Database Users

[Q] Terrible unit, what should I do?

So I had a chance to thoroughly test one of the units from the June batch and I can say I am disappointed.
1. There's a bright dot on the screen. At certain angles it is completely invisible but looking at it dead on it appears as a small bright white dot. Maybe I am moving my head or hands involuntarily but at some angles it appears as a small line, not a dot which leads me to believe that it may be dust. Opinions?
2. There is massive light bleed. Worse than the previous. There's so much light bleed that a 3x2 inch patch on the lower left looks uniformly gray on a black screen. Bleed on all four corners as well and some on the right edges. It's unacceptable now.
3. Sound seems to be balanced this time around, after 3.1 update sounds seemed a bit muted but it appears to be on some videos only, probably the gain on the video and not a TF problem. At least it's balanced left/right.
I think I should send this to Asus as I've exhausted all of the replacements eligible with TigerDirect but I'm not sure how the Asus replacement process will turn out.
In retrospect I should have kept the previous unit. No stuck pixel/dust, not as much light bleed. But now that I'm already at rock bottom (I think), I have no choice other than to do an Asus replacement. I'm willing to live with some minor defects now (even though it shouldn't be this way). I just want an "acceptable unit" and go on with my life. It's a good device but the quality control is worse than anything I've ever had to deal with.
Can anyone give details on what happens with Asus USA service? Turnaround time? What is replaced? What they want from you? I would be forever indebted.

I Heard Turn Around For Asus is Somwhere around 2 Weeks, Which is a long time.

Only thing I've noticed on my tf is the unbalanced sound (right louder than left) which seemed to start after the 3.1 update.
I think you should get a replacement from Asus. I've read some people have convinced Asus to mail them a new unit and then send there's in.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

Tubular said:
So I had a chance to thoroughly test one of the units from the June batch and I can say I am disappointed.
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(1) How did you know it was from the 'June' batch? did it have made in June on the box?
(2)Yesterday i noticed a couple of posts about buying latter built versions of the unit, (even though there was nothing wrong with the first build! And today we have people posting how they've miraculously found units from the later build and how they are strangely just as bad
This forum is so full of preditable negative posting crap you could place bets in Vegas!

checkbox111 said:
(1) How did you know it was from the 'June' batch? did it have made in June on the box?
(2)Yesterday i noticed a couple of posts about buying latter built versions of the unit, (even though there was nothing wrong with the first build! And today we have people posting how they've miraculously found units from the later build and how they are strangely just as bad
This forum is so full of preditable negative posting crap you could place bets in Vegas!
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Your poor punctuation makes it difficult for me to determine who you're talking to. I didn't "miraculously" find a later build unit if you're talking about me. I sent my unit in late May and waited until second week of June for TD to ship a new unit out. TD sold out of them mid-May and I was told late May that they were getting a new shipment in June. This was substantiated by checking the website and noting the sold-out status. I waited from the end of May until the June shipment at which point the website showed stock was now in.
But you're right, how do I really know? Maybe Asus kept a bunch of units from April that they never sold and shipped them out to e-tailers in June just to piss people off or throw us all for a curve. Maybe TD doesn't really sell out of them either, they just mark it as out-of-stock and then they mark it as in-stock 2+ weeks later. This is a conspiracy to control demand.
TD doesn't allow refunds either, only exchanges. That means when a unit is sold it's sold, there's no way for unopened old units to get back into circulation unless Asus sent those to them.
Well that and the serial numbers between the two units show a significant difference if considered sequentially. The SN is of the format BXXAAAXXXXXX on both units where the number noted by X in both locations on the string is greater on unit two. Given that the first unit was purchased in May and came up with the latest update already applied it's safe to say that's not from the first batch and using the first as a reference point the second should be recent.
I don't know why you're offended. I haven't ragged on Asus or about the device itself, nor have I made a thread comparing TF to iPad 2 or Xoom. There's no reason for you to be so defensive about QC issues as if you're a personal guard dog for Asus (your signature is telling). These issues exist (even if this is worse than anything I've experienced). You take this personally because you misinterpret this as some sort of offense against Asus. I love the device but the QC issues are real regardless of how widespread they are. Note that I'm still not saying the device is bad or that Asus is a ****ty company despite what I've gone through.
I think you should get a replacement from Asus. I've read some people have convinced Asus to mail them a new unit and then send there's in.
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Thanks, I'll try.
I Heard Turn Around For Asus is Somwhere around 2 Weeks, Which is a long time.
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Eh, it's not that long to me. I've waited since April all time considered. I can wait two weeks.

Tubular said:
Your poor punctuation makes it difficult for me to determine who you're talking to. I didn't "miraculously" find a later build unit if you're talking about me. I sent my unit in late May and waited until second week of June for TD to ship a new unit out. TD sold out of them mid-May and I was told late May that they were getting a new shipment in June. This was substantiated by checking the website and noting the sold-out status. I waited from the end of May until the June shipment at which point the website showed stock was now in.
But you're right, how do I really know? Maybe Asus kept a bunch of units from April that they never sold and shipped them out to e-tailers in June just to piss people off or throw us all for a curve. Maybe TD doesn't really sell out of them either, they just mark it as out-of-stock and then they mark it as in-stock 2+ weeks later. This is a conspiracy to control demand.
TD doesn't allow refunds either, only exchanges. That means when a unit is sold it's sold, there's no way for unopened old units to get back into circulation unless Asus sent those to them.
Well that and the serial numbers between the two units show a significant difference if considered sequentially. The SN is of the format BXXAAAXXXXXX on both units where the number noted by X in both locations on the string is greater on unit two. Given that the first unit was purchased in May and came up with the latest update already applied it's safe to say that's not from the first batch and using the first as a reference point the second should be recent.
I don't know why you're offended. I haven't ragged on Asus or about the device itself, nor have I made a thread comparing TF to iPad 2 or Xoom. There's no reason for you to be so defensive about QC issues as if you're a personal guard dog for Asus (your signature is telling). These issues exist (even if this is worse than anything I've experienced). You take this personally because you misinterpret this as some sort of offense against Asus. I love the device but the QC issues are real regardless of how widespread they are. Note that I'm still not saying the device is bad or that Asus is a ****ty company despite what I've gone through.
Thanks, I'll try.
Eh, it's not that long to me. I've waited since April all time considered. I can wait two weeks.
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I'm not offended, i think people posting unsubstantiated negative crap is laughable.

I have to agree with Tubular about Asus QC. I have returned a total of 5 TFs because of massive black light bleeding and speaker issue. I decided to wait for the next batch, and hopefully all the issue will be fixed. Like Tubular, I love the TF. But the build quality is ridiculous. I never had to exchange anything more than once. I hope you will get a decent replacement Tubular. Let me know how it turns out.

What should you do?
first of all you should know that this forum will not be able to help you and anybody else, for that matter, with the hardware issues.
And since the tablet competition is at its peak right now, and since this is a software developing forum, the members with good units will always suspect that there are some hidden intentions.
I can only assume that your post here can have only one purpose, and that's to put some pressure on Asus for better QC in the future, the alternative is to discredit them.
Sent from my HD2 using the swype.

hagba said:
What should you do?
first of all you should know that this forum will not be able to help you and anybody else, for that matter, with the hardware issues.
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And how should I know that? I'm asking if anyone had experience with Asus USA RMA, that's not going to get me any help on this forum? As in not one person on this forum has had to go through an Asus RMA? Don't make me laugh.
hagba said:
What should you do?
And since the tablet competition is at its peak right now, and since this is a software developing forum, the members with good units will always suspect that there are some hidden intentions.
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I don't really care if "members with good units will always suspect that there are some hidden intentions", that's called extreme paranoia and may require help by a mental health professional.
hagba said:
I can only assume that your post here can have only one purpose, and that's to put some pressure on Asus for better QC in the future, the alternative is to discredit them.
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Or it could just be that I want some information about what happens in the RMA process. Good god you're dense. Yeah, you're totally right, there's only one reason why I would plunk $400.00 down on to a product and that's so that I hope it comes defective so I can put "pressure on Asus for better QC" (one would assume they should have had better QC in the first place) or "discredit them". You sound like an astroturfer. Even though you think you know everything you don't and your "conclusion" is wrong and horribly askew. You're looking far too deep into it, I'm not looking to pressure anyone or discredit Asus, I'm just looking for some god damn information on an RMA. It doesn't take a rocket scientist either, it's stated on the first post idiot!
As for the rest of you people, I'll keep you guys updated. I called Asus and they would only offer to repair a unit that's barely a week old and they want me to pay return shipping (which is standard fare for everyone who calls in). Now it's time to decide whether I live with this ridiculous lightbleed or send it back to Asus and take a gamble as to whether they might screw it up further. Right now I think I'll send it in, we'll see how this goes.

From happy but unsatisfied 1+x owner

Hi folks, let me get one thing out of the way: I have a 1+x and I love it.
But reading what people post on xda and on the oneplus forum makes me wonder: since when have we become so happy with unfinished products?
I constantly hear "yes, but they'll fix it soon" or "yes, but think about the price". I understand that we paid little for the phone compared to other brands, but we paid little because of the specs, not because of an unfinished software which needs to be updated over and over again.
And don't give me a "well, then you shouldn't have bought it" because it's not like when you ordered it, they inform you about the software bugs.
With the phone that will be used for 1 or max. 2 years, waiting some months to get the basic bugs fixed is an eternity. Also, that the company is young doesn't really matter, I rather have them do better testing, wait one month longer and pay a little bit more for a fully working product than having to wait for something that is supposed to work from the beginning.
As I said before, I don't regret buying the 1+x, I'm just trying to understand why we as the consumer lowered our expectations and accept to pay the full price for an unfinished product (me included) when instead we should get very angry at the producer and I really don't like the companies going like "the product doesn't really work as it's supposed to, but we can start selling it anyway and fix it afterwards". And why does this only apply to smartphones?
Imagine buying a car where you can't switch on the windscreen wiper, "don't worry, they'll fix it with the next onboard-computer update", or a microwave oven that doesn't have a timer function "but don't worry, that will be fixed soon", who would go for that?

Some interesting points made, but also nothing specific mentioned about the X and an irrelevant comparison against the car industry, or if you must compare, then pick something like built in Sat Navs which are ludicrously expensive and rarely updated ( or at least for a reasonable cost). Current car is the first car in 10 years i have owned where the updates are free and available when I want. But even so, I can download a free app that does much of what my expensive sat nav does and sometimes more.
The whole technological world has conditioned us to be satisfied with poor products for years and arguably Apple did a lot to improve things for all of us. I have not owned a single device of any nature where I have not cursed the makers for some omission that seems important to me, or failure to update the software or some inherent bug. Couple that with the throw away culture of those of who who have the luxury to do so and you have the current state.
So what are you referring to with regard to the x that is not working and waiting for a bug fix?
As you say these devices have a very short shelf life and an equally short design, prototype, build, test period. With an open platform and variety of hardware options, issues are inevitable and Windows did a good job of conditioning us to that.

charliebigpot said:
Hi folks, let me get one thing out of the way: I have a 1+x and I love it.
But reading what people post on xda and on the oneplus forum makes me wonder: since when have we become so happy with unfinished products?
I constantly hear "yes, but they'll fix it soon" or "yes, but think about the price". I understand that we paid little for the phone compared to other brands, but we paid little because of the specs, not because of an unfinished software which needs to be updated over and over again.
And don't give me a "well, then you shouldn't have bought it" because it's not like when you ordered it, they inform you about the software bugs.
With the phone that will be used for 1 or max. 2 years, waiting some months to get the basic bugs fixed is an eternity. Also, that the company is young doesn't really matter, I rather have them do better testing, wait one month longer and pay a little bit more for a fully working product than having to wait for something that is supposed to work from the beginning.
As I said before, I don't regret buying the 1+x, I'm just trying to understand why we as the consumer lowered our expectations and accept to pay the full price for an unfinished product (me included) when instead we should get very angry at the producer and I really don't like the companies going like "the product doesn't really work as it's supposed to, but we can start selling it anyway and fix it afterwards". And why does this only apply to smartphones?
Imagine buying a car where you can't switch on the windscreen wiper, "don't worry, they'll fix it with the next onboard-computer update", or a microwave oven that doesn't have a timer function "but don't worry, that will be fixed soon", who would go for that?
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Your're right, but I think the main problem is Android.
Everyone who is going to buy an Android is going to be a beta tester. None of the phones I've had was stable. Every phone had problems.
Oneplus must fix the main problems, but if the base isn't bugless, we can't expect that Oneplus or other producers can make a software totally free of bugs. (Ex. LP is one of the worst versions of Android, even if one the most looking version).

You guys are right! But i m still happy
I bought the opx seeing its spces, i knew oxygen os wil be a problem but still i got it becoz i knew that theres gona be a ton of roms for this phone!
But i believe its bad of oneplus ,to not provide a well finished(stable) software!

Totally agree with many of you guys. Dropped some "likes" here and there.
Really, waiting for some serious custom juice to flow soon. [emoji16]

So what are the problems? What doesn't work? Mine will be delivered today. Guess I am asking this a little late.

Well I can give you more relative comparison. I have both the base models of the Alcatel idol 3 5.5 and the zenfone 2 2gb variant and both perform pretty much rock solid. The idol 3 does have some lagging here and there but that is known with the 615 chipset. However all major functionality works on both phones. Asus as been pushing out refinement updates about every 3 weeks and marshmallow is due out very soon. Both phones are under 250 and with the holidays around you can probably get them in the sub 200 USD range. We could make the argument that these companies are much bigger and have been around the game longer. But we also must remember that this is OPs 3rd phone now. And that OP is run by a bunch of ex OPPO executives. To top that off OP had major dealings with CM in the initial OPO and borched software and updates. They simply have not learned and continue to throw out half baked cheap products. Forcing their customers into a "wait and pray it gets better mindset".
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app

bricky23 said:
So what are the problems? What doesn't work? Mine will be delivered today. Guess I am asking this a little late.
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Everything works, but there are some problems:
- proximity sensor too lazy when you are calling.
- light sensor lazy
- vibration soft
These are for the most annoying problems

Your points are solid. I wholeheartedly agree

To be honest I didn't have any problems. After one OTA the SD card wasn't visible in the System settings, but, at least for me, it was accessible. Since the last OTA this is restored, and there's also App to SD functionality.

Tbh, based on a whole lot of other devices that I've used, the response to fix even the tiniest of niggles has been pretty stunning.
There are so many devices out there with software issues that are never resolved by OEMs. Also, I've not seen a single major hitch in the software. The SD card issue was only a visual one, from what I know, and the update before that was a generic update to improve the camera app and some performance enhancements. I'd say it's good that the OEM is releasing timely fixes rater than letting the issues stagnate.

i dont get it
they cud have easily have given maxxaudio with opx but they didnt and as a result the audio output is not upto the mark
i am dissapointed with this
the stock equalizer sucks big time

Android is too fragmented to expect a flawless experience. Hardware is too widely varied and the manufacturers push for new devices too quickly for the fine tuning to ever happen. If Android controlled the hardware like Apple does , you could see polish and refinement. Too many models, too many updates, many issues. It's easier to make it good enough and move on to the latest and greatest.
My OnePlus X should arrive early next week!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

coolasnju1993 said:
i dont get it
they cud have easily have given maxxaudio with opx but they didnt and as a result the audio output is not upto the mark
i am dissapointed with this
the stock equalizer sucks big time
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Really? The OnePlus X is (for some strange reason) one of the first devices to use the Ultrasound Driver from CAF. It's not about the equalizer, mate. The audio output from the headphone jack is incredible, and IMO you need new headphones if you think this is bad.

Quasar said:
Really? The OnePlus X is (for some strange reason) one of the first devices to use the Ultrasound Driver from CAF. It's not about the equalizer, mate. The audio output from the headphone jack is incredible, and IMO you need new headphones if you think this is bad.
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I use apple earpods and its still not good I guess I need to change my earphones :|

coolasnju1993 said:
I use apple earpods and its still not good I guess I need to change my earphones :|
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Yep you do.

Quasar said:
Yep you do. [/]
nd from where did you come to know that onx uses ultrasound sound drivers from caf??
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coolasnju1993 said:
nd from where did you come to know that onx uses ultrasound sound drivers from caf??
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From the vendor blobs.

coolasnju1993 said:
I use apple earpods and its still not good I guess I need to change my earphones :|
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Dude apple earpods are the suckiest pair money can buy. If you love your music, buy new ones. Btw I got Brainwavz m2 and they are awesome
Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Quasar said:
Tbh, based on a whole lot of other devices that I've used, the response to fix even the tiniest of niggles has been pretty stunning.
There are so many devices out there with software issues that are never resolved by OEMs. Also, I've not seen a single major hitch in the software. The SD card issue was only a visual one, from what I know, and the update before that was a generic update to improve the camera app and some performance enhancements. I'd say it's good that the OEM is releasing timely fixes rater than letting the issues stagnate.
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Yes, indeed they are fast in fixing issues, but 1) we're talking about OOS specific bugs and 2) we're still talking about weeks, potentially months before it's all fixed. They definitely listen more to the users than other companies, but just today, I updated to the latest OOS version and suddenly there is lag when scrolling in the browser (NBPro, when swiping up/down it literally stops after just some millimeters) and the display seems less reactive in general, especially when using gestures on the lockscreen.
I've read about the same issues here on xda and on the oneplus forum and yes, maybe I can solve it by wiping or resetting, but I don't want to have to do that and spend more time than necessary on it, I didn't sign up to be a beta-tester for OOS.
Again, I'm happy I bought it and I will be patient (CM is close..) but it feels that with each update they fix some issues but create some new ones.
--EDIT/ADDITION--
The SD card issue was only a visual one,"
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That might be true, but as a customer I expect 100% perfect device since I paid 100% of the price.

ZTE cannot do any RMAs in America

So I talked to ZTE support and if you have an issue with the phone they recommend returning the phone since they have no replacements at all.

borisb said:
So I talked to ZTE support and if you have an issue with the phone they recommend returning the phone since they have no replacements at all.
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supposedly Amazon will have them in stock on the 22nd but they probably have backorder queue as well. Not having stock on hand for RMAs is the dumbest thing ZTE could have done or it points to massive RMA rate

Thats not good news. Where did you buy it? Try replacing it through them.

This has been talked about on their official forum. Basically, Passport 2.0 is currently useless because of the lack of stock. Almost all their devices up to and probably beyond the 9/9 shipments are spoken for.
If you have any type of issue that requires and RMA, you are out of luck for at least two months.
This is a huge misstep for a brand trying to make a name in the US. First they underproduce the device leading to delays, now that underproduction is leading to those with faulty devices either accepting a full return or keeping said device.

Can anybody say One+One?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

borisb said:
So I talked to ZTE support and if you have an issue with the phone they recommend returning the phone since they have no replacements at all.
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I'm curious, were you trying to get an rma and if so, what was the problem with the phone?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

tdgillihan said:
Can anybody say One+One?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
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Yeah, OnePlus had a lot of issues at first, but look at them now. Give ZTE time. Besides, why keep a bunch of phones around for RMA when people wanna buy them instead?

Adiyel said:
Yeah, OnePlus had a lot of issues at first, but look at them now. Give ZTE time. Besides, why keep a bunch of phones around for RMA when people wanna buy them instead?
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Because that's how business works and RMA. You either have to be able to recreate them in a short enough time when an RMA hits or have stock to fulfill it. Or don't offer the Passport 2.0 service.

Adiyel said:
Yeah, OnePlus had a lot of issues at first, but look at them now. Give ZTE time. Besides, why keep a bunch of phones around for RMA when people wanna buy them instead?
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OP is still terrible. Have you seen the bug list for OP3? They need to hire more developer and spend more time testing. Every year, they basically let the early adopter beta test their rom for the first few months. They do eventually get it fixed but do not buy a OP phone at launch.

max1001 said:
OP is still terrible. Have you seen the bug list for OP3? They need to hire more developer and spend more time testing. Every year, they basically let the early adopter beta test their rom for the first few months. They do eventually get it fixed but do not buy a OP phone at launch.
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Yeah, they got pretty well screwed by Cyanogenmod when they just broke their contract and abruptly walked away. They do seem to be doing a fair job of recovering, but you're right, needs to be better.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

tdgillihan said:
I'm curious, were you trying to get an rma and if so, what was the problem with the phone?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
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I was listening to sound cloud and the phone just rebooted. Ending in a boot loop.
Reset factory and wiping cache did not work.
I talked to newegg this morning. I got a refund.

borisb said:
I was listening to sound cloud and the phone just rebooted. Ending in a boot loop.
Reset factory and wiping cache did not work.
I talked to newegg this morning. I got a refund.
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That's right, I saw your other post. Sorry, I didn't connect the two.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

imp3r10 said:
Because that's how business works and RMA. You either have to be able to recreate them in a short enough time when an RMA hits or have stock to fulfill it. Or don't offer the Passport 2.0 service.
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These companies employ a lot of unconventional business practices because the model they're using is a low margin high sales number scheme. You have to produce units in batches so you don't get stuck with stock you can't move. It's the price we pay for so much phone at so little cost...

Adiyel said:
These companies employ a lot of unconventional business practices because the model they're using is a low margin high sales number scheme. You have to produce units in batches so you don't get stuck with stock you can't move. It's the price we pay for so much phone at so little cost...
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I don't know if its worth it.

borisb said:
I don't know if its worth it.
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It is for me. It's nothing but a win (overall) for the consumer. Sucks if you have a problem with your phone and want a replacement (I just got mine today, so time will tell), but it's a lot of bang for your buck. In general.

I wouldn't say it's nothing but a win. Some can't even get ahold of the device while others with faulty units can't do anything other than return it for a full refund and take their business elsewhere.
Not having enough product to satisfy consumer needs is bad, not having enough to honor your own warranty is worse. It's only bang for your buck if you can get one, and have no issues with it.

Sammae7 said:
It's only bang for your buck if you can get one, and have no issues with it.
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That's my point. I get the feeling that the demand isn't quite as strong as it seems from reading the forums and I also feel like the number of units with issues is within the realm of reasonable.
I say this without evidence either way; I just take the online portrayal with a grain of salt. I wasn't even aware of the ZTE forum until a ZTE rep referred to me to it. I never would have found it on my own because I wouldn't have looked. As for XDA, well, it's a certain type of person who hangs out here
Don't get me wrong, it doesn't help ZTE's image to not have enough stock. But the truth is that the OP3 is the only real competitor (in my mind) that is currently available around this price point if you're looking for the same features (I don't consider the Alcatel Idol 4S a real competitor because you get mid-range hardware at a mid-range price rather than flagship hardware at a mid-range price with the Axon 7 and OP3). By and large, you either want the Axon 7 and are willing to wait for it, or you go with the OP3. ZTE's inventory issues might cause them to lose customers if they can't get phones out before the 2016 Nexus phones are announced, though.

I think these are growing pains of a manufacturer taking some bold steps to get in the market with a little caution. They are not anywhere near a flagship known company. The cream of the crop Icrap is the leading smartphone maker in the world and has never ever met launch day demand. I believe it's time to lay off and exercise a little patience.
Sent from my 6045I using XDA Premium HD app

I believe I've exercised some patience. I pre-ordered on the first day they went up. After multiple delays I'll be lucky to see my device almost two months after its release.
Pre-orders are usually used to judge interest and are a build to of sorts, and they fell way behind on this aspect. I know this happens with a few other companies as well, but I've never had to wait this long.
I know I'm speaking from a point of frustration right now due to the most recent delay hitting hours ago.

Pixel 2 XL bad press and forum experience

So I returned the 64GB XL that I originally ordered due to me not adding the preferred care and seeing all the quality control and screen issues. I reordered a 128 GB device with preferred care and cancelled. All the bad press, all the threads and posts about quality control issues, this being a "travesty" and other comments. I cancelled and reordered 5 times and I finally followed through with the purchase. But only on one condition. I wasn't going to look at articles, forums, videos or any sort of press regarding the device at all for a week. I had read about all the issues and was still weary about it when I received the device on the 26th. I set it up and the first thing I did was look for this blue tint. I have a VERY slight tint at extreme angles that I do not view of device from but it did not bother me a bit and did not interfere with my experience. So what did I do next? I used my phone as my daily driver and in the same manner that I did my $8+. Since the 26th, I have had no issues, and I can honestly say that I could not be more thrilled with this device. It is exactly what I was looking for. My first vanilla Android experience and it is amazing. So with that being said, let's get to the question. Has anyone else avoided the negative press and forums to get their own experience? Has anyone else come to the and conclusion that I have? I can't say that the phone is perfect. I can't say that every device is made equal. But I can say that if you are on the fence with your purchase, just buy it. Experience the device for yourself, form your own opinion. Keep in mind what you have learned from other's experiences, but really form your own opinion with your own experience and come share with us. If you don't like it, just return it. Thanks for the read everyone! If you like your device great! If it wasn't for you, I hope you find the device you're looking for. Have a great one everybody!

I ordered on day one and my phone was very blue at even a slight angle. I returned it and ordered another and I am very happy with it. the processor is a beast. battery and camera are the best there is. Software and features are way ahead of others and will stay there. You need to try it. Don't read or buy into the negative hype. Try it. If you don't like it returning the device is easy and costs nothing.

@MacTheRipperr
I didn't let it get me down. I pre-ordered on the 6th, got it the 28th, never returned it, and never cared about the press.
I don't care about random people's opinions, and I have no idea why everyone does. I figured once I got it, i would see if I like it, if not, I would return it and move on.
The media is and always will be full of ****, the same with the vast majority of people sadly. I still hear people run in their mouth about this device in telegram chats and online that never have nor will hold an xl2, at that rate, why would anyone take anything they say at face value? It's sad that people fall to peer pressure, and can't be big enough to make a decision for themselves, they have to follow the norm.
Anyways, my device like most others shifts colors at an angle, and it doesn't bother me. I always have and will use black themes while I'm on an oled device. You can't get this rich of black color which makes everything else pop on lcd.
Coming from a 6p, this phone is light years faster than it was, and the battery life I've had on stock with the stock kernel, has put all other devices I've had to shame. I couldn't be happier with the xl2

This phone ticked all the boxes I want/need and after the trade in plus the rebate from T-mobile I'd be stupid not to jump on it. While waiting all the complaints about the screen came in so I was curious to see what it would look like when I got it. Opened the box and turned the screen on, tilted it and said...."that's it???". I've been loving it since day one. Best phone I've ever had.

If anything the negative press had lowered my expectations some, so when I finally got my phone I was absolutely blown away by how great it is. I couldn't say if I had not read anything bad about the phone, whether or not my response would have been the same, but all I can say is that this is the best phone I have ever used (going from Nexus 5, to 6, to 6P, to 2XL)

I find it humorous that in advance of the iPhone X, Apple puts out a paper saying that burn-in and blue tint upon tilting device are normal for oled screens, and not a defect. I wonder if all the media sources that blasted the Pixel 2 XL for being a "mediocre" device because of those screen issues will be as hard on Apple as they were on Google?

I've read the articles and kept up with stuff, but I really just don't give a sh__, to be frank. Is there a blue tint at angle? Yup. Does it bother me? Nope. Is there screen burn in/retention? Don't know. (I have not seen anything and don't care about trying it out to see.) This phone is so freaking phenomenal, I can't believe that people steer clear over some bad press given by a bunch of YouTube reviewers that nit-pick everything with every phone ever made.
To prove my point on how little the everyday user cares, I showed 2 buddies of mine my 2 XL the other night. They both just recently got the iPhone 8+ and they've had Apple devices going back to the iPhone 6. Both of them played with my 2 XL for at least 15 minutes. Neither of them mentioned anything about the screen other than they said they loved the lack of huge bezels. Both commented on how blazingly fast it performed. They also loved how it listened for music and displayed what was playing automatically.
I'm happy with my 2 XL. If by some chance Google does some sort of recall, etc. I may go ahead and do that, but as of yet, I see no reason to RMA my phone.

Dang, OP. Nailed my experience, but in a different manner: Ordered during the event and got mine on the 20th. Also came from an S8+.
Have since stopped reading comments on popular Android tech sites due to the sheer vileness of them. Maybe it was present before and I just never noticed, but the comments sections are a total sh_tshow. I am embarrassed to be a part of a community that can treat each other so poorly.
I imagine someone new to the community going on to these sites and just being absolutely stunned by how petty and rude we must seem.
It's not just Pixel articles either; Samsung, HTC, LG.... It's unavoidable.
I like my S8+ and my 2 XL. I liked my V20. My son loves his V30 (and before that, his HTC 10). Why can't we seem to accept that they're all great devices? Why do we have to be so vile to each other?
Sorry... That went longer than I had planned...
/rant end

It's hands-on for me! Media suxes!!

MacTheRipperr said:
So I returned the 64GB XL that I originally ordered due to me not adding the preferred care and seeing all the quality control and screen issues. I reordered a 128 GB device with preferred care and cancelled. All the bad press, all the threads and posts about quality control issues, this being a "travesty" and other comments. I cancelled and reordered 5 times and I finally followed through with the purchase. But only on one condition. I wasn't going to look at articles, forums, videos or any sort of press regarding the device at all for a week. I had read about all the issues and was still weary about it when I received the device on the 26th. I set it up and the first thing I did was look for this blue tint. I have a VERY slight tint at extreme angles that I do not view of device from but it did not bother me a bit and did not interfere with my experience. So what did I do next? I used my phone as my daily driver and in the same manner that I did my $8+. Since the 26th, I have had no issues, and I can honestly say that I could not be more thrilled with this device. It is exactly what I was looking for. My first vanilla Android experience and it is amazing. So with that being said, let's get to the question. Has anyone else avoided the negative press and forums to get their own experience? Has anyone else come to the and conclusion that I have? I can't say that the phone is perfect. I can't say that every device is made equal. But I can say that if you are on the fence with your purchase, just buy it. Experience the device for yourself, form your own opinion. Keep in mind what you have learned from other's experiences, but really form your own opinion with your own experience and come share with us. If you don't like it, just return it. Thanks for the read everyone! If you like your device great! If it wasn't for you, I hope you find the device you're looking for. Have a great one everybody!
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I preordered it and kept it.
Ive had a Galaxy Nexus Nexus 5 Nexus 6p and now the Pixel XL 2 I can tell you... You will never get a "perfect" phone from Google you just wont. But you dont get this phone because its perfect. You get it because you dont have to wait for updates from the carrier that will never come. You dont have to worry about the bootloader being locked. And you can pretty much count on the most developer support.
Everyone of the phones listed above had an "issue" blown way out of proportion.
Galaxy Nexus was battery life even leading to Verizon offering a extended battery
Nexus 5 had a screen issue where anything after the 1st batch had a yellow tint to the display. (I was lucky to get one of the good ones but then 3 months later my phone decided to not DL or send MMS at all no matter what i did. I had to RMA it and got a yellow tint phone. Oh and battery life issues.
Nexus 6p had screen issues and battery issues where the phone would shut down once the battery reached anywhere from 15% to 50% Oh there was also a software bug on only this phone where the phone would refuse to switch to LTE and the only way to make it do this was to go into the secret *#*4636*#*# and toggle the LTE radio. This was not fixed for 2 security updates
See you will never get a "perfect phone" from Google. Just like a lot of their products start out pretty ****ty and get better through several updates.

Well, I most definitely want to thank you guys for your feedback and being honest without the hostility. It's good to see that I am not alone in my experience. Thanks for replying with tact. We can only lead our fellow enthusiast by example. Thanks again for your responses.

I've had a horrible experience through all of this, I'm also a new member here, although I've been a lurker for years. BUT I pre-ordered, kept the order and received a P2XL that is blue straight on and gets worse at any angle. I RMA'd my device, new one will be here this friday/saturday. Thing is after a week I really love this phone and willing to try at least one more as it seems there is or was a quality issue but most here that have RMA'd are reporting they've gotten a better device back. I agree what another member posted about the rhetoric and the way people are treating each other but that's the interwebs these days. Also seems a bunch of people here received great devices to begin with (ANOTHER REASON TO ORDER ONE AND TRY IT YOURSELF) but unfortunately some of them just assume everyone's device is the exact same as theirs and some of them even deny there could be an issue saying "we see these things differently" and we should "just shut up or get a refund". Don't listen to them, don't really take much weight in what anyone says (including me) about their personal experience until you've had the exact same experience with the same device to relate to their issues posted. We're here to share our experiences with these devices with each other but for every 1 P2XL user here there are probably at least 4 or 5 if not more that are ecstatic to own these phones from Google. Remember most people who have issues go onto forums and websites to see if others are experiencing the same issues. So it becomes a breeding ground for every issue ever found on "x" device within "x" days of being released. Like what's been said here before, it's not just here, all manufacturers have issues with their devices and for me IMO the P2XL is what I want/need in a phone. Hopefully you'll order one up and give it a shot, you're truly missing out on an amazing experience with an amazing device.

You know things are desperate when people have to make "feel good" threads.
As for the validity of media or what else has been said here, this entire thread is pure conjecture and speculation made against others who disagree.
Im also not sure who this is directed at. The people who dont like/want this phone wont be here.
Neither will the people who returned them.
As for the point of the thread.
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
Neither apples pathetic response to possible issues with the screen nor Google's "we are looking into it" imply a whole lot respect for the consumer or confindence for their devices.
You can like your device, you can claim its perfect, beautiful, whatever. But for this price, nothing short of perfection(as much as it can be achieved) should be demanded.
If im paying a grand, i dont want to be bothered by RMAs or other BS.
If they have QC issues, they are free to perhaps ship some jobs back to Europe/America. Im sure they have enough money to pay decent wages for people to QC their devices or produce them here.
If not, they should not expect mercy from the consumer or press, and yes this includes apple too
What a pathetic age we live in.

shadowcore said:
.
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
.
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You do know you're paying for more than hardware right? You don't really think you're getting a minimum of 3 years OS updates, a minimum of 3 years of monthly security updates, support help right on the device, and all that unlimited storage for nothing do ya.

shadowcore said:
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
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Why not demand pink unicorns as well, since we're apparently asking for the impossible?
No device is without "issues". Not a one.
If you won't pay a grand for any non-perfect device, and no such device exists, you are basically claiming no device is worth a grand.
Welp...okay. it's a perfectly valid opinion. Thanks for sharing.

PhoenixPath said:
Why not demand pink unicorns as well, since we're apparently asking for the impossible?
No device is without "issues". Not a one.
If you won't pay a grand for any non-perfect device, and no such device exists, you are basically claiming no device is worth a grand.
Welp...okay. it's a perfectly valid opinion. Thanks for sharing.
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Do you believe any of the current issues would be present, if they had QC that actually was managed properly?
It cant be because of technology that the device costs this much, about a grand, in 2017.
Surely they can afford proper QC at an asking price of 1 grand.
Im not sure proper QC is like pink unicorns, but i guess people should just shut up.
A proper premium tier QC is pink unicorns. Im having the timw of my life now.
---------- Post added at 05:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
AndrasLOHF said:
You do know you're paying for more than hardware right? You don't really think you're getting a minimum of 3 years OS updates, a minimum of 3 years of monthly security updates, support help right on the device, and all that unlimited storage for nothing do ya.
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Thats true, i wish only they provided a black skin/overlay for android.
Its 2017 and only custom roms offer amoled friendly UI.
Im not sureni value android updates when they offer no enhancements i need.

shadowcore said:
Do you believe any of the current issues would be present, if they had QC that actually was managed properly?
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QC doesn't stop issues from reaching the public. It limits them.
A certain number of bad devices will invariably get out in the market. This is unavoidable.
If you are trying to claim that it is avoidable, that any company could release a device and the public would not see a single failure, please - do tell; what fantastical device is it?
If you are trying to claim that *all* Pixel 2 XL devices are bad, well, you're entitled to your opinion, but if that is indeed the case, your opinion is not at all relevant to us.

PhoenixPath said:
QC doesn't stop issues from reaching the public. It limits them.
A certain number of bad devices will invariably get out in the market. This is unavoidable.
If you are trying to claim that it is avoidable, that any company could release a device and the public would not see a single failure, please - do tell; what fantastical device is it?
If you are trying to claim that *all* Pixel 2 XL devices are bad, well, you're entitled to your opinion, but if that is indeed the case, your opinion is not at all relevant to us.
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Pray tell, do you really believe issues such as blue tint or burn in wouldnt be caught by proper QC?
These issues are so obvious, even non-tech savy people can notice them.
And no, i didnt claim qc prevents all bad apples, but thw moat obvious ones. Way to strawman my point there.
All google needed to do, when noticing issues in QC , is hold off on the release date.
You can probably imagine how much i enjoyed last years fiasco with exploding batteries with samsung.
If anything, that was the epitome and parody of the flagship smartphone industry.
Imagine buying a porsche and getting one that had paint issues or an expensive mercedes with discolored glass.
If i wanted to gamble and try my luck, i would get an Oppo, not a pixel or samsung.

I agree with both you guys lol. IMO the issue is when testing Google from day 1 just looked past the blue tint and other issues thinking "This is the way it has to be" "it's a trade off" and software updates will fix it or it's just supposed to be like that. Hence the quality issues, if you tell your QC dept that it's supposed to look like that then they'll unfortunately let them all leave the factory like that. Probably why there's 50 shades of blue and no direct reasoning or answer from anyone as to why there's such a variance between the exact same devices produced on the same date even. BTW shadowcore is onto something I've been previously saying, yea there's shortcomings with any new device but it shouldn't be this bad all over the map with these things for the price they charge. And then attempted sweeping under the rug of it all, "working as intended" just to rub ya the wrong way after all that money spent whether you got 5 discounts or paid full retail. PRINCIPLE. This is top tier device I know it's been done before here but would you buy a brand new BMW/AUDI/LEXUS/MERCEDES and be just fine with creaking plastic crappy interior you sit in every time you drive? We need to interact with this screen every day all day for some people.

shadowcore said:
....
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Is their QC sub-par? Do they actually have more defective units than other vendors?
Is there anything other than the initial media coverage, now little more than background noise, that implies Google's devices see more defects in the market than others?
Or, as you just admitted in the last post, are you just super happy about any and all failures and maybe that is what is driving your fervor?
I mean, even if that's what it is, I get it. These companies make billions - watching them trip and fall, even if it's only in our perception, can be somewhat cathartic - is it really any more than that, though?

Why Is Development Lacking?

This is only a question and dicussion I want to bring up, this is not about anything else, and truly not about disrespecting anyone, but just asking why is development slow... Please don't be offended, it was not my intentions by asking these things, just trying to figure why a nice phone doesn't have more people working on it is all..
I have my own ideas, maybe these are the reasons.
1. Smaller Company - but the Geeks know who Andy Rubin is
2. See number 1, with Andy Rubin at the wheel, where are the Android enthusiasts supporting the project?
3. Ok company has had a bad start, lots of bad reviews, mostly over the camera
So a smaller company, and the newbie phone users are all chasing after the bigger well known names, but again, what's happening here with the Android Geeks?
Anyhow, small company, bad reviews, started out costly, now prices are down. So where's the Android love for one of the Founders?

Agreed. But I guess we have 2 more years (till 2020, I guess) of support from essential side. I own Xiaomi Mi5 and Essential Ph1. Quite a lot of difference in development. SD820 has started to show signs of aging and 3GB ram is not holding up well. Will hold on to Essential for next few years. Hope development kicks in. Although happy with stock rom and android p beta program.
Not a bad phone at all. for 500 dollars. Not much into camera. Overall a great phone. Dunno why there was so much negativity around this phone.

del

@Rahat34, I sometimes wonder if there was just a lot of propaganda posting going on against the Essential. It was strange all the negativity as you mention, and to be honest, we all know all phones out there get their share of it, but for some reason, I really wondered when it came to this phone, now this was all without even owning this phone, I just thought it was odd. By the way, they just went on sale for half off, I ordered a few at $249USD...
But looks like the sale is over.
@Tech_Savvy, so is there any work going on with TWRP at the moment, that there should be something working soon?
As far as ROMS are concerned, there's a lot of Android users in the world, so saying how many we need, well, that's anyone's guess.
The AospExtended, this is a really nice ROM I'd like to see for the Essential.
Also if my eyes are seeing correct, I didn't notice Franco or Void with Kernels for the phone.
Then there's microG, any ROMs supporting it good?
I wonder, if Xposed is working good on Esssential with Oreo, stock or custom?

DoR3M3 said:
@Rahat34, I sometimes wonder if there was just a lot of propaganda posting going on against the Essential. It was strange all the negativity as you mention, and to be honest, we all know all phones out there get their share of it, but for some reason, I really wondered when it came to this phone, now this was all without even owning this phone, I just thought it was odd. By the way, they just went on sale for half off, I ordered a few at $249USD...
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Even for $500, gettiing a SD835, unlockable bootloader, titanium-ceramic build,a nice lcd panel (and what not) was a steal. $250, its nuts . Here, we get 625 schip at this much price and crappy glassy phones.
Must have been some sort of propaganda/conspiracy. Every phone has drawbacks, But boy every youtube review was bashing this phone.

Rahat34 said:
Even for $500, gettiing a SD835, unlockable bootloader, titanium-ceramic build,a nice lcd panel (and what not) was a steal. $250, its nuts . Here, we get 625 schip at this much price and crappy glassy phones.
Must have been some sort of propaganda/conspiracy. Every phone has drawbacks, But boy every youtube review was bashing this phone.
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Click to collapse
Yes it's a low price I paid...

Depends what you're after really. If you want a few solid roms, or a hundred half baked bug ridden roms. I've done the "huge" forums before where I had to wade through twenty roms in order to find one that functioned decently. I'm past my days of needing to flash a new rom on a daily basis though. Work and kids keep me from having the time to do that anymore even if I wanted to.
I"ll take a solid dependable phone with support from the manufacturer any day.

I'll add as well, there are quite a few roms that are simply not posted on these forums (validus, gzosp, etc).

crixley said:
I'll add as well, there are quite a few roms that are simply not posted on these forums (validus, gzosp, etc).
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Ive heard to go to discord but ive found nothing. Where should i go to find them?

Sure no one wants half baked, but there should be twice the amount of development going on that is at present.
Anyhow, I would hope that everyone agrees there is not a lot of development going on.
So, what do people think on this forum about an email drafted up, and the Modding Community reaching out to Essential, in hopes of building up it's modding development?

just got the phone from prime day sale plus extra $100 off from AMEX, paid around $170 total. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality, it makes my LG V30 feels like a toy. Reception problem with AT&T is real though I would actually see zero reception driving around my neighborhood in upstate NY which never happens in any other phones I have.

oceansoul said:
just got the phone from prime day sale plus extra $100 off from AMEX, paid around $170 total. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality, it makes my LG V30 feels like a toy. Reception problem with AT&T is real though I would actually see zero reception driving around my neighborhood in upstate NY which never happens in any other phones I have.
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@oceansoul, sorry, not sure what you mean by your post for development?
Thanks

you asked for why there is so little development for the phone, maybe because of the reception issue, not many people are using it? at the same spot I am getting -112dBm for PH-1 and -83dBm for Lg V30 on ATT LTE band 2

It really doesn't sound like you'll be happy with this phone, I'm sure someone will take it off your hands.

oceansoul said:
toxic much? you asked for why there is so little development for the phone, maybe because of the reception issue, not many people are using it? at the same spot I am getting -112dBm for PH-1 and -83dBm for Lg V30 on ATT LTE band 2
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toxic much, what does that mean?