My speaker grille just fell off! - Xperia Z1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

The longer I'm having this phone, the more disillusioned I am becoming with it.
I sold my iPhone 5 in September and 'upgraded' to the Z1...
Yet despite needing initial time to get over the pathetic viewing angles, I developed a real fondness for the phone...
But that honeymoon period soon ended... Two weeks later the phone had proven that it was the biggest scratch magnet I ever owned. The perfectly hard wearing Dragontrail glass is covered by a super scratch prone ASF, the aluminium frame has lots of ugly scuff marks on it despite taking great care of the phone and only keeping it in a soft pocket - alone - and today the grille bubbled up and came off the speaker at the bottom.
By the way it is nothing but a piece of cut out mesh, fabric essentially, that has been glued down with what seems to have become really tacky glue. Clearly not water resistant as it's advertised.
I've put it back but it wouldn't stick. I really need to send it in for a warranty repair but I'm leaving Europe for 5 months on Monday so I can't!
So the Z1 is a poorly constructed phone made to appear as if it is of a premium build quality and Sony did not build it to look good in a month, or two or 12 down the line let alone two years.
Who in their right mind ok'd the ASF what a hideous idea?!
Anyway I digress, has anybody else's speaker grille come off or bubbled up?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Here it is... It's just a piece of plastic mesh and mine has now fallen off. Anybody with the same?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Another pic of the grille
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Use superglue. The grill has nothing to do with the waterproofness.

It will still be under warranty when you get back. Send it then?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

I can't superglue it back as it now has a kink in it... And just looks bad.
A warranty repair it is then when I come back. Thanks for the advice anyhow.
As long as my waterproofing is not affected I'm gonna live with it.
But yes I am fundamentally disappointed with some of the materials used to make this phone... and at the top of my list is the ASF with the logo baked in...
This is just yet another thing...
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Didn't somebody's silver ring around the power button also just fall off? These things shouldn't happen...
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

My speaker grill just started pealing off. Noticed when it got caught on something.
Does this actually affect whether it's waterproof or not? I'm imagining not, as it's just a thin piece of plastic, either way I'll be more careful with the phone now.
Mine isn't under warranty because I've had it so long, and it's rooted too...

corydor13 said:
My speaker grill just started pealing off. Noticed when it got caught on something.
Does this actually affect whether it's waterproof or not? I'm imagining not, as it's just a thin piece of plastic, either way I'll be more careful with the phone now.
Mine isn't under warranty because I've had it so long, and it's rooted too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@corydor13 @Johann_London
I've noticed today, that my speaker grill is a bit "wobbly" which means that if I put my finger on it I can move it a bit to the left and right and also up and down. I'm not sure if it was there from the beginning (I have the phone since September) but I doubt it. Is this "normal" or already considered a case for warranty?
I'm afraid now the grill might come off soon! I have a case on the phone and always have it alone in one pocket and handle it with care so that shouldn't be the cause.
What did you do? Sent it in under warranty?!

drsoran2 said:
@corydor13 @Johann_London
I've noticed today, that my speaker grill is a bit "wobbly" which means that if I put my finger on it I can move it a bit to the left and right and also up and down. I'm not sure if it was there from the beginning (I have the phone since September) but I doubt it. Is this "normal" or already considered a case for warranty?
I'm afraid now the grill might come off soon! I have a case on the phone and always have it alone in one pocket and handle it with care so that shouldn't be the cause.
What did you do? Sent it in under warranty?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically how the problem started for me.
After a while of trying to keep it on, I got annoyed with the fact that it kept falling off, so just left it off.
Haven't sent it back for repairs or anything as I don't see the point.
It's been soaked since and doesn't have any problems..(yet).

So it is still waterproof? But even if so, it's very disappointing that this happens after only 9 months and without the grill it looks ugly, like it was used for ten years.
I also have that strange, squeaky vibration motor sound. I can live with the former, but both defects combined are almost too much.
I'm going to talk with the Sony chat tomorrow and see what they'll say.

drsoran2 said:
I'm afraid now the grill might come off soon! I have a case on the phone and always have it alone in one pocket and handle it with care so that shouldn't be the cause.
What did you do? Sent it in under warranty?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a problem, they used a cheap glue to stick that grill under the phone and in time, hot temperatures and maybe water, the glue just lost his consistency. Try to keep it on or just apply some drop of good glue and do not close the speaker (LOL)
BTW, I can move mine too but until stay there I do not touch it.

I'm going to post this thing that happen to me yesterday I think I was the only one and I found this, yesterday I saw how my grille can move and I was like , I take great care of the phone, doesn't have scratches of any type, and now this.... I will try to remove it very very careful and apply some kind of glue I have, and see what happen

A little too late to this thread, but just posting my own experience. The little speaker mesh literally fell off of my Xperia Ray. After it comes off, you can not hear anything on the speaker phone when talking to someone and Music, although loud comes with very high frequencies. To fix this, you take black electrical tape, cut just a small part and stick it over the plastic, then use a clear plastic tape to cover that along the bottom. The sound is not like the original but still works better than no mesh. The in-Call volume of these phones is a major disappointment. You are right, the build quality of most android phones is junk. What the Android world needs badly is the iPhone build quality.

Well I'm back with some things to say, some friends I know seem that doesnt have this problem at all, weird, after some time I finally removed the grille it was just holded with strong by a very small side, I try glue that have a color like orange/brown (I dont remember the brand) it work ok but just for 2 weeks, after that it starts to move again, so now I try a Gel glue and it seems that work excellent, it doesn't move at all, with the other glue it holds, but it can move a little, seems that this glue is the solution, and it says in the boxx is water resistant so, better for me, I have to say that you have to ve very careful because a little drop in the mic and nobody will hear you again, the same for the speaker, so far I dont have problems :victory: so if you found a gel based glue in a little stick, try it if you have this problem

jacker60 said:
Well I'm back with some things to say, some friends I know seem that doesnt have this problem at all, weird, after some time I finally removed the grille it was just holded with strong by a very small side, I try glue that have a color like orange/brown (I dont remember the brand) it work ok but just for 2 weeks, after that it starts to move again, so now I try a Gel glue and it seems that work excellent, it doesn't move at all, with the other glue it holds, but it can move a little, seems that this glue is the solution, and it says in the boxx is water resistant so, better for me, I have to say that you have to ve very careful because a little drop in the mic and nobody will hear you again, the same for the speaker, so far I dont have problems :victory: so if you found a gel based glue in a little stick, try it if you have this problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Does anyone know where I can buy this part (black botton cover)?

I have tried to find a place that sells it and I could not find one.
However, I replace the screen on my phone (Xperia Z1s C6916) about three months ago, and only ripped the flex cable connecting the audio jack and sensor. When I did that, I bought a screen that was already connected to a frame. However, I forgot to transfer the mesh covering the speaker. I did not know it was just a mesh piece on the outside until now... I took the phone apart, yet again, ripped the flex cable connecting the microphone... Why are parts for this thing so expensive!?

Johann_London said:
Anyway I digress, has anybody else's speaker grille come off or bubbled up?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine fell off a few months ago.

AkiraProject said:
Mine fell off a few months ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine fell off yesterday. I bought mine in September. I'm glad the water proofing hasn't been affected by it (going by others' accounts, I'm too chicken to try it myself.) I was really upset cause I bought it only for the waterproofing and the other features were a plus. I'll super glue it then. India is getting too hot, the glue melted off.

Yeah mine fell off too, it's been off for a while now.
My USB flap fell off too, though it was probably my own fault over using it without care. So I guess mine isn't waterproof any more ? :victory:

Related

Does anyones incredible s battery cover squeak?

I noticed that when I pressed on it slighty there was a slight squeak noise that came from the casing. I had recently bought a replacement cover and it was fine and than it did the same thing. What is this? Is it normal for most incredible s devices because I have heard other ppl had the same problem. I dont care as much because I have a case for mine but what about you guys??? Any squeaking issues??? LOL
IncredibleSlover said:
I noticed that when I pressed on it slighty there was a slight squeak noise that came from the casing. I had recently bought a replacement cover and it was fine and than it did the same thing. What is this? Is it normal for most incredible s devices because I have heard other ppl had the same problem. I dont care as much because I have a case for mine but what about you guys??? Any squeaking issues??? LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, same here, mines pretty bad actually!
I've got a case on top and its a tight fit, so it doesn't squeak.
Bad design flaw IMO.
neo-X said:
Yes, same here, mines pretty bad actually!
I've got a case on top and its a tight fit, so it doesn't squeak.
Bad design flaw IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arrgh, it brings out the OCD in me LOL. But I have a case so it isnt bad, and its only in one little corner and I have to press on it so I geuss its not that bad. Its really a shame because I love this phone and thats its only flaw.
The same case here too.
For me its at the corner. I guess its due to the pressure while we want to unlock the phone, we tend to press the back cover first before hittin the power button.
Ive got a red IS, dunno if i can get another replacable one or not...
P.S I aint using any case or anything, its as fresh as outta the box XD
I believe the squeak is caused by some empty space existing between the phone and the back cover. Stick a strip of duct tape on the inside part of the back cover where it squeaks. It should solve the squeaking problem.
Mine squeaks really badly around the volume buttons. putting a case on fixes it though.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App
Yep mine squeaks too, the corner near the camera.
Squeaky
No, mine has not had any squeaks. The USB port does rattle a bit. But not enough to get up in arms about. I find the fit and finish surprisingly good considering the chassis seems to be all plastic.
CoolinHL said:
I believe the squeak is caused by some empty space existing between the phone and the back cover. Stick a strip of duct tape on the inside part of the back cover where it squeaks. It should solve the squeaking problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isnt that not going to be good for the battery? Overheating it or something? I am kind of weary about putting things inside the phone
yeah it has been discussed tht the cover does squeek, either you have a case that is able to press on the phone good enough to prevent it from squeeking or you put fillers inside the phone to stop the squeeking
IncredibleSlover said:
Isnt that not going to be good for the battery? Overheating it or something? I am kind of weary about putting things inside the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you think that would overheat the phone, exactly? It's not like phones have vents or fans that could be blocked by the tape.
Lol I don't know I'm just weary about stuff when it comesbto my phone maybe ill try that
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA Premium App
Ok did it and it works
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA Premium App
Of the ones that squeak (including mine), how many people have removed the back cover? Mine didn't start to squeak until the third time in pulled the battery cover off. I have noticed that on one side there is a small gap along one side more so than the other.
Mine definitely squeaked as if the cover was loose. It's not much of an issue with a case though.
Yep. Mine squeaks.
Top right (Near the camera & power button) and bottom left (near the home button). Intrigues me that it's like a diagonal thing. oh well.
I lold.
Don't really care though. xD
Just send them an email with some proof, some pictures and maybe a short video which you can clearly hear the sqeezing.
I did that and they send me a new cover
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk
I was able to fix this once by somehow properly placing the back cover back on but when the next time I removed it and placed it back, I again started to have the squeak so I used some plastic tape, placed it on the side of the back as well as the top, placed the back cover back and no more squeaking
I had squeaking on the right top and side.
acme anvil said:
Of the ones that squeak (including mine), how many people have removed the back cover? Mine didn't start to squeak until the third time in pulled the battery cover off. I have noticed that on one side there is a small gap along one side more so than the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Mine started squeaking after I removed the back cover for the third time as well. For me it's on the right side, smack in the middle of the device (where my middle finger rests when I hold it in my left hand )
System92 said:
Same here. Mine started squeaking after I removed the back cover for the third time as well. For me it's on the right side, smack in the middle of the device (where my middle finger rests when I hold it in my left hand )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish this was the only problem that I discovered with the phone. I love the phone but look at what I discovered.
http://oi56.tinypic.com/9u8d9y.jpg
YES! That is a pixel..dead or stuck? I have no idea..Im thinkin its DEAD!!!
FML!!!!! Arrgh now I have to buy a display replacement and open up my phone to replace it...because it bugs me. I dont want to go through warranty, I will have to unroot my phone and S-on. Arrgh
Anyone else with this?

Tiny bulge under SIM slot after 6 days

I just noticed this evening that I have a little bulge under my SIM slot. The rubber protrudes about 1mm, and is about 1/4" long. It happens to be exactly above where my ring finger rests when I hold my phone, as if my finger (over the past 6 days) has forced the separation. It's nothing a bumper or case won't fix -- but I don't have a bumper or a case.
Hopefully it's an isolated case **He naively says starting at the screen lift on his Nexus 7**
ralexand said:
I just noticed this evening that I have a little bulge under my SIM slot. The rubber protrudes about 1mm, and is about 1/4" long. It happens to be exactly above where my ring finger rests when I hold my phone, as if my finger (over the past 6 days) has forced the separation. It's nothing a bumper or case won't fix -- but I don't have a bumper or a case.
Hopefully it's an isolated case **He naively says starting at the screen lift on his Nexus 7**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see it. Can you get a closer picture?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium
ctowne said:
I dont see it. Can you get a closer picture?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy specs mate. Or get a better monitor.
Oh nevermind I see it now. I would send it back. He said under so i was looking under. That is more like above it.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium
Looks like the rubber band warping. Not sim slot.
I ordered a nexus 4 and all I got was bo.
Yeah, that looks like a clear defect. I'd definitely have Google replace it.
I've had mine for over a week. It doesn't have that issue. Thank God.
That's a definite defect. Get a replacement ASAP.
Sent from my Nexus 7
At least it still works mine is lifeless
Hi
Might just be clip on the back cover that hasn't engaged. Can you clip it back in by squeezing the back at that point against the front?
Regards
Phil
PhilipL said:
Hi
Might just be clip on the back cover that hasn't engaged. Can you clip it back in by squeezing the back at that point against the front?
Regards
Phil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, it's surprisingly stubborn. I've put quite a bit of pressure trying to "pop" it back into place to no avail. I really do hope this isn't a mass problem. I'm going to do an RMA (also have the rattle & hiss). The next one I'll have a case from Day 1.
Hi
ralexand said:
Nah, it's surprisingly stubborn. I've put quite a bit of pressure trying to "pop" it back into place to no avail. I really do hope this isn't a mass problem. I'm going to do an RMA (also have the rattle & hiss). The next one I'll have a case from Day 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rattle is just the plastic lens in the camera related to auto focus, a lot of phones have the same rattle, search for "camera rattle". Hiss is caused by the DC-DC power converters in the phone, it's a known issue with low power equipment such as mobile phones, just do a search for the terms "dc dc converter audible noise". These are not faults, just side effects of the technology that most people will ignore or not notice.
Such is the variable nature of these components you may get another phone that appears better or just the same or even worse, but very likely the rattle will always be there as that is just how the cameras are at rest with nothing powering the magnetic servo of the lens.
Obviously the bulge in the side of the case shouldn't be there, certainly a reason to get it replaced.
Regards
Phil
OP - I finally received my phone yesterday and noticed that I too have the same little bulge. Mine is on the opposite side of the phone. It does look like it's just a clip that didn't engage. However, like you, I tried to push it in to no avail. Since there is nothing else wrong with my phone at all I am holding off on sending it in for an RMA because I'd be afraid to get a phone with worse defects. This one is so minimal that I can live with it. Especially since I REALLY have to look for it to see it.
With that said, I'm contemplating just removing the backing, which I have read is super easy (just remove the two screws at the bottom and the sim tray and it pops off). I was thinking about doing this to inspect that little section to see if something is just protruding a tiny bit that can be easily corrected. I'm going to wait until I see others have successfully removed the backing before attempting it myself.
Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.
UPDATE: I called Play Support and told the rep about the issue. He said I'm not the first person to have the small bulge and recommended an RMA since it's considered a defect so I went that route.
I returned a Nexus 7 that had the same problem. There was no screen lift, so I hesitated, but after taking the back off and seeing that internal components were pressing the bezel outwards (and the screen had been attached onto the already-bent bezel, leaving the bulgey spot without any adhesive to speak of even if I could get the bezel straight) I decided I didn't want to wait for dust to start creeping in and took it back. Glad I did, my replacement was perfect. Hope you get the same result with a new N4 (whenever they get around to having a new one for you :| ).
Damn I have the buldge to Don't know if i'm just noticing or if it's been there all along. I've decided i can live with the tiny amount of hiss in the ear piece and the camera rattle (which i've been told and believe is normal and not a defect). Can't decide if this is something that'll worsen over time or just live with this in fear of getting a device with worse issues. DOH
marnel47 said:
Damn I have the buldge to Don't know if i'm just noticing or if it's been there all along. I've decided i can live with the tiny amount of hiss in the ear piece and the camera rattle (which i've been told and believe is normal and not a defect). Can't decide if this is something that'll worsen over time or just live with this in fear of getting a device with worse issues. DOH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't fret. I called Google about this issue since I have it too. The rep told me he had a few reports of this and recommended an RMA for it. It won't get worse but if it does bother you just call and have them send you a new one. The process is really easy. I've done this in the past with other Nexus devices as well. They send you a new one within 3-5 business days and put an auth charge on your card for the full price of the phone. Then, when you get the new phone you put the old one in the box and send it back to them. When they receive the phone they remove the auth hold. This way you are never left without a phone.
Anyone opened theirs up?
Sent from my Nexus 4

Replacing Spreaker Grills

Ok so I have the silver HTC One and as much as I love it, I can't help but think the front would look bad-ass with the black speaker grills...
I was wondering if anyone has any experience replacing their speaker grills, I remember seeing a drop test video and it popped off. The guy in the video mentioned how it didn't clip back on, it was glued on.
I think if it was easy enough to get a stanley blade in between the grill and the plastic it could just pop off (mine has a gap so it could be quite easy) then it would also help in the future if any scratches happen, just to replace them again...
Thoughts?
thats a good idea, itll be great to know if the speaker grills are repleacable, as they are slightly raised on most phones
I'm just worried incase I order the replacment parts and they are not the same quality as the real HTC One parts. Is there a site that sells genuine parts? They would need to ship to the UK for me though...
Are you out of your mind?
If you are, I'd recommend sandpaper tape and some spray paint. That would probably be easier than disassembly. Maybe even some black nail polish.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
couped said:
Are you out of your mind?
If you are, I'd recommend sandpaper tape and some spray paint. That would probably be easier than disassembly. Maybe even some black nail polish.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think it will be as bad as you think, this is the video I was talking about:
http://youtu.be/KwE9PGDnlvs?t=1m51s
I know the top may be more difficult to get off because of the camera and I think I will wait a few more months to see if anyone does drop their One and the top part pops off... But it would be interesting to know because this could be useful to those who get any real bad damage to their speaker grills...
The speaker grills are glued to the housing, Removing them shouldn't be hard
Do it and get us some pics
I'm doing it. Are you sure about the glue? I also started a thread about it a couple of days ago.
robt772000 said:
I'm doing it. Are you sure about the glue? I also started a thread about it a couple of days ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bottom one is definitely glued, I am not sure about the top one though
Im interested...
Barca009 said:
Ok so I have the silver HTC One and as much as I love it, I can't help but think the front would look bad-ass with the black speaker grills...
I was wondering if anyone has any experience replacing their speaker grills, I remember seeing a drop test video and it popped off. The guy in the video mentioned how it didn't clip back on, it was glued on.
I think if it was easy enough to get a stanley blade in between the grill and the plastic it could just pop off (mine has a gap so it could be quite easy) then it would also help in the future if any scratches happen, just to replace them again...
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the black would look pretty cool. Let us know how this turns out! and take pictures of the process. I myself am curious whats behind the top grill, my speaker on the top is starting to crackle horribly i want to know if it would be possible to replace.
One of mine (the bottom grill) has a small chip in it that really annoys me, so i have ordered a new set. Postage to the UK is quite expensive, but the total was only £24. Not that bad considering its an original part I guess.
Removing the grills shouldnt be too hard, just heat them up with a hot air gun, being careful not to 'cook' the phone and carefully prise the grill up. The gap most people have in the case may be a help here. The new one should just press on. Warm it up, press it down and hold it firmly until cool, with a clamp or strong bulldog clip if you can.
Etradesupply.com sells almost everything for HTC one just so everyone knows if they didn't, u also have a tiny chip in my lower speaker grill, but my case hides it for now so I'm not super worried, but I would love to know if this is possible!!
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
The grills and the SIM tray are about the only things you can replace. They sell screens, but there is no realistic way to replace them. Even if you could open the phone without marking it, putting it back together is almost impossible.
rovex said:
One of mine (the bottom grill) has a small chip in it that really annoys me, so i have ordered a new set. Postage to the UK is quite expensive, but the total was only £24. Not that bad considering its an original part I guess.
Removing the grills shouldnt be too hard, just heat them up with a hot air gun, being careful not to 'cook' the phone and carefully prise the grill up. The gap most people have in the case may be a help here. The new one should just press on. Warm it up, press it down and hold it firmly until cool, with a clamp or strong bulldog clip if you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just for clarification, did you order this from etrade supply? do you have it yet and how is the quality...?
Regards
Zak
Etradesupply quality is very good. I order parts from them and never have an issue.
Heat gun or hair dryer to loosen up the glue should help.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Curious to see if you went through with this.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
I bought some etrade silver speaker grills but no longer need them.
If possible please share the whole process heating , removing and fixing the top and bottom speaker grill. Thanks !
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Just a tip, do not "paint" the grill. It's impossible to do without stuffing up the holes anyway.. And paint does not stick to aluminium.
You need to anodise aluminium.
Google how to do it but in a nutshell..
1) chemically clean existing aluminium to remove all traces of colour /surface protection. 2)Anodise it to required colour or clear colour
This not only gives you the look you want but makes the surface very hard.
Anodising also is not "on" the surface but part of it so it won't scratch off, block holes etc.
Bare aluminium is very soft and WILL oxidise and go dull. Apart from living in a vacuum or learning to breathe argon gas, you can't stop it.
Anodising MAKES aluminium oxidise and then fill the surface with a dye. This prevents further oxidisation.
Cheers, Marty
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
any luck with replacing the speaker grills?
Just a heads up
I asked about this a different thread and one of the people that replied told me that only the bottom grill is glued in. He said the top is actually screwed in from the back before the back cover is put on. I cant confirm if he was correct, but still good info for anyone planning to try something like this. Can anyone confirm that has purchased these if there are threads in the top grill for it to be screw in?

Galaxy S4 Active - is it really waterproof?

USA Today have an article (here) where the reviewer was testing the S4 Active. Right after he dunk the phone underwater, the phone have WATER DAMAGE:
Shortly after I took the phone for a dip (in not very deep water), the display went kaput — at least for several hours. It lit up just long enough to indicate that I had power, but I couldn't actually keep the display on and use it.
Roughly a day later, the screen came alive again, but the phone was still exhibiting finicky behavior, presumably because of water damage. The touch-screen was messed up and the device acted as if headphones were plugged in when they weren't. If this were my actual phone, I'd return to the store for a replacement.
I just got the S4 Active and thought I am not planning to take the phone for a long underwater activities, I am concerned that I am getting a phone that have a very weak water resistant feature.
Not sure if this is because the reviewer didn't "properly" close the battery cover / USB port, but I have seen S4 Active review and Samsung Event videos where the phone was submerged in water for a long time and it still works.
PS: Have ANYONE tried to dunk their phone in the water for testing?
My phone has been in a pool, lake, bathtub, rainy weather, all since I got it. I trust it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
I'd like to think that reviewer just got stuck with a bad unit.
But this begs the question: Is water damage covered under warranty? Either by AT&T or Samsung? Surely they should back up their "vacation-proof" phone..
aceownstheworld said:
My phone has been in a pool, lake, bathtub, rainy weather, all since I got it. I trust it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first one went into the pool just fine. The unit I have now I am scared to expose it. On the top between the glass and bezel there is a small gap... above the in call speaker.... I'm afraid that water will pour in through that... Can you look at yours and see if yours is like that?
He probably didn't press down the back cover correctly.
Sent From My Galaxy S4 Active using a Tapatalk 4
joshuadjohnson22 said:
My first one went into the pool just fine. The unit I have now I am scared to expose it. On the top between the glass and bezel there is a small gap... above the in call speaker.... I'm afraid that water will pour in through that... Can you look at yours and see if yours is like that?
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You mean between the earpiece and the bezel at the front? I don't see any gaps, at least not with my naked eyes.
On the back, bottom part near the speaker, I don't see it either. Trying to press to see if there is a gap, so far none.
What makes you "scared" on the phone that you have now?
robstunner said:
He probably didn't press down the back cover correctly.
Sent From My Galaxy S4 Active using a Tapatalk 4
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There is a sticker on the back cover that provide a warning for the user to PRESS DOWN on the middle of the cover, underneath the LED.
I always do that, but I never hear a "click" or any indication that the back cover is now PROPERLY covering the phone to prevent water leakage.
Well, I DO hear the click when pressing on all sides, but that's normal like my Galaxy Note.
lanwarrior said:
You mean between the earpiece and the bezel at the front? I don't see any gaps, at least not with my naked eyes.
On the back, bottom part near the speaker, I don't see it either. Trying to press to see if there is a gap, so far none.
What makes you "scared" on the phone that you have now?
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Yeah on the front top. I just think water will easily get in the phone...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I've used this phone below the 1 meter mark and the only bad side effect I get is the microphone not working well for a bit afterwords, which happens really at any level of exposure. This phone is pretty safe in water if you use it correctly.
mattpayne92 said:
...the only bad side effect I get is the microphone not working well for a bit afterwords...
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That is pretty bad. I mean, I am not going snorkeling and take a phone call while floating on the shore, but if somebody calls me and I CANNOT talk to them because the microphone does not work, that is a big problem.
I am actually wondering how does the phone protects the microphone, earphone and speaker? There are holes there and water can go in. I was considering the Xperia Z and so far the only problem with water issue is the microphone jack - the phone will think that the jack have a headphone but it's only water. However, that is easily fixable by drying it out. I.e. use tissue or something that goes inside the jack.
Microphone though, the holes are to tiny to "dry" with a tissue or something.
BTW, is the microphone STOPS working completely or it works again after a FEW DAYS?
Maybe I can ask those who read this thread to tell me if:
A). You HAVE tested your phone under water (splashing it, dunking it in a bowl of water)
B). What ISSUE you have after you did the above? Phone dead, microphone stops working, etc.
I am trying to get a sense if this is just a specific batch issue (I can replace the phone) or design issue (no matter what, the issue still exists).
If it really was then it would have lifetime warranty. The fact that it only has 1 year warranty like most of the phones tells me that after year 1 be ready to say bye bye to your baby
Sent from my SGH-I337
lanwarrior said:
Maybe I can ask those who read this thread to tell me if:
A). You HAVE tested your phone under water (splashing it, dunking it in a bowl of water)
B). What ISSUE you have after you did the above? Phone dead, microphone stops working, etc.
I am trying to get a sense if this is just a specific batch issue (I can replace the phone) or design issue (no matter what, the issue still exists).
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Click to collapse
Decided to take mine in the shower to test after it got here.
I let the showerhead spray onto the phone, both front and back. Nothing wrong.
Like other people reported, the speaker volume gets significantly lower when wet and goes back to normal within a half hour. Also if the headphone port gets water in it it will errenously display that "headphones are connected" which blowing into the port will fix.
thatbigmoose said:
Decided to take mine in the shower to test after it got here.
I let the showerhead spray onto the phone, both front and back. Nothing wrong.
Like other people reported, the speaker volume gets significantly lower when wet and goes back to normal within a half hour. Also if the headphone port gets water in it it will errenously display that "headphones are connected" which blowing into the port will fix.
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This is useful! BTW, you haven't test submerging the phone, have you?
maldinimi said:
If it really was then it would have lifetime warranty. The fact that it only has 1 year warranty like most of the phones tells me that after year 1 be ready to say bye bye to your baby
Sent from my SGH-I337
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No it won't, because all things mechanical / electronics break downs eventually - nothing last forever. Even mil-spec stuff does not have a "lifetime" warranty.
lanwarrior said:
This is useful! BTW, you haven't test submerging the phone, have you?
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I haven't submersed it yet but there's videos on YouTube with submersion and it brings about the same issues I discussed.
Higher water pressure will clog the mic membrane and make you sound distant in phone calls.
Maybe I'll build up the courage to dunk it tomorrow.
I did the dunk test the night after I got it by fully submerging it in a cup of water...worked just fine afterwards...although I was showing a friend that didn't believe that I had a "water proof/resistant" phone by putting it in the sink and letting water run over it and had an issue with the phone thinking the headphones were plugged in.only did it for about an hour...weird thing was that it didn't start doing it until about 2 hours after it had been wet. Although once it fully dried I haven't had any issues at all with it. Hope this helps.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app
lanwarrior said:
That is pretty bad. I mean, I am not going snorkeling and take a phone call while floating on the shore, but if somebody calls me and I CANNOT talk to them because the microphone does not work, that is a big problem.
I am actually wondering how does the phone protects the microphone, earphone and speaker? There are holes there and water can go in. I was considering the Xperia Z and so far the only problem with water issue is the microphone jack - the phone will think that the jack have a headphone but it's only water. However, that is easily fixable by drying it out. I.e. use tissue or something that goes inside the jack.
Microphone though, the holes are to tiny to "dry" with a tissue or something.
BTW, is the microphone STOPS working completely or it works again after a FEW DAYS?
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Maybe leave the phone in the sun for a few minutes to dry? Blow on it? Several things help get the water out. But honestly, how often are you going to go swimming with a phone and then take a call immediately afterwards? I'd be thrilled that my phone didn't fry after it fell in the pool, I could care less that the microphone doesn't work for an hour - that's what bluetooth headsets are for.
Anyways, I've had my phone submerged in a sink with running water twice now, the only issues I've found is that after removing the back cover there is water on the outside of the rubber gasket, which looks normal, but I would recommend taking the back off to dry it out after exposed to water.
When i took mine into the pool I made a phone call right after and they said I sounded funny so i blew in the mic and it cleared the water out and they could hear me fine....
geoff5093 said:
But honestly, how often are you going to go swimming with a phone and then take a call immediately afterwards?
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Not very often, but when I DO need to take that call, it will be a big problem. This is a phone after all.
I don't think I will purposely take the phone for a swim, but the reason I bought the Active instead of the S4 is because of the water/sand protection and want to confirm it works. If it doesn't, then I'll exchange the phone to a normal S4 because it's thinner.
However, based on your response and others, it seems it does offer those protection to a certain degree and the ONLY issue is that the mic may get covered with water and cause the caller not being able to hear me, but this is easily fixed QUICKLY.

[Q] Improving waterproofness

So I got my new Z3C and was thinking: what if we can make flaps and audio port more waterproof?
Doing pressure sensor test I get reading around 1000 and it's increasing by about 30-40 when I press against screen with closed flaps. But it normalizes after 1-2 seconds and goes back to initial reading meaning tiny amount of air escapes. Does it mean my phone is not totally waterproof? Don't know.
Since this phone is just fresh-water proof (meaning no using in pool or sea) and I really want to use it worry-free in all kind of water that I dare to go in myself I really want to improve waterproofness.
I'm not worried about front and back since glass should be all.kind-of-things-proof. This leaves sd card and sim card covers, audio jack, mic holes and speakers.
So what I thought of was to "grease" flaps' rubber o-rings with rubber compatible oil/grease to make better contact with phone body or use some kind of silicone spread around rubber contact area before closing flaps to have semi-permanent seal and be still able to open and scrub extra stuff off without doing much damage.
For audio jack I thought to make some kind of plug - like pressy button but with a bit bigger "head" that has soft sticky rubber underneath so when pressed in it makes a seal with the edge of audio jack or even plug that is covered with silicone all the way.
Speakers and mic holes could be protected with bits of strong adhesive tape - it's easy to get sticky stuff off the glass and it'll be possible to hear some sound even with speakers covered. Not sure about mic holes because side plastic has matte finish but some strong adhesive should still stick?
So the question - has anyone tried something remotely related? Is it thinkable? Have I missed anything important? What materials (grease, silicone) should I use?
If anyone has done something similar? Probably... But no one ever posted about it on this forum. You can use the phone in the sea and swimming pool, as long as you rinse the phone afterwards. As for modifying the phone, I wouldn't do it. It might cause you to lose your warranty.
In terms of waterproofing the phone even more, I'd look at waterproof cases made for other phones with almost similar dimensions and see if you can do something about the case instead.
Sent from my D5803
Dsteppa said:
You can use the phone in the sea and swimming pool, as long as you rinse the phone afterwards. As for modifying the phone, I wouldn't do it.
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Plenty of stories of people going in the water, damaging their phone and fighting with sony about warranty.
It's hardly modifying, adhesive sticker on glass is easily removed and thin film of silicone should be also easily removable.
Dsteppa said:
It might cause you to lose your warranty.
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Yeah... getting water inside causes that too.
Dsteppa said:
In terms of waterproofing the phone even more, I'd look at waterproof cases made for other phones with almost similar dimensions and see if you can do something about the case instead.
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That's the option. But I haven't seen any slim waterproof case that could be comfortably used all the time.
Anyway, curiosity is strong and I'll most likely try different options.
PS. can someone test pressure sensor - is reading staying high when screen is pressed or it fades back to normal with all covers closed?
I've just used mine in pool all weekends since I bought it without any issue and even without afraid of doing that! The same with my wife's Z1!
And I'm contantly opening/closing its usb port due my xposed modules development (debugging purposes)! Maybe some unlucky day I will screw it... who knows!
Ofc we always need to be sure all ports are properly closed before going to have fun!
kalamees1 said:
Plenty of stories of people going in the water, damaging their phone and fighting with sony about warranty.
It's hardly modifying, adhesive sticker on glass is easily removed and thin film of silicone should be also easily removable.
PS. can someone test pressure sensor - is reading staying high when screen is pressed or it fades back to normal with all covers closed?
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Click to collapse
Sorry, I forgot about the pressure sensor part, it's normal that the numbers go back to normal after you lifted your finger, it works like that for everyone.
If my mind serves me right, I've seen Sony ads with the Z3C being thrown in a pool or something similar, so a pool really shouldn't be a problem. And yes of course people will have to fight for their cause at Sony, they won't just put any phone under warranty, else people would exploit that.
Dsteppa said:
Sorry, I forgot about the pressure sensor part, it's normal that the numbers go back to normal after you lifted your finger, it works like that for everyone.
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I probably expressed myself bit vaguely. Thing is that pressure reading on my phone returns back to normal WHILE HOLDING screen under pressure. Initially pressing screen creates greater pressure inside the phone, reading rises but air escapes quite quickly (1-2seconds) and pressure reading normalises. After releasing finger screen pressure sensor shows lower readings for a second until extra air seeps inside to equalise pressure again.
Hope it's clear enough.
Also, does it mean that I got less waterproof phone that it should be?
I dunno about you but i've been using my camera in the pool for a while now and even for hours at times
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app
I've used mine under water as well. OP if you're really worried about it you can send it off to liquipel and have them make the phone even more waterproof

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