GPS problems - fixed! - Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

There has been a couple of very long threads about fixing/improving the GPS on the DHD
Various methods - (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757741)
and (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318892), aluminum foil, soldering steel wire or copper wire to the phone.
I have had my phone for over two years, used just about every ROM on here, and for the past few months am using this brilliant one
[ROM][UNOFFICIAL] CyanogenMod 10.1 Nightlies / Releases [SR1] on nightly 17.07 which is perfect.
As it is now working so well, I wanted my phone to look like the day I bought it, so I purchased the FULL set of covers inc the main shell.
Everything seemed fine at first, but the GPS did not work at all. It had worked perfectly before from day one with every ROM!
Close inspection, (very close inspection, USB microscope) revealed that there was hardly any gold conductive paint on the GPS cover contacts (open circuit), and also the other two covers barely any. There is no metal under that gold paint!
If you see any black marks on the gold - THAT IS THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH - so nothing will work correctly.
I ordered another new set of genuine covers, which were perfect. GPS is better than before, network signal better (I think that is the sim card cover antenna. Not sure what antenna is on the battery cover?
I studied the above threads and the general conclusion is, (for those who haven't already screwed up their phones by soldering)
buy a NEW flash lens/GPS antenna cover! the DHD hardware is perfect. (actually IMO all covers should be replaced)

If you want better GPS you buy something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-H...K_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item20b8394021
and not the whole housing lol.
If you want your phone to look like new that's fine, but it's not related to GPS more than fo this single flash cover.

-SmOgER said:
If you want better GPS you buy something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-H...K_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item20b8394021
and not the whole housing lol.
If you want your phone to look like new that's fine, but it's not related to GPS more than fo this single flash cover.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, but is is definitely related to GPS http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1101066
Also thanks for your suggestion to purchase just the "Antenna-Camera-Flash-Cover" "for better GPS", (That part houses the GPS antenna!)
But as mentioned in my statement above, I wanted the whole thing to look like new.
Many DHD owners have various antenna problems, (WiFi, GPS, Network) believing it is a software problem rather than being related to the three plastic covers, which also incorporate the antennas. (it is probably the worst thing about these phones, as the contacts on them are nothing more than conductive paint)
I don't use eBay. I called one of the 1000's of phone part suppliers here, and the following day the parts arrived. Total cost including shipping £8.90 LOL!

I'm also looking to 're-new' my DHD.
I've bought a new battery, and SD card, and am using the JellyTime ROM, which I've found to be the smoothest so far, and I'm waiting on my replacement covers at the minute.
Its such an incredible phone, which I've had for 3 years now, and it'd be such a shame to discard it for a newer model, as I have no justifiable reason to do so.
Everything still works, and it does just as much as the newer models. So why change?
As you said, it costs merely £8.99 to make the phone look like new (I bought mine from eBay, and paid the same, inc postage). And it cost me around £20 for the SD card and battery, and you've virtually got a new handset.
Just turned down an upgrade on it, in favour of a sim-only contract, which is insanely cheaper than the one I was on before.
The DHD has such a stable build that it can actually save you a lot of money, so long as you don't care about keeping up-to-date with the trends.
As for the GPS issue, I've not had any problems up to now, using the stock model, despite many knocks and drops, but I am aware that the antennae are contained in the covers.
People list this as an issue with the DHD, however, I find that it makes it easier to fix when you encounter a problem. Again, the replacement part is reasonably cheap.
Glad to find another DHD lover, refusing to give up on their model!
Sent from my Desire HD/Inspire 4G, using the xda-developers app.

Alkerino said:
I'm also looking to 're-new' my DHD.
I've bought a new battery, and SD card, and am using the JellyTime ROM, which I've found to be the smoothest so far, and I'm waiting on my replacement covers at the minute.
Its such an incredible phone, which I've had for 3 years now, and it'd be such a shame to discard it for a newer model, as I have no justifiable reason to do so.
Everything still works, and it does just as much as the newer models. So why change?
As you said, it costs merely £8.99 to make the phone look like new (I bought mine from eBay, and paid the same, inc postage). And it cost me around £20 for the SD card and battery, and you've virtually got a new handset.
Just turned down an upgrade on it, in favour of a sim-only contract, which is insanely cheaper than the one I was on before.
The DHD has such a stable build that it can actually save you a lot of money, so long as you don't care about keeping up-to-date with the trends.
As for the GPS issue, I've not had any problems up to now, using the stock model, despite many knocks and drops, but I am aware that the antennae are contained in the covers.
People list this as an issue with the DHD, however, I find that it makes it easier to fix when you encounter a problem. Again, the replacement part is reasonably cheap.
Glad to find another DHD lover, refusing to give up on their model!
Sent from my Desire HD/Inspire 4G, using the xda-developers app.
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Click to collapse
I totally agree with you Alkerino! There is no point to upgrade it yet just to keep up with the latest trends. If it is working fine, has a stable fast ROM, it makes sense regarding saving a lot of money on renewing your contract. I will not be upgrading mine for a long time :good:

Related

New Defy Model?

I got a replacement from Amazon because my earlier defy had a random reboot problem. However now I have two phones with me and when I compare them, the newest replacement seems very plasticky. The black model of european seems to be like a bad paint job of white US model coated with a black paint. Also the volume rocker and power buttons make the plastic sound when pressed.
Is this the latest european model that is being released in the market. If yes, then most of you who bought these pieces have a sub-standard quality of this phone. I loved my old phone and the smooth finish with extra smooth buttons.
Any inputs from anyone?
I have a European version which exhibits none of the symptoms you describe.
Got mine at amazon(.fr) two weeks ago to replace my desire (it fell hard on the floor and the glass is now broken).
I see the exact same symptoms you describe: cheap power and volume buttons, and overall very plasticky look and feel. That was kind of a disappointment. Then i have been even more disappointed when i realized i wouldn't be able to flash custom roms - i miss my cyanogen.
Well, this is a kind of cheap android device and it sure feels cheap. Won't buy any another moto device nor would i recommend it, that's for sure. In the meantime i try to get the best out of it.
Your experiences sure are odd. If you had not both specified that you got your phones from Amazon, I would have thought you had used ebay and gotten some shoddy copies of a fine device.
That said, the phone does use a lot of plastic, but that is something that any review will tell you.
And who does not read at least one review before buying a device nowadays?
The same goes for what can be done, ROM-wise. I checked out XDA Developers before I clicked the final 'Purchase' button, so in that regard there were no surprises for me either.
Sure reviews tell you it uses plastic. But whatever you read, unless you experience it for yourself you don't really realize. Concerning the power and volume buttons, i didn't realize it wasn't normal until i read the op.
Beside, one only really reads what seems to matter at the time of the reading: this is a super-resistant device -- put it under water, throw it against the walls, hell, yeah, i'm all in. That's what got me on board, i didn't really thought about roms, and next time i will pay more attention.
So, yes, i'm a bit disapointed, but Android still is a great toy, even with *that* device.
naenee said:
Your experiences sure are odd. If you had not both specified that you got your phones from Amazon, I would have thought you had used ebay and gotten some shoddy copies of a fine device.
That said, the phone does use a lot of plastic, but that is something that any review will tell you.
And who does not read at least one review before buying a device nowadays?
The same goes for what can be done, ROM-wise. I checked out XDA Developers before I clicked the final 'Purchase' button, so in that regard there were no surprises for me either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you dint read my question quite right. What i opined was that my first defy which I just returned back to amazon was a gem. It has those buttons as soft as rubber and the body build itself was different. I used it for 4months and had to give it back to due some hardware problem. Now the one I got yesterday seems a completely different build. Now those are things that no review will be able to tell you right?. Something I thought I will share with other users. It might be that Motorola just started to produce this kind of cheap builds owing to surge in demand.
That said, no complaints on this one too. But i do miss that classic finish and soft soundless buttons.
gdodinet said:
Got mine at amazon(.fr) two weeks ago to replace my desire (it fell hard on the floor and the glass is now broken).
I see the exact same symptoms you describe: cheap power and volume buttons, and overall very plasticky look and feel. That was kind of a disappointment. Then i have been even more disappointed when i realized i wouldn't be able to flash custom roms - i miss my cyanogen.
Well, this is a kind of cheap android device and it sure feels cheap. Won't buy any another moto device nor would i recommend it, that's for sure. In the meantime i try to get the best out of it.
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Did you get a BT/BF or blue dot device from Amazon.fr?
I was planning on buying a Defy from Amazon but this is bad news...
Why is it so hard to get a decent Defy... First there was the earpiece problem, now this.
I got mine from clevertronic.de in mid November, think it wasn't even out on amazon.de by then.
I also thought that the power and volume button seemed rather cheap looking... and clacking (at the beginning I didn't know where that clacking sound came from, thought something was wrong with the drive or something).
But until now I thought that'd be normal so I didn't complain.
Really odd.
"I tought this was normal until I read this post"
I don't really understand these people complaining about previously-normal (to them) things. It's like when the fear spreads for a pandemic.
I have got a BT33 black european defy, and I repute the build quality excellent even for that price. Sure, it is plastic, but what did you expect from a €300 phone? Brushed aluminium?
Do you think that more expensive phones are all metal builds?
Just look at the Acer Liquid Metal: you can long see it from the pics it won't be nearly the same build quality of the Defy, that it will screak when held in hand. Despite the name, it only comes with a small strip of metal in the back. I also guess the front glass is not even glass, let alone gorilla glass. And that's for €50 more than a Defy.
Anyways mine has no creaking when squeezed in the hand, the back cover paint is soft-touch and well done, the front bezel is well built, glass is perfectly aligned, back cover not bulging, side covers intact, and the volume keys only make a slight click if I shake the phone.
You're all being too picky.
Mine is an all black European model. The buttons are plastic rather than rubber but they don't rattle about or click, and i've never thought of them as being cheap-feeling.
The paint finish on the screws did start to wear off pretty quickly though.
Also have the european black model, from november.
Plastic buttons that rattle slightly, and frontshell dont fit 100% with the backshell. Everything else looks quite expensive.
For around 300€ with the powerful hardware inside its a catch in my opinion.
Sent from my Defy
FWIW, T-MO USA just sent me a replacement Defy. Not the Euro model, of course. But the same high quality of my original and has the BT prefix.
Got mine from telstra aus. It's sweet. I've soaked it in beer and dropped it numerous times. Not a scratch!
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
scrannel said:
FWIW, T-MO USA just sent me a replacement Defy. Not the Euro model, of course. But the same high quality of my original and has the BT prefix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you referring to with 'Euro model'? Do you mean the version with the white rubber section, as opposed to it being black?
I wasn't aware either was area/continent-specific, as both can be purchased in Europe.
If you are somehow implying that European build quality is less than.. well, the build quality of where-ever you are, I doubt there is any difference.
To strengthen my argument i am going to post snaps of the two variants tonight. Hopefully my wife should not have mailed it off to amazon.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Please do, I find pictures help a lot when trying to explain something about the look of a product.
naenee said:
What are you referring to with 'Euro model'? Do you mean the version with the white rubber section, as opposed to it being black?
I wasn't aware either was area/continent-specific, as both can be purchased in Europe.
If you are somehow implying that European build quality is less than.. well, the build quality of where-ever you are, I doubt there is any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant the phone mentioned above with the all black case. Not saying the Europeans don't know how to make good phones since they're most all made in China anyway (I hear there are some made in South America). But the poster was suggesting he had gotten a low quality phone. T-MO in the US only ships the phone with the white case, I believe.
I alos have a European version which exhibits some of the symptoms you describe.
scrannel said:
I meant the phone mentioned above with the all black case. Not saying the Europeans don't know how to make good phones since they're most all made in China anyway (I hear there are some made in South America). But the poster was suggesting he had gotten a low quality phone. T-MO in the US only ships the phone with the white case, I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, they're made in Asia - I would have suggested that as a counter, but seeing your reply, that's not necessary.
Ah, I see. I think some materials had to be different due to this phone being sturdier. Plastic and rubber can be very durable.
SemperEgo said:
Did you get a BT/BF or blue dot device from Amazon.fr?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you're referring to with BT/BF and "blue dot device", so i guess that's a no: i didn't get such a phone from amazon.

HTC One X build quality is abysmal.

I have no idea how any of you guys have a flawless HTC One X. Seriously.
I have had 10 phones. TEN!
How HTC can send this pile of rubbish out is just beyond me. Sure, the screen is lovely. If it's not covered with yellow splodges, or a faulty digitizer. Or the case surrounding it doesn't creak or flex.
I updated my latest and unfortunately not the greatest 10th phone to sense 4.1. And it's great they have got rid of the three dots.
But whatever they doing at their factories, they are not doing much quality checking. Or perhaps they are sticking the screens down with chewing gum.
If anyone asks me "should I buy a HTC One X". Guess what my answer is going to be?
Sure, if you want to spend the next 2.5 months sending your phone back for replacements, spending over £160 in doing so in line rental, telephone calls to your supplier and postage to send it back. Go for it. It's really fun.
So how did you do it guys? Seriously? Or am I thinking that some of you have actually got slight flaws, but are living with them.
I honestly feel like I could get a crate of HTC One X's and there would be 5 or 6 in it that were without any kind of flaws.
I don't need to put on a flame proof suit. I'm sure I'll get jumped on for this post. However, I genuinely do not believe for one moment that there is such thing as a flawless HTC One X.
People can't seem to understand why Samsung is charging ahead with such success with badly designed phones compared to HTC.
Well, now you know why. Because as much as the design of the Samsung is pants, I imagine their build quality is light years ahead of HTC's.
So it depends if you want your phone to look good, or to actually be without build quality issues.
I know which I would rather have. And let me tell you, it's lesson hard learned.
What a pile of crap.
The reason why you're getting so many bad ones is probably because, unless you are going to a store and personally picking your phone out of the new ones, it's probably a refurb. HTC likely doesn't do much QA for refurbs, so you're sorting through phones that have been returned for the same reasons why you returned your phone. In all likelihood, the defective Samsung phones never even leave the factory.
It sucks, but what can you do?
Sorry to say the obvious, but you've had some really really awful luck with your devices if you've managed to go through 10, and all of them with faults that are worthy of a replacement.
If my device has any issues, it's that there is a slight gap around the screen bezel, enough for 1 tiny spec of dust to get stuck in, and tbh, that's the sort of issue I expect from any phone I purchase, I know Samsung don't do any better with gaps between joins in their design, Apple definitely don't. Guess I have a godly HOX or something?
My HOX has one slight issue as far as im aware, and yes im LIVING with it. Its the fault where if I hold it with my Left hand (WHICH I USUALLY DO) I completely or mostly lose WiFi, I can't be bothered doing the squeeze test etc, as this makes it worse. And I know I have the issue, but 10 phones worthy of replacement? Sounds like your more unlucky than the devils *****.
But canI ask a question?
WHAT IS THESE 3 DOTS EVERYONE IS ON ABOUT?!
I know those issues with a big german service contractor of O2. Not HTCs fault directly but very annoying.
They replace broken phones with refurbished ones and save the QC.
First One X had a faulty digitizer after 3 month -> Swap
Returned one had a gap at the bottom where the light shone through, the black plastic around the screen stood up a bit, a rattling vibrator and a bright 2 cm strech where the bottom backlight is situated. -> Swap
Third one now seems technically ok. I can push the glass out if I like to, because it does not really sit tight which is ok as I am a tinkerer anyway and the SIM card holder looks like somebody chewed on it.
They don't want to swap the card holder alone and want the whole phone returned.
I think I will keep it as I guess it can only get worse with a new one. Chewed holder is nothing compared to most complaints here
@Wilks3y
The 3 dots are a big bar for the menu at the bottom on the screen that show up with some applications that are not yet optimized for Android 4. It's annoying and takes space, but nothing else.
HTC said they solved all the quirks in PRODUCTION. You're getting replacements from your carrier, and you're getting the phones which have been manufactured long time ago (before june or july), because they always hand over the older devices first. They know that some people aren't so aware of the problems and device will eventually find an owner which does not care or know about problem. What you got caught into is the cruel business model.
And that's the reason everyone should insist on picking your phone in the store. I always tell them to show me 5 devices out of the stock and I will inspect them personally (that's a costumer right) for any faults. HOX is not the first device with QC problems, and two owners and friends of mine have zero problems. and if you think samsung is any better, my friend got one in June and chrome plastic around screen started peeling already with his phone always in protective case! plus he cannot get it replaced on warranty because "he himself damaged the device by dropping it".
scam is everywhere mate.
Why have you created a new thread for the same rant?
I understand your frustration though. I went through a very similar thing and only yesterday is it sorted. Unless the wifi issue comes back. I bought the phone on release.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
when you say build quality is abysmal it means all the one Xs they make are from the same kind of quality, for example very cheap plastic being etc or they all have a broken screen
this is not true, in fact a flawless One X is very fancy in terms of build and sturdiness
the issue you talk about is not build quality, its quality control, meaning some defected phones are being let out of factory
when you keep getting defected phones (like my luck when i first went to buy it) it means you should change your source
I have bought one x about 2-4 weeks after being released and had no problems with it so far. Probably some series of phone have been faulty or had low quality control .
I'm with the OP.
I don't think it's easy to quantify what the problems are with this phone - or is it indeed the manufacturer?
Here's my story.
First phone - yellow patch problem - wasn't sure about the wifi issue - but the yellow spots sucked.
Within the 28 day period, so got a straight swap with retailer - in my case Tesco mobile partner (2020mobile I think they're called).
In this time I really baby'd the phone - no drops, no hard knocks, no nothing. No screen protector admittedly - but - within this initial 3 week period, the Gorilla glass 2 (ROFL) still picked up fine scratches.
Replacement phone arrived - this one - less yellowing patches - but still enough for me to notice and not want on a phone which is meant to do me for 2 years. Also at this point I noticed the phone had the infamous wifi problem.
Again, really fine scratching appearing on screen.
So - sent back - outside 28 days, so had to be through HTC repair.
After 1st repair - looks like they'd replaced the screen, but not fixed the wifi - plus they'd managed to scratch the camera lense and body when it was in, so, back it went for repair.
It came back with new housing (ie no camera lense scratch or body scratches), but now I'm finding the wifi issue has clearly not been resolved.
This is just completely nuts.
And the fine scratches on my new screen are now starting to show, after about 3 or 4 weeks use - again with me babying it.
Seriously - this phone if it it didn't have these flaws would be great.
But in reality it seriously sucks.
End of my tether.
I also agree with OP
.. to many different and possible defects:
- GPS
- Sensors
- dead pixel
- dust under Display
- yellow spots
- WIFI issues
- Heating issue (differs from model)
- case and display - Quality (not instantly visible after unpacking)
- Bluetooth
... many more
i changed my phone also 9 times, important part:
- different shops
- different serial 23 to 27
and the best of allnce i sent my phone for repair and received a much worse model with two defects on the case
it defect rate is much better in SH /HT 27 but still a lack of quality...
Well, i think some of the defects are not visible to everyone because they don´t use/need the features !!
SGS3 was no option for me - i stick to the HOX - just want a model without lets call it "build" defects or lack of quality control.. the result is always the same for the customer. I messed around with all the problems and still love the phone ... i think for many "ex" HTC customers it was the last HTC phone for a long time ...
So HTC missed the spot - they invested a lot of money in "interesting" projects or companies instead of dealing with the core business - i am sure the managers who are responsible for this all are still earning a lot of money ... and a few thousand workers have been fired
Well done HTC
I changed my hox 4 times,every time different problem so then I changed to another phone make ,feels bad leaving HTC but when your QUADCORE phone becomes a source of a pain like in my case there is no point hangin about,can't wait to see what HTC will come up with comes Christmas or April 2013 really excited
subharmonic said:
And the fine scratches on my new screen are now starting to show, after about 3 or 4 weeks use - again with me babying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly you have grit or something in your pocket then.
Remember - scratches are caused by a harder object, rubbing against the screen. This isn't a manufacturing fault. The screen is not anymore susceptible to scratches than any previous gorilla glass, nor any other standard glass screens.
Either get a screen protector, or find the source of your scratches, ie grit in your pocket and get rid of it. If you have a pouch, could be there is grit in that embedded in the inside fabric layer
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
So if I go to a store and they give me 10 defective devices what would I do? Not go through that store.
Or maybe creating multiple threads will solve what common sense couldn't.
Why not merge your two whining threads together since you haven't said anything new.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
I don't know what the deal is, but it ain't the overall build quality.
I had ONE HOX and it's perfect build quality. Actually, best build quality I've ever had, and certainly WAAAAAY Better than my mom's SGSIII or my previous SGSII and SGS.
This is a fact that has been established. But still refreshing to see it pop up again . But I agree with the OP. When I said goodbye to the HTC sensation XL, the One X was on my priority list, for all the obvious reasons. But then I asked myself: do I really want to go through it again, given that everyone is going through with the One X. The answer is no. Half my "thanks" came from defending HTC in the early launch, but now when I see the complaining posts, I cant be bothered to defend anyone anymore.
Now I feel extremely lucky, having a phone with none of these defects. SH23.
One X to rule them all.
DarkDvr said:
I don't know what the deal is, but it ain't the overall build quality.
I had ONE HOX and it's perfect build quality. Actually, best build quality I've ever had, and certainly WAAAAAY Better than my mom's SGSIII or my previous SGSII and SGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think the OP meant 'quality control' or 'reliability'. Not 'build quality' - I'd say if anything, the quality feel of hTCs higher end devices in the hand is second only to Apple. It's my big issue with Samsungs, really - they charge £450 for a device that is made of exactly the same materials, and has had exactly the same amount of thought into the design as a £90 ZTE Blade. Incidentally, my HOX is 'perfect', at least for now - they do exist.
However, for the bootloader unlocking/warranty invalidation nonsense hTC have been preaching, even if I hadn't heard so many bad things about the One X, I'm never going to buy another device from them or advise others to. Kind of a shame when devices like the Desire and Desire Z were so damn good.
I bought my hoz, from singapure, using eBay. Its perfect, but I will choose all my entery life a broken hoz than a good sg3. A lot of my friend from my country got 20 time their sg3 back, and still changed it, broken glass inside the Box, no light bottons, others dont turn on and so on. As they dont speak english, and as they use sg3 app phone, no modding at all. I will start writing for then in sg3 Forum talking about Samsung sg3 broken glasses and defect software quality.
So that will be a lovely Forum. It will be a good action, cause a love my friends and to help them. I think every hoz uswrs with friends with sg3 problems should do the same.
Enviado desde mi HTC One X usando XDA Premium HD app
I have a March-build HT23 and it was perfect when I got it and its still perfect now. Go figure.

Rate your Refurb

This thread is intended to discuss your experience with your refurbished Galaxy Note 2 from AT&T so others can decide if a refurbished device is the right choice for them. If you want to rate the quality of your device on a scale of 1-10 I will keep the OP updated with the average rating. I for one was somewhat skeptical about ordering a refurbished device but I took the plunge after reading another members good experience and so far I have had no regrets. Please follow XDA rules and have fun.
That being said I would rate the quality of my device as a 10 . I ordered the white model and I have not been able to find any flaws ( and I am anal about little things ) I had a very bad experience with AT&T when I had the HTC one X , They sent me 3 refurb's in one week and all of them had issues. I am very happy so far with my Refurbished Galaxy Note 2 and I have the insurance just in case something goes wrong after the 90 days.
I did run into the loose charging port that I read about in these forums and discovered it to be the actual cable , not the phone. my solution was to file down the upper part of the housing and now the charging usb actually clicks into place. Also this aftermarket usb cable from radio shack fits perfect. see attached image.
Average user rating 8.7
Just to toss this out not Note related however I bought my daughter a referb s3 and it has been flawless as well. Att seems to ensure your getting a quality referb device. When I was with tmobile the same could not be said..
sent from my Galaxy Note 2
9.5.. Clean, no scratches, Functions well. the only -.5 is because the batter installed was completely dead, and it didnt come with a headset/headphones.
j0hnny_5 said:
9.5.. Clean, no scratches, Functions well. the only -.5 is because the batter installed was completely dead, and it didnt come with a headset/headphones.
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Click to collapse
I bought 2 brand new from Best Buy, and they didn't come with a headset, I don't think that something manufacturers do anymore. It's a shame though, considering the price of the phone
Captivate-me said:
I bought 2 brand new from Best Buy, and they didn't come with a headset, I don't think that something manufacturers do anymore. It's a shame though, considering the price of the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a refurbished Samsung replaced under warranty since my camera focus quit working**....it was basically flawless and in perfect condition. :good:
**Wasn't till later that I realized that my phone mounted on a motorcycle handlebar for a 2,900 miles trip might have contributed to the problem (i.e. vibration)?? Wasn't sure but makes sense. Anyway it quit working so I got a refurbished one which I still use on my motorcycle.
Haven't had a refurb note2 but my original note was replaced under warranty with a refurb and the first replacement had scratches on the camera lens, called at&t and told them that was unacceptable as I'm anal about my phone, most people probably wouldn't have even cared, they said no problem and sent me a new one.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Captivate-me said:
I bought 2 brand new from Best Buy, and they didn't come with a headset, I don't think that something manufacturers do anymore. It's a shame though, considering the price of the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My new one from BestBuy also didn't have headphones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
10. No physical flaws, runs smooth as butter, etc.
9.5
my back plate is super easy to take off... is that normal? with my skyrocket i had to pry it and pull with a little force. This GN2 just peels right off.
droidbabyxda said:
9.5
my back plate is super easy to take off... is that normal? with my skyrocket i had to pry it and pull with a little force. This GN2 just peels right off.
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Click to collapse
Same here. Replaced the wife's 3gs with one.
Back is not hard to remove but doesn't seem it will fall of at all.
Some other things that I'd Ike to know if normal or not:
- very low call volume (still have to play with this more)
- beeps continuously while charging with my nexus one 1A (or less, don't remember) charger.
- &#%$&#%&$&#% lots and lots of AT&T crap ware. It kept trying to make me type my Gmail passwd on a att.com page during setup... riiight. Now every time I press contacts tab on phone app it shows a dialog about downloading contacts from att for a few seconds.
...will I be fine if I flash cyanogen or something else on it?
gcbxda said:
Same here. Replaced the wife's 3gs with one.
Back is not hard to remove but doesn't seem it will fall of at all.
Some other things that I'd Ike to know if normal or not:
- very low call volume (still have to play with this more)
- beeps continuously while charging with my nexus one 1A (or less, don't remember) charger.
- &#%$&#%&$&#% lots and lots of AT&T crap ware. It kept trying to make me type my Gmail passwd on a att.com page during setup... riiight. Now every time I press contacts tab on phone app it shows a dialog about downloading contacts from att for a few seconds.
...will I be fine if I flash cyanogen or something else on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recall any of that happening to me, however you should be able to install some aftermarket firmware after rooting and installing a recovery using Odin or Heimdall (depending on your OS)
However if you still have the low call volume and whatnot, I'd say completely revert back to stock and return it. AT&T will give you a brand new one at no extra cost if they deem it unworthy xD
j0hnny_5 said:
9.5.. Clean, no scratches, Functions well. the only -.5 is because the batter installed was completely dead, and it didnt come with a headset/headphones.
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Click to collapse
Same for me(received my unit yesterday, (upgrading from a root and modded Skyrocket) excellent looking unit, battery was dead, no headphones... battery charged very quickly, much quicker than I expected... visually the phone itself is perfect, LOVE it.
What an incredible deal even with the specs of the IV that have been revealed over the last few days I feel VERY happy with this purchase, can't touch this battery life and screen size!
I've not received a Note 2 refurb, but for other's that I have; e.g. Skyrocket, S3, etc I only received the phone housing, never any other accessories such as battery, back plate, etc as I've always been told to keep those from the original.
Is the Note 2 different in that AT&T now provides those additional with a refurb replacement? Seems a bit odd they'd go through this trouble considering that would more than likely not have anything to do with the phone HW which is being addressed under warranty.
EDIT: Ah.... ok I mis-read this as I was under the impression this was in regards to warranty replacement... disregard.
RiPpeR_dUdE said:
I've not received a Note 2 refurb, but for other's that I have; e.g. Skyrocket, S3, etc I only received the phone housing, never any other accessories such as battery, back plate, etc as I've always been told to keep those from the original.
Is the Note 2 different in that AT&T now provides those additional with a refurb replacement? Seems a bit odd they'd go through this trouble considering that would more than likely not have anything to do with the phone HW which is being addressed under warranty.
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Click to collapse
Most of the posts here are from people who purchased the the refurb note 2 from the at&t .99 cent sale.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
I just wanted to say that if anyone wants a case with a kickstand, this is the case I got today from Best Buy, as they were out of cases at the AT&T store. I do quite like it (even though I probably won't be using it for its kickstand), but it is pretty thin and seems pretty durable for its thinness. It basically seperates into two by pushing on a specific area on the back and that way only (I tried prying it open via the sides for testing purposes and it wasn't budging). The kick stand is also magnetic and it works just fine on let's say, a table or other hard surface...
So yeah. Just thought I'd put it out there for anyone who needs a thin case and no I wasn't paid to post this xD
EDIT: I also have a question. I'm currently on the DataPro 4G 3Gig plan, but need to upgrade to the corresponding LTE plan. Will AT&T upgrade me to the 3Gig LTE plan (that's the same price) automatically or will they bump me down to a 300megabyte plan? Because I'm too lazy to call them oops.
estabien said:
I just wanted to say that if anyone wants a case with a kickstand, this is the case I got today from Best Buy, as they were out of cases at the AT&T store. I do quite like it (even though I probably won't be using it for its kickstand), but it is pretty thin and seems pretty durable for its thinness. It basically seperates into two by pushing on a specific area on the back and that way only (I tried prying it open via the sides for testing purposes and it wasn't budging). The kick stand is also magnetic and it works just fine on let's say, a table or other hard surface...
So yeah. Just thought I'd put it out there for anyone who needs a thin case and no I wasn't paid to post this xD
EDIT: I also have a question. I'm currently on the DataPro 4G 3Gig plan, but need to upgrade to the corresponding LTE plan. Will AT&T upgrade me to the 3Gig LTE plan (that's the same price) automatically or will they bump me down to a 300megabyte plan? Because I'm too lazy to call them oops.
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Click to collapse
They should keep you on the same price. Open a web chat if you dont want to call lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Intub8 said:
They should keep you on the same price. Open a web chat if you dont want to call lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just call.. they have specific data plan names for 4g phones
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
estabien said:
I just wanted to say that if anyone wants a case with a kickstand, this is the case I got today from Best Buy, as they were out of cases at the AT&T store. I do quite like it (even though I probably won't be using it for its kickstand), but it is pretty thin and seems pretty durable for its thinness. It basically seperates into two by pushing on a specific area on the back and that way only (I tried prying it open via the sides for testing purposes and it wasn't budging). The kick stand is also magnetic and it works just fine on let's say, a table or other hard surface...
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Click to collapse
That case is $20 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-CSR3SS...&qid=1363336856&sr=8-3&keywords=seidio+note+2
I don't know why the ones in BB are called "PT" though. All I've ever owned is Seidio cases, my last one held up great for two years and I am in the construction industry. Here is the one I got, it is 2 cases in one:
http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-BD4-HK...3336987&sr=1-1&keywords=seidio+note+2+convert
Received my Note II (both of them) also .. visually a 10, functionality a 10 .. both phones are flawless. Was surprised however that both phone came with 4.1.1 on them .. being refurbished, I would had expected AT&T upgraded them to current before shipping .. but then again, that helped me .. LOL .. both phones UNLOCKED before upgrading
The two we got are in really good shape, except I can't get them to use the home wireless -- which is supplied by AT&T ironically enough. They both keep saying "authentication error". We have tested them outside the home and Wifi works fine there, so they just won't work at home.
Regardless, the recipients are no longer jealous of my Note 2, which I bought on (AT&T) launch day.
LordGeek said:
Received my Note II (both of them) also .. visually a 10, functionality a 10 .. both phones are flawless. Was surprised however that both phone came with 4.1.1 on them .. being refurbished, I would had expected AT&T upgraded them to current before shipping .. but then again, that helped me .. LOL .. both phones UNLOCKED before upgrading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

HTC m8 pitfalls?

I'm a long time HTC sensation user and have modded it all the way up to lollipop. Sadly, the wife just dropped it and cracked her entire screen - just today. It was a fun, slo-mo event. Happily, that means it's time to upgrade. sssshhh I know I can buy a new screen...but it's time for an upgrade after 4+ years.
I'm pretty sure I'm going for the m8 rather than the s5, but I'm curious about any, shall we say, un-"reviewed" pit falls?
Things like:
I know the battery is non removable but the S5 has a removable one. We had the sensation so long we burned through a few ankers and it really helped the life span. Comments on the real world battery? One of the strength, to me, was the removable battery. I have an old itouch, with a, let called it, hard to deal with battery. It was nice to not be forced to upgrade when the battery became is hosed.
The modding power. I quite enjoy rooting/s-offing/breaking my phone - but ideally not bricking. I know htc has been a tad cranky in the past with this, it seems okay looking at the development community and I'm not reading up on too many issues but what are experiences between rooting/roming this vs the S5?
Any, I love this phone but, damn, this one thing really suck but there's a easy work around type things? Or it's be the best phone except the battery is ****? Things the main reviewers won't really say?
Hoping to join you guy here from the sensation forums in a few days(and of course root my phone asap)
It just doesn't feel right in my hands. Can't explain it but maybe it's just me and my dislike for curved phones. I still don't like how uncomfortable it feels to hold.
Elisha said:
It just doesn't feel right in my hands. Can't explain it but maybe it's just me and my dislike for curved phones. I still don't like how uncomfortable it feels to hold.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enough that the phone isn't worth it? Have you moved on? Wished that you had an S5, nexus 5, etc? Any other major regrets besides the feel?
I have tried every other competitor till now. G3 - sluggish and heats up fast. S5 - build quality, knox and no gpe posibility. Z3 - Too pricey, low on updates and development, otherwise a spectacular phone. OnePlus - No stable ROM to date, even CM11SR44 is buggy.
The battery on the One M8 has been great for me. I always get 4-5h SOT through 1-2days. Keep in mind that I come from Z Ultra and Mi3 that both had 3000+ mah batteries.
My advice is to buy this phone, you will not regret it.
This might actually be the first phone I manage to keep for two years (thus avoiding the inevitable arguement with the wife) hahaha
Here are my problems
1. Camera covers scratch really easily. My main back camera was scratched quite badly, even with a spigen slim armor on all the time. I sent it in for repair and they replaced both the front facing and the back main covers. The back currently is being protected by a 'screen protector'. The coating on the new front cover scratched/came slightly off in about a month and I rubbed the rest away. It remains scratch-free, but (number 2)
2. Dust can get under the speaker grilles and get stuck under front facing camera. Not sure if it is due to the replacement of the covers or what. Just last month, I went to Australia for a military exercise and it was very sandy. I believe it was the sand that went in. With that said, my platoon mate using the same phone did not get even a single speck of dust stuck under his.
I messaged the service centre and they said they would clean it for free under warranty, even with my bootloader unlocked, but the technician would do a diagnostic on my phone. The CSO asked for my IMEI number to check if I was under warranty, which I refused to give. Funny part is, shouldn't all M8s be under warranty since it was released only this year?
With regards to the battery, it is definitely awesome, although mine seem to have been weakened with me abusing it.
Personally I really like it-it's my favorite phone since the HD2. I agree it can be awkward to hold and the camera can be scratched, but for me these problems were easily solved by getting a decent case for it(i.e. not one of the barely covers it slim or dot view style cases, one of the bigger ones that actually protects it. I also put a screen protector on it just to be safe. I've dropped it twice from pocket level and it's fine).
The only thing I've noticed that I think could possibly be better is the battery life. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad per se, but I do feel it could be a little better. Of course, there are power saver apps and whatnot you can do to help with that.
And that's it.
What I like is how customizable it is. The only thing we can't currently do is put W8 on it, but given how wide open this phone is, that may just be a matter of time and interest. Meantime you can pretty much do anything else you want to it, which I love. There's a lot to be said for having the choice to use it however you want to. Can't recommend it enough.
Battery life is pretty good on the m8 especially on gpe a gpe m8 I would rate higher than a nexus device go for the m8 you won't be disappointed
One issue and that's the volume keys, everything else seems perfect to me (fantastic build quality, decent camera, decent battery, easily converted to gpe which is really nice).
Edit: Oh yeah second issue is that the htc keyboard sucks, thankfully that's a non issue because you can easily get better keyboards on the store.
I got the M8! Thanks for you thoughts. Already boot unlocked and Rooted, sadly I'll need sunshine not firewater to s-off when I go there but it's a great phone. Having had a Sensation for the lat 4 years...we've forgotten how fast phones can be! Cheers!
Sartan4455 said:
Enough that the phone isn't worth it? Have you moved on? Wished that you had an S5, nexus 5, etc? Any other major regrets besides the feel?
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Click to collapse
Enough that I'm constantly trying to get something else!
Had the Nexus 5 for almost 11 months and absolutely loved the feel of the phone in hand!
I've been trying to get a hold of a Z3 but all the Canadian ones are only 16gb so it's kind of disappointing. I'll wait for a next generation SD810 phone before I switch again. GPE Lollipop has reduced my enthusiasm to find something else!

Spare parts

With my note 8 still running about fine, no direct successor in sight and the software (pa) still acceptable I was thinking of giving my Note a little check up. After 3 years of daily usage and carrying it around in my bag, there only seem to be two issues with it. 1. The battery lost a bit of its stamina 2. There are several cracks in the back cover (3. Also a few cracks in the silver bezel but I assume that's harder to replace) .
So my question is if anybody has replaced these parts and can guide me to a good shop or a specific brand. Since I need to replace the back cover anyway, I thought maybe there is even an Extended Battery*option
Combo for the note around somewhere (sth like this).
I found a few batteries on the Web but had bad experiences with no name batteries and couldn't find a shop that sells the back cover...
clickboombang said:
With my note 8 still running about fine, no direct successor in sight and the software (pa) still acceptable I was thinking of giving my Note a little check up. After 3 years of daily usage and carrying it around in my bag, there only seem to be two issues with it. 1. The battery lost a bit of its stamina 2. There are several cracks in the back cover (3. Also a few cracks in the silver bezel but I assume that's harder to replace) .
So my question is if anybody has replaced these parts and can guide me to a good shop or a specific brand. Since I need to replace the back cover anyway, I thought maybe there is even an Extended Battery*option
Combo for the note around somewhere (sth like this).
I found a few batteries on the Web but had bad experiences with no name batteries and couldn't find a shop that sells the back cover...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my battery for my Note 8 when I first got it. I purchased the battery from Amazon. Here's the one I bought and I mostly play games on it. It's not bad battery wise overall, I still have the original one. Taking the back cover off isn't hard but this specific battery came with the tools to replace it which helped tremendously since the screws are super small
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011Q324KS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tgQNxbG00VEN2
Sent from my Nexus 6
I would replace the charge port as well. I just did a battery and charge port replacement on mine and if fixed an issue that made the tab unusable.
kenhicg said:
I would replace the charge port as well. I just did a battery and charge port replacement on mine and if fixed an issue that made the tab unusable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it myself. Mine doesn't seem to present any issues, I bought mine used from someone on Craigslist
Sent from my Nexus 6
Use it till it dies
clickboombang said:
With my note 8 still running about fine, no direct successor in sight and the software (pa) still acceptable I was thinking of giving my Note a little check up. After 3 years of daily usage and carrying it around in my bag, there only seem to be two issues with it. 1. The battery lost a bit of its stamina 2. There are several cracks in the back cover (3. Also a few cracks in the silver bezel but I assume that's harder to replace) .
So my question is if anybody has replaced these parts and can guide me to a good shop or a specific brand. Since I need to replace the back cover anyway, I thought maybe there is even an Extended Battery*option
Combo for the note around somewhere (sth like this).
I found a few batteries on the Web but had bad experiences with no name batteries and couldn't find a shop that sells the back cover...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still made no software updates.. some apps {fox sports go example .} will not upgrade stuck on 4.1.2 send pm if better I used to luv this device
If anyone is still looking for parts:
http://www.etradesupply.com/catalogsearch/result/?warehouse=0&q=n5100
I'm not affiliated with them in any capacity YMMV

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