Galaxy S4 to iPhone 5c - S4 users read!

[Eli727]

My Samsung Galaxy S4 experience...

I have been an Android fan for quite some time - while I knew the iPhone was a quality device, it just never did what I wanted and felt like I had so many more options on Android (despite always feeling a step behind in technology since Android phones are outdated as soon as they come out)

Well my beloved 2 month old Samsung Galaxy S4 died, though it was not dropped or treated in neglect, the LCD went out (screen is not broken, was in an Otterbox, etc.) Apparently this is a common issue with these phones, the repair shop told me it can happen just from the pressure of being in a POCKET. Major design flaw, sounds outrageous until you have had it happen to you and your 2 month old phone that now needs a $299 repair!

That happened last Wednesday - Friday I went to Verizon and got the Iphone 5c (wanted something cheap and reliable at that point after spending $249.99 with an upgrade on the S4) Thankfully I had another upgrade on my account I could use and picked up the Iphone 5c for $99.

I really miss alot of things about the Galaxy, but after what happened to me, I have no desire to go back nor support Samsung (I have ALWAYS had nothing but problems with Samsung products, this was their last shot for me!) I am enjoying the iPhone though, its taking some getting used to but think I will enjoy it and I think it will last and stand the test of time as iPhones seem to always do (how many old android phones do you see vs how many old iphones do you see?)

Samsung Galaxy owners BEWARE.

Note: Im sure the typical response will be that "of course you broke your phone, own up to it" etc. I was literally walking my son in the neighborhood and when I pulled the phone out the screen was out. I have kept cell phones in my pocket for 10+ years and never had an issue nor have I ever broken a phone, I take immaculate care of all my stuff.

 

[MRU]

My Samsung Galaxy S4 experience...

I have been an Android fan for quite some time - while I knew the iPhone was a quality device, it just never did what I wanted and felt like I had so many more options on Android (despite always feeling a step behind in technology since Android phones are outdated as soon as they come out)

Well my beloved 2 month old Samsung Galaxy S4 died, though it was not dropped or treated in neglect, the LCD went out (screen is not broken, was in an Otterbox, etc.) Apparently this is a common issue with these phones, the repair shop told me it can happen just from the pressure of being in a POCKET. Major design flaw, sounds outrageous until you have had it happen to you and your 2 month old phone that now needs a $299 repair!

That happened last Wednesday - Friday I went to Verizon and got the Iphone 5c (wanted something cheap and reliable at that point after spending $249.99 with an upgrade on the S4) Thankfully I had another upgrade on my account I could use and picked up the Iphone 5c for $99.

I really miss alot of things about the Galaxy, but after what happened to me, I have no desire to go back nor support Samsung (I have ALWAYS had nothing but problems with Samsung products, this was their last shot for me!) I am enjoying the iPhone though, its taking some getting used to but think I will enjoy it and I think it will last and stand the test of time as iPhones seem to always do (how many old android phones do you see vs how many old iphones do you see?)

Samsung Galaxy owners BEWARE.

Note: Im sure the typical response will be that "of course you broke your phone, own up to it" etc. I was literally walking my son in the neighborhood and when I pulled the phone out the screen was out. I have kept cell phones in my pocket for 10+ years and never had an issue nor have I ever broken a phone, I take immaculate care of all my stuff.

Why would the screen die like that ? and if it isn't cracked or broken from a drop I'm sure the 24 month Samsung Warranty that accompanies the S4 would have paid for the repair.

For them to quote you any figure for repairing it - they must have assigned liability of the fault to you.

Either way glad you got a phone you can use - but there are some serious ??? in the story of events as told here.

 

[scott craft]

Verizon wouldn't replace your phone under warranty?

 

[Eli727]

Why would the screen die like that ? and if it isn't cracked or broken from a drop I'm sure the 24 month Samsung Warranty that accompanies the S4 would have paid for the repair.

For them to quote you any figure for repairing it - they must have assigned liability of the fault to you.

Either way glad you got a phone you can use - but there are some serious ??? in the story of events as told here.

Like I said, I know it sounds like BS that I didnt break it, but its actually a very common problem with the phone.

The way its designed it is VERY pressure sensitive and the slight wrong pressue can crack the internal LCD. I would probably call BS if I heard someone tell the story, but I experienced it first hand...

Verizon/Samsung considers it user error/breakage not a warranty issue. I have no way to prove it wasnt my fault (besides the fact that there isnt a scratch on it, the glass isnt broken, and its in an otter box, but unforunately, they dont care).

Thankfully American Express is amazing and has 90 day accidental breakage/lost/stolen coverage for purchases made on your AMX.

 

[MRU]

Like I said, I know it sounds like BS that I didnt break it, but its actually a very common problem with the phone.

Common where because other than your post I have yet to find a thread here or on XDA of this 'common' issue ??? It seems extraordinarily uncommon for a 'common' problem that's all.

 

[Eli727]

Common where because other than your post I have yet to find a thread here or on XDA of this 'common' issue ??? It seems extraordinarily uncommon for a 'common' problem that's all.

Not going to debate the "commonness" with you as you obviously want to argue for the sake of arguing, but I have founds tons of threads/postings online from a variety of websites of people complaining on the same issues as well as spoken to two separate cell phone repair places about this issue.

And searching on a Mac website about Samsung issues probably doesn't turn alot up...

 

[MRU]

Not going to debate the "commonness" with you as you obviously want to argue for the sake of arguing, but I have founds tons of threads/postings online from a variety of websites of people complaining on the same issues as well as spoken to two separate cell phone repair places about this issue.

And searching on a Mac website about Samsung issues probably doesn't turn alot up...

It's nothing to do with starting an argument, its about making a claim that something is a common problem when there have been hundreds of users of this forum in the 6 months since the S4 has been available and not once has this issue arisen on here. I therefore have to question your definition of 'common' as it does indeed seem - uncommon.

Oh and I said XDA too in my previous post.

Is it that unreasonable to ask a poster to substantiate a claim they are making on a forum with actual evidence of the claim ? And if you do not want to discuss the commonness of this manufacturing defect that you claim - what purpose do you want this thread to serve ? A warning ? A warning against a claim you can not substantiate ? All I'm asking or is evidence of this 'common' defect other than a reported 'conversation' ....

There has been some 40 million S4's sold/shipped since launch - surely there should be an overabundance of posts on forums and reports on technology blogs to substantiate this 'common' defect .... Where are they all ?

 

[identity]

Yes, I remember this when it first started popping up after the S4 release. Made me stop and wait for the Note 3.

 

[PollyK]

My Samsung Galaxy S4 experience...

I have been an Android fan for quite some time - while I knew the iPhone was a quality device, it just never did what I wanted and felt like I had so many more options on Android (despite always feeling a step behind in technology since Android phones are outdated as soon as they come out)

Well my beloved 2 month old Samsung Galaxy S4 died, though it was not dropped or treated in neglect, the LCD went out (screen is not broken, was in an Otterbox, etc.) Apparently this is a common issue with these phones, the repair shop told me it can happen just from the pressure of being in a POCKET. Major design flaw, sounds outrageous until you have had it happen to you and your 2 month old phone that now needs a $299 repair!

That happened last Wednesday - Friday I went to Verizon and got the Iphone 5c (wanted something cheap and reliable at that point after spending $249.99 with an upgrade on the S4) Thankfully I had another upgrade on my account I could use and picked up the Iphone 5c for $99.

I really miss alot of things about the Galaxy, but after what happened to me, I have no desire to go back nor support Samsung (I have ALWAYS had nothing but problems with Samsung products, this was their last shot for me!) I am enjoying the iPhone though, its taking some getting used to but think I will enjoy it and I think it will last and stand the test of time as iPhones seem to always do (how many old android phones do you see vs how many old iphones do you see?)

Samsung Galaxy owners BEWARE.

Note: Im sure the typical response will be that "of course you broke your phone, own up to it" etc. I was literally walking my son in the neighborhood and when I pulled the phone out the screen was out. I have kept cell phones in my pocket for 10+ years and never had an issue nor have I ever broken a phone, I take immaculate care of all my stuff.

Let's say your issue happened as you say, why not consider it a one off? And you are totally within your one year warranty. So to say you are being charged sounds suspect. In any case, make sure to never buy an Apple device should you ever have a bad experience. Seems so many are willing to make multiple returns when it comes to a bad experience with their iDevice, but should any other manufacturer have a single issue, it's time to boycott it for life. File this one under the F-Files, aka the FUD Files.

 

[kevinof]

You left Samsung to go to iphone? If you really had a problem with Samsung then why not just pick up another Android phone. The fact that you dropped Android makes me think that Samsung was not really the problem for you.

Also Verizon believe you broke the phone - They don't believe it was a common, non-user error.

Just not sure what the point of your post was.

My Samsung Galaxy S4 experience...

I have been an Android fan for quite some time - while I knew the iPhone was a quality device, it just never did what I wanted and felt like I had so many more options on Android (despite always feeling a step behind in technology since Android phones are outdated as soon as they come out)

Well my beloved 2 month old Samsung Galaxy S4 died, though it was not dropped or treated in neglect, the LCD went out (screen is not broken, was in an Otterbox, etc.) Apparently this is a common issue with these phones, the repair shop told me it can happen just from the pressure of being in a POCKET. Major design flaw, sounds outrageous until you have had it happen to you and your 2 month old phone that now needs a $299 repair!

That happened last Wednesday - Friday I went to Verizon and got the Iphone 5c (wanted something cheap and reliable at that point after spending $249.99 with an upgrade on the S4) Thankfully I had another upgrade on my account I could use and picked up the Iphone 5c for $99.

I really miss alot of things about the Galaxy, but after what happened to me, I have no desire to go back nor support Samsung (I have ALWAYS had nothing but problems with Samsung products, this was their last shot for me!) I am enjoying the iPhone though, its taking some getting used to but think I will enjoy it and I think it will last and stand the test of time as iPhones seem to always do (how many old android phones do you see vs how many old iphones do you see?)

Samsung Galaxy owners BEWARE.

Note: Im sure the typical response will be that "of course you broke your phone, own up to it" etc. I was literally walking my son in the neighborhood and when I pulled the phone out the screen was out. I have kept cell phones in my pocket for 10+ years and never had an issue nor have I ever broken a phone, I take immaculate care of all my stuff.

 

[JerZyT28]

s4 is AMOLED

 

[sviato]

Was the LCD cracked under the glass?

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

My Samsung Galaxy S4 experience...

I have been an Android fan for quite some time - while I knew the iPhone was a quality device, it just never did what I wanted and felt like I had so many more options on Android (despite always feeling a step behind in technology since Android phones are outdated as soon as they come out)

Well my beloved 2 month old Samsung Galaxy S4 died, though it was not dropped or treated in neglect, the LCD went out (screen is not broken, was in an Otterbox, etc.) Apparently this is a common issue with these phones, the repair shop told me it can happen just from the pressure of being in a POCKET. Major design flaw, sounds outrageous until you have had it happen to you and your 2 month old phone that now needs a $299 repair!

That happened last Wednesday - Friday I went to Verizon and got the Iphone 5c (wanted something cheap and reliable at that point after spending $249.99 with an upgrade on the S4) Thankfully I had another upgrade on my account I could use and picked up the Iphone 5c for $99.

I really miss alot of things about the Galaxy, but after what happened to me, I have no desire to go back nor support Samsung (I have ALWAYS had nothing but problems with Samsung products, this was their last shot for me!) I am enjoying the iPhone though, its taking some getting used to but think I will enjoy it and I think it will last and stand the test of time as iPhones seem to always do (how many old android phones do you see vs how many old iphones do you see?)

Samsung Galaxy owners BEWARE.

Note: Im sure the typical response will be that "of course you broke your phone, own up to it" etc. I was literally walking my son in the neighborhood and when I pulled the phone out the screen was out. I have kept cell phones in my pocket for 10+ years and never had an issue nor have I ever broken a phone, I take immaculate care of all my stuff.

 

[Fanaticalism]

My only question is, why did you get your s4 at a Verizon store? Their prices are outrageous. Even at launch every third party retailer had the s4 for 199 on Verizon. For the past two months, it's been around 130

 

[Krimsonmyst]

Like I said, I know it sounds like BS that I didnt break it, but its actually a very common problem with the phone.

The way its designed it is VERY pressure sensitive and the slight wrong pressue can crack the internal LCD. I would probably call BS if I heard someone tell the story, but I experienced it first hand...

Verizon/Samsung considers it user error/breakage not a warranty issue. I have no way to prove it wasnt my fault (besides the fact that there isnt a scratch on it, the glass isnt broken, and its in an otter box, but unforunately, they dont care).

Thankfully American Express is amazing and has 90 day accidental breakage/lost/stolen coverage for purchases made on your AMX.

Excuse my language, but this is a load of crap. I bought an S4 on launch day, and had this exact problem happen to me about 3 weeks in.

I took it to a Samsung store, they looked at it, apologies for the inconvenience and gave me a brand new phone. If the screen fails and you didn't do it - then it's hardware failure and comes under warranty.

Makes me think there's more to this than you're telling us.

 

[SurferMan]

I had a friend this happened too on his S4, screen just randomly died when we were out and it was in a case and never dropped either, however AT&T replaced it no problem and never had that issue again, his other phone was about a month old. I remember a few reports early on when it was released, might of been a flawed batch of screens (still would be odd as it must of been an extremely tiny batch as only a handful of stuff online even about this), but this is the first I heard of one being denied warranty coverage for it. But this seemed to only be a tiny % when it was first released, I'm on XDA all the time and haven't seen this issue mentioned except for like 1 or 2 peeps long ago.

Either it's a Verizon issue with warranties and that's how they handle it, or something else gave them the idea that something else happened (not saying you dropped it or anything). Did you ask why it was denied? This just sounds odd and has to be more too this, they wouldn't just deny coverage unless they had a reason.

 

[Stuntman06]

This is the first I heard about the S4 screen issues. I did a search and did find others reporting the same issue. Many people were able to get a free replacement unit, but some had to pay for the repair costs.

 

[Dontazemebro]

You could have sent it back to Samsung for much cheaper. My S4 took a face plant and busted up the digitizer under the screen. Samsung replaced everything including the faux metal sides and charged me $200.

Granted their customer support was pisspoor, and it took me over 3 weeks to get my phone back, they will never best or come close to Apple in this regard but the craftsmanship of the repair was top notch and I decided to give them another chance with the Note 3.

I ended up trading away the S4 for an iPhone 5 but I've been pleasantly pleased with the Note 3. Best device I've owned to date.