Database Develop

Defective Exchanges @ Gamestop

I have to say, that's one of the things I like about having an actual store to go to and deal with customer service face to face.
There's no way for them to put you on hold for 45mins to an hour, there's no waiting for the call or email that never comes, just to call back and find out there is no record of your complaint or call.
So I called my local Gamestop, the same girl that sold me my N7 was on shift. I asked her if she had any in stock for an exchange, she said "no, but let me pull it up in the computer". She tells me of 3 stores that have some in stock and asks if I need their number or address...
Since the next store was like 5 blocks away, I just drove there. They only had 1. I walk in and the sale person says "hey, hum, those aren't supposed to be sold yet, I don't think I can do the exchange until the SD of 8/7" (lol). He calls his manager, she didn't answer. He called another one on his cell, and that one told him, if I have my receipt and product, there was no problem doing the exchange.
He asks me what's wrong with it, I tell him I've randomly had a black line flash 3 times in the last week~. And although I was reluctant to exchange it after reading some of the stories behind other's defective units, as mine's was in top shape. He says yeah but if you can get a new one free, why not right? I said, yeap you're right.
So 5 mins later I walk out with my new exchange.
Now I am afraid to open and inspect it.. Heart's beating fast, I think I am gonna faint.. someone call 911..
Yeah, I really don't want to find out this one's defective.. I really, really enjoy this tablet. :silly:
-CC
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
EDIT: 23,618 units between serial numbers on my two units
OBSERVATIONS: This unit's back is darker than my previous one. The power and volume buttons feel more clicky, plasticy and tend to stick out more especially on the bottom. I am guessing different materials sources.

clockcycle said:
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
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Why would you get another $25 added to your account? There is/was a loophole where you could, but on new accounts with a different credit card on file I believe. Don't be surprised if Google closed it by now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

nikon120 said:
Why would you get another $25 added to your account? There is/was a loophole where you could, but on new accounts with a different credit card on file I believe. Don't be surprised if Google closed it by now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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So then if I active it on another account it would get the credit, but not on the same one, if I have previously already done so?
I think the loophole you mention is where you could factory reset to get your credit in case you hadn't the first time around, correct? That's not what I'm talking about. I am talking about a new sealed never been registered unit.

I went to my store about a defective exchange, they only had 1 in store and it was on reserve so the guy called around then said he'd email the supplier. When it comes in they'll call me and I can exchange it out.

clockcycle said:
So 5 mins later I walk out with my new exchange.
Now I am afraid to open and inspect it.. Heart's beating fast, I think I am gonna faint.. someone call 911..
Yeah, I really don't want to find out this one's defective.. I really, really enjoy this tablet. :silly:
-CC
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
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OK enough drumroll... WHAT'S THE VERDICT???? Worse? Same? Better??

IPvFletch said:
OK enough drumroll... WHAT'S THE VERDICT???? Worse? Same? Better??
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Click to collapse
Just got a chance to sit with it. Initial outlook looks good, set up account, loaded up some apps. Unlocked bootloader, rooted, now applying updates. Sure wrong order, but I'm just getting her done..

Which root method you using? Toolkit v1.5.2? Glad to hear this one's HW is better. Praying mine is legit too! Should be here ~Monday..

IPvFletch said:
Which root method you using? Toolkit v1.5.2? Glad to hear this one's HW is better. Praying mine is legit too! Should be here ~Monday..
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Click to collapse
Originally yes, on this unit I did it manually, but basically the same exact thing the toolkit does, as it just does it for you via a script.
Honestly though, my first unit was perfect. I am not sure it was attributed to hardware, but more towards software, as it only seemed to be happening while in chrome and it might not have been google's or asus's fault. I didn't want to find out after it was too late to get an exchange.

I hear ya clockcycle.. I too have a love/hate relationship with Android... I typically love the HW and need to fix the SW.. But in the end, I'm always VERY happy...

Follow up on replacement unit. Seems a bit slower to sense/react to rotating and touch requires more pressure, less sensitive.
Sent from my grouper using Tapatalk

Funny. I bought my tablet at a GameStop and since then I have been to 5 more stores between Houston and Dallas and the only store that agreed to exchange my N7 didn't because I got to Waxahachie 20 mins after they closed. (My fault obv.)
One store refused to even though they had one in stock claiming only "That's a tablet. We can't do that. You have to contact the manufacturer."
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app

eawooten said:
Funny. I bought my tablet at a GameStop and since then I have been to 5 more stores between Houston and Dallas and the only store that agreed to exchange my N7 didn't because I got to Waxahachie 20 mins after they closed. (My fault obv.)
One store refused to even though they had one in stock claiming only "That's a tablet. We can't do that. You have to contact the manufacturer."
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
They tried that as an option on me, I told them the manufacturer told me to deal with the place of purchase according to their policy and until that option is exhausted to resort to dealing with Google/ASUS warranty..
Some times some employees take returns personally, just get another rep on the phone or go in the store, FIRM but respectfully..
I ended up having to exchange this replacement as well, but really nothing wrong with the first one, 2nd one they were willing to exchange. 3rd one is just a "perfect" as the 1st and 2nd were... YMMV

clockcycle said:
Follow up on replacement unit. Seems a bit slower to sense/react to rotating and touch requires more pressure, less sensitive.
Sent from my grouper using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really shouldn't be that different than your old unit. That's strange that touch would require more pressure.

I went back and for a replacement at the store I missed in my earlier post. It was still there a couple o days later.
Now, I'm experiencing a very slight screen lift that I could probably lay ignore, and flicker that is a reliable semi-hourly infuriation.
I think I'm going to have to exchange this for a third unit once the good serials start flowing steady.

taC nayN said:
It really shouldn't be that different than your old unit. That's strange that touch would require more pressure.
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Click to collapse
Unless the replacement unit was assembled in another plant and or used materials from another source. Happens often. My 3rd unit acts differently as well. It's also less sensitive. It didn't want to apply the updates, once it "did", the about still claimed I was on the original and when I checked for an update would tell me I was up to date. After applying the screen protector, this unit also did not respond to touches at all (as others have reported with their units) but both my previous units were responsive with 1-2 hour(s) of drying. Which leads me to believe touch screen was a different brand from another source, or sensitivity settings are different. Who knows..
-CC
P.S. It's ok, it works..

You are making me all nervous now, I hope mine is the right amount sensitive when it shows up tomorrow(hopefully). I didn't know they used different materials on a line of devices. Interesting.

Second & Third Wave of Nexus 7's

Got a call from Gamestop today to come pick up my Nexus 7, originally I was schedule to receive it on the third wave around Aug 8th.
I let the dude know I didn't want to pick it up due to all the problems I'd been reading about and was wanting to wait it out for the second & third waves.
My question is this: Are these second and third waves going to be any different from a manufacturing standpoint? Or can we expect to endure the same problems most first wave users are being plagued with? Google's aware of all these problems, but are they doing anything different to amend them? I'm reeeeally not trying to risk picking up a defective device and have to go through the whole defective unit return.

I am extremely interested in any professional opinions on this too (quotes from employees?)
Mine is currently reserved at gamestop, waiting for that call/text.

One more thing... I was told by the Gamestop employees that any defective exchanges would be done from the stock in-store (wouldn't this just be more of the same wave of defective tablets?) and can only be done within 30 days and after that you will have to go through the manufacturer.... Would this be Asus or Google? And are we better off purchasing through the Google Play store themselves? In the unfortunate case of the unit going bad after the 30 day grace period is up from Gamestop.

From the conversation I had with the representative when I was doing warranty exchange on mine, anything after the initial wave of devices should not have the screen creek issue. They are making sure all the screens are secured properly now. The other reason I was returning mine was because of the terrible screen flicker, he did not touch on that and said, "he has only heard about a few cases of the screen flicker."
So it looks like the screen creek should be fixed for sure but I am not sure about the other issues.

roush611 said:
From the conversation I had with the representative when I was doing warranty exchange on mine, anything after the initial wave of devices should not have the screen creek issue. They are making sure all the screens are secured properly now. The other reason I was returning mine was because of the terrible screen flicker, he did not touch on that and said, "he has only heard about a few cases of the screen flicker."
So it looks like the screen creek should be fixed for sure but I am not sure about the other issues.
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Yeah, the guy at my Gamestop was completely clueless to any of these device problems. I'm pretty worried about dead pixels, even if they're not showing up right away, but down the road. I'm seriously considering getting back my deposit and waiting for Google to address these issues and let us know they've been fixed. Because at this point, I feel that it's almost like playing russian roulette with these early units. :/

hullbay said:
Yeah, the guy at my Gamestop was completely clueless to any of these device problems. I'm pretty worried about dead pixels, even if they're not showing up right away, but down the road. I'm seriously considering getting back my deposit and waiting for Google to address these issues and let us know they've been fixed. Because at this point, I feel that it's almost like playing russian roulette with these early units. :/
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Just go get the damn thing, if there's a problem then take it back or call Google, it's got a one year warranty for that stuff. Everyone still waiting on theirs from Google, and you won't go pick yours up now wtf, I got mine from GameStop a week and a half ago and it's fine. Stop being a vagina and go get it and have fun with it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

First, you must keep in mind that more people are going to a forum to complain than compliment. That's just human nature.
I believe the screen flicker has more to do with your wifi connection than the device.
I pre ordered mine through Google so I guess that would make it first wave and it's a near perfect as a tablet can be.

The most popular issue is screen lifting on the left portrait side. Other complaints are nowhere near as common.
After I returned my 16 with screen separation to Sam's, I called Google CS twice this weekend to find out what's being done about this, in order to make a better informed decision about buying another one. Both reps I spoke with were aware of the issue but said that it was very rare, a bad batch.
Although I knew that they were understating the frequency of this problem, I did decide to order the 8. My experience with the first one was overwhelmingly positive, and I missed having it. Mostly it was the rationalization that if I order from the Play store I can exchange it as many times as I need to.
If I was aware of the information that would be posted Monday, I probably would have waited.
In case you missed it, someone disassembled theirs with a heat gun and gave us the current working theory for why this is happening.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29194958&postcount=372
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29202762&postcount=391
You really should read his analysis, but I'll summarize. There is a ledge around the inside of the frame. It is covered with double-sided tape. The display rests on this ledge and relies on its adhesion to stay seated. The ledges for the top and bottom sides of the device are the widest (12 and 16 mm), and the right ledge is 6.5 millimeters.
The left ledge is the only side that isn't a constant width. The top and bottom portions of the left ledge are 3 mm, but there is a middle portion that is even narrower to make room for the touchscreen input cable. It's only 1.5 mm wide.
Since this is the common point of separation, it seems likely that the adhesive on the left ledge is not strong enough to fasten the display to such a narrow contact area.
Full credit to Simon Haddow (nexus7dude) for this information and these images.
If he's right, the cause of left side screen lifting is present in all units. The obvious possible solutions are to either redesign the frame, which would be disastrous, or to increase the strength of the adhesive being used on this ledge.
Some people are being told by CS that it was a gluing problem. If that's true, new units should have a stronger bond, at least along the left ledge.
My order will be delivered tomorrow. I'm not optimistic that they've already made these changes to outgoing units.
But at the same time, as long as Google honors its role in Play store warranties, I expect to be happy with this purchase.

pxlitup said:
The most common issue is screen lifting on the left portrait side. Other complaints are nowhere near as common.
After I returned my 16 with screen separation to Sam's, I called Google CS twice this weekend to find out what's being done about this, in order to make a better informed decision about buying another one. Both reps I spoke with were aware of the issue but said that it was very rare, a bad batch.
Although I knew that they were misrepresenting the frequency of this problem, I did decide to order the 8. My experience with the first unit was overwhelmingly positive, and I missed it. Mostly it was the rationalization that I can exchange it as many times as I need to.
If I was aware of the information that would be posted Monday, I probably would have waited.
In case you missed it, someone disassembled theirs with a heat gun and gave us the current working theory for why this is happening.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29194958&postcount=372
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29202762&postcount=391
You really should read his analysis, but I'll summarize. There is a ledge around the inside of the frame. It is covered with double-sided tape. The display rests on this ledge and relies on its adhesion to stay seated. The ledges for the top and bottom sides of the device are the widest (12 and 16 mm), and the right ledge is 6.5 millimeters.
The left ledge is the only side that isn't a constant width. The top and bottom portions of the left ledge are 3 mm, but there is a middle portion that is even narrower to make room for the touchscreen input cable. It's only 1.5 mm wide.
Since this is the most common point of separation, it seems likely that the adhesive on the left ledge is not strong enough to fasten the display to such a narrow contact area.
Full credit to Simon Haddow (nexus7dude) for this information and these images.
If he's right, the cause of left side screen lifting is present in all units. The obvious possible solutions are to either redesign the frame, which would be disastrous, or to increase the strength of the adhesive being used on this ledge. Some people are being told by CS that it's a gluing problem. If that's true, they should be correcting units by using a stronger bond, at least along the left ledge.
My order will be delivered tomorrow. I'm not optimistic.
But at the same time, as long as Google honors its role in Play store warranties, I expect to be happy with this purchase.
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Click to collapse
Good info. Ill be keeping an eye on mines down the road. If it eventually lifts in the area shown, then ill just send it in to get stronger bond applied. I ordered through playstore and haven't noticed anything. But that's what warranties are for. This is something that will easily be covered of it does happen. I can see why some units are having this happen. Based on your summary and the pics.

sway40 said:
Just go get the damn thing, if there's a problem then take it back or call Google, it's got a one year warranty for that stuff. Everyone still waiting on theirs from Google, and you won't go pick yours up now wtf, I got mine from GameStop a week and a half ago and it's fine. Stop being a vagina and go get it and have fun with it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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Agree 100%. People complain about the problems. They don't complain about fine units. I'm sure many many more people have good units than bad ones. And if you happen to get unlucky... return it! Some people....

Just talked to a Google rep. We have a 15 day "grace period" where we can get facilitated exchanges through Google. After that we hhave to deal with Asus.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

ikn0wagh0st said:
Just talked to a Google rep. We have a 15 day "grace period" where we can get facilitated exchanges through Google. After that we hhave to deal with Asus.
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Haven't they been telling people that warranties for Play store purchases will be handled by Google for the first year?
I hope you're trolling.
EDIT: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773057
There's an entire thread about it.

pxlitup said:
Haven't they been telling people that warranties for Play store purchases will be handled by Google for the first year?
I hope you're trolling.
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Believe me, I wish I was trolling. I'm sure every rep is saying something different. Try calling, the wait time is under a minute.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Ya I've returned 3 here in canada (2 staples, 1 best buy) all had glass separation issue
im terrified to go buy another one, but i dont know how long to wait, not sure if 2nd batches have been shipped to canada, if they have been fixed even; no idea, im just gonna wait as long as i possibly can

I just picked up my N7 at FutureShop this morning and everything seems to be fine.. been watching the transformer movie to kill the batttery and nothing blew or anything..
Of course I do too have the same problem with the screen being slightly lifted.

ikn0wagh0st said:
Believe me, I wish I was trolling. I'm sure every rep is saying something different. Try calling, the wait time is under a minute.
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Click to collapse
Just got off the phone. He reassured me that this was absolutely not the case and that Play store orders will be handled by Google for 12-month warranty claims.
I asked him if there was any documentation of this, and he said that he would send me something.
E-mail from Google said:
The Nexus 7 is manufactured by ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Please contact Google
customer support for service on the ASUS limited 12 month warranty for the
Nexus 7 if purchased from Google Play, and refer to the warranty card in
the Nexus 7 packaging or visit www.asus.com for details on the ASUS
limited warranty.
If your Nexus 7 wasn't purchased from Google Play, please contact ASUS
directly for warranty service by using one of the contact options at
www.asus.com
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Click to collapse
I haven't found the warranty on ASUS website yet, but I did find the Nexus 7 warranty on a Google support page. It looks disturbingly like an edited version of the above.
http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2662734
Google Play said:
The Nexus 7 is manufactured by ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ASUS provides a limited 12 month warranty for the Nexus 7. Please refer to the warranty card in the Nexus 7 packaging or ASUS for details on the ASUS limited warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

SS2006 said:
Ya I've returned 3 here in canada (2 staples, 1 best buy) all had glass separation issue
im terrified to go buy another one, but i dont know how long to wait, not sure if 2nd batches have been shipped to canada, if they have been fixed even; no idea, im just gonna wait as long as i possibly can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my point in all this.
Sighx said:
I just picked up my N7 at FutureShop this morning and everything seems to be fine.. been watching the transformer movie to kill the batttery and nothing blew or anything..
Of course I do too have the same problem with the screen being slightly lifted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is everything fine, yet your screen is being lifted? Lol. That's unacceptable.
--
Big key words are "if purchased from Google Play". So for everwhere else selling it, Asus handles the warranties after the 30 day "grace period" ie: Gamestop? Which is what I was originally told by the employee. Wonder how well they are with this whole scenario. Might just grab my deposit back and hold out a month or so and re-order from the Play Store when they've had a chance to work out these kinks. If anything, I feel like re-sellers won't be getting these newly fixed units as quick as well as the guarantee of the 12 month warranty from Google themselves, rather than try to deal with ASUS.

SS2006 said:
Ya I've returned 3 here in canada (2 staples, 1 best buy) all had glass separation issue
im terrified to go buy another one, but i dont know how long to wait, not sure if 2nd batches have been shipped to canada, if they have been fixed even; no idea, im just gonna wait as long as i possibly can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here,
I've bought 2, 1 from staples and 1 from Future Shop. Mainly it is the screen flicker problem. If ONLY google would smarten up and RELEASE A ****ING STATEMENT and let us KNOW if some of these issues could or will be fixed in a future patch!

qwerty123321 said:
Same here,
I've bought 2, 1 from staples and 1 from Future Shop. Mainly it is the screen flicker problem. If ONLY google would smarten up and RELEASE A ****ING STATEMENT and let us KNOW if some of these issues could or will be fixed in a future patch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Exactly.

hullbay said:
Yeah, the guy at my Gamestop was completely clueless to any of these device problems. I'm pretty worried about dead pixels, even if they're not showing up right away, but down the road. I'm seriously considering getting back my deposit and waiting for Google to address these issues and let us know they've been fixed. Because at this point, I feel that it's almost like playing russian roulette with these early units. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wtf is wrong with you? So a couple of people come to a forum to cry about a device issue, while others stay off the forums and love the device, and that makes you want to not buy the N7? Toughen up buttercup.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Just got my Nexus 7 replaced

Google called me and I told them about my touch screen unresponsiveness.
Basically I talked to the guy about the defects they've seen, and they're aware of them all. He also said they're shipping the second production run, so most (if not all) of the defects are fixed.
What will the new defects be?

I hope none. My speaker is rattling at anything above half volume. I didn't notice it until this weekend when I was watching zero-punctuation. I think that is the first time I've had the volume up past a quarter of the way. Calling them today.

I just got my second one today because the first had a screen separation issue and the second one was way worse, there would be a cracking sound when pressing down on the left side of the screen.
Third time lucky I hope
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

cmg5461 said:
Google called me and I told them about my touch screen unresponsiveness.
Basically I talked to the guy about the defects they've seen, and they're aware of them all. He also said they're shipping the second production run, so most (if not all) of the defects are fixed.
What will the new defects be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is good news. I contacted Google via email on Friday to have my N7 replaced for screen separation and a bulge on the back cover also on the left side. If they are indeed shipping a new run with better quality control then I have high hopes for my replacement which should ship today. I plan to send the original back once I have the new one in hand.

CiDhed said:
I hope none. My speaker is rattling at anything above half volume. I didn't notice it until this weekend when I was watching zero-punctuation. I think that is the first time I've had the volume up past a quarter of the way. Calling them today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the same problem so I called them last friday night and ordered a replacement unit. I am keeping the old one till my new unit arrives

Ive been waiting to replace my N7 until reports of a better batch. I have some screen lift but I don't want to go through multiple devices.

navodwickra said:
Had the same problem so I called them last friday night and ordered a replacement unit. I am keeping the old one till my new unit arrives
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Same. Called Friday and awaiting second one. Delivery date on Wednesday. I had a C70 and curious to see if it's changed. Well fingers crossed for all of us that we get a nice defect free unit!

Just got off the phone with them. The rep I talked to mentioned that all the issues that they had with the first batch should be fixed also.

ETA on the new batch and what the SN starts with?

blahblahyoutoo said:
ETA on the new batch and what the SN starts with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
any information?

Is there anyway to identify a second prodution? I have no had any issues with mine at all.. But I bought it from a local seller that got it in on friday 8/24 could mine be a second production? Or should I be looking out for these defects? Do they form overtime? I have been looking at this thing testing everything I could think of and things I found on here but found no issues so far..

Google Support has been saying that every known issue has been resolved since launch. They're not in the loop. They're just there to read the FAQ and inspire confidence however possible. I spoke with several reps when I was dealing with screen lift replacements, and every one of them told me that it only affected a small number of units, that the cause has been identified and resolved, and that I should go ahead and order another one.
If this really is a distinctly different run from the initial units, this is potentially good news. But in my experience Google has been classing all defective units as aberrations, or saying that there was a bad batch. When your rep said that you won't have the same problem with a unit from the new run, he was more or less implying that it would be bad for you to get one from the previous shipments. If only a minor percentage of units in the initial run were defective, then there would be no reason to boast about the quality of new units.
If you'd asked him to clarify why a unit from the previous run would be a significant risk, he would have rescinded that stuff about the new ones being better.

whoamanwtf said:
Is there anyway to identify a second prodution? I have no had any issues with mine at all.. But I bought it from a local seller that got it in on friday 8/24 could mine be a second production? Or should I be looking out for these defects? Do they form overtime? I have been looking at this thing testing everything I could think of and things I found on here but found no issues so far..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
The only issue I've got with mine is the unresponsive screen which seems to appear intermittently! A reboot sorts it out (haven't tried the apparent power on/off fix as it hasn't happened to me since I found that one out...) but if I know I've got a 1st Gen device I can put up with that until the new batches come through!

It certainly isn't any units made in the first part of this month. Still had the flicker with weak wifi.

Are retail stores exchanging the defective units or do I have to contact google for replacement?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

mattym320 said:
Are retail stores exchanging the defective units or do I have to contact google for replacement?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
+1 interested in this... Mine is from staples and the 2 week exchange with receipt has expired :-/

C8OK is the new production run!
Well I just received my Nexus today and the SSN is C8OK which appears to be the new production run. Still charging but noticed no visual defects, for example, screen lift and or creaking. So far so good! DD

Mine comes in tomorrow, fingers crossed
Sprint SGS2 EPIC 4G Touch rockin' The Blu Kuban while posting with RU's custom tapatalk theme... RUJELUS? Go TeaM VeNuM!!

Are we able to request an exchange with Google if it's been passed 15 days? Or would I need to go thru ASUS directly? I ordered mine thru the Play Store

pxlitup said:
Google Support has been saying that every known issue has been resolved since launch. They're not in the loop. They're just there to read the FAQ and inspire confidence however possible. I spoke with several reps when I was dealing with screen lift replacements, and every one of them told me that it only affected a small number of units, that the cause has been identified and resolved, and that I should go ahead and order another one.
If this really is a distinctly different run from the initial units, this is potentially good news. But in my experience Google has been classing all defective units as aberrations, or saying that there was a bad batch. When your rep said that you won't have the same problem with a unit from the new run, he was more or less implying that it would be bad for you to get one from the previous shipments. If only a minor percentage of units in the initial run were defective, then there would be no reason to boast about the quality of new units.
If you'd asked him to clarify why a unit from the previous run would be a significant risk, he would have rescinded that stuff about the new ones being better.
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Click to collapse
Exactly what I was thinking. They have been saying that since last month, people need to quit taking what csr's say as gospel. However, there are good ones in every batch (I have a c70 that is great after four replacements, so don't give up)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

PSA: check for dead pixels

Just as a heads up to all the new Nexus owners, and to future owners: check for dead pixels, immediately and a few hours later. Just a few minutes ago, I had one rear its ugly head. Call Google and they'll do an advance replacement no questions asked.
Annoying, but hey.

aznxk3vi17 said:
Just as a heads up to all the new Nexus owners, and to future owners: check for dead pixels, immediately and a few hours later. Just a few minutes ago, I had one rear its ugly head. Call Google and they'll do an advance replacement no questions asked.
Annoying, but hey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THX for letting us know man!

How many pixels officially call for replacement?
Sent from my Milestone X using Tapatalk 2

ogboot said:
How many pixels officially call for replacement?
Sent from my Milestone X using Tapatalk 2
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I have only one and told Google the same; they are issuing a replacement.
So, 1, I guess.

aznxk3vi17 said:
I have only one and told Google the same; they are issuing a replacement.
So, 1, I guess.
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That's good to know at least, thanks for the information.
It's not a nice situation, but at least they are taking ownership.

I think I found one. Thanks for the tip. It's so small though! Is it really worth it to request a replacement? I have no idea how the process works, but I'm not sure I want to deal with returning this one and waiting for a new one.

Phil Anselmo said:
I think I found one. Thanks for the tip. It's so small though! Is it really worth it to request a replacement? I have no idea how the process works, but I'm not sure I want to deal with returning this one and waiting for a new one.
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Generally an "Advanced Replacement" Implies that they either cross ship, you a new one as soon as yours is in the mail, or they send you the box to ship the old one back when they send the new one out. Can't really speak to which way Google is doing it. But hopefully someone who's started the process can provide better details.

aznxk3vi17 said:
I have only one and told Google the same; they are issuing a replacement.
So, 1, I guess.
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thanks for the heads up

RandomName7 said:
Generally an "Advanced Replacement" Implies that they either cross ship, you a new one as soon as yours is in the mail, or they send you the box to ship the old one back when they send the new one out. Can't really speak to which way Google is doing it. But hopefully someone who's started the process can provide better details.
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With the N4, they would put a charge on your credit card while they send out the replacement. Then you put your phone in the replacement's box and ship back with the prepaid label. When they get it back they remove the charge. I believe the hold charge was $200.

How are you even spotting pixels, a magnifying glass? Lol

RandomName7 said:
Generally an "Advanced Replacement" Implies that they either cross ship, you a new one as soon as yours is in the mail, or they send you the box to ship the old one back when they send the new one out. Can't really speak to which way Google is doing it. But hopefully someone who's started the process can provide better details.
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bozzykid said:
With the N4, they would put a charge on your credit card while they send out the replacement. Then you put your phone in the replacement's box and ship back with the prepaid label. When they get it back they remove the charge. I believe the hold charge was $200.
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This is what they're doing, they give you a link to order a replacement where they place a hold charge on a card. They give you a pre-paid shipping label and tell me I'm free to ship the device back to them whenever and in the box it came in. So, I'll wait until I receive my replacement before shipping the defective device out.

hlaalu said:
How are you even spotting pixels, a magnifying glass? Lol
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:cyclops: I have good eyes, lol. When I saw this thread I used a dead pixel locating app that simply shows solid colors on the screen. My dead pixel is located around the top right corner. The pixels are so small I can't really imagine how I'd ever notice a problem during any normal use.

You can unstick some pixels (not dead pixels) by re-energizing them through rapidly turning them on and off. There are apps on Google play that you can test and unstick (some) pixels, or you can return the phone.

Phil Anselmo said:
I think I found one. Thanks for the tip. It's so small though! Is it really worth it to request a replacement? I have no idea how the process works, but I'm not sure I want to deal with returning this one and waiting for a new one.
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Click to collapse
Then get an advance swap. Use the existing one for however many weeks it takes, and then send your original back after the new one arrives.
Might help to unlock the bootloader now, so that when it's time for the swap you can take a nandroid backup and preserve your app data. Relock and flash to stock after backing up and before you send it back in.

Update: all replacement orders are placed on the same queue as everyone else. My replacement device is set to leave the warehouse in 2-3 weeks, and according to my receipt, I have 21 days from the day my replacement order was placed to ship my defective device back to Google.
Conclusion? I'll be without a Nexus 5 for an undetermined amount of time. Luckily I still have my old HTC One, but this is something you'll want to know, especially if you don't have a backup device.

aznxk3vi17 said:
Update: all replacement orders are placed on the same queue as everyone else. My replacement device is set to leave the warehouse in 2-3 weeks, and according to my receipt, I have 21 days from the day my replacement order was placed to ship my defective device back to Google.
Conclusion? I'll be without a Nexus 5 for an undetermined amount of time. Luckily I still have my old HTC One, but this is something you'll want to know, especially if you don't have a backup device.
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With the nexus 4 the 21 days didn't start until you received the replacement device. Know from personal experience as received a faulty N4 at launch and had to wait weeks for a replacement.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

ricey1986 said:
With the nexus 4 the 21 days didn't start until you received the replacement device. Know from personal experience as received a faulty N4 at launch and had to wait weeks for a replacement.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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That's what I thought, but I called to double check and the representative confirmed that the email wording is correct: it's 21 days from the day the replacement order is placed. Obviously I was miffed, but she told me there's nothing I can do and that the best she can advise is to wait as long as possible before sending out my defective phone.
Annoying.
Edit: I emailed the representative I spoke to last night for clarification. The woman on the phone today seemed to think what we all thought (that the 21 days starts from the day of receipt of the replacement), so perhaps there's some confusion as to the official modus operandi. I'll report back whenever he gets back to me.

aznxk3vi17 said:
That's what I thought, but I called to double check and the representative confirmed that the email wording is correct: it's 21 days from the day the replacement order is placed. Obviously I was miffed, but she told me there's nothing I can do and that the best she can advise is to wait as long as possible before sending out my defective phone.
Annoying.
Edit: I emailed the representative I spoke to last night for clarification. The woman on the phone today seemed to think what we all thought (that the 21 days starts from the day of receipt of the replacement), so perhaps there's some confusion as to the official modus operandi. I'll report back whenever he gets back to me.
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I'd just cancel the replacement order and wait until they get more in stock before placing the replacement order again. Just a thought.

sn0warmy said:
I'd just cancel the replacement order and wait until they get more in stock before placing the replacement order again. Just a thought.
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Normally I would consider doing something like this, but given Google's track record, I have no confidence that stock levels will be restored anytime soon. As I said before, luckily I have my HTC One to fall back on, but I'll still hold onto my 5 for a week. I was reading the defects thread and it seems people are getting RMA devices faster than those who order normally despite what the Play page tells.

aznxk3vi17 said:
That's what I thought, but I called to double check and the representative confirmed that the email wording is correct: it's 21 days from the day the replacement order is placed. Obviously I was miffed, but she told me there's nothing I can do and that the best she can advise is to wait as long as possible before sending out my defective phone.
Annoying.
Edit: I emailed the representative I spoke to last night for clarification. The woman on the phone today seemed to think what we all thought (that the 21 days starts from the day of receipt of the replacement), so perhaps there's some confusion as to the official modus operandi. I'll report back whenever he gets back to me.
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Click to collapse
With my Nexus 7 3G, it took over a week for the replacement to arrive and then I was out of town for two weeks before I could pick up the package as it missed delivery on the day of my flight out. By the time I sent it in, it was slightly beyond three weeks. I was never charged extra. I phoned Google to be sure, and they said that if they charge me and then end up receiving the device back after all, they will reverse the charge.

Question Reaching a dead end with Google Support

I'm here because I don't know what else to do.
I ordered a Pixel 7 from the official Google Store on October the 7th, received the phone on the 15th, and discovered right away that the rear cameras aren't working. I tried everything but it was clear it was a hardware issue. I called Google Support. They went through many steps to try and fix the issue but nothing worked. So I was prompted to get a replacement device. I sent my phone back on the same day with UPS, and 2 days later the phone reached its destination (I have a proof of delivery). And since then I got complete silence from Google.
I already talked to them twice, inquiring about the whereabouts of my replacement device, or the whole replacement process, but I got nothing. My RMA status page on the Google Store website is empty, doesn't show my returned phone nor my replacement device. Yesterday I went through the 3rd phone call with Google, was told that my case will be handled by the Pixel management team or so, and that I should hang up and wait for an answer from them later.
I just left off the chat with Google Support again. They told me that another agent is already working on the issue and that I should check my email. I haven't received any emails, of course.
It's been more than 2 weeks since I placed my order for this phone. Is this what I get for ordering their new device on the announcement day? And what other steps can I take in order to get my replacement device?

Same case than you but the problem was bubles beetween frame and screen.waiting for a solution.
1 week and no new notice.
i think someone is stealing packages or something between destination and the store or something.This is not normal...

Ivixmax said:
Same case than you but the problem was bubles beetween frame and screen.waiting for a solution.
1 week and no new notice.
i think someone is stealing packages or something between destination and the store or something.This is not normal...
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May I ask where do you live? I'm in Germany and I've read on German forums a few successful RMA processes, but I have no idea why this is happening. If it's really stealing then it's not the customer'd fault, is it?

I am waiting on a full refund from Google for the Pixel 7 I had to send back with a dead screen.
They actually received the phone back within 24 hours but despite them having the phone back there has been a deafening silence for 5 days now.

Keith W said:
I am waiting on a full refund from Google for the Pixel 7 I had to send back with a dead screen.
They actually received the phone back within 24 hours but despite them having the phone back there has been a deafening silence for 5 days now.
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I'm sorry about that. I hope you get your money back as soon as possible.

SharifOthman said:
May I ask where do you live? I'm in Germany and I've read on German forums a few successful RMA processes, but I have no idea why this is happening. If it's really stealing then it's not the customer'd fault, is i
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i am from Spain.and the phone was returned to Poland i think

Ivixmax said:
i am from Spain.and the phone was returned to Poland i think
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My phone was also returned from Germany to Poland.

Wow that's interesting cos Pixel is officially not released in Poland. That's why I ordered mine on Amazon Germany

forever_lol said:
Wow that's interesting cos Pixel is officially not released in Poland. That's why I ordered mine on Amazon Germany
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Now I wish I had done this :/

Still no refund and Google support has been of no support.
I have called them twice now in as many days chasing this up, spend ages on hold whilst they "check things" only to then be told it has been escalated to a higher tier of support and they will email within the day and to wait until I get the email - I have heard that line twice now in as many days.
I have told them if they have mislaid the phone or it has gone walkabout then that is not my problem - I have signed proof they got it back

Keith W said:
Still no refund and Google support has been of no support.
I have called them twice now in as many days chasing this up, spend ages on hold whilst they "check things" only to then be told it has been escalated to a higher tier of support and they will email within the day and to wait until I get the email - I have heard that line twice now in as many days.
I have told them if they have mislaid the phone or it has gone walkabout then that is not my problem - I have signed proof they got it back
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Get the credit card company involved see what they say,

Be careful disputing the charges. Google has deactivated the associated account of people that have done that in the past. Everything just goes poof.
Use that as a last resort.
Hit up @MadeByGoogle on Twitter. They will engage you via DM. I have had good luck with that method.

TonikJDK said:
Hit up @MadeByGoogle on Twitter. They will engage you via DM. I have had good luck with that method.
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I have actually been doing that today and they are just as useless.
First they tried to send me back to phone support after I told them I had tried that twice already
Then they asked me to send the details over via DM only for them to then tell me the same as phone support "We have escalated to one of our specialists who will investigate and be in touch via email" - no one gets in touch, no emails, nothing.
Totally useless.

Finally google returns me the money today.15 days to finish the nightmare.So patetic

Ivixmax said:
Finally google returns me the money today.15 days to finish the nightmare.So patetic
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Good to hear you finally got your money back.
It should not have taken that long though.

Keith W said:
Good to hear you finally got your money back.
It should not have taken that long though.
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Google store has notoriously terrible support. Just the other day they literally told me to go take my business elsewhere because I wanted to get a pixel 7 pro.
A friend of mine once ordered a pixel phone and he got a pixel box with no phone in it. He spent hours trying to prove it and work it out, the shipping weight was off so there was hard of it and right there, but Google refused to do anything. Lost a customer for life over that.
Just a general FYI, if you RMA anything with almost any company using the device's warranty, the replacement is "refurbished” i.e not brand new.

bobbarker2 said:
Google store has notoriously terrible support. Just the other day they literally told me to go take my business elsewhere because I wanted to get a pixel 7 pro.
A friend of mine once ordered a pixel phone and he got a pixel box with no phone in it. He spent hours trying to prove it and work it out, the shipping weight was off so there was hard of it and right there, but Google refused to do anything. Lost a customer for life over that.
Just a general FYI, if you RMA anything with almost any company using the device's warranty, the replacement is "refurbished” i.e not brand new.
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Yes I had that happen before with them trying to fob me off with a refurb in exchange for a phone which was just weeks old.
This time I told them I just wanted a full refund as I only had the phone 3 days before the screen up and died on me.
I had issues with the P6 and now issues with the P7
This whole thing has left a real bad taste in my mouth and I can not see my self buying another Google product again after this.

Keith W said:
Yes I had that happen before with them trying to fob me off with a refurb in exchange for a phone which was just weeks old.
This time I told them I just wanted a full refund as I only had the phone 3 days before the screen up and died on me.
I had issues with the P6 and now issues with the P7
This whole thing has left a real bad taste in my mouth and I can not see my self buying another Google product again after this.
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Yep, the only reason I bought my phone through Google was the store credit + Google One 10% and even then I was crossing my fingers hoping nothing was wrong with it because I know first hand and second hand what a nightmare it is to deal with their Store support. I think the phrase "Too Big to Care" applies to Google.
I could have gone to Best Buy and gotten a $200 credit there (same phone trade in value offered as Google Store) and in retrospect, I probably should have done that since Google Store only offers overpriced accessories ($90 for a Wireless stand charger!?)

Ivixmax said:
Finally google returns me the money today.15 days to finish the nightmare.So patetic
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Let me get this right. You sent the phone back on 15th and it took 2 days to ship (17th?). And you got your money back 25th? Which means your phone was in support center for just over a week?
For me this is totally normal, never got my phone back in one week if it needed maintenance.
And I know that Google can be a piece of fieces, I've fought with them about my Pixel 3 for 5 months. That was long. Week? Nah bro, you're fine.

Finneri said:
Let me get this right. You sent the phone back on 15th and it took 2 days to ship (17th?). And you got your money back 25th? Which means your phone was in support center for just over a week?
For me this is totally normal, never got my phone back in one week if it needed maintenance.
And I know that Google can be a piece of fieces, I've fought with them about my Pixel 3 for 5 months. That was long. Week? Nah bro, you're fine.
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No.no and no