[Q] Cracked screen. Best option. - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.

WestAussie said:
Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use a hairdryer for loosening the adhesive to separate glass and digitizer , being patient is the key but there is a good chance of messing it up

It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P

pietro_spina said:
It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

WestAussie said:
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine had a battery.
This is the part I bought.
OEM LG Nexus 4 E960 LCD Screen and Digitizer Assembly with Front Housing and Battery
from this page (they ship out of Hong Kong)
http://www.etradesupply.com/lg/android-models/lg-nexus-4-e960-parts.html but it appears to be out of stock now. (Maybe I got the last one)
Like I said, it was pricey, but i couldn't risk me screwing it up further since I run my architecture firm with this phone. I was looking for a minimal down time solution because the alternative for me was just buy a new phone in a retail store the next day. Not having access to the lower parts of my screen was seriously limiting. I slogged away for a week using all sorts of work-arounds to activate the dial pad, use parts of the keyboard etc while I waited for the replacement part.
This guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDAIgwbXk4 does not show the heating stage but he is so freaking calm, it can't be that bad... Do remove the main board before prying on the battery if you go that route...
-p

I just want to add, for anyone finding this thread, that the part I got from etradesupply.com has some pretty obvious yellowing of the screen. This screen was either removed from someone else's n4 because of this defect or taken from the reject bin at the factory.
In the future if I have any breaks, I will sent it to an LG facility.

Does anyone know of another place to buy the front screen with housing? It is OOS at etradesupply....

Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm

pietro_spina said:
Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... looks like mixed reviews about this company, though.

Related

Changing Nexus One Hosing

Ok so my Nexus One got a few Dings and scratches nothing critical or crazy. but I'm really picky about my phones looking New so I invested on buying a N1 housing on ebay and I wanted to know any pointers from people that done this before. I do have some experience on changing housings but where I'm hesitant about taking apart the digitizer since its glued I believe to the middle part and people are just putting double sided tape to hold the thing together which in my opinion it doesn't last. So maybe you guys got better pointer than people I see on youtube and other blogs. Thanks
How would you source a new housing without spending at least $200, if you don't mind me asking?
I got my housing on ebay for 45.00 for battery door bottom part and the middle housing. Now if i brake anything inside it will cost me alot more than 200.00.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
If you are just replacing the housing you do not have to do anything about the digitizer/lcd. You just pull it out of the old and put it in the new. I did this recently with my N1 and am very happy with my shiney new looking phone. There are plenty of videos on youtube to step you through the process just be patient and careful. The hardest part for me was the connectors for the docks in the bottom back plate.
Sent from my Nexus One
paperecho said:
If you are just replacing the housing you do not have to do anything about the digitizer/lcd. You just pull it out of the old and put it in the new. I did this recently with my N1 and am very happy with my shiney new looking phone. There are plenty of videos on youtube to step you through the process just be patient and careful. The hardest part for me was the connectors for the docks in the bottom back plate.
Sent from my Nexus One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made my day! I was having a hard time finding a video to confirm that. most people replace the broken digitizer or they just disassemble the phone without taking the digitizer off. Now I'm just waiting for my housing to arrive from China.
the bottom cover part(not the battery door) was a little easier to take off than i expected but it was tough though. I used a pry tool like this http://www.accessorygeeks.com/pry-tool-plastic-case-bu.html
Highly suggest picking one up.
For the bottom piece across the top part there are three little tabs that you pop up then in think two little ones you have to work downward on the sides then it will slide off.
replacing the aluminum unibody part does require a full disassembly.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=1054682
Check out the site linked in my post there. Any use to anybody?
DirkGently1 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=1054682
Check out the site linked in my post there. Any use to anybody?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://cnn.cn/shop/google-c-976.html this is where I bought few things before but not for my Nexus One
Thanks for all your help guys !! I got my housing today and replaced it is hard but not as hard as I thought your tips helped alot
I did it 2 days ago, pretty easy, do take care of the power button though

[Q] Scratch removal

Hi,
after my wife dropped my phone (accidently she swears) I have some small scratches on the phone. (See Picture below)
Someone knows some ACME Cleaner&Scratch remover for that?
Greetings .. seems that I have had the HD2 for the longest time ...
OOO!! Ouch! Looks like it's time to see the phone doctor. Or, if you feel brave enough, you can fix it yourself. They have replacement screens on ebay. Since you have the EU model the contacts for the screen and the digitizer are soldered together. So you have 3 options. 1. Take it to someone else to fix it. 2. Attempt to order just the digitizer and if you have some time and surgical skills solder the contacts yourself or, 3. Get a fully assembled LCD and digitizer that is already soldered together and swap them out. The cheapest would be to just get the digitizer but if you have to factor in the time and headache of soldering those tiny contacts together, I think getting the assembled parts would be my choice. The US T-Mobile model has a small plug-in type connector on it so there is not soldering. I replaced mine and it is quite a chore. You have to be very careful and don't rush it or you will break things. Good luck!
Yeah you've got more than scratches there! You've got a smashed screen
You'll have to replace the glass
the guy above stated pretty much everything you need to know but here's a link to a lcd+digitizer combo that is fairly cheap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LCD-Dis...192999?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item45fdf14d27
I know guys, the scratches where just kidding
The complete replacement has been ordered already, will fix it by myself
RollerCoasting said:
Yeah you've got more than scratches there! You've got a smashed screen
You'll have to replace the glass
the guy above stated pretty much everything you need to know but here's a link to a lcd+digitizer combo that is fairly cheap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LCD-Dis...192999?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item45fdf14d27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was being sarcastic with the 'scratches' thing :L
MasterMerlin said:
I know guys, the scratches where just kidding
The complete replacement has been ordered already, will fix it by myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great. Like I said be very careful in taking it apart. Especially the flex cable that controls the volume rocker. Take your time and you can get it fixed.
Check out this website: http://pocketnow.com/hardware-1/official-htc-hd2-disassembly-assembly-training-videos-leaked
It has some videos on disassembling and assembling the HD2 just so you see what you have to deal with. Also another good investment would be to see if you can get some double sided tape to stick the back of the LCD to main frame if you can't salvage the stuff that's there already. It can't be too thick though because you'll run into problems of getting it put back together. They have that on ebay also.
yes
option one.... change screen..
option 2...change wife.....
hahaha change your wife my friend
htchd2fix said:
yes
option one.... change screen..
option 2...change wife.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha change screen is cheaper i guess

Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 - Extra Screen Replacement Information

My Ex droped her Phone and it had Spider Webs all accross. Her Provider send it in to see what it would cost to fix. The Phone also would stop working correctly in the middle of calls.
It turns out buying a new one would have come cheaper atleast thats what came back as a answear.
So I decided to bite the apple and try replacing the Screen myself. My Ex was not happy because she thought with the second Problem it is not worth the effort to fix the Screen and maybe loose everything. My reasoning was that when the Spider Web Screen touches the Digitizer it will react strangely. So I went ahead and searched the web on how to do it. I ordered a Screen for $9 on ebay (free shipping) which came with a couple of Tools. More on those later.
One of the first Problems I found was that all instructions that I found showed the beginning and the end. But in the middle how the phone will look like when the glass is finaly taken off, I was unable to find much Information about it. Also doing it Redneck style without Special liquids and or a heat guns was no where to be found.
I decided to just try it. Disasembly is well documented and easy enough to do on this device. Atleast to the Point where most electronics are removed so that you can apply heat without too much problems. I decided on using a blow dryer to heat up the Display. I layed the Blow Dryer on the Counter turned it on and Held the phone up to it. Thinking if my fingers get too hot chances are it is too hot for the Display too.. Might be a little incaccurate to read the temperature like that but hey it worked. But soon after I started to remove the first pieces of broken glass I ran into Problems.
As per instructions I found, I put a Piece of tape accros the Screen so that the individuall pieces stayed ogether. That did not work at all for me. It just made the individual pieces push against the valuable digitizer below it. My next Problem was that the Tools that came with the replacement glass, especially the Little plastic Tools did not hold up to the Job und the tip was soon useless. I had to Switch to a Raizor blade. A couple of times I sliped and hit the Digitizer. Thinking oh well I guess I Need to get a new one. Luckely on the end it all worked out much better then I would have hoped. The left over glue I rubbed mostly off with my finger which worked out nicely. To clean it completely from ist glue took some time. The black rubber allong the side of the phone allso suffered. You might want to look out that that does not get riped out completely. I had enough left over so that the glass would sit on it good enough luckely.
Take a look at these Pictures and remember it works perfectly again for $9. While it is not for everyone to seperate a Glass from a Digitizer it is acctualy less fragile as you might think. The third Picture Shows you how it looked with all the scuff marks from taking off the glass. You can still see a few little marks on the end but hard to notice and much better then before. I am sure next time I will be more carefull and use the blade from the beginning on.
I got more Pictures and will improve this Thread for others that have to go through it. Feel free to PM me if you have any Questions. A list of other resources will also be included. This is only to explain and Show the bare state.
Reserved for links
Additional Screen Replacement Links:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
supreethms said:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find a new Frame for a resonable Price. Now to remove the digitizer from the Frame that is another Story. Not sure if it was the Glue or what Held it in place but I could not figure out how to get that out. luckely the two Buttons at the bottom survived the Screen removal and so I did not hat to take the Digitizer out.
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
boomboomer said:
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definetly cheaper then the original but if you have done it once. Chances are You will be able to do it again much easier. So if the $9 Glass only holds for example a Year. You can just replace it again. Or spend a little more for a original replacement glass.
Now I should Point out if the rubber seal around it gets damaged in the process and if the 3M Tape that should come with the Screen is placed wrong it will Impact the sensitivity of the sreen touches. I guess I did it right because my Ex is happy how it performs and that is saying allot.
madmackem said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get down to removing the digitizer from the Frame take a couple of Pictures and post them here.

[Q] Replacement Parts SM-N900W8

I fell on some stairs and landed right on my Note 3, cheek to stair. Despite having the Otterbox, I bent it quite a bit and the glass is shattered.
In any case, I'm trying to find the parts I need, and I believe I have, but they are either generic or for US models.
I'm looking at the following two parts from ETrade and I'm wondering if they will work. I've contacted them twice but keep hitting midnight, their time, and they haven't gotten back to me by email.
My phone is SM-N900W8.
The parts I'm looking at are:
http://www.etradesupply.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-n9005-lcd-screen-and-digitizer-assembly-with-frame-white.html
http://www.etradesupply.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-n9005-lcd-screen-and-digitizer-assembly-with-frame-white-20687.html
Any help would be appreciated.
*bump*
I usually use eBay for this kind of stuff... Is anything available there?
Word from eTrade - Not compatible, part for this phone are not currently in the market, they will be sourcing it and will let me know.
Nothing on ebay.
Anyone else have a suggestion? I'm wondering if there is a screen protector with glue that would help fill in the cracks in the glass a bit?
Quote:
Anyone else have a suggestion? I'm wondering if there is a screen protector with glue that would help fill in the cracks in the glass a bit?
End of quote
Are you saying digitizer and s-pen work? If so why are you buying whole thing? You can buy just front glass, there are few videos to show how to replace it and I admit it's time consuming and little tricky, but if you really mess up, then get the whole digitizer. Also the glass itself is much less expensive and probably the same across all models. Just search youtube for instructions.
pete4k said:
Quote:
Anyone else have a suggestion? I'm wondering if there is a screen protector with glue that would help fill in the cracks in the glass a bit?
End of quote
Are you saying digitizer and s-pen work? If so why are you buying whole thing? You can buy just front glass, there are few videos to show how to replace it and I admit it's time consuming and little tricky, but if you really mess up, then get the whole digitizer. Also the glass itself is much less expensive and probably the same across all models. Just search youtube for instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is fine inside, but the body is bent as well.
syscal said:
Everything is fine inside, but the body is bent as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So now you have the Note 3 Curve
... could be a good thing.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
papaavi said:
So now you have the Note 3 Curve
... could be a good thing.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, and follows the exact curve of my rear...for comfortability
I could probably do the glass and case and attempt to replace those, but the glass is REALLY shattered and if I botch that then I've wasted $100. Not to mention they say without an autoclave you're chances of going bubble free are pretty slim and I'm willing to spend the $300 to get this back to its former beauty. I can't imagine why Canada's model would be so different.
Just be careful, Crapple lawyers will go after you , 5S came out first with curved phone, so they have patent for that. LOL
Seriously now - ouch, if the frame is bent the whole screen will not fit either, me think. If it was my phone I would take it apart and very carefully try to see if I could make it straight again. I would still insist all you need is front glass, if it doesn't work you'll be out $20-$30, not $300. I have hard time to imagine the screen assembly is bended, but not frame. If frame is bent new screen won't fit. Of course without seeing it, I'm speculating and I could be completely wrong. Hope you get it sorted.
I might post a pic later, the battery is bent as well...all kinds of messed up
but still works!
Found a place locally that can get parts. Shout out to the best computer store in Calgary www.memoryexpress.com
I have to confirm the parts still, but the price came out to what I expected to pay eTrade and no shipping.
I don't think our Canadian model is any different. If you take it apart it says at&t right on the board.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
captspaulding1000 said:
I don't think our Canadian model is any different. If you take it apart it says at&t right on the board.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I thought, but I don't want to spend $300 to find out they were right.

Does anyone repair PH-1 phones (screen seems to have failed).

My wife's Essential PH-1 screen filled with lines while she was using it (listening to music). Phone continued working until she tried to reboot it.
After reboot screen now looks like this. I tried powering off, then power+vol-up and power+vol-down but just see the same.
I think the cpu is still working as pushing buttons elicits the tactile vibration response but screen seems gone.
Obviously Essential is out of business. In addition I've read a few posts that even when they were in business they were not repairing dead/cracked screens rather just replacing the phone.
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
dorkshoei said:
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that). Good quality aftermarket replacement screens are available and not expensive (I bought mine on Amazon more than a year ago for US$70, and now I can see them for less than $50). The process itself is of average difficulty (not too bad compared to some other phones), but could be a bit too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. Fixez.com has a great and useful video (don't use the guide from ifixit.com, they screwed up this one).
I am sure any repair shop would be able to do this job, if you are not a DIY kind of person, but I have no idea what they would charge. Or think of any friend you may have who is good with electronics (hobby or pro)...
kt-Froggy said:
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $70 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said don't do it the way Ifixit did, LOL... Watch the video from fixez.com. You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly. Otherwise, it's not that hard. And you need to get either a narrow (1mm) adhesive tape or a liquid glue to mount the new screen. Also, a couple of things to watch out for around the earpiece opening and silicone gasket for the front camera. If you consider a DYI job, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help. My PH-1 has been working perfectly since the repair in Feb 2019, and I've done screen replacements quite a few times on similar phone designs like Sony Xperia Z series.
kt-Froggy said:
You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an SMD rework preheater that works great for softening the glue on screens, far more precise than a heat gun .... but as I said above I don't think I'll need it
Now, the issue is whether it's a mainboard issue or LCD.
Fixez seems to have a screen for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
dorkshoei said:
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Digitizer-Replacement-Assembly-Complete/dp/B07CLNDBZS/
@kt-Froggy Is the above what you were referring to. I guess I can always order, see if it fixes, else return it.
Fixez has one for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's exactly the screen I got, and left a detailed review on Jan 29, 2019 (from a user KT). $24 from Fixez is even better, and sounds like a no-brainer. And if your screen is already removed, then you don't have to do the most difficult part. Just plug in the new screen and confirm if it works Like I said, be careful around the earpiece opening and the gasket. Good luck!
Ok, ordered from Fixez. We shall see if it corrects the issue.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
gk1984 said:
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, big surprise with the guide from iFixit... This one left me scratching my head. Probably the only one I know where they so royally screwed up.
A few comments from my experience replacing the screen on PH-1... The screen on my phone was shatterred badly enough to make a suction cup useless, so I had to pry it out (still, with a heat gun). There was no concern about saving it, anyway. But if I had to open up the phone again, e.g. for replacing the battery, I am pretty confident I could do that safely. From the repairability standpoint, there are two problems with the screen on this phone. One is a very narrow shoulder to mount the screen assembly to the frame (but this is also a good thing, as there's not that much adhesive to struggle with). And the other is a very fragile "sandwich" behind the glass that contains the LCD and the backlight components. It's too easy to damage that sandwich from the sides with a tool, even made of plastic. It will be pretty obvious once you have a replacement screen in your hands and take a close look at it.
A general issue with disassembling the phones of this design at home is that most people will not be able to heat the perimeter evenly to lift the screen off by a suction cup only (I know I can't). So, you would most probably have to use some tool around the edges. The trick is to NOT pry the screen out (or you will crack the edge), but only use a tool to carefully undercut the adhesive as you pull with a suction cup, so the screen can separate from the frame. This way, you can gradually work your way around the perimeter, while heating it up and lifting the screen with a suction cup. A thin plastic spudger would work. If you really feel adventurous, maybe a hobby knife, but I don't recommend it. I would suggest starting from the top, as the adhesive strip under the earpiece is extremely thin, and it would be easier lifting off that part of the screen as you heat it.
Another thing is to NOT reach deeper than about 1mm under the edge of the screen with any tool, otherwise you are risking damaging the LCD assembly.
Update. Screen from Fixez.com ($28 shipped) fixed the issue. Happy wife. Happy me.
Easy install, just used some B7000 glue I already had. Clamped screen down for 24 hours.
@kt-Froggy thanks for your help and encouragement.

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