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Are there any case haterz on this forum, who run their phones without any kind of cases / back stickers etc ?
Could you post some photos, facts, knowledge how well the phone stands everyday usage ?
I have been using case since day one, but i just can't stand it anymore. Did I buy alluminium phone to put it in rubber case or stick plastic sheet of foil on it to lose the feeling of alluminium ? No !
I drop my phone very rarely, actually i have never droppped it (knock knock), only time it hit ground it was clumsy bird's (jokin clumsy friend's hands) fault. My only concern is lens protector. On one side its nicely hidden in the rim, but at the other lens cover is protruding just a very litle bit. I am attaching picture to illustrate it a bit. It is side look.
There's a "hole" in the phone body, so the lens should be all hidden / drown and there should be 1 milimeter gap, when i place phone on table. On one side there is, on other lens is in line with body.
Grey - phone
White - gap for lens cover
Black - lens cover
Mods, please do not delete this topic - this has already happened in past (moved to accesories thread), but it get lost very easily, i try to debate with users without accesories.
Thanks
i did for apprx 4 months when i first bought the device, now i'm using crystal clear case to not to hide devices body.
i bought a case after i saw scratches on camera lens, luckly camera lens got replaced after service for red tint.
also shiny exposed alumium around the device got scratched and deformed a bit.
I also am not a fan of big bulky cases. One of the main reasons I bought this phone is because it is so damn beautiful (compared to most other phones). I've always joked about how iPhone fans typically rave about how "sleek" and "thin" their phones are, yet they walk around with them wearing the equivalent of a down-filled parka that is anything but "sleek".
I did compromise a bit, just because I want to keep my phone looking nice. I found the Cimo clear case. It is very thin, and very clear. It has just enough of a "lip" around the edge so that the screen of the phone won't contact the ground when it is lying down (or dropped on its face). The soft rubbery cushioning should also protect against dings on the corners and back, as well as prevent scratches. All without sacrificing the beauty of the phone. I paid $10 on Amazon for it.
NEH,
I did not buy a unibody aluminium finish phone to hide it behind chinese plastic covers. Thats not my style. I have pretty much the same type of use like yours. The only thing that has happened with me is that the beats audio red sticker at the behind bottom plate is now fading off. Nothing else. Just keep keys/card holder and coins in other pocket. I dont think you need a plastic cover.
When I had my One I used the HTC hard shell - minimal design but clear so you could still see the phone. Best case I had IMO
http://shop.emea.htc.com/uk/p_htc_store_product.aspx?i=251537
Whether you can still get it is another question
I've been using this case works well still shows the phones great looks and protect it all around.
HTC One
Guys, thanks for all the replies.
But this thread is strictly about naked devices - no cases at all !
well ii put a case on it.... next time its still usable years down the road
Mine has had nothing on it except a transparent skin on the back since i bought it last May. Still looks great...
Yeah I've been running mines nekkid since I got it last April, just couldn't bring myself to spend money to cover such a good looking device. Other than some wear marks around the shiny beveled edge, there's no obvious signs of age.
I'm not rough on it, but I don't baby it either. I have dropped it a few times(on purpose, just to show people how durable it is), and run my knife across the screen and back, but no damage.
Sent from space...
jaqual said:
Yeah I've been running mines nekkid since I got it last April, just couldn't bring myself to spend money to cover such a good looking device. Other than some wear marks around the shiny beveled edge, there's no obvious signs of age.
I'm not rough on it, but I don't baby it either. I have dropped it a few times(on purpose, just to show people how durable it is), and run my knife across the screen and back, but no damage.
Sent from space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what about lens cover ? Is yout lens completely hidden, or do you have it like me ? Hidden on one side, flush with body on the other.
Do you use any kind of pouch or something ?
never ever use a case defeats point of having such a wonderful design,have a leather pouch when not in us and just treat it like a baby when in use 6 months on still pristine not a mark
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
remusator said:
And what about lens cover ? Is yout lens completely hidden, or do you have it like me ? Hidden on one side, flush with body on the other.
Do you use any kind of pouch or something ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My lens cover is slightly recessed, so no, not like you, but haven't had any damage to it. No pouch or anything, just keep it in my pocket with my change.
Sent from space...
No case.
I am careful when I lay it down on certain surfaces.
And I try *very* hard never to let it slip out of my hands and fall.
No damage due to general wear. I dented the back slightly and roughed up one corner slightly.
Totally worth it. Love the feel and thinness of the phone.
[1] said:
Mine has had nothing on it except a transparent skin on the back since i bought it last May. Still looks great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is how i use mine. transparent cover over the back which i only put on because the aluminum is actually very slippery for me and the clear skin provides better grip so i dont drop it. clear cover over the screen and im good to go. few small areas around the front bevel where the blue has worn away but other than that its prefect. i never use a case, defeats the purpose of having a thin phone.
I Have been using it without cover, but in December it has fallen on the road so i ordered some cheap one from the e-bay.
So now, i am using it with cover, but i lost that great metal feeling of the phone.
Here is an example with and without cover
http://i.cubeupload.com/KydqLb.jpg
I don't use a case at all makes it easier to use the volume and power button
Sent from my Verizon HTC One using Tapatalk
I use no covers, just matte screen protector (I like the way my display looks with it). Bought it in June 2013. It fell on the floor several times, it got only one scratch on the top (on the lright corner), but it still looks amazing! As it's always in my pocket, lately the "beats audio" logo on the back is going away slowly... but i use nothing to protect it
NxNW said:
No case.
I am careful when I lay it down on certain surfaces.
And I try *very* hard never to let it slip out of my hands and fall.
No damage due to general wear. I dented the back slightly and roughed up one corner slightly.
Totally worth it. Love the feel and thinness of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Dont know how long I would keep the phone. But while I have it might as well enjoy the quality feel of it.
My HTC One is about two weeks old. I love it so much, I can't bring myself to cover this baby up.
Also, I am paying for a warranty, so if anything happens to it I'll get a new one, or maybe the M8 if they run out =D
So my G3's back cover was creaking when I held it with a tight grip. After some looking, I realized that it was due to a slightly loose fit of the battery.
To correct this, I decided to stick two thin (1 cm wide) pieces of paper on the side of the battery. I basically took the sticky portion of a sticky note and cut off the sticky part and stuck it onto the curved side of the battery.
This effectively stopped the creaking, but now I'm wondering if this practice is safe or not.
4ndroid99 said:
So my G3's back cover was creaking when I held it with a tight grip. After some looking, I realized that it was due to a slightly loose fit of the battery.
To correct this, I decided to stick two thin (1 cm wide) pieces of paper on the side of the battery. I basically took the sticky portion of a sticky note and cut off the sticky part and stuck it onto the curved side of the battery.
This effectively stopped the creaking, but now I'm wondering if this practice is safe or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that would be a problem, but why the hell is your battery fitting loose?
But why are you squeezing it so hard you make it creak? It's a phone, not a hammer!
meyerweb said:
But why are you squeezing it so hard you make it creak? It's a phone, not a hammer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't require a hard squeeze. A slight gripping motion or a slight twist can cause creaking sounds that are easily heard.
Still_living714 said:
I don't think that would be a problem, but why the hell is your battery fitting loose?
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Click to collapse
Some batteries just fit looser than the others. It's a selective problem, some ppl experience it and others don't.
4ndroid99 said:
So my G3's back cover was creaking when I held it with a tight grip. After some looking, I realized that it was due to a slightly loose fit of the battery.
To correct this, I decided to stick two thin (1 cm wide) pieces of paper on the side of the battery. I basically took the sticky portion of a sticky note and cut off the sticky part and stuck it onto the curved side of the battery.
This effectively stopped the creaking, but now I'm wondering if this practice is safe or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds fishy. Just get a replacement!
Why not use insulating tape?
I think a replacement battery do the trick.
4ndroid99 said:
It doesn't require a hard squeeze. A slight gripping motion or a slight twist can cause creaking sounds that are easily heard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I've never heard mine creak in normal use. I just squeezed it to see what would happen, and had to squeeze FAR harder than I would ever hold my phone to get very slight click. As for twisting a phone, any phone: DON'T DO THAT!
Hello everyone
I had an idea about using my phone under water to take pics and videos etc. I'm a little paranoid about the flaps coming open though.
I was wondering if anyone had come across a case that covers all of the flaps but still gives access to the shutter button?
Also if not, have you guys got any ideas as to ways of guaranteeing that they stay closed?
I know it's a bit of an odd request! Lol
Thanks in advance for any help!
Will
I had sourced this out in Fall last year, and every single case I could find had the cutouts for ports open.
The only solution I had found was a company that 3D prints their cases, and I asked them if they could make me one without the holes cut out. They said yes, but the case was $50 plus $20 shipped, and would be ready in 3 months (due to backlog of their 3D printer).
I never went through with the order, but it can be done. Here's why:
Mentioned by the above company, this will cause additional wear and tear on your device, because while your goal is trying to keep the water out, waters' goal is to try to get in, and if successful, even with the flaps closed, that case is going to hold it there. Moisture will now be locked in against the case and phone, and can cause issues such as paint protection, fogging and possibly water damage.
My advice:
You're best just grabbing some medical tape from a medical supply store, and using that to keep the flaps closed. Medical tape is waterproof, similar to a band aid, but has only a slight adhesive to it, so it comes off easily without damage to your screen protector or phone itself. It's perforated so it's super easy to tear by hand too.
http://www.amazon.ca/Complete-Medic...8&qid=1423238156&sr=8-5&keywords=medical+tape
NOTE: Do NOT buy cotton tape, or lower quality "medical tape", as most are designed for plaster casting and have a very strong adhesive to them. They WILL damage your phone and possibly tear off your protector, damaging it. Look in low quality first aid kits at whatever "big box store" you want (WalMart, etc.). The cotton tape is white, and requires the use of scissors or a knife to cut. That is the **** stuff. If you can't easily tear it off in a straight edge by hand, it's not the correct stuff.
Considering the new xperia x has one and that the back cover on the z3 is easily replaced, wouldn't it be a great idea to give your old phone an updated look by just putting a custom back on it!
Can be done. The camera plastic cover is glued to the back cover from the inside?
isn't it like a Faraday cage? does it kill the wifi + mobile signals?
bookworth said:
isn't it like a Faraday cage? does it kill the wifi + mobile signals?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't kill them (maybe it will be tricky with NFC). The thing is that the frame around the phone is plastic, so that should be enough for the WiFi.
Guids said:
Considering the new xperia x has one and that the back cover on the z3 is easily replaced, wouldn't it be a great idea to give your old phone an updated look by just putting a custom back on it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THat's a good idea. I thought about it and was wondering about the Faraday effect. But then again I would settle with anything that is not glass to be honest.
I'm sure that anybody with a CNC could make a custom backplate in POM or any other resistant plastic...
Now to find somebody on the forum with a CNC and spare time!
I made my own in acryllic plastic.
1. Cut out in 1mm acryllic sheet using the old back as a template and then cut with Exactoknife(Needs to cut/draw a line several times with exactoknife, acryllic is tough to cut, also needs to be sanded down to same size as old cover. Sanded evenly and not to fast to prevent friction heat that messes up the acryllic)
2. Take out camera lens from the old frame (Adhesive tape, easy to remove with exacto)
3. Drill a hole for camera lens using old back as template.
4. Sanded both sides from 80 to 120(Wood) then 400>600>800>1200 Silicone carbide paper(Wet)
5. Heated it up evenly with a flame on both sides to give it a darker smoked color then stuck it between two flat objects to prevent it bubbling or deforming until it cooled down.
(Heated back and forth so it didnt get too hot and had time to cool)
6. Once cool, washed with water.
7. A few smooth strokes against 1200 Silicone Carbide (Wet) to even out any irragularities
8. Dried, then a few smooth strokes with 1200 Silicone Carbide dry, sideways to have an even pattern and smooth surface.
9. Took the camera lens, glued into hole. Let dry then 1200dry sanded around camera hole to remove glue residue. (Dont sand the camera lens or you have to polish it. Major PITA..)
10. Took the top part of the black sticker from the inside of the old glass cover, cut out the top camera part as a square and stuck it around camera and flash to prevent flash bleeds.
11. Reapply new adhesive tape to the cover and reapply it and voila, waterproof again
This is my 3rd, made it last night, rushed job as I was tired wanting to sleep, so did not care about looks.
Also couldn't find one of my previous glass covers so I had to reuse the camera lens and sticker from the old plastic cover.
Resulting in the camera lens outer ring breaking off and the sticker being semi sticky and filled with bubbles. But it functions, which was the main idea.
Didnt bother about sanding it decently so there's still scratches, but it gives you an picture what it looks like.
If done properly and more patiently you can get a smoother texture, no air bubbles and a non broken lens, but once superglued that lens is stuck rocksolid.
Hey guys, is there a drawing of the back cover available?
I would like to try a 3D-print, after the second back cover is broken.
But I don't have a radius gauge and need the radius of the corners.
Thanks for your help.
@mike the pike
what a coincidence!
I have made a modell in FreeCad because I had the same idea like you. But I don't have a 3D printer, so my plan was to order it from a german company which offers to cut parts out of plastic plates.
I'am not a drawing or CAD profi, in fact this was my first experience with stuff like this, but I am pretty shure my modell is quite accurate. My only opportunity to test it, was to print a 1:1 sketch and compare it with the (broken) original backcover.
Feel free to use and modify my work, but please tell me if it works. :highfive:
Doing this, part one
I spent some time in the machine shop on campus yesterday, and, with the help of the assistants, made a metal back out of sheet aluminum.
The toughness is far superior to glass, and the strength is, too (the glass used on the Z3 Compact by default is somewhat pathetic).
From here, I was planning to first apply a brushed finish with an abrasive pad and WD-40 (thanks, YouTube) then either anodize (time to steal a HVPS from a hardware store?) black, or pay someone to apply a thermoset powder coat. Anodizing would probably yield better results, and be cheaper, but the scratch resistance on the aluminum is a bit low, so thermoset would help a bit. Oh, and the bottom left corner is a little bit off. Might get some silicone caulk and apply at the corner for waterproofing. Otherwise, it turned out extremely well. Filed down the corners myself to get the perfect fit.
One problem that I have is the flash. The normal back glass is a plane of glass stretching across the LED in the back. Will either 3D print it, or, more realistically, just stick a spare Z3 Compact camera lens cover on it and call it a day. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Also, I'm not allowed to post images, since I made this account for this . If you're interested in the result, PM me.
Eric
P.S.: NFC doesn't work but reception is perfect.
Barrel_Trollz said:
I spent some time in the machine shop on campus yesterday, and, with the help of the assistants, made a metal back out of sheet aluminum.
The toughness is far superior to glass, and the strength is, too (the glass used on the Z3 Compact by default is somewhat pathetic).
From here, I was planning to first apply a brushed finish with an abrasive pad and WD-40 (thanks, YouTube) then either anodize (time to steal a HVPS from a hardware store?) black, or pay someone to apply a thermoset powder coat. Anodizing would probably yield better results, and be cheaper, but the scratch resistance on the aluminum is a bit low, so thermoset would help a bit. Oh, and the bottom left corner is a little bit off. Might get some silicone caulk and apply at the corner for waterproofing. Otherwise, it turned out extremely well. Filed down the corners myself to get the perfect fit.
One problem that I have is the flash. The normal back glass is a plane of glass stretching across the LED in the back. Will either 3D print it, or, more realistically, just stick a spare Z3 Compact camera lens cover on it and call it a day. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Also, I'm not allowed to post images, since I made this account for this . If you're interested in the result, PM me.
Eric
P.S.: NFC doesn't work but reception is perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that the glass they use for the camera lens is of a convex design such to scatter the light intensity for maximum coverage of the subject. It won't be so easy as just using any untreated material unless you want a dull-flash. Assuming you've already made your cuts to good tolerances, then why not just source your adhesives from the OEM itself? Save yourself some work. The proper way to apply those adhesives(as such to retain the water-resistant nature) is to use a hot plate up to 100 C and place it on the plate for a few seconds before pulling it off.
I'm mainly worried about the cut at the bottom left. It's not at all made to a good tolerance. I did buy the adhesive sticker, and I plan to use it, but some silicone wouldn't hurt on that one place.
Also, there is a bit of distortion when I look through it, so you're right. Not much I can do about it, though, but pray to the gods of diffraction.
allerd said:
@mike the pike
what a coincidence!
I have made a modell in FreeCad because I had the same idea like you. But I don't have a 3D printer, so my plan was to order it from a german company which offers to cut parts out of plastic plates.
I'am not a drawing or CAD profi, in fact this was my first experience with stuff like this, but I am pretty shure my modell is quite accurate. My only opportunity to test it, was to print a 1:1 sketch and compare it with the (broken) original backcover.
Feel free to use and modify my work, but please tell me if it works. :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't visit this site quiet a wile.
I lent me a radius-gauge and I think I found some good values.
Unfortunately I don't have them in mind, because I gave them to a colleague, how will 3D-print the cover for me.
As I only made hand-drawing, he will transcript it into any 3D-data-file, which I will provide you here, as soon as I received the results.
So stay tuned.
The cover for the camera is still usable and I plan to insert it into the new back-cover, but I'm quite at a loss about the flashlight.
p.s. Yesterday I mounted my 4th back-cover
Accurate 3D model and curves for creating z3c back cover:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1998130
Mission complete
Hi all!
I finished my metal back cover. Still a new user, so can't post images, but I just wanted to let you guys know that I completed it and the phone is 100% functional (aside from NFC, RIP).
In the end, I anodized the aluminum and used a thin plastic sheet sealed with superglue around the flash (flash works fine BTW), and gave it a little brushed finish afterwards that cut into the anodized piece ever so slightly.
I'm very happy with it, the finish on this phone is unlike any I've ever felt. Smooth, yet solid, soft, yet sturdy. The phone is cool to the touch when in standby. The camera was a bit wonky at first, but as I pressed down into the metal back it stabilized, and now seems very resilient. The anodization itself didn't go all that smoothly (took four tries), with the metal part itself ending up with an uneven finish. It being black and brushed helps, as the texture undulates, making up for the inconsistencies.
I made a post to /r/Android with images and more details. Same username as on here. Go check it out if you're interested.
Eric
Mission also complete
I finished now my 3D-printed backcover and it is quite satisfying.
I made it by using the file railpl posted.
Unfortunately it is about half a mm to short so there is a small gap on the short side, but for me it is okay.
I used the lenscover from my old glassback and drilled a tiny hole for the flashlite.
So I think it is not waterproof anymore.
For anyone contemplating these repairs, they turned out to be much simpler than I expected.
Camera lens
The lens can actually be replaced without removing the rear cover of the phone. Simply use a knife to carefully gouge out the broken glass, clean off the old glue, then stick the new ones into place.
Rear cover
I bought an original Xiaomi cover on Ali Express for $60. They seem to be getting more and more scarce, so if you're thinking about doing it, do it sooner rather than later.
To remove, I heated the edges a little with a hairdryer, then wiggled a work knife into the gap and worked my way around, sliding the knife and lifting. Once you get it going it's not difficult, but you need a little patience. Once you get enough done, lift the cover to get the rest of it off.
Be careful with lifting because the fingerprint sensor is attached. To remove it at the phone end, the connector is very small but easy to get off, it's a press-in connector, so just carefully insert the very corner of your knife under the edge and lift. It comes off easily, so if you're having to work at it you're doing it wrong.
To remove the sensor from the old cover, warm it with the hair dyrer, then use a very thin knife or blade and work carefully around the edge. It won't come out until you've worked all the way round, lifting more than cutting. Once out, the glue is recessed slightly, so the sensor stands out and fits into the hole in the cover, which means positioning isn't a problem. You can probably buy the glue piece, but I didn't have it so I just put it back in the new cover using the old glue, I warmed it a bit and then weighted it back in place for a while. It seemed to be pretty firmly in place, and I don't think it's going anywhere anyway once the cover is back on, since it's up against the rest of the phone.
Check around the edges of the phone for remnants of the old glue. It comes out easily, just push a bit with the knife to get the end up, then lift and pull and it'll come out in a single strand.
The replacement cover comes pre-glued, although it's not really glue, more of a sticky seal. Starting at the camera end, position the cover and push it into place. There's a pop when it goes in, and I think even without the glue it would be fine. I then warmed the edges and weighted it down for a while.
Hello comrade, thank you for sharing your experience.
Now, it wouldn't be a bad idea to share with us the links (if XDA allows this kind of links) for the purchase of your spare parts.
Internet is very rough, and in my case, I buy almost everything in Aliexpress, it is very difficult to find good sellers with good prices.
This way, your contribution will be much more complete.
Thanks a lot, and greetings.
Hi
I will attempt a similar replacement but I just have some questions. How did you swap the nfc and wireless charging coil and do you think it is possible to do a "clear" version of the back cover (removing the interior paint)
thank you