Develop Bugs

Carbon fiber-look back for GN

I found the back of my Galaxy Nexus to be a little too slippery, and I had a spare piece of 3M carbon fiber material laying around.
I decided to go ahead and cut it to fit my GN. No worries about that darn Verizon Wireless logo on the back now
I got the material from this guy: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=703496

That looks awesome lol. How thick is the carbon? Just like paper thin?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Yeah, it's very thin.

awesome.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Eh. I'm not allowed to look at that link yet... I hate being a noobie. lol That does look REALLY nice! I am going to have to do this also. Thanks!

I have that 3M too, but I am afraid the plastic battery cover might get weak since it needs to be heated to apply.. is it safe to blow dry the plastic battey cover based on your experience?

snidrx said:
I have that 3M too, but I am afraid the plastic battery cover might get weak since it needs to be heated to apply.. is it safe to blow dry the plastic battey cover based on your experience?
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Click to collapse
it doesnt need to be heated to apply, I had this carbon fiber on my T-mo GS2 and didnt require to doanything but just apply with solution and let it dry, but this doesnt protect your phone if it drops, so basically pointless, I rather get otterbox, but not sure if it works on gsm version, still puzzled here.

Pretty cool idea, I may look into this.

i am assuming you used 3M DI-NOC? does it stick well to the bumpy surface of the battery door?

Yes, 3M Dinoc and it seems to be holding just fine. I trimmed it just a little bit short but no heat was required just peel the back off and stick
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

URPREY said:
Yes, 3M Dinoc and it seems to be holding just fine. I trimmed it just a little bit short but no heat was required just peel the back off and stick
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to do this, but I'm going to try to cover the entire body of the phone

Just bought two 4" x 8" pieces for my phone off ebay for $1.98 shipped thanks!

keep us posted on how it holds up...i am probably going to do the same thing to mine!

Looks great. Might try this.

Holy crap that looks awesome
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

This does indeed look great. I just want and got some CF Vinyl online to do this myself! (Though I think I'll add an Autobots insignia to it as an homage to when this was the Prime XD)

That loos nice! Doubt i could get it looking that good, even if i had the materials.

I've never had any experience cutting or measuring out 3M DI-NOC. does it cut fairly easily? Any tips or anything to watch for when I make my attempt?

It cuts easily. Trace a pattern from your battery door onto the backing of the 3M then cut about 1mm inside of that all around. Use a sharp Xacto knife.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

4rs fed said:
Just bought two 4" x 8" pieces for my phone off ebay for $1.98 shipped thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u have a link for this?
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium

Sweet Armor GS2 + Alu backcover = NICE

Just got these home, and now i feel like my S2 is made completely of alu
(click for bigger pics)
free image hosting

Looks very nice! Adds alittle too much thickness to the border of the phone for my taste, but still a very nice looking bumper.
Thanks for posting those pics...hope you enjoy it!

brugernavn said:
Just got these home, and now i feel like my S2 is made completely of alu
(click for bigger pics)
free image hosting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get them?! MUST BUY

isn't it totally useless as shock absorber? i feel like tpu ones protects it better..

Makes the phone look a little big. How is it to hold?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

its bought of ebay, and it can handle ALOT of beating after these covers are on!
and yes, its a little bigger than an 4s

Looks great... how's the reception\GPS with the aluminum back cover?
I just ordered aluminum back cover from DX and I'm afraid it'll hurt the GPS performance...

will it fit with 2000mah battery?

junkun13 said:
will it fit with 2000mah battery?
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Click to collapse
The "sweet armor" will but an extended battery will not fit with the aluminum door
where did you find that? I cant seem to find it on Ebay..

Hmmmm doesnt protect the camera lens . Otherwise its sweeeet
looks like an iphone but powered by android baby!!!!

socksfelloff said:
The "sweet armor" will but an extended battery will not fit with the aluminum door
where did you find that? I cant seem to find it on Ebay..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are some (unless they are knock offs)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Neuf-Alu-Hou...ses_coques&hash=item256948a801#ht_9146wt_1396

kyroz said:
Looks great... how's the reception\GPS with the aluminum back cover?
I just ordered aluminum back cover from DX and I'm afraid it'll hurt the GPS performance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS doesnt work very good with the alu. backcover. at least not in Denmark.
wifi and GSM signal is fine tho.
androidkid311 said:
Hmmmm doesnt protect the camera lens . Otherwise its sweeeet
looks like an iphone but powered by android baby!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you put the phone on the table the lens doesnt touch, either does the screen when you lay it like that.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Aluminum...e-Samsung-Galaxy-S2-i9100-Black-/270878587189
Cheaper in this link.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

i have been using this case for a while, it is a bit heavy to me
the worst thing is that the metal bumper will affect the reception a lot

Sweet Armor GS2
So whats the current status ?
Is there an echo when using the above mentioned casing ?
What about influences from the case...anything you noticed since you have it ?
Would also like to buy it, but need more infos from you guys.
elkomie

aceofclubs said:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Aluminum...e-Samsung-Galaxy-S2-i9100-Black-/270878587189
Cheaper in this link.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this a sweet armor one or a knock off?

MagicMan3 said:
Is this a sweet armor one or a knock off?
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Click to collapse
I don't know for sure. The link was posted in another thread so I passed it on. He rated it pretty highly against other aluminum bumpers.
Looking at the photos on eBay it says sweet armour on the side but that doesn't really mean much.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Here is his reviews.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1422752
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

in Denmark, with the GS2 AND alu cover the gsm/3g reception is fine!
ONLY need to peel back cover off for it to find GPS sattelites and then put it back on.

How much u paid for both?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-Ha...669626?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27bfdd343a
Is this the back cover u got?

Backplates / Battery cover

Anybody find any decent backplates?
I saw some on ebay that looked okay but the seemed to have a large metal middle section. If it's fake metal, that's fine. I was worried about signal issues.
I would love to have a rubberized textured backplate, like the T-Mobile Galaxy S2.

Sure, there's lots of decent backplates out there. Google it and see if anything piques your interest

It seems like current choices are:
cheap fake leather glued onto plastic:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leather-Car...ltDomain_0&hash=item25720e2d3f#ht_5984wt_1163
Cheap metal that probably degrades signal:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/METAL-BATTE...ccessories&hash=item53eda3660c#ht_6075wt_1396
Extended battery:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-4300mA...599359?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item2a1f59b5bf
OEM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-WHITE-H...753960?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item20c7114fa8
Cheap approximation of OEM with same flaws
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pink-ba...Accessories&hash=item41673e7a9b#ht_744wt_1396

junglizste said:
Cheap approximation of OEM with same flaws
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pink-ba...Accessories&hash=item41673e7a9b#ht_744wt_1396
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that is funny.....why don't they just put FAIL on there instead!!
the_buzz_man

the_buzz_man said:
Now that is funny.....why don't they just put FAIL on there instead!!
the_buzz_man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the metal back and I have not experience any degradation in the signal.

ReggieTee said:
I have the metal back and I have not experience any degradation in the signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does it look? Build quality?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

ReggieTee said:
I have the metal back and I have not experience any degradation in the signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you also tried GPS and NFC signals?

ReggieTee said:
I have the metal back and I have not experience any degradation in the signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just laughing at the way the eBay item said "deny" on the pic....
the_buzz_man

the metal back covers have been reported to make NFC fail.
its also been reported that they do not impact GPS signal at all.
this is on the international version however.

Just thinking out loud here - will the international i9300 battery cover fit on the US LTE devices? Which part of the phone is thicker, the part that the battery cover attaches to or the phone itself? I'd love to get an i9300 white battery cover to replace the AT&T branded one I'm about to get....

I would like an oem pebble blue. Any ideas?

No you don't. It is super shiny cheap plastic. It scratches when you look at it the wrong way.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

stu5797 said:
I would like an oem pebble blue. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261054168712?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
I ordered this.

Thanks but that is not oem. I can only guess what that really looks like...

stu5797 said:
Thanks but that is not oem. I can only guess what that really looks like...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one claims to be original
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251095238658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Well I bought the metal and although it looks and feels good, it does degrade the signal. GPS and Wifi seemed to be fine but I couldn't get LTE in the places I used to before.
So, I'm back to looking for a new back cover. I like the thinness of the phone so I don't want to put on a case but don't like the slippery OEM back cover. Has anyone tried the fake leather one?

junglizste said:
No you don't. It is super shiny cheap plastic. It scratches when you look at it the wrong way.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, my phone is barely a week old, and with light pocket action in and out of my jeans, the back cover is scratched up already!

dmunjal said:
Well I bought the metal and although it looks and feels good, it does degrade the signal. GPS and Wifi seemed to be fine but I couldn't get LTE in the places I used to before.
So, I'm back to looking for a new back cover. I like the thinness of the phone so I don't want to put on a case but don't like the slippery OEM back cover. Has anyone tried the fake leather one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the fake leather one on the way, will update when i receive it. hopefully next week!

stu5797 said:
I would like an oem pebble blue. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Replacement-Original-Battery/dp/B008E4G026/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1341374346&sr=1-12&keywords=galaxy+s+iii+battery+door
Get what you want, enjoy it how you please.

Solar257 said:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Replacement-Original-Battery/dp/B008E4G026/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1341374346&sr=1-12&keywords=galaxy+s+iii+battery+door
Get what you want, enjoy it how you please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks like it is the international version's blue, not the different Pebble Blue for the US market.

Budget metal bumper

I'm on a REALLY tight budget, and I've found this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aluminum-Bu...VG/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1352551327&sr=8-67
Has somebody tried it before? Do the cover-buttons have a good response (is much more force needed to make them "click")? Any suggestions?

while it might provide a unique look to your phone, i'm not sure how much 'protection' a metal bumper will give.
once that aluminum meets concrete, it'll scratch/dent and it wont look as pretty.
I had an Element Case Vapor AR15-V when it was released for the iP4. I loved the look but it killed my reception..
I don't think/know if the S3 would fall victim to such an issue..

alt0160 said:
while it might provide a unique look to your phone, i'm not sure how much 'protection' a metal bumper will give.
once that aluminum meets concrete, it'll scratch/dent and it wont look as pretty.
I had an Element Case Vapor AR15-V when it was released for the iP4. I loved the look but it killed my reception..
I don't think/know if the S3 would fall victim to such an issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The aesthetic side of it is of no importance for me. On the reception issue, it was reportedly due to the antenna being linked to a section of the metal frame the iPhones had, so no problem here regarding the S3 i pressume.

Myscha said:
After breaking the front glass of my SGSIII yesterday while wearing a silicone bumper, I'm going to buy a new glass (this one) on Amazon, but I think I need something stronger than silicone or TPU.
The thing is I'm on a REALLY tight budget, and I've found this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aluminum-Bu...VG/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1352551327&sr=8-67
Has somebody tried it before? Do the cover-buttons have a good response (is much more force needed to make them "click")? Any suggestions? Please, halp, I don't want to go through the same ordeal again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one in blue, it works good but is lose just like that so I put pieces of tape to make it tight on the phone n also helps it not scratch the bezel .. all the buttons are accessible with no problems
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

jorgerangel159 said:
I have one in blue, it works good but is lose just like that so I put pieces of tape to make it tight on the phone n also helps it not scratch the bezel .. all the buttons are accessible with no problems
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose you recommend it?
Edit: I've seen these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Urban-Armor...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352595740&sr=1-3) around, and although they seem quite nice, they surpass my budget right now. Any cheaper version of sorts? I think composite could do the trick just as fine.

Does anybody know something similar to the Urban Armor Gear (cheaper and less fancy) that could be of use?

i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.

mputtr said:
i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sliding one I'd on there to good lol sometimes I can't even take it off and regarding that it might scratch the screen I haven't had that problem but then again I only use this case one the weekend
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

mputtr said:
i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screw on type? can you post a link to one of those so I can see what it is, please?

they're all expensive.
Draco Design
Sweet Armor s3
and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Deluxe-...724&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=280995627053&
but it doesn't cover the power and volume button...

mputtr said:
they're all expensive.
Draco Design
Sweet Armor s3
and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Deluxe-...724&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=280995627053&
but it doesn't cover the power and volume button...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link says it's 13~, but in Amazon UK all Dragon design cases I find are around 70€. Right now I've found this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Otterbox-Co...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352662906&sr=1-1

well. the otterbox is not a bumper as well, so that's up to you. i had the commuter for the htc DZ and while it is nice, it also doubled the size of the phone.
and yeah, i didn't say the nicer bumpers were cheap,. i said they were expensive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

A High end Aluminum Case for a High end Aluminum Phone

This is a design I whipped up just for giggles and I'll likely be custom making one for my own device because I have access to both the equipment and ability. I just figured I'd throw up a couple screen shots from my cad software and see what public interest would be for something like this. If and when I actually make one I'll post photos.
A case like this is form fitted and made by cnc machining solid aluminum flat-bar. Needless to say, the process is not cheap and I estimate a case will require four hours of machining in a semi-production operation. This would end in a price tag starting at an estimated $200 and more if it is anodized and or customized. This is not an offer to sell or even making known an intention to sell. I'm just curious to know if this is a product that A: people want, B: people want at the needed price point.

Very cool! But too rich for me!
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I'll wait for the Chinese version of it.
j/k
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium

Sooooooo sick! Very interested in something like this. I'd possibly buy it.
Sent from my HTC One 801e using Tapatalk 4 Beta

so how are u putting your top and bottom together? using bolts?

A good case to use is the element case sector 5. It had no signal reduction due to the plastic inserts disturbing the aluminum bumper and was perfect.
With your case, your likely to have huge signal issues, GPS and all
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app

That looks rough. Can't say I'm interested.

jags_the1 said:
so how are u putting your top and bottom together? using bolts?
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Click to collapse
Stainless steel 0-80 socket head cap screws. You can see them in the front picture.

pewpewbangbang said:
A good case to use is the element case sector 5. It had no signal reduction due to the plastic inserts disturbing the aluminum bumper and was perfect.
With your case, your likely to have huge signal issues, GPS and all
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's quite possible, and I won't know until I try building one. In case you didn't notice it, I did design in slots in the back of the case that line up with the plastic antenna on the back of the phone. I assume that it will work because the body of the phone itself is aluminum.

Too much going on at the sides for me! Good work!
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium

By the way you forgot an opening for the noise canceling mic

Assuming it is very form fitting and has holes for all the right places I would take one for sure. What kind of protection would be on the inside to prevent scratches between the case and phone?

Only criticism I have is the large amount of screws. like said earlier I'm interested. Just all those screws take away from the beauty of it and they may be irritating when holding the device. Maybe 4 screws would be nice. Don't know if that'll be able to hold it together well enough though.
Sent from my HTC One 801e using Tapatalk 4 Beta

ChrisM0678 said:
By the way you forgot an opening for the noise canceling mic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the top and bottom rear slots are cut out and the noise canceling mic is on the upper plastic strip.
Nice design, but as mentioned, way too many secure points for screws. I'd do 6 at most.
Aside from that, I like it. No way Id pay that much for one, but if I had the tools to machine one myself I would. lol

Slap Iron Man looking armor on the back and paint it red/gold I'd pay $200 for it. Actually something I've been planning to do on CAD at work lol.
Did you see how the draco bumper handles screws? I wouldn't mind something like that.
Also since Draco's are $80 for the bumper, I'd say $120 is a fair price point.

Agree with everyone else about the screws but...
I know the case will look better once it is made. As long as those screws were flush/smooth with the case I would probably buy it if I saw it in the stores.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium

You should produce your design first and see if you get decent reception with it. Other aluminum cases like that have already weakened the signal.
Sent from my HTCONE

That's pretty cool but I wouldn't be interested in paying that much
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll reduce the number of screws or find a way of eliminating them. I agree that it will clean up how it looks. If/When I have turn concept to reality, I'll post up some pictures!

You will destroy signal reception. The top and bottom metal strips are the antennas, not the plastic lines. You also need to make sure you don't cover up the plastic lines around the camera as they function to prevent odd NFC antenna effects.