Database Users

So who wants to dismantle their 8525

A while back there was a rumor that the video camera was still in the 8525 but they just covered it up with the new silver bezel - anybody care to dismantle to prove/disprove this rumor?

Why would they cover it?

Seemed silly to me to but there were rumors 3 or 4 weeks ago that's what they did. I think the basics of it was that their network wasn't up to snuff for the video so they covered the camera (being cheaper then redesign?) so people wouldn't complain about the extra camera which they couldn't use. I think it's bunk but curious - I don't recommend anybody tear apart their 8525 - I doubt it's there but if you're feeling reckless and want to destroy your new $600 toy - let me know if you find the camera!

It is possible.

chymmylt said:
Seemed silly to me to but there were rumors 3 or 4 weeks ago that's what they did. I think the basics of it was that their network wasn't up to snuff for the video so they covered the camera (being cheaper then redesign?) so people wouldn't complain about the extra camera which they couldn't use. I think it's bunk but curious - I don't recommend anybody tear apart their 8525 - I doubt it's there but if you're feeling reckless and want to destroy your new $600 toy - let me know if you find the camera!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm just wondering whether some of the more expert folks here could work this one out without dismantling. The coolcamera programme can utilise the front camera as a webcam. Obviously there would be no picture if the camera is covered but I wonder what the programme will do if the camera is not present. Clearly a message saying camera not present would be handy but if it freezes or behaves strangely (some error message) that might be another bit of evidence suggesting the camera is absent. Perhaps someone with device could try using coolcamera to see what happens on front camera setting?
Just a thought
Mike

That's a great idea.

I just tried what you guys suggested with the coolcamera app and when I switched the sensor from main to front, I got a black screen. Of course this would make sense since it is covered up but I didn't get any error message.
Today while looking at the phone more closely, I noticed there is sort've a "flatness" or outline on the bezel where the front camera would be.
I'm a believer that the camera is still present on the phone...just disabled and covered up by the metal bezel on the 8525. I also agree with the fact it wouldn't make sense to redesign the phone just to remove the camera. Instead they could do it cosmetically, in this case, with the metal bezel that is on the 8525.
Assuming that the camera is still present, I'm hoping that a third party company (or HTC) can make a replacement bezel with the front camera opening.

That is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't break open those 8525s just yet...
Notice that even when you completely cover the main camera lens, you can still see colors when you cycle through the special effects (sepia, cool, negative). When you switch to the front camera and cycle effects, you get nothing (the screen never changes from black). If the front camera were present, the negative effect at least would be dramatic.
-Sar

Good point Sarumiso. I just tried changing the effects and nothing changed. It could mean that the camera is just disabled, though. Won't know for sure until someone opens up their phone.

cellnut said:
Good point Sarumiso. I just tried changing the effects and nothing changed. It could mean that the camera is just disabled, though. Won't know for sure until someone opens up their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points being made. An error message might at least have suggested camera is not present, unfortunately no errors does not prove things one way or the other.
Mike

so im an avid 8125 guy with my 8525 on the way, will be here tomorrow... anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors? just a thought

cellnut said:
I just tried what you guys suggested with the coolcamera app and when I switched the sensor from main to front, I got a black screen. Of course this would make sense since it is covered up but I didn't get any error message.
Today while looking at the phone more closely, I noticed there is sort've a "flatness" or outline on the bezel where the front camera would be.
I'm a believer that the camera is still present on the phone...just disabled and covered up by the metal bezel on the 8525. I also agree with the fact it wouldn't make sense to redesign the phone just to remove the camera. Instead they could do it cosmetically, in this case, with the metal bezel that is on the 8525.
Assuming that the camera is still present, I'm hoping that a third party company (or HTC) can make a replacement bezel with the front camera opening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just take a dremel to it.

here is an idea... is the service manual out there? like one specifically for the 8525, it may tell whether it exists or not. or what company actually does the repairs for the 8525, maybe we contact them and find out... or if all else fails then the manual would give instructions on how to take it apart...

"...anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors?..."
shogunmark---will you be testing this theory of yours? I would try this myself but I'm too much of a nb to even attempt changing the ROM. Have to read up on all the how to threads. =)

well, i probably will, but its gonna a little while before i can do that, i havent even gotten my 8525 yet, fedex says it will be here tomorrow... i have alot more reading to do though... i am very familiar with cooking roms for my 8125, but from what i read so far it seems like the 8525 is a different animal entirely, so with my busy life its gonna take at least a week or 2 of reading before i make the venture

I've removed the two screws from the other side of the screen. Pried open the display case and bottom of it to about 1/8" and I could see that my phone does NOT have the front facing camera. It has the place for it, but definitely no camera. Would be nice to compare the Tytn's ie/mail/led pcb with the 8525s to see how they differ.

already done: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=284384

I've created a full housing swap to include the fron camera on my 8525. Tutorial includes full instructions with pictures included. See link below
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1152710&page=1&pp=15
so im an avid 8125 guy with my 8525 on the way, will be here tomorrow... anyway, lets pretend for a moment the cam is there, then its more than likely disabled in the cingular rom... would it be possible to flash an actual tytn rom to get the front camera support, then try the testing with the software and cycling through the colors? just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have everything ready to do this. Camera installed and all. I have unlocked my phone to update to any rom. I'm willing to give this a shot. I just need to know if I where to get the ROm to download. Tis swap is a compete resemblance of the Japanese versionof my 8525, its the htc Z from Japan. http://www.japan.htc.com/product_htcz.htm . I dont know if there is an english versionof this rom to download. I'm ready to do this for everyone I just need direction

It's a shame that those of us that do have the front facing camera that the phone lacks a front facing flash or LED. Would be very handy otherwise those times when the urge comes for yet another self portrait and it happens to be night . . .
(We do not have 3G here in Oman.)

Buying an 8525 from Craigslist for $100

This seems like a fair price to me. Is it? What hardware issues should I be looking for, common wear/tear's etc?
Thanks guys! This will be a nice (slightly heavier) upgrade from my Blackjack2 and 2125.

superultra said:
This seems like a fair price to me. Is it? What hardware issues should I be looking for, common wear/tear's etc?
Thanks guys! This will be a nice (slightly heavier) upgrade from my Blackjack2 and 2125.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's quite a list of things to look out for. Be aware that there are quite a few being dumped on the net because of pretty serious issues. Having said that, there are good ones around.
You should not buy one that:
1
has ever had a white screen or fading screen problem
2
Shows a "No GSM" error
3
has a screen alignment issue (even a minor one)
4
has a slide out keyboard so loose that holding it up to your ear makes it slide out a little (this fault is fixable - but not entirely straightforward)
5
switches completely off from time to time (may be a minor battery contacts fault, but can be cracked solder joints on the battery connector.)
6
has ever suffered from applications closing for no reason or the start menu opening for no reason. (can be a sign of alignment issues or contamination under the screen bezel)
7
ever had charging problems or other issues with the USB socket. This can be replaced but the cost is probably not worth it unless it's DIY
8
a loose stylus is a hassle. Some are so loose they just fall out. I have instructions to fix this but easier to avoid the issue.
Im sure other folk can think of a few other things.
It may be worth buying one that is cheap if the rear speaker or front speaker is not working. The rear speaker is of just a loose connector and is just under the rear casing. The front earpiece speaker can be faulty due to loose spring connector (fixable, but a major dismantle - it can be replaced if necessary with a relatively cheap motorola alternative)
Mike
PS I am not up on current prices. Just the other day someone got one at $120 which was not thought to be a bargain. However with the Hermes, I'd rather pay a few more dollars for one that works ok rather than one that has one of those white screen or alignment problems.

That is a great answer. Thanks very much Mike. I'll post here how it turns out.

thats where i found mine, turned out great. this may not seem like the obvious , but one of the main reasons i like craigslist purchases is that they are usually meet face to face affairs. people that are going to scam you by selling you junk are less likely to do so face to face, at least thats been my experience. I think thats price is fair if its in halfway decent shape.

go for it, not a bad price if specs check out like Mike said...

Picked it up, checked for all issues and asked some questions. Seller was mostly tech-illiterate but I dropped her down to $80.
Thanks so much for the advice all. I'll off to upgrade this puppy!

Excellent! Happy Flashing

[Q] [DISCUSS] HD2 Damaged - Opinions Requested!

So over a trip I went on, my beautiful HD2 stopped working. I have my suspicions as to what caused the damage, but they still come off as odd. Basically, I had my HD2 working perfectly ... I went into the bathroom to take a shower ... and I guess it was steamier than usual [since I was in a different climate than usual] ... the next day the device would vibrate to indicate boot but only display a faint logo onscreen of the ROM I am using [meaning backlight broken] then it would turn off after trying to boot I guess. I checked out the phone, looked for damage or water or anything ... couldn't find anything significant. I did notice that the tags on the phone and batter, which I learned are for water detection, had turned red. That struck me as odd because it wasn't the first time I had the phone in the bathroom with me. In any case, at this point the device won't even turn on ... plugging in the charger does nothing. It is basically dead.
NOTE: AT NO POINT DID THIS PHONE GO INTO THE SHOWER OR TOILET OR WHATEVER. IT WAS PLACED DOWN ON A DRY SURFACE BEFORE THE SHOWER.
So I am going to T-Mobile tomorrow, see if they will be kind to me haha. I highly doubt it, because the tags don't lie .. regardless of whether or not I feel it was a valid case of "water damage".
So, if they give me warranty and provide me with a new HD2, then this thread will be useless, but under the assumption they don't ... I was wondering if the HD2 is the phone to stick with.
I think it is great and all, but I always wonder if there is something better.
I was reading that the Nokia N8 can be run on T-Mobile USA when unlocked, I am not sure of the truth behind that ... but the specs on that device look pretty awesome. I just don't like that it is a huge switch from WinMo/Andro/WP7 capabilities. It also doesn't have that XDA-Developers community backing.
That is basically all I was thinking in terms of alternatives ... any other thoughts?

Man that really sucks about your HD2, and that is very curious that the water indicators turned red. I also don't think you will get much love from T-Mobile either because of the water indicators. But I say get another HD2, I know it is starting to become a older device now but to me there is just no other phone out there that can stand up to the awesomeness of the HD2. Besides you know if you get anything besides a HD2 you will be kicking yourself in the butt later on for not getting another HD2.

The Nokia N8 will not keep you happy, there are issues with both the software and hardware, similarto the issues Nokia software has been displaying from the 5800/5530 software fiasco.
I would never go near a top range nokia - they have lost the plot over the last 2/3 years. all imho of course

I have a myTouch 4G/HTC Glacier and the phone is a beast. screen looks awesome(but not as big as hd2), hspa+, 768mb RAM, front facing camera, etc...lots of nice ROMS and great devs. Im running cm7 rc4 on mytouch and get 30+ hours on a full battery charge

So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated

Keep checking this thread m8 for ppl's views on OS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020358

Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you choose WP7, you can run Android off SD card via MAGLDR.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic

Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be willing to sell my hd2

So I ended up buying a new [Used] HD2. I was told that the only issue was the metal plate over the batter [which I saved from my old HD2] ... so I was fine with it. I just got it today, it had a few minor scratches on the screen as well as what i think is a tiny Crack. So I am debating putting up with it, or calling the guy up and asking him what is up with that...
I purchased it on eBay ... so I just wanted your opinion on this: I bought it pretty cheap [235$] in comparison to other offers on the site, and the description was:
HTC HD2 (T-Mobile) cell phone
Used but in overall excellent condition
The only issue is that the metal cover on the back has some scratches, nothing major, screen is excellent
Includes phone /w battery and charger only, charger is not the original HTC charger, but it works 100%t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called the guy up to ask a few questions: Is it just the back-plate that has superficial damage? Has the device been tested to work as though new? The screen has nothing on it? And the guy basically told me that the back-plate was the only issue. Now that I have the phone, though, there are those minor scratches, and that small crack on the screen, as well as the cover to the earpiece missing/worn so it is silver now, and also the top right and left corners have a bit of damage.
Basically, when I put the soft-shell cover I have over it [stock], I can't see any of the superficial things except the screen, so they don't bother me as much. After all, it was listed USED, so I expected so much. I am just concerned about the SCREEN. If it is a crack on the screen, it will just get worse with time, am I right? If it were a scratch I could deal with it MAYBE, but being a crack I just don't want to have to look towards buying a THIRD device later on due to a cracked screen ...
[by the way, this crack wasn't a result of shipping I think ... it was in a nice thick layer of bubble-wrap and none of the bubbles had popped.]
So what is your opinion? Should I call this guy up, see what the deal is? Or should I deal with it?
Opinions appreciated!
EDIT:: Here are some low-res photos [one close-up, one far away]. I had to use my Exca to take them, I couldn't find my camera
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_026.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_027.jpg

Swapping just the one piece is harder than swapping a glass digitizer screen combo, since to get them apart involves baking the phone for so many minutes at (I think it is) 60 degrees, then you will need to glue the new one back to the digitizer.its not just a simple swap. Plus the screen is the last piece in the stripdown process, EVERYTHING comes apart before you get to the screen.
If I were you I'd consider asking for some money back and live with the crack, or if he wont go for that tell him you want full refund. But you need to be quick, eBay will support your claim but leave it too long makes it look dodgy.
as for cracked screen getting progressively worse, that's not necessarily the case. I dropped mine ages ago (several months) and it now has around 8 or9 large cracks, all the way through the glass radiating from one corner all the way up to the top, and they are no worse now than when it happened, (i have a screen protector to save my fingers from possible sharp bits) though the rigidity has suffered greatly, and it now creaks and groans when it gets pressure in my pocket.

Yeah, I figured so much about the screen ... Turns out what I have is screen+digitizer, but the cable for the digitizer isn't in any condition where it will work again, haha. I didn't expect/want to do a screen-replace when I took apart my broken HD2.
Yeah, I know I have to act quickly for eBay to hold up a better case, in case the guy doesn't want to be easy about it. I just got the phone literally an hour ago in the mail.
I'll try to have some more higher-res photos up by tonight because I am still not sure if it is just a nasty scratch, or a crack...and as you can see my Excalibur doesn't exactly take a good picture haha. What I find odd is that usually a crack starts at the edge of the glass and progresses inwards, but this one starts in the middle of the screen and has like 3 little 'legs' of it coming out. I'm not scratch/crack expert so I can't really say ... I'll just have the photos up later.
Otherwise, I'll probably call the guy up tomorrow, see what the deal is/is going to be.

I would demand a Partial refund if you are happy enough with the phone.
If you get it, buy a zagg invisible shield screen protector to preven the crack from getting any worse. Had some good and bad luck with ebay purchases, but thats a story for another thread

Could be a pressure crack, I have a friend with a desire HD and he sat down with it in pocket, and a lighter against the screen, and he has a similar sounding crack, a few small cracks radiating out from a tiny central chip.

Okay, so I got the higher-res images ... the links are as follows:
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0278.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0279.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0280.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0281.jpg
I think that 280 shows it the best, the others give you a view of it in respect to the whole phone. It isn't huge or anything ... decently sized. When the screen is on, I really have to look to find it. Besides feeling it with my finger as I swipe over it, I wouldn't really be bothered by its being there. My friend said it seems more like a surface scratch, but unlike the other scratches, I can actually feel this one [which is why I think it is more like a crack]. Ohh semantics!
In any case, just another curious question. Seeing as I just got the phone, I haven't put on any custom ROM or anything, assuming I would have to settle an issue potentially, but I realized when trying to hook the phone up to my computer that the SD card didn't register. It had registered just fine earlier today, and at my friends house. Then I didn't use it for maybe 4 hours. Then just now it didn't register. It was fixed with a reboot. Is this likely an OS thing that will be fixed with a new flash of a better ROM [this is running a STOCK rom by the way]. This phone would be pretty limited without its MicroSD Card slot. I just want to make sure that if that is a hardware issue, I bring that up.

I guess this will be the final post/update:
I talked to the guy, and he offered me either to ship it back at my expense [but still get a full refund], or he could give me $25 for the inconvenience/hassle. Having really thought about it, looked at the scratch/crack. I took him up on the latter offer.
I guess it just means I should be more careful when using the phone. After all, its like I said: I can't notice it unless I look for it when the device is on. Its a shame that there was a crack on the screen, but for $200, I think it is a darn good bargain. Also, the MicroSD card slot has been working just fine...I think it was an OS thing. If the MicroSD card slot does turn out to be an issue, hopefully it is within the next 40 days, haha, so I can still get it covered by Buyer Protection. Further, I simply cannot find a price as good as that
So, I guess this is the end of this thread. Thanks to anyone who helped

[Q] Will case for the HTC Inspire fit the HTC HD2

Hi,
I was looking for a case for my HD2 but most of the cases i like they don't make for our phone. With that said I came across a case for the HTC Inspire 4G that I like. The measurments for the both phones are really close to one another. The HD2 measures at 4.8" x 2.64" x 0.43" and the measurments for the Inspire 4G are 4.8" x 2.68" x 0.46" so one would think it might fit. I seen someone ask this question about the Otterbox case but this case looks a lot more giving in its design that makes me think that it might. If you take a look at the pictures below you will notice a wide camera cut out as well as the vol keys on the left side of the phone, both being in the same general location as the other phone. I know that doesn't mean it will definitely fit but i want to try to get an idea if it will before i spend all that money on a case. Has anyone tried a case for the Inspire 4G on a HD2? Thanks in advance for any help.

I went to Walmart which had the HTC Inspire on display and I put my soft gel case on it to see if it would fit. It was very hard to tell much a difference between the two but i would say with it on the Inspire it was slightly less snug, all things considering though it fit pretty much perfect. When i say slightly less i really mean is was very minor and i only noticed a difference after taking it off and putting it back on several times between the two phones. My problem though is I'm unsure if it will fit a hard case and I don't wish to spend $20-$30 on a case that wont work and i wont be able to return. I am looking at two cases, one from Seidio and the other from Case-mate. Im just going to cave and buy one of the cases, which ever has a better return policy i guess will be best and i'll report back on my findings.

thanks for the info on the post about this as i broke my screen thru not haveing a case and you are right there is not a lot off choices left for hd2 ,i tht that there were no other mobiles close to its size thanks i just bought the otter case any ways still cheaper than a screen lol

the seidio cases for the inspire4g or desire hd fit very good . just got the covert case today great deal.

Cracked Screen

Ugh, opened my car door earlier and both of my phones slid out and dropped. Of course, the one with the case is fine (x522). My x720 alas, cracked. It works still, obviosuly, but could worsen, especially the impact spot. Anyone know how much it is to fix the screen, or if its even worth it. Hate to have to look for a new phone...

Sorry to hear that. I have seen screens for as low as $13.00. But I would spend a little more for better quality. Supposedly the all black s1 screen works well and it looks good because its all black and it will modernize the look of the phone.
Use a heat gun to remove the screen you can videos on Youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Display-Screen-digitizer-Assembly/dp/B07318CRM5
If you want to sell it @Distributor might be interested in it.

tsongming said:
Sorry to hear that. I have seen screens for as low as $13.00. But I would spend a little more for better quality. Supposedly the all black s1 screen works well and it looks good because its all black and it will modernize the look of the phone.
Use a heat gun to remove the screen you can videos on Youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Display-Screen-digitizer-Assembly/dp/B07318CRM5
If you want to sell it @Distributor might be interested in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are those 13$ screen as good as the original?

Coconut tree said:
Are those 13$ screen as good as the original?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea.
Personally, I would spend a little more and buy from Amazon. With Amazon you not only have the Manufacturer's warranty. You also have a money back guarantee by Amazon themselves. For this reason, I buy most of my online purchases through Amazon.
However, I just found this https://de.aliexpress.com/item/Orig...-X725-X727-LCD-Display-Touch/32819262724.html and according to the description its OEM ( Original Equipment Manufacturer)
So Go for the less expensive one.
Make sure that you order some 3m or professional Smart phone repair tape.
FYI, when you put the screen back on it fits tightly and will stay even without Glue and tape. But you absolutely want tape of even better water resealable glue
Adhesive Sticker Tape
MMOBIEL B-7000 50ML Multipurpose High Performance Industrial Super Glue

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cgXokqbm
I got this one (the black one), and couldnt be happier. Dont see any difference vs stock.

trizex said:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cgXokqbm
I got this one (the black one), and couldnt be happier. Dont see any difference vs stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, once you have it installed post some pictures.

tsongming said:
Nice, once you have it installed post some pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been on for a few months now, I'll post a few later

trizex said:
Its been on for a few months now, I'll post a few later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Thanks.
Sent from my LEX727 using XDA Labs

i think i might 'upgrade' to the x850 or x950 instead, and get a case this time heh