invisible in normal usage, but in specific angles it shines up?
Have you used any "heavy" program for a long time, meaning did you use a program that could make the phone become warm?
We have two similar phones here, but only one is cracked, and thats the one that we used as GPS, and using that, the phone gets hotter than normal. I dont know if that can affect it at all, but Im trying to figure out what caused it.
Hey op is your phone GSM or CDMA? Australian guy I assume yours is GSM.
I have the exact same crack that you have found in your screen. (Verizon LTE version) Thought maybe I had simply been careless with my phone but then started thinking that it might be a manufacturer issue.
Buff McBigstuff said:
Hey op is your phone GSM or CDMA? Australian guy I assume yours is GSM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a GSM, and from the charger I got, I assume it was meant to be shipped to UK (or any other country with that type of outlet)
Slowburn72: if its possible, please take a picture as well, Im planning to use this thread to prove that this is not a user mistreating the phone, but rather some problem in manufacturing or assembly of the phone.
Slowburn72 said:
I have the exact same crack that you have found in your screen. (Verizon LTE version) Thought maybe I had simply been careless with my phone but then started thinking that it might be a manufacturer issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow guys, I smell something fishy here. Mark one up as my GN has the same thing.
I was out in the winter sun today for the first time with this phone after having it for about 4 weeks when I saw a line going across from the top left, diagonally down to the right side about 1/3 down.
Immediately I thought, WTF! I have NOT dropped this thing and have NOT sat on it. It's been in a case since day one which should also reinforce it. How the hell did I do this? I even tried rubbing it off when I first saw it thinking it was just another fingerprint smudge.
This is a Verizon LTE version so at this point I don't think this is specific to version.
I will also say that I am shocked that I didn't notice this before being a very picky nerd about this kind of stuff. At the same time, I can't actually see this until I get enough ambient light and hold it on an angle. It's a hairline crack beneath the topsheet of glass but not deep enough from what I can tell to affect the display. Most user damage appears to result in shattered outer glass and the fact that our cracks are the same that this is due to assembly or design.
I have a feeling we aren't the only ones with this issue. I have insurance on the phone but no way am I going to make an insurance claim considering we all have the same, and I mean SAME crack.
I will be printing this thread out when going back to where I got mine to kindly ask for a replacement. I will be taking this one up the chain, if I have to, after reading this thread. I am glad this thread was started.
I think we are on to something...
I would contact Samsung and point them to this thread. Maybe if they see its happening to multiple people they will replace it.
Same hairline crack on mine too!
I have had this galaxy nexus less than 24 hours. I literally watched a small scratch like mark turn into a diagonal and long hairline crack across 1 quarter of the screen. I didn't do anything to the phone I've had a nexus 1 for over year with no crack at all. Now I think I know why the guy was trying to sell me the warranty so hard. Will be returning the GN to best buy for a full refund.
Same symptoms everyone else is listing... shows up in only certain lighting and angles. But marked it is... ever presently defective.
Everyone with this defect, are you on gsm or verizon version? Only reason i ask is verizon version case is slightly modifies which can cause loose volume keys. Perhaps this bigger casing puts some awkward twisting force on the screen from the modified production assembly.
Thats why the crack would be in identical location on every one.
Its happened on both gsm and lte
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I have the exact same "Hairline crack". Tried to get it replaced without success.
Btw, it's a GSM version.
I have a version from telus in vancouver canada. My crack is from top right (to the left of the front facing camera) and runs to the middle left side. There are absolutely no scuff marks on the phone as it has not been dropped once. Phone is in mint condition all except for this hairline crack.
I will be returning to best buy to let them know my unhappiness with this phone.
I suspect a change from inside temp afer taking video and pics all day at the local science world.. then going outside is when I noticed a small crack starting to spread. i had the phone less than 24 hours.
Unimpressed!
I also only kept the phone in my x-Large leather jacket pocket by itself.
When the phone is turned on the hairline crack can only be seen from certain angles. When it is turned off it is easier to see from the photos attached.
Coincidentally, a friend bought the GN and just told me over gchat that the same thing happened to his GN phone, as described here.
I would call samsung. Ask to speak to a manager. That is crap. If this many people are having the same crack, it isnt isolated.
While I do not have this problem, I did want to chime in here. For those of you who tried to exchange your Nexus without success, I highly recommend going to another store or taking the matter up the chain until you get a replacement.
There is absolutely no reason they can't exchange the phone. This is clearly a manufacturing defect and there is absolutely no sign of physical abuse that the user could have done to cause this. If I were in your shoes I would not give up until it got replaced.
My last resort would be to go directly to Samsung with pictures and a detailed explanation of the issue. This is completely unacceptable in my opinion.

Screen crack very easily?

I've had my s3 since store release date and been cracked since 2 days later, just getting progressively worse, meaning cracking more. The phone still works but got littl pieces of glass falling out now.IS anyone having an issue with a faulty screen? I don't have any clue what happened to it in the first place that it cracked, that is why I ask this!
Secondly,
3 hours away from best buy where I was talked into getting their protection plan. Little did i know that they wouldn't ship ANYTHING!
What do you suggest I do. Anyone had any long distance dealings with the geeksquad?
Thanks
Woody
hmmm.
the screens crack easy because of the curved glass.
mine was cracked but i had it replaced already.
did it through sprint.
funny theres a video in another thread showing a guy attaching a brand new s3 to a string along with an iphone 4s and dragging both behind a car at 30 mph... after wards the s3 screen is fine but the phone is toast...
yes,indeed, so you should wear it a case, and the screen should avoid hit the hard things, it is also easy to be scrached and damaged.

Question Inner screen protector coming up

My inner screen protector has started coming up right along the crease. It started just at the edge and has started going down along the fold for the last week or so. Has anyone else had this problem? I was thinking I would probably get one of the WD replacement ones and swap them out. I'd probably have someone do it for me so I don't mess it up. Anyone else experience this and is that the best screen protector to get?
pside15 said:
My inner screen protector has started coming up right along the crease. It started just at the edge and has started going down along the fold for the last week or so. Has anyone else had this problem? I was thinking I would probably get one of the WD replacement ones and swap them out. I'd probably have someone do it for me so I don't mess it up. Anyone else experience this and is that the best screen protector to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty common I think, lots of posts around Reddit about it etc. Whitestone don't do their glass one anymore but I think their PET one is good for it.
Mine started with a couple bubbles near the middle. Next day worse. Removed it, going without for now and may replace. Reviews on Amazon say they only last so long.
same here
Thanks for the replies. Just glad to know that it is fairly common. I was just going to remove it but I'm too chicken to go sans protector on the inner display.
Same here. It is unnoticed when the screen is on, but when it is of or dark scene, I can see the protector is starting to get loose at the bottom of the crease.
I took mine off and replaced it with the Whitestone Dome Film which is waaay better
Here is my Reddit post on installing the WSD Film:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ZFold3/comments/tji7a9
The reviews on Amazon aren't that great for WSD
catman51 said:
The reviews on Amazon aren't that great for WSD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not good for the ultra thin glass protector. We used the film protector
Samsung UK ended up replacing my entire screen to fix this...
flakmunky said:
Samsung UK ended up replacing my entire screen to fix this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do this? My screen protector is coming up, so went to their support chat.
After a long conversation, it was determined that the screen protector is a consumable so not covered by warranty or care+ which I have.
I could have an engineer visit, but as its a consumable they would charge £40 to replace.
In the end, the CS advised I remove the screen protector myself. This would not void any warranty.
Then, if I had any subsequent damage, to make a claim on care+
I used the Samsung Members App --> Support and then Text Chat.
I just read through the transcript and I actually started asking about another issue I had, which was that it wouldn't open completely flat and had lost the snap when you close it. I also mentioned in the chat the issue with the screen protector.
I had to send them pictures of the issues, and they arranged for the engineer visit. I got the same messages that it would cost me £40 if there wasn't a fault. When they guy came out he looked at the screen and said that it would need a new screen because "when you remove the screen protector they crack down the middle" which I thought was BS and I asked him if they was really the case. He ended up transplanting the motherboard from my phone into a new chassis with new screens and new batteries.
He said it needed a new screen, I didn't think it did...
As for the phone not opening fully, it wouldn't hold open like it did when it was new, not did it snap open the last 5 degrees when opening. Night and day difference when I got it back. Took about an hour to fix.
Maybe, if yours won't open fully, you could get the same repair done under warranty?
I started asking about the screen protector lifting as I didn't think they were going to do anything about the phone opening fully, as it was only a few degrees away from being flat, so I threw in the screen protector as well to cover my ass for the £40 as I read on Reddit that this was a warranty repair...
I actually thought the screen protector was the reason I got the warranty repair but after reading what you posted, it must have been the folding issue. I've just looked at I've deleted the photos I sent them, but the folding issue was very minor, which is why I thought the screen protector was my ace card.
flakmunky said:
I used the Samsung Members App --> Support and then Text Chat.
I just read through the transcript and I actually started asking about another issue I had, which was that it wouldn't open completely flat and had lost the snap when you close it. I also mentioned in the chat the issue with the screen protector.
I had to send them pictures of the issues, and they arranged for the engineer visit. I got the same messages that it would cost me £40 if there wasn't a fault. When they guy came out he looked at the screen and said that it would need a new screen because "when you remove the screen protector they crack down the middle" which I thought was BS and I asked him if they was really the case. He ended up transplanting the motherboard from my phone into a new chassis with new screens and new batteries.
He said it needed a new screen, I didn't think it did...
As for the phone not opening fully, it wouldn't hold open like it did when it was new, not did it snap open the last 5 degrees when opening. Night and day difference when I got it back. Took about an hour to fix.
Maybe, if yours won't open fully, you could get the same repair done under warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart from the screen protector coming up (it's only 3-4mm at the moment, but it's getting bigger) the phone has performed and behaved brilliantly. No issues with the hinge or folding/unfolding
I've just been on chat with them as mine has started lifting at the top and bottom of the fold. Was told it's not covered by the warranty, I could send it back to them and they would charge me for it, although couldn't tell me how much and they "might" be able to get it back to me in ten days. I told them I wasn't going to send it back without knowing how long or how much and that's where it ended.
frogdr1ver said:
I've just been on chat with them as mine has started lifting at the top and bottom of the fold. Was told it's not covered by the warranty, I could send it back to them and they would charge me for it, although couldn't tell me how much and they "might" be able to get it back to me in ten days. I told them I wasn't going to send it back without knowing how long or how much and that's where it ended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. They offered me the same - with the same vagueness around timescales.
That's why I asked for an on-site engineer.
m_w_clarke said:
Yes. They offered me the same - with the same vagueness around timescales.
That's why I asked for an on-site engineer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep asked for that as well and they said no, I could either go to Stoke or send it in, checking online it looks like we don't have a door repair technician in Yorkshire.
Just an update; in the past 24 hours the bubble/peeling/rainbow effect has reached the whole length of the crease. So this morning, I decided to remove the screen protector.
Still a little nervous of having a naked screen - and at the moment my finger doesn't seem to glide as well on it.
I'll wait and see how things go
I peeled mine off yesterday and fitted the whitestone dome one, went on perfectly much to my surprise, feels great, my mate who has a fold as well commented that the screen looks sharper than his with the original one on.

General Replace your screen protector if there's air beneath it!

Couple months ago air got between the inner screen protector and the screen along the crease like we've all seen before by other Fold 3 owners.
When I opened the Fold today I noticed a few dead pixels right in the middle of the inner screen. Closing and opening it again apparently killed the whole screen along the crease. The left side is still working, right side is completely dead.
I think the screen suffered a lot when opening the Fold. The screen protector probably moved a little bit every time I opened it and created some kind of pressure to the screen because of the air underneath. At least that's my explanation for it.
So if you've got air beneath your screen protector, replace it before your Fold ends like mine..
When mine started to peel out, I've just taken it out completely. I've assumed it's safer that way, so e.g. sand does not get between the protector and the screen.
It's ca month I'm using it without protector and all works great so far (also there are videos on YT saying that screen presents better without it, but nonetheless I would not remove it unless it peels out)
medikoo said:
When mine started to peel out, I've just taken it out completely. I've assumed it's safer that way, so e.g. sand does not get between the protector and the screen.
It's ca month I'm using it without protector and all works great so far (also there are videos on YT saying that screen presents better without it, but nonetheless I would not remove it unless it peels out)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that you loose warranty if you remove it, that's why I didnt do it. Now that I have to send it in I don't want to risk Samsung rejecting it because I peeled it off, you know.
There's also no official store close to where I live where I could have replaced the screen protector.
Taking mine in on Monday as I started to get an air gap at the bottom of the hinge... Hope it holds out until then
I got mine in mint condition from Swappa and it had the inner screen protector with no issues but after about a month of heavy use it started coming up at the bottom in the crease so I just removed it because it was getting hair and pocket lint under it and making the screen look bad. So far months later I've had zero issues.
Considering I got this second hand, I never expected a warranty anyway so if anything were to happen I plan on either trading it in for something else or paying for a repair at a local shop or do it myself (I own my computer repair business and I could probably figure it out)
HeyHooBanana said:
Couple months ago air got between the inner screen protector and the screen along the crease like we've all seen before by other Fold 3 owners.
When I opened the Fold today I noticed a few dead pixels right in the middle of the inner screen. Closing and opening it again apparently killed the whole screen along the crease. The left side is still working, right side is completely dead.
I think the screen suffered a lot when opening the Fold. The screen protector probably moved a little bit every time I opened it and created some kind of pressure to the screen because of the air underneath. At least that's my explanation for it.
So if you've got air beneath your screen protector, replace it before your Fold ends like mine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow! same exact thing happened to mine! looks identical! Had to tell samsung it happened out of nowhere im waiting on the RMA to return now> Thank you i was using a skinomi and yup air under the screen. you saved me future headache my friend thanks!

Question If you're noticing loosening of the screen protector internal screen...

Get that screen protector replaced in an authorized repair center whether or not you have an active warranty.
Don't do any of the following:
don't attempt to replace it yourself no matter how simple it might seem to you
(The repair centers have a rig to assist them in doing this. And if you screw up, you could end up with a more serious problem.)
don't ignore it because it seems trivial or small
don't wait for the problem to "ripen" before acting
if your warranty has expired: don't decide that this doesn't warrant action
Why?
Over the past week or so, the protector started slowly separating down the crease area of the screen. So I brought it in to a local Samsung-authorized UbreakitIFixit by Asurion. The technician said he's seen a flow of these cases. I went a step further and said that I'm hearing that there are a number of people reporting cracked screens. He nodded and said that-- once the protector starts separating like mine was doing-- this starts to create a degree of pressure on the folding area of the screen. Basically he was telling me that what seems like a trivial cosmetic problem could turn into something far more serious. And expensive.
In my case, I bought my Z Fold 3 shortly before it was replaced by the Z Fold 4-- and I am still covered by the warranty. If you are in the same position, Samsung has what I would call a "silent recall" where they will cover a one-time screen protector replacement. Go to the Samsung service area on their website and avail yourself of this!
And if you are past the warranty, I'd urge you to take the precaution and pay to have the protector replaced-- you sure don't want to face a complete screen replacement-- you might not even consider the cost justifiable.
Apparently this is true; if cracked it will eventually take out the display. I was reading a review and that Australian reviewer didn't have kind things to say about this. He gives the protector a 4-6 month lifespan, if you make a year you're lucky.
He further said this has been a persistent issue; don't expect the next generation to be more durable.
Hmm, I have to replace my wife's every 4 months or so using the Orzero. It is a bit of a learning exercise, but not that hard(key it to do long side first and get the fold crease right at the start). YMMV.
xnappo said:
Hmm, I have to replace my wife's every 4 months or so using the Orzero. It is a bit of a learning exercise, but not that hard(key it to do long side first and get the fold crease right at the start). YMMV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for letting us know that you feel confident doing this yourself. I also see a YouTube demonstration video from the company. I'm not sure that I'd do a neat job but it's good to know that it's possible.
You also opened my eyes to the frequency of replacement that made sense to both of you,
The Whitestone protector comes with a rig so that you place it perfectly right. Only thing you need to worry about is dust getting under it as you're putting it on (some people do it in the bathroom after steaming it up with a hot shower).
My OEM protector lasted over a year. It did separate along the crease at the top and it kept getting longer and longer, so I finally replaced it after months of the separated area. The replacement brought back the anti-fingerprint feature which had worn off the original one, so I was happy about that for sure. Doing it once now, I'll probably replace it next once that anti-fingerprint feature has worn off again since it wasn't as bad/hard as I thought it would be. No need to be intimidated by it after all!
ButterflyFlutterflyMyOhMy said:
The Whitestone protector comes with a rig so that you place it perfectly right. Only thing you need to worry about is dust getting under it as you're putting it on (some people do it in the bathroom after steaming it up with a hot shower).
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ButterflyFlutterflyMyOhMy said:
No need to be intimidated by it after all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have learned so much on xda-developers.com over the years. The two previous posts are really helpful. I found the Whitestone installation YouTube video and now I see how the jig works. I hope I won't have to replace the screen protector but now I realize a couple things:
It's wise to replace the inner screen protector once separation starts appearing
It's entirely possible to do the job myself if / when the warranty no longer applies.

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