Build Quality Concerns - One (M8) General

While the M8 looks amazing, I have concerns about the build quality.
I own the last few HTC flagships, so a bit of background.
Desire HD - amazing phone. Absolutely sold me on Android. The wife still uses it.
One X - I rushed out to buy this as the DHD was that good. I had to exchange this phone 4 times due to QC issues - all documented (flex, bleed, dead pixels, etc). The good phone I eventually got now has a bad strip on the digitizer. The bottom row of the keyboard / just above the unlock ring is dead. Out of warranty and unlocked so no chance with HTC. DOA - no new phone for the wife (see above).
One (M7) - amazing phone again, ran out and bought it at launch. It wasn't until I got it home that I noticed a dead pixel and a hair just under the screen. Maddening! Had to return that one as well. Took a month for my carrier to get more back in stock to replace it. In the end, this phone is close to perfect.
One (M8) - ?
Not trying to start any kind of flamewar, but my faith in HTC is waning. Are they the new Microsoft, only release anything good every other?
Just looking for feedback on the build quality on the M8.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

I thought HTC has had a pretty good reputation for build quality with the One X being the exception, not the norm for HTC. And that bad pixel on the M7, that's just bad luck that could happen on any phone.
So far, sounds like the build quality on the M8 is really good. I have less concerns about HTC's build quality than I do about some other phone manufactures (I'll avoid the flame war by not mentioning names, haha).

I have two M8's here, one has a screen that is darker and yellower than the other. Not happy, it will be going back tomorrow.

B-Mod said:
I have two M8's here, one has a screen that is darker and yellower than the other. Not happy, it will be going back tomorrow.
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Click to collapse
Had that issue on the m7 as well. A speaker blew (4 out of 5 HTC phones I've owned had blown speakers) so I filed a claim. I think it took 4 or 5 tries before I got an acceptable replacement. It was still darker and yellower than my original tho
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I've had pretty good luck with my HTC phones. I'm still rocking the launch day m7.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

That should be called the trolls thread!
Sent from my HTC One using XDA premium

naouris said:
That should be called the trolls thread!
Sent from my HTC One using XDA premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you see this as a "Troll thread"? - OP is asking for feedback and if anyone else has or had concerns regarding build quality issues.
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My HTC One (Red) was pretty solid, however I feel any issues that the One may of had were probably Ironed out by the time the red was released into the wild. - Hopefully HTC will come back with a big bang, like Nokia they've been around a long time.. Just wondering now when the Samsung buzz will wear off and people start to choose stylish, good looking, feature orientated devices over a plastic device. (Not flaming Samsung, as I've had an S3 and an N3)

radicalisto said:
Not sure how you see this as a "Troll thread"? - OP is asking for feedback and if anyone else has or had concerns regarding build quality issues.
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My HTC One (Red) was pretty solid, however I feel any issues that the One may of had were probably Ironed out by the time the red was released into the wild. - Hopefully HTC will come back with a big bang, like Nokia they've been around a long time.. Just wondering now when the Samsung buzz will wear off and people start to choose stylish, good looking, feature orientated devices over a plastic device. (Not flaming Samsung, as I've had an S3 and an N3)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And everyone knows these types of threads draw out every single device basher which gives a false representation of the actual prevalence of build quality issues.
That said, name just one device that didn't have any.
As for my HTC experience, the One has been a dream... The rest of them all had a lot of issues. If the M8 follows the M7, there won't be any issues. The ONLY complaint I had about my M7 is the camera tint when not in good lighting that came up and got worse the longer I had the phone.
Speakers? Perfect
Gap? None
Display? Perfect
Durability? Incredible.
If you look in my signature, I've had a ton of HTC devices. Among them, there were some really bad ones. The Sensation? Damn thing got so hot that it would reboot if I used the GPS which made it useless for navigating anywhere. MyTouch 4G? Every time I would restart the device, it would lose its internal storage and act like I factory reset it - it was doing that out of the box. PPC-6800? I lost track of the issues between the screen, overheating, freezing, cracked camera - I replaced it through Sprint 5 times before they gave me a Touch Pro in exchange for it. The original Touch? The screen stopped responding. The Hero? The display cracked even though there was no damage to the glass - the whole thing randomly shattered internally one day.
After the Sensation, I vowed never to go HTC again. Then I got the S4 and my roommate got the One. He couldn't get used to the One coming from the S3 so he wanted to trade me, I did it and I never looked back.

If you found issue in all the HTC phones you bought till now, I'm pretty sure you will have some issue with this as well.
I'm seeing a trend, are you not seeing it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

kirdroid said:
If you found issue in all the HTC phones you bought till now, I'm pretty sure you will have some issue with this as well.
I'm seeing a trend, are you not seeing it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my point though - the camera issue with the M7 was likely something HTC couldn't predict until it happened since it was heat specific. Before that, my M7 the first flawless build quality device I have had since the BlackBerry Curve.
You have a Nexus and you're worried about HTC build quality?
Case in point: all mass-produced computers, tablets, and phones have isolated build quality issues. It happens. There's no sense in worrying about what may or may not happen with a device - if I was going on my track record with previous HTC devices, I would have expected to replace my One at least 2 times by now. But that didn't happen.

EtherealRemnant said:
That's my point though - the camera issue with the M7 was likely something HTC couldn't predict until it happened since it was heat specific. Before that, my M7 the first flawless build quality device I have had since the BlackBerry Curve.
You have a Nexus and you're worried about HTC build quality?
Case in point: all mass-produced computers, tablets, and phones have isolated build quality issues. It happens. There's no sense in worrying about what may or may not happen with a device - if I was going on my track record with previous HTC devices, I would have expected to replace my One at least 2 times by now. But that didn't happen.
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Click to collapse
I buy almost all phones and sell my old ones.. So I never cared about build quality since I don't keep phones for long. The point I'm trying to make is every phone will have something, even if they make a perfect phone some user will nitpick some thing.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

PatsFan1286 said:
While the M8 looks amazing, I have concerns about the build quality.
I own the last few HTC flagships, so a bit of background.
Desire HD - amazing phone. Absolutely sold me on Android. The wife still uses it.
One X - I rushed out to buy this as the DHD was that good. I had to exchange this phone 4 times due to QC issues - all documented (flex, bleed, dead pixels, etc). The good phone I eventually got now has a bad strip on the digitizer. The bottom row of the keyboard / just above the unlock ring is dead. Out of warranty and unlocked so no chance with HTC. DOA - no new phone for the wife (see above).
One (M7) - amazing phone again, ran out and bought it at launch. It wasn't until I got it home that I noticed a dead pixel and a hair just under the screen. Maddening! Had to return that one as well. Took a month for my carrier to get more back in stock to replace it. In the end, this phone is close to perfect.
One (M8) - ?
Not trying to start any kind of flamewar, but my faith in HTC is waning. Are they the new Microsoft, only release anything good every other?
Just looking for feedback on the build quality on the M8.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda feel your pain...
1. One X, Launch day, before the embargo... Still have it. No issues at all.
2. One (m7), Launch day... Glass was crooked. MEaning it dipped in at the bottom and stuck out at the top. Took it back got another, dead pixel... Finally got a third that was decent.
3. One Max (m6) - Used... Perfect, no complaints.
3. One M8 - Perfect. No complaints...
We all know the One (m7) had some issues... It was luck of the draw.
I have no hesitations except screen size. Coming from N3 and One Max... Its hard to go back to 5"

And fwiw sometimes these threads cause people to look at their device so closely and see they have the same thing and then it bothers them. Had they never come across a thread like this they probably wouldn't have noticed (the small imperfections not big defects)
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

I know this type of thread will always bring out trolls / fanboys of other manufacturers, but that's not my intention.
I don't think I'm being too picky when I shell out 600 bucks for a phone and expect it to be nearly perfect. I understand there are always flaws in any mass produced electronic device, but to me a dead pixel is unacceptable - once you see it, it can't be unseen. My phone has the purple tint issue with the camera, but I don't care about that. Some may say I'm being nitpicky about a pixel, but I could say the same about others who complain about the camera. To each their own I guess.
kirdroid said:
If you found issue in all the HTC phones you bought till now, I'm pretty sure you will have some issue with this as well.
I'm seeing a trend, are you not seeing it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not exactly sure what your point is. Yes, I'm seeing a trend, hence me creating this thread to see if others are experiencing issues with the M8. So I'm expected to just suck it up and deal with it if I'm not happy? I continue to buy HTC as I like the design, non-OLED screen, Sense and the community here on XDA.
I really am just looking for others experience with the build quality of the M8.

scrosler said:
I kinda feel your pain...
1. One X, Launch day, before the embargo... Still have it. No issues at all.
2. One (m7), Launch day... Glass was crooked. MEaning it dipped in at the bottom and stuck out at the top. Took it back got another, dead pixel... Finally got a third that was decent.
3. One Max (m6) - Used... Perfect, no complaints.
3. One M8 - Perfect. No complaints...
We all know the One (m7) had some issues... It was luck of the draw.
I have no hesitations except screen size. Coming from N3 and One Max... Its hard to go back to 5"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually struggling a little with the phone being to big haha. Its pretty cool though. No actual real complaints yet.

I've had a new htc every year for the past 10 or so.
I have not had to return one of them.

The last time I had to bring a HTC phone back was in the touch pro 2 days lol. I guess I'm lucky
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

I have a HTC One X and I haven't had any issues with it except for band compatibility. Also, the M8 looks nice but I wonder will the metal on it scratch easily?
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app

I bought the M8 from Verizon yesterday and I have zero issues. Screen is gorgeous, no yellowing. There are no gap issues like the M7. Screen is flush with the boom sound speakers. The build quality is outstanding. I had three M7s and each one had issues. One with gaps but a flush screen. One with no gaps but the screen was not flush. And one had gaps and the screen was off.
This phone is easily the highest build quality phone I've ever had. And I have been through many phones.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using xda app-developers app

I really really can speak out of experience, having owned many HTC devices!
HTC Desire - Fantastic phone, no issues, camera lens was very easy to scratch though and after two years the backplate of the phone became loose.
HTC Desire HD - Fantastic phone, no issues there either. I think my only gripe was the AWFUL side cover for the battery and the bottom plastic part of the phone. If I ran my finger over the bottom of the phone there was a difference in levels between the sim-card cover and the body of the phone. No big issue though, and not really a build quality issue either, more of a design flaw.
HTC Mozart - Terrible phone. Lovely design but the phone got dust underneath the screen after having it for just two months. Luckily it was only a temporary phone though. I smashed my Desire HD and picked up a Mozart new in a sale. I got the Sensation three months later.
HTC Sensation & Sensation XE - This phone had a somewhat strange design. The entire back of the phone would come off and it wrapped around the front slightly. After removing the cover two or three times it didn't fit as snugly as it once did and every time you pressed a capacitive button it would result in the phone creaking against the back of the body of the phone. Hard to explain, once again more of a design flaw.
HTC One X - By far the worst HTC phone, but down to design flaws once again. Wi-Fi antenna was stuck to the body of the phone, not the internal of the phone, Tegra 3 chipset would heat up a LOT resulting in the polycarbonate expanding and you being left with no Wi-Fi signal or a very weak one indeed. In terms of other things, such as dead pixels I never experienced this. All in all I had about 6 HTC One Xs in a short space of time due to the Wi-Fi issue, and the Wi-Fi issue was the only problem I had with them. I switched to a GS3 due to this.
HTC One (M7) - I have had about 10 HTC One's in the past year, I got one on release day though and it had the infamous gap issue. This is somewhat a design issue, once again, but could also be a build quality issue as they shouldn't have been let out of QC like that. Due to the complex design of the phone, the edges are prone to sticking out and being "un-even" with the metal housing on the speakers. At the top and bottom of the phones there is often a hairline gap between the polycarbonate and the speaker frame too. On the sides of the phone, the black plastic strips are prone to being uneven, the volume rocker can become loose sometimes. The white polycarbonate was prone to staining and getting dirty, but this isn't really an issue it's to be expected. It's important to note that though annoying, none of these issues rendered the phone unusable. Maybe just unacceptable in some people preferences (mine, I'm a perfectionist and dropping £479 on a phone is a lot)
I will be getting the M8, and I will be an early adopter. I love HTC phones, they are the best regardless.

Related

Evo's are Backordered...

So I just got Sprint to put in for a new (well, or refurbed) EVO for me, and unfortunately they are back ordered. The guy I talked to seemed to have no clue how long it will be before they receive my replacement. Are any of you guys in the same boat and does anyone have any info on how long it might be? This Samsung Rant isn't really the phone I'd like to be using haha. Thanks.
Everytime they told me refurbs were backordered, I still got them within 3 days. I can pretty much guarantee you it wont be more than 2 weeks, at the very most.
That would be awesome if it is only three days, maybe i'll have it by wednesday or so. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have reason to be optimistic!
They said that to me that a few weeks ago and told me since we have no refurbs we have to give you a new one. This was the sales leader in the store so I guess if you know the rules you may be able to get a new one if you give them a nudge.
looks like sprint is having a lot of problems with the quality of the htc evo, is a nice phone but the quality is bad. Is made for Sprint, that is why.
No, they are on back order because Sprint was covering physical damage. People were destroying their phones.
The policy changed yesterday, so recon stock should start to level out again.
The rep told me the same thing. A lot of people have been calling in about dust under the screen on the top left recently. Apparently its an issue only seen later on in the life of the device. HTC is really disappointing me.
dmora01 said:
looks like sprint is having a lot of problems with the quality of the htc evo, is a nice phone but the quality is bad. Is made for Sprint, that is why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take the bait... I think the Evo is on par or if not better quality than any other similar device. Truth is, whatever went wrong with my Evo was probably my own fault.
took me 5 days to get my replacement
thanamesjames said:
I'll take the bait... I think the Evo is on par or if not better quality than any other similar device. Truth is, whatever went wrong with my Evo was probably my own fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC's phones have horrible build quality. Though it is a bit interesting, the Nexus One didn't seem to have a whole lot of build quality issues.
My EVOs build quality is junk. My previous phone was a Hero, that was worse!
The iPhone has the best hardware on the market. It is way way above anything else out there.
I just added my wife to my account today and ordered an evo... no problems here
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
dreamliner330 said:
HTC's phones have horrible build quality. Though it is a bit interesting, the Nexus One didn't seem to have a whole lot of build quality issues.
My EVOs build quality is junk. My previous phone was a Hero, that was worse!
The iPhone has the best hardware on the market. It is way way above anything else out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got to love that anecdotal evidence. My HTC has been great, therefore it is the best phone on the market.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I had that dust under the left top corner of the screen a couple months ago and sprint replaced the glass. Then I bricked my phone like an idiot and was to impatient to recover it so I filed an insurance claim and they overnighted me one. Brand new. Now I have 2 but not sure what to do with the old one.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
dreamliner330 said:
HTC's phones have horrible build quality. Though it is a bit interesting, the Nexus One didn't seem to have a whole lot of build quality issues.
My EVOs build quality is junk. My previous phone was a Hero, that was worse!
The iPhone has the best hardware on the market. It is way way above anything else out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you need to make that switch to verIzon then... ive owned 3 htc phones (tilt, touch pro and evo) and never had problems with build quality or hardware issues. i use all my phones for work and i have dropped, stepped on, sat on, used in the rain and countless other acts of neglect and every time picked the phone up and made a phone call with it
First, to the OP, I've been told by store personnel, that it is STORE POLICY that they *HAVE* to give you a brand new one if refurbs are backordered and they have new ones in stock at the store. Don't let them weasel out on you, and you get left holding a backordered, smelly ol' refurb. And yes, I've had refurbs that STUNK to high heaven of perfume.
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Every HTC device I've owned has failed from QC issues, usually multiple times.
My 6700 and 6800 both succumbed to key failures on the keyboard. I tried the usual fixes (contact cleaner, vigorously "massaging" the keys), but nothing worked and a keyboard where 1/3 of the keys are dead is useless. When I got my Touch Pro, brand new in the box, two of the keys cracked off onto my lap while he was activating it - the Best Buy sales person was horrified and got me a new one. A few months later, the external Back/End button kept creeping higher and higher until it fell off. The replacement would reboot every few minutes, so that one went back too. Then my brand new Hero had an unresponsive Menu button, didn't notice that until I got home though. Swapped it out for a new one, the new one had dust pouring in the bottom left corner (if I remember correctly) after about a month, then the vibrator stopped working. Had to RMA that one, the replacement was shipped to my door, and the trackball was GONE - not even in the box, just simply gone! The replacement for that had a squishy "OK" (trackball press) button, but I just lived with it. My original Evo had cracks in the body (power button, and near the volume buttons), the screen was separating to the point where it'd get caught in my pocket, the microUSB port was flaky and required me to plug it in, rest it just right on my desk, then lay something on the connector to keep downward weight on it. The replacement had huge spots on the display, and eventually the touchscreen completely failed on that one.
I could go on and on, but I'm too tired right now. People can think whatever they want, accuse me of exaggerating or lying, but I'll just laugh - hysterically laugh - at the thought of anyone saying HTC has anything but mediocre quality.
I should also point out I've never dropped a device in my life - I'm fastidious, almost to an Adrian Monk-like degree, and pamper my devices. There was NO reason for them to fail the way they did, other than poor QC on HTC's part.
I'd still buy an HTC device though because of the hacker friendliness, but anyone who thinks they're a particularly high quality company is crazy.
admorris said:
Got to love that anecdotal evidence. My HTC has been great, therefore it is the best phone on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DJ_Bizarro said:
maybe you need to make that switch to verIzon then... ive owned 3 htc phones (tilt, touch pro and evo) and never had problems with build quality or hardware issues. i use all my phones for work and i have dropped, stepped on, sat on, used in the rain and countless other acts of neglect and every time picked the phone up and made a phone call with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The widgets I use make Android too practical to switch from.
There is no way you can say with a straight face that the EVO has a higher build quality than the iPhone.
'Never had any problems' seems to be incredibly highly subjective on the forums.
dreamliner330 said:
The widgets I use make Android too practical to switch from.
There is no way you can say with a straight face that the EVO has a higher build quality than the iPhone.
'Never had any problems' seems to be incredibly highly subjective on the forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so go buy the iphone and stop crying about your build quality
I have owned two HTC phones. My Hero was used for a year, no hardware issues what-so-ever (sold it in perfect condition for almost what I paid for it). My wife and I got Evo's at Christmas. Her iphone 3g had three returns because of hardware failures. The Evo's on the other hand have been great and neither of use use a protective case. I am fairly particular and take good care of my gadgets.
F*** apple and their stupid I in front of words.
My Apache and Mogul and tp2 were all good solid phones. Whoever is nom nom noming apples balls so hard on build quality, remember that the iPhone are a sealed deal, non removable battery. The only thing that comes close is the Eco and Droid x. Eitherway there is no reason a company couldn't make a non serviceable Android loaded phone with identical build quality. Fact OS only Apple is retarded / brilliant enough to seal a phones components.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
dreamliner330 said:
HTC's phones have horrible build quality.
The iPhone has the best hardware on the market. It is way way above anything else out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah... except when you hold it wrong!
nice attempt at trolling.

Build Quality

HI all
I was wandering how is the build quality in this phone?
I would love to give it to my girlfriend but was just wandering after hearing/reading some negative comments about galaxy s 1 build.
Thank you in advance for any comments, or links to articles or such.
Regards
Kirior
I think it's awesome. Even it's plastic, it's really assertive and the back cover stays so tight. Just the opening is a bit tricky... But you only need to do this once, luckily. If you need to change sim-cards or memory cards daily, then I don't recommend this phone.
Samsung isn't known as "Samsuck" for no reason. Buy her an HTC phone. I would steer clear of any Samsung phones.
Sent from my HTC using XDA App
stop trolling, it's pretty good even though its plastic it feels solid
Its fine really, solid despite the choice of materials, feels a lot better in the hand than the original.
Link to more detailed thoughts:
http://blog.clove.co.uk/2011/05/16/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-real-user-reviewpart-one/
As the posts above is saying; Nothing to put on the build quality
/CK
PureH2O said:
Samsung isn't known as "Samsuck" for no reason. Buy her an HTC phone. I would steer clear of any Samsung phones.
Sent from my HTC using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
God what a ****-nuckle..
Sent from the best phone in the world...
I think a light phone is better. Much less likely to break when dropped because over the same distance there will be much less kinetic energy to dissipate on impact.
Sent from my HTC Hero using XDA App
Not to be a fanboy, but you do want your phone made of lead or what?
PureH2O said:
Samsung isn't known as "Samsuck" for no reason. Buy her an HTC phone. I would steer clear of any Samsung phones.
Sent from my HTC using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To try and add some value to an otherwise useless post, I haven't owned a Samsung phone since the CDMA i730 Windows phone. It was a funky phone without a lot of joy and some really questionable design choices. From there I had a succession of HTC phones spanning six years. They were all solid, ran well, and gave me little to complain about. I got an LG phone which I kept for a whopping three weeks before realizing it was a pile of rubbish. So, with an unbiased view, I chose the Samsuck GS2 and couldn't be happier. Back on topic, the build quality is great. Fit, finish, style, feel are all what you'd expect from a high-end device. Alas, because it's shiny parts are exposed front and back, all that beauty has to be hidden by a case which makes it look pedestrian. I just got my Case-Mate tough case today and the phone now looks mummified. Oh well, at least it's protected.
I really dont understand the questions about build quality the sgs or sgs2. My orignal sgs(vibrant) was heavy duty. Yes its light and yes its made out of plastic. But ive dropped my vibrant from various heights and the battery cover never popped off, no marks on screen or anything. Both phones, specially the sgs2 feel like a lighter, thinner HD2. Niether feels flimsy, cheap, breakable.
One of the Hd2s ive owned fell from bathroom sink to tile floor, and shattered after a 3 -4foot drop.
Build Quality is important to me as I work with dogs(90%) and other various animals. Besides the psycho owners, I deal with psycho 200pound dogs on a daily basis. I get bumped, biten, jumped on, rubbed, attacked etc all day, everyday. Not a single scratch, scrap, dent on the sgs2 and thats with no protection for 3 weeks.
Now the only bad quality choice samsung and other manufactors use is the damn cheap silver/chrome/aluminum bezel around the phones. Since I dont use cases consistently im prone to scratch the bezel by the end of ownership.
Another plus is the couple cases I do have dont add extra bulk like other phones. Im waiting on quality extended batteries to come.
HI guys
Thx for all replies, all in all i have bought SGS2 for her. She is in heavens now i guess that's all that matters and she does take care of the phones so i know i will not land on the floor or such just wanted to make sure.
thanks again and for me the thread is closed.
Kirior
I find the build quality of the S2 pretty decent although I had my doubts when I just got the phone. After using it for a couple of weeks I think the build quality is fine and I'm sure this phone will last a long time.
However, today I had the HTC Sensation in my hands for the first time and I must confess that the build quality of the Sensaion is clearly better.
The build quality is much better than i expected. Yes, it is plastic, but feels pretty solid, no creaking or flex. I have an SE Arc also, similar thickness, but would say that the gs2 is easily the more high quality build of the two.
Regarding the battery cover, it is thin and flimsy, but i cant imagine a new one costing much if you needed one. What bothers me more is the texture, it feels more slick than a shiny back, but a case might fix that.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

[Q] Pros and cons of the DesireZ?

Hello guys! currently I am on contract with a HTC Desire, and I will be getting an upgrade soon and have been looking at the Desire Z for the slide out keyboard and more pocket-sized shape in comparison with the massive DHD screen. And I've lost interest in the Sensation due to lack of rootability
So my question is this: Is the slide out keyboard prone to snapping/failing? I ask this because once upon a time i had an LG KS360 which i loved for the same reason: the sliding keyboard w/ QWERTY layout. Only thing is, about 7 months of ownership resulted in a broken keyboard. There was no hope...no response, rotation wouldn't always work when sliding it out so i really don't want to go through that 'pain' again
Pros and Cons
I'm using this DZ (Asia version) for about..well...8 months since Dec. last year and there're some pros and cons of its
Pros :
- The body : stylish...i really like the Z-hinge, it's verrrrryyy cooollllllllllllllllllll (and manly too )
- The keyboard : perfect for email & sms-ing
- Hardware : Insane overclocking , i'm using unity mod rite now and it acts like a miracle
- HTC sense is unbeatable
The DZ can be protected by otterbox commuter protection hard case ..you can google it too..I'm satisfy with this case. Don't worry much about the Z-hinge. I used to drop the DZ twice (about 2-3 times) but it's ok
Cons :
- Heavy (in compare with others smartphone)
- I don't like the tungsten color ! => it's black now with the otterbox case.
- A bit outdated at the moment...
Personal Opinion
Very individual preference... For me it is my 1st smartphone with hardware keyboard, and now I'm waiting for a new one with duo core to come out... Then I'll consider it...
Pros:
Hardware Keyboard
Sexy hinge
Aluminium Unibody
A lot of Rom support from private developers n compilers
HTC Sense
Somewhat rarely ppl will buy, because of it's weight
Physical camera shutter key
Cons:
Heavy
Hinge somewhat a lil unreliable (touchwood mine done have much problem)
Battery, I hope for slightly better (around 1600mAh)
Sent from my Synergy Rom using XDA App
I love this phone. Went from an HTC s720 to a HTC Hero and now to the HTC Desire Z and it, IMO, still can compete with most phones on the market despite its age. Personally, I like the extra weight of the DZ, gives me confidence in the unit that I'm holding and lets me know that it's sturdy. I've dropped it from my nightstand afew times (before I got the otterbox) and came out unscathed.
Pros:
Screen (not too big, not to small)
Form Factor (fits perfectly in the palm of one hand and no need to reach for anything)
Hinge (Never seen a hinge like this, loose from the factory, but there are tutorials on how to rectify)
Hardware keyboard (nuff said)
Trackpad
3.5mm audio out
Dedicated camera button
Aluminium body/design (watch out for the battery cover, the film they apply at the factory is weak, but again, there are some sick tutorials out there to polish and clean it)
Cons:
800Mhz from the factory (not really a problem once you're rooted and etc with a custom rom and kernel, I have mine set at 1.3GHz)
No FFC (non-issue really, just another bell i'd like to have to make the phone complete)
Battery (Stock is weak, barely last me a day. Invest in a Mugen 1800mAh and you won't regret it)
Two tone front (would have preferred they keep the front all black or all silver, not both)
IMO, the Pros of this device kill the cons. Every con for the DZ has a fix or workaround for it. Most fixes cost less than $10 and only some of your time. Again, despite it's age, I would still recommend this if you are looking for a powerful phone with a hardware keyboard.
Matty Matt said:
And I've lost interest in the Sensation due to lack of rootability
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fyi:the sensation got root and s-off in the last couple of days. There's a guide for it here: Guide
thomas_wlc said:
fyi:the sensation got root and s-off in the last couple of days. There's a guide for it here: Guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? hmm...last time i checked it was only temp-root! nevertheless, I still feel more 'drawn' towards the desire Z. Anyways, I'll see what happens. Thanks guys!
I personally wouldn't get invested into he DesireZ at this point in the year. It has been out for a long time (in the smartphone world) and I'd rather spend my money on a more current device with up-to-date specs that you'll get a longer relevant use out of.
Not to say that the DZ is a bad phone, but it definitely is fading in its spec relevance. The hinge is durable, but definitely not as solid as a flat slider type hinge. If you really don't need a keyboard though, you can do better for the $$.
martonikaj said:
I personally wouldn't get invested into he DesireZ at this point in the year. It has been out for a long time (in the smartphone world) and I'd rather spend my money on a more current device with up-to-date specs that you'll get a longer relevant use out of.
Not to say that the DZ is a bad phone, but it definitely is fading in its spec relevance. The hinge is durable, but definitely not as solid as a flat slider type hinge. If you really don't need a keyboard though, you can do better for the $$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree... if you have a really good deal then it might be a different story...
i got mine about 5 months ago... i can say it should be staying with me till the market got a new one with dual core and hardware keyboard...
If your in canada, id wait for the "milestone 3" that bell will be announcing shortly. (Droid3 but little different) or do what I'm doing and wait for rogers to release the samsung galaxy 2 slide, due out sometime this fall, it looks sick as hell google it there's leak photos already. But the dz is awesome I love it, but I would rather a more solid slide mechanism.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
All the negative hype about the z-hinge is completely overblown. I've been on here since December, and I think I've heard of one guy who broke the hinge. That is probably LESS failures than a more traditional slider-type keyboard.
Some people complain the hinge is too loose, but its designed to open and close with minimal effort. If you haven't already, try out the hinge in person, and see if you like how it works. Personally, I've had my DZ for about 8 months now. While I originally wished it stayed in the closed position a little tighter; its still as sturdy feeling as the day I got it. And I really don't think anymore about how "loose" the hinge is.
I only miss a front camera.
I love this device!
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA app
The Z-Hinge is tougher than it's given credit for. I mean, you can go into any Best-Buy or Futureshop where phones are on display, and where all the slider phones are loosened up and beaten to crap, the Z-Hinge on the Desire Z always still works fine. I've had my phone for 4 months now, and the Z-Hinge is still just like it was the day I got it. Slightly loose, but that's by design, it's gotten no looser.
Thanks for posting this thread
This is just another reason to buy the desire z
Im gettin it next week!
Sent from my mini pro using CyaNoComb 1.3

Build Quality Questions..

Hi everyone, I very recently purchased my brand new Desire Z. So far, I am really impressed with the software and general likability of the phone.
Although, having read too much about the Z hinge, it really makes me paranoid sometimes while handling the phone.
A few obervations and questions, which if someone with a few months of experience could respond to would put me at ease,
1. The Z hinge is surely loose, but doesn't worry me in general use. Although, I am scared it will get further loose with time, is that so?
2. The cable / ribbon running along with the hinge is not protected, is the wear and tear comparitively higher because of having no protection? Should I be budgeting in changing the ribbon every couple months?
3. Because of the hinge being loose and possiblity of the keyboard opening on a fall seems almost definite. Doesn't that put much more at stake on a fall comparitively? Fortuunately, mine hasn't fallen yet, but what's the experience you all have had with your devices falling on hard surfaces? Other than the scratches, that's not a problem. I am worried, the device will break in pieces if it falls!
4. For a little more peace of mind, are the hinges metal or plastic? I have read both on reviews and I can't seem to find a definitive answer to this one.
Thank you for taking out the time to read and respond with your experiences.
Sent from my HTC Vision
I've had mine since January and I've dropped it plenty of times. I have never had any problems with the keyboard, hinge, or ribbon cable.
After dropping my phone a few times my phone speaker went down... Had to replace them
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
So it does seem like it is a sturdy device, or at least as sturdy as the other devices.
Any idea about the hinges, if its plastic or metal?
Thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision
Fairly certain they're metal. I've dropped my caseless G2 several times but it's only dinged with no other damage.
Sent from my G2
don't know about the hinges if they are plastic or metal...
but i got it 5 months ago... dropped it plenty of times... and nothing happened... not even a scratch
these kind of phones are sturdy... unlike samsung phones (believe me, i had one)... it breaks into pieces...
———————————————
sent from a phone... 'nuf said
btw... justin bieber sucks
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don't worry about the hinge
d_gkal said:
don't worry about the hinge
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, I dont get it, lot of discussion on this, but never I never had any problem with the hinge...
I know, lots of discussions on the hinge, but I guess its the placebo based on the early hands on the device. Although, I am getting much much more comfortable and relaxed about it.
In a nutshell, its a great device. Thanks everyone for endorsing it for me!
Sent from my HTC Vision
The G2/Desire-Z is one of the most rugged phones ever made, the only knock is that some people find that the hinge spring action gets loose (mine never has) - but if yours ever does, and you are comfortable taking your phone apart, you can replace the stock hinge spring in about 30 minutes, start to finish. - The part costs about $5 - Then it will be tight as hell like when new! (possibly tighter than new)
There is a great thread on this here on XDA complete with an HD video showing you an exact POV of the procedure being done in it's entirety!
The phone is quite sturdy overall. I had a stone thrown at my screen and no change whatsover.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
First half fall and its scratchless
Why I call it a half fall is, it didn't fall but it it lost my hand and hung from the charger and hit the side of the bed pretty harshly. The keyboard did open up though but luckily all's good - gave me a little more confidence on the device build.
Sent from my HTC Vision
Dropped mine a few times - the battery cover always seems to fall off when that happens. Few dents and scratches but nothing serious.
As for my opinion about build quality, personally I think it's pretty crap, due to the design of the hinge. I changed my first DZ for another, since the first one had a ridiculously loose hinge. The second one developed the same problem in 24hrs. It's not that that bothered me so much, but the fact the two halves were not held snug together by the spring, so touching or pressing on the touchscreen caused the top half of the phone to tap annoyingly on the bottom half.
Eventually I bodged this by sticking layers of electrical tape between the two halves. It's not visible in normal use, but I'm pretty annoyed that I had to do this to my (then brand new) phone. Good job nothing better with a keyboard has come out yet, cos if I tried to sell this thing then I'd get literally nothing for it.
The lacquer on my battery door started falling off after a couple of weeks. My physical camera button only works intermittently, but I won't send it away for repair because I don't know what software it will come back with - it's over a year since I rooted this thing, and I don't feel like researching the latest methods, or finding out that HTC have closed all current ways to root.
This phone does not have good build quality, in my opinion.
setspeed said:
Dropped mine a few times - the battery cover always seems to fall off when that happens. Few dents and scratches but nothing serious.
As for my opinion about build quality, personally I think it's pretty crap, due to the design of the hinge. I changed my first DZ for another, since the first one had a ridiculously loose hinge. The second one developed the same problem in 24hrs. It's not that that bothered me so much, but the fact the two halves were not held snug together by the spring, so touching or pressing on the touchscreen caused the top half of the phone to tap annoyingly on the bottom half.
Eventually I bodged this by sticking layers of electrical tape between the two halves. It's not visible in normal use, but I'm pretty annoyed that I had to do this to my (then brand new) phone. Good job nothing better with a keyboard has come out yet, cos if I tried to sell this thing then I'd get literally nothing for it.
The lacquer on my battery door started falling off after a couple of weeks. My physical camera button only works intermittently, but I won't send it away for repair because I don't know what software it will come back with - it's over a year since I rooted this thing, and I don't feel like researching the latest methods, or finding out that HTC have closed all current ways to root.
This phone does not have good build quality, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A better hinge would have surely made the phone much more sturdy. That's what has always scared me so far, but now that the phone is 2 months old now I have started to get more comfortable around it.
Milestone 3 or MyTouch Slide could be good contenders, I think.
Sent from my HTC Vision
Don't get me wrong, there is no other phone I'd rather have at this moment in time - but that's due to a lack of qwerty phones on the market, as opposed to the DZ/G2 being some sort of amazing quality :-/
The Droid 4 looks proper nice though, hopefully it'll get released worldwide. And Motorola won't lock it down like they have with every other phone they've released since the OG Droid... but the chances of that are basically zero.
setspeed said:
Don't get me wrong, there is no other phone I'd rather have at this moment in time - but that's due to a lack of qwerty phones on the market, as opposed to the DZ/G2 being some sort of amazing quality :-/
The Droid 4 looks proper nice though, hopefully it'll get released worldwide. And Motorola won't lock it down like they have with every other phone they've released since the OG Droid... but the chances of that are basically zero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally hear you there.
So, all the current Motorola droids are locked and can't be upgraded to cm or other custom roms? Really!!
Sent from my HTC Vision
I have been VERY careless of my phone, dropped it probably close to 100 times some of them being quite bad, and the most I can see is a couple corners have SMALL little dents, often the keyboard does open when dropped but nothing happens after that... I'd be more worried if dropped WHILE open but chances are if the keyboard is open you're typing (and therefore have two hands on it) My spring is still as sturdy as when I first got it as far as I can tell.
setspeed said:
Dropped mine a few times - the battery cover always seems to fall off when that happens. Few dents and scratches but nothing serious.
As for my opinion about build quality, personally I think it's pretty crap, due to the design of the hinge. I changed my first DZ for another, since the first one had a ridiculously loose hinge. The second one developed the same problem in 24hrs. It's not that that bothered me so much, but the fact the two halves were not held snug together by the spring, so touching or pressing on the touchscreen caused the top half of the phone to tap annoyingly on the bottom half.
Eventually I bodged this by sticking layers of electrical tape between the two halves. It's not visible in normal use, but I'm pretty annoyed that I had to do this to my (then brand new) phone. Good job nothing better with a keyboard has come out yet, cos if I tried to sell this thing then I'd get literally nothing for it.
The lacquer on my battery door started falling off after a couple of weeks. My physical camera button only works intermittently, but I won't send it away for repair because I don't know what software it will come back with - it's over a year since I rooted this thing, and I don't feel like researching the latest methods, or finding out that HTC have closed all current ways to root.
This phone does not have good build quality, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol and that's why I got the slide, I hate the hinge with a passion. I luckily got the slide and gave the G2 to my mom. The slide has an awesome build quality dispite the not so appealing look the quality is great.
I have dropped the G2 a couple of times but it had the rubber case on so nothing happen to it. Haven't dropped my slide so I can't compare
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
I had this since summer 2011. I did get a case (stays attached to the phone) for this phone and found the hinge very weak, it will slide out if I held it in at an angle. Then recently I removed the case and there was no problems with the hinge since, able to hold it at many angles without worrying it slip out.
Having put my phone with keys.etc all in one pocket I found there are scratches on the back of the case. I have dropped my phone a few times but no problems.
Ribbon is good, the hinges I believe is metal (perhaps, alloy or some sort).
I wouldn't worry about the hinge too much unless you plan to keep using the same phone for more than 3 years. HTC does also have a global 2 year guarantee (from day of purchase).
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

When will HTC sort out build issues ?

A lot of people are complaining about the gaps and build quality of the one.
Any idea if HTC has acknowledged this and doing something about it as in a recall or releasing another batch ?
I am waiting to order mine but not with all these issues. I'd rather wait abit if they gonna sort it out.
I think if you go into the threads regarding build issues, you're going to read a lot of posts about them. Those threads make it seem like a problem, but that group of people is a minority. Also, some of these "build issues" people have are things that others wouldn't consider a problem. For example, some people would not even know their phone wasn't "perfect" had they not read those threads and begun actively searching for the tiniest of gap or misalignment. There won't be a recall because the majority of customers either don't have these problems, or don't look at their phone under a microscope to look for gaps. If people analyzed other phones as closely, they'd find imperfections as well.
True, some of the phones build quality is off, but you have very goods odds of not getting one.
Unless it's a major defect or it's falling apart
Shut up
Put a case on it
Move on with your life
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
superchilpil said:
Unless it's a major defect or it's falling apart
Shut up
Put a case on it
Move on with your life
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seriously... so sick of mobile hypochondriacs...
superchilpil said:
Unless it's a major defect or it's falling apart
Shut up
Put a case on it
Move on with your life
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+OVER 9000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :good:
Hmmm... Picked mine up today
(because RadioShack is the devil)
It's flawless!
Sent from my HTCONE using XDA Premium HD app
what build quality? mine developer edition is perfectly built! love that aluminum body, love that boom sound, love that 468 ppi screen, love zoe
You could always have the store open it for you before you buy it. But overall it isn't as bad as it seems. People next XDA are just overly picky, they rather stare at a phone for flaws then actually just use their phones.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I got mine yesterday, while I am very picky about my phone's, I really don't want to return it.
First, I took it out of the box at home. I saw the legendary "gap" at the top especially, which could get worse in the future, let in dust or wven worse. Then I saw that both corners at the bottom of the phone aren't made well, since the aluminium plate that covers the botom speaker kind of goes over the polycarbonate sides. Put it in my pocket, those 2 sharp edges get stuck somewhere, I pull out my One and tada: I might pull of the aluminium plate of the bottom speaker.
Then again, I started using the phone for an hour and I fell in love (no joke). The thing that blew me away the moest were those speakers... OMG they are fantastic. I haven't been so impressed about a mobile phone in years. The screen was fantastic also (no dead pixels afaik). All in all I love it so much, I wish I could just keep it. But since everything is still pack nicely in the box (charger, earbuds, everything) I will just put the One back init's protective plastic (which is very easy btw, nice) and go back to the store.
Why not try to get a solid build? In the end, they promised zero gap.. Right? But really, I think it's a pretty "real" problem. Even my girlfriend (which also loves the device) said I should go back and doesn't understand why they released these device.. Since you're paying a lot for these products, you'd expect a better made product.
Note: most people wouldn't notice these problems. I'm sure 90%+ of the people I would have showed my One too, would not have seen it. So if you don't mind these kind of small things, don't be afraid!
ataft said:
I think if you go into the threads regarding build issues, you're going to read a lot of posts about them. Those threads make it seem like a problem, but that group of people is a minority. Also, some of these "build issues" people have are things that others wouldn't consider a problem. For example, some people would not even know their phone wasn't "perfect" had they not read those threads and begun actively searching for the tiniest of gap or misalignment. There won't be a recall because the majority of customers either don't have these problems, or don't look at their phone under a microscope to look for gaps. If people analyzed other phones as closely, they'd find imperfections as well.
True, some of the phones build quality is off, but you have very goods odds of not getting one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree! If I did know the gap problem before, I cannot notice my One has a small gap.
This thread should be closed. It's pointless.
My HTC One was perfect.
Got mine at the weekend and have to say it looks like I have very minor gaps around the edge although not sure they're gaps could just be misaligned edges, but the phone is amazing and if it was a Samsung no one would care it was made like a kinder egg or mcdonalds happy meal toy.
HTC One is a beautiful device which is absolutely the best device on the market, and i've tried them all.
Helps that it's insured so I can always replace it if any faults occur, but I doubt they will.
Mine was perfect, can't find a single flaw... aesthetically at least.
the_chang said:
A lot of people are complaining about the gaps and build quality of the one.
Any idea if HTC has acknowledged this and doing something about it as in a recall or releasing another batch ?
I am waiting to order mine but not with all these issues. I'd rather wait abit if they gonna sort it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've looked at the One at three different retailers now, and they all had issues with the cases. The first was coming apart all over, the second had the top front aluminum speaker plate coming off on the top and bottom left side of the plate. The third was starting to separate at the top as well.
Three out of three -- cases coming apart.
This thread is not pointless. This thread is exposing an issue that the die-hard fans who just spent a lot of money don't want to be true.
HTC better be reading these forums and fixing their problems FAST!
Well lets see some photos of this build quality issue. That way others will know what to look for.
Every make or model will have a certain percentage of faults from the iPhone , to Samsung Galaxy and Nokia etc...
Late but still relevant somewhat
So I bought an Htc One M7 back in May 2014 and build quality was superb. I would like to think that HTC has fixed the issues of old M7 models. Two months ago after dropping my phone accidentally for the 5th time there is a gap on the top where the display meets the plastic. This is 100% due to the drop of the phone. Long story short HTC has listened and fixed the gap issue yay!
Never. HTC is the worst company ever created. The only phone htey created that was "ok" was the M9. The rest are a piece of ****. Go buy an iPhone 6s, way better.
Sinistersky said:
Never. HTC is the worst company ever created. The only phone htey created that was "ok" was the M9. The rest are a piece of ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats right HTC is a s****y company and never did anything good except the m9 .....
Won the Best Mobile of 2010 with the HTC Hero
Made the first ever Nexus device in 2010
Won the Manufacturer of the Year in 2011
3rd most highly valued smartphone-maker in the world - 2011
Won the Best Mobile at MWC in 2013 - HTC One M7
Won the Best phone of 2014 - HTC One M8
And they have made the first android phone ever - HTC Dream
.... what a sh***y brand....:laugh:
alray said:
Thats right HTC is a s****y company and never did anything good except the m9 .....
Won the Best Mobile of 2010 with the HTC Hero
Made the first ever Nexus device in 2010
Won the Manufacturer of the Year in 2011
3rd most highly valued smartphone-maker in the world - 2011
Won the Best Mobile at MWC in 2013 - HTC One M7
Won the Best phone of 2014 - HTC One M8
And they have made the first android phone ever - HTC Dream
.... what a sh***y brand....:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You throw a banquet in a hotel and get a nice award afterwards. User experience is where it counts. The iPhone didnt get as many rewards, and oh wow, the usage time with 4g is now 9 hours, and standby with that is 35 h. Maybe it's not 235 hours like most HTC can do, but why the **** would I need to have the phone in standby for 235 hours. On the other hand, my M7 lasts for about, 4 hours usage time with WiFi. So yes, in my expirience, the iPhone is so much more faster, snappier and has more usage than my piece of **** M7. :good:
Sinistersky said:
You throw a banquet in a hotel and get a nice award afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats right MWC and GMA is only a banquet in a hotel.... :laugh:
User experience is where it counts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Guess what are the criteria?
Our judges will assess and select handsets, devices and tablets based on the following criteria:
Physical design innovation and form factor
Device performance such as HTTP throughout, WEB Browser elapsed time, RX sensitivity, relative call set up and success rate
Multi Band support
Genuine Innovation deployed e.g. in UI, form factor, technology, features
Product usefulness in terms of functionality and features
Simplicity of use – such as an intuitive user interface
Wide range of applications and features supported
Unique attributes
Price point versus Value for money
Market success
User experience (battery life, talk time, call quality, personalisation)
http://www.globalmobileawards.com/c...es/5a-b-c-d-best-mobile-handsets-and-devices/
The iPhone didnt get as many rewards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Apple dit get awarded many times in the GMA for example Best Mobile in 2011 with the Iphone4 and best Tablet in 2012 and 2014.... but I guess that doesn't count since this is only a random banquet in a hotel
So yes, in my expirience, the iPhone is so much more faster, snappier and has more usage than my piece of **** M7. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not here to judge your experience or to debate if the Iphone is better than any other phone (Hence why I didn't quoted the Iphone part of your first post), its your choice to prefer one over the other and thats fine, I don't care. Iv replied to your post because of the "HTC never did anything good" part and wanted to share with you some good things they have made over the years, unfortunately, looks like this was only wasted time.
Peace

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