[Q] Sprint HTC Hero Discoloration - Hero CDMA Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

My girlfriend has owned her Hero since last November and in the amount of time she has had it, it seems to have changed colors. When she purchased it, it was a grey/pewter color, overtime it has become brown... Has anyone else had this happen? Does Sprint replace phones for cosmetic issues, such as these? Did anyone figure out how to clean it?

pruster said:
My girlfriend has owned her Hero since last November and in the amount of time she has had it, it seems to have changed colors. When she purchased it, it was a grey/pewter color, overtime it has become brown... Has anyone else had this happen? Does Sprint replace phones for cosmetic issues, such as these? Did anyone figure out how to clean it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are two reasons it could be turning brown:
1. It's collecting dirt. Wipe it off with a slightly damp wipe?
2. The phone is becoming wayyyyy too hot, and is starting to discolor the plastic due to the heat.

Is your GF a chain smoker by any chance?

if it has any sort of goldish/greenish haze in it the either she is smoking, or someone she is around very often is smoking.

pruster said:
My girlfriend has owned her Hero since last November and in the amount of time she has had it, it seems to have changed colors. When she purchased it, it was a grey/pewter color, overtime it has become brown... Has anyone else had this happen? Does Sprint replace phones for cosmetic issues, such as these? Did anyone figure out how to clean it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After working at a service center for a few years I can tell you that they won't swap it for cosmetics unless it messes up the functionality which it doesn't sound like it is
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

To clean, try a magic eraser. They clean just about any textured surface.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!

Related

[Q] returning to stock/returning to motorola?

Okay I fell in the river not to long ago and killed my Telus Motorola Milestone. I went out and bought a new desire cause I had rooted the milestone and cause I had fell in the river... Now I'm thinking maybe I can re-flash it to stock and try to return it for warranty, but I was wondering a couple things..
1. Can it be completely returned to stock? I recently sent in a SE X10a and they only wanted the phone itself, not the backing/battery/sim/microSD.. if this is the case, maybe they cant tell?
2. I heard there was a piece of paper on it somewhere that is supposed to change color if it gets wet/damaged.. where is this, what does it look like Not wet, and after it gets wet..
The phone itself boots and seems to run semi-fine.. but the camera button kinda has Multiple Personality Disorder.. sometimes it's a camera button, sometimes it's volume up or down LOL
Also, does anyone know what would happen if I sent it in and they found out it was splashed? it was never really soaked, and I dried it off as soon as possible (even used canned air and the Rice in a baggy methods) Will they contact me to tell me how much to fix, Just bill me and return it, or just say F* me and send it back?
Kinda like to know if anyone has had this kinda experience
they have ways of knowing the water was in it... and its a little square that is white when dry and pink or red when wet...
if you send it they'll most likely bill you. they don't 'fix' phones
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
I had an ATT Tilt and when I took it apart I found not just the one by the battery buy a couple more inside the phone as well. Pretty sure most phones would have the same thing. They can be pretty sensitive too. Sometimes really high humidity will change the color.

Worn volume buttons / battery plate? Any tips?

On my white Vivid, the volume and power buttons chrome are compelely worn out and its copper color, and the back battery plate is starting to chip its paint as well. Im kinda picky and things like this kinda bug me (expecially how the buttons clash with the rest of the white body)
Has anyone tried anything to remedy this or restore it? Painting it perhaps? I would like anyone who has done something about this to share how they touched up the worn parts (besides using a case)
I remember there was a thread a few months back about this issue. I don't remember a resolution coming up other than the case. I wonder if you could buy replacement buttons, not sure about painting. Seems like you would have to take it apart to do it since if any got in to the crevices it could mess up your phone.
mike21pr said:
On my white Vivid, the volume and power buttons chrome are compelely worn out and its copper color, and the back battery plate is starting to chip its paint as well. Im kinda picky and things like this kinda bug me (expecially how the buttons clash with the rest of the white body)
Has anyone tried anything to remedy this or restore it? Painting it perhaps? I would like anyone who has done something about this to share how they touched up the worn parts (besides using a case)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the buttons idk but the back plate don't come with paint..I know cuz iv chromed mine
randong said:
As far as the buttons idk but the back plate don't come with paint..I know cuz iv chromed mine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im referring to that matte coating that it has on. I have chromed a mytouch 4G before. How is it working out for you? Because when I did it to the mytouch it looked great but the chrome smugdes very easily and was hard to clean, does the vivid plate smudge the same way?
randong said:
As far as the buttons idk but the back plate don't come with paint..I know cuz iv chromed mine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should post pictures and a tutorial for chroming the Vivid! You might make front page on XDA
Edit: NMD
10 char
It could have turned out better...it just that the metal is really porous and it didn't really take like I wanted but.its def shiny and yea it does smudge more but idc I'm going to really get on it in a few days
who knows I might do a tut
randong said:
It could have turned out better...it just that the metal is really porous and it didn't really take like I wanted but.its def shiny and yea it does smudge more but idc I'm going to really get on it in a few days
who knows I might do a tut
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it!! Also heads up to everyone HTC will send you a new batterydoor free if you "lose" it. My friend just got a new door after his was dented badly.
Just finished working on my battery plate. What I did was spray it with Tylex, and lightly sand/buff with the tougher side of a sponge, the coating came off so easily and now I have a brushed metal look, im very pleased!!! Uploaded a pic. Now if there was some way i can make the power/vol buttons not clash with the copper color...
Btw, in real life it looks much better, obviously the flash will make the textures pop out more
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-6
mike21pr said:
Just finished working on my battery plate. What I did was spray it with Tylex, and lightly sand/buff with the tougher side of a sponge, the coating came off so easily and now I have a brushed metal look, im very pleased!!! Uploaded a pic. Now if there was some way i can make the power/vol buttons not clash with the copper color...
Btw, in real life it looks much better, obviously the flash will make the textures pop out more
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks good try to sand in one motion and it will look better like up and down other than that thats what mine looked like until i used some polishing compound and buffed it out now its almost like a mirror.. i also colored in the htc in blue with finger nail polish and some non acetone nail polish remover
randong said:
looks good try to sand in one motion and it will look better like up and down other than that thats what mine looked like until i used some polishing compound and buffed it out now its almost like a mirror.. i also colored in the htc in blue with finger nail polish and some non acetone nail polish remover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx for the tips. Interesting point about the fingernail paint, could this work on the vol buttons? I could cover the edges and apply a small coat to cover up the copper color, either silver or white. Question is, would this last without easily chipping?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-6
mike21pr said:
Thnx for the tips. Interesting point about the fingernail paint, could this work on the vol buttons? I could cover the edges and apply a small coat to cover up the copper color, either silver or white. Question is, would this last without easily chipping?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
prob not but you can try...maybe with a sealer of some sort would help like the clear n/p idk tho..
crap.. now I have the same issue.. after what 5 months of having the phone.. what crap quality. never had that issue with an iphone. why not spend the few cents and get something better..
lostsoul1 said:
crap.. now I have the same issue.. after what 5 months of having the phone.. what crap quality. never had that issue with an iphone. why not spend the few cents and get something better..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u feel that way the be our guest and get you a iPhone ..imo iPhones suck too
I have had all version of the iphone since 2007. even back then the build quality is better. All I'm saying is something as simple as paint on a part should not flake off so quickly and now I'm stuck with copper buttons with no idea how to fix or repair it. So instead of coming on here and telling me to buy a new phone how about laying an idea to fix the issue..
btw: to others with this issue I have posted on HTCs website.. but I'm sure they will work on it like fixing the voice dialer option.. haha
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160748688402?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 best choice i think for u.
lostsoul1 said:
I have had all version of the iphone since 2007. even back then the build quality is better. All I'm saying is something as simple as paint on a part should not flake off so quickly and now I'm stuck with copper buttons with no idea how to fix or repair it. So instead of coming on here and telling me to buy a new phone how about laying an idea to fix the issue..
btw: to others with this issue I have posted on HTCs website.. but I'm sure they will work on it like fixing the voice dialer option.. haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U told ever one else to buy a new phone....and I.have made a suggestion...read a few post back
---------- Post added at 08:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 AM ----------
exynos5250x said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160748688402?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 best choice i think for u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea ...a Lil more technical than most users could handle but it would fix Ur problem until those buttons went out too lol
exynos5250x said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160748688402?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 best choice i think for u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assembly skills suck..60 bucks and a chance to completely destroy the phone..hahah . I need to call AT&T and see if they or HTC will do warranty work on it. there is too much of a tight tolerance to try to chrome it and then clear coat it. Ill never be able to push the buttons in.. haha
Well I finally caved in.. I called HTC and asked them if there was a way to fix it myself and they basically told me no. The phone still has its 1 year warranty and they explained the process to me.. They only have one repair center in ALL of America..haha (Texas). So when you call and talk to them they will give you an RMA number. take out your batt,sim, case and send it to them.
They were easy to get a hold of and it was pretty quick to get things set up. It will be hard to not have a smart phone for 2 weeks but I had a back up pos. Since my back up phone was not a smart phone I went to an ATT store and they did it for me but told me I would "Lose" my unlimited plan because that phone didnt support it. The manager told me he will contact the right people to get it back.. then told me for 10 bucks a month(insurance) I could just get a new phone.. I told him I'm already paying 160/mo for 3 phones..haha
Anyways, the moral of the story is, if you are having this issue send it in now before your warranty is gone or live with copper color buttons.
lostsoul1 said:
Well I finally caved in.. I called HTC and asked them if there was a way to fix it myself and they basically told me no. The phone still has its 1 year warranty and they explained the process to me.. They only have one repair center in ALL of America..haha (Texas). So when you call and talk to them they will give you an RMA number. take out your batt,sim, case and send it to them.
They were easy to get a hold of and it was pretty quick to get things set up. It will be hard to not have a smart phone for 2 weeks but I had a back up pos. Since my back up phone was not a smart phone I went to an ATT store and they did it for me but told me I would "Lose" my unlimited plan because that phone didnt support it. The manager told me he will contact the right people to get it back.. then told me for 10 bucks a month(insurance) I could just get a new phone.. I told him I'm already paying 160/mo for 3 phones..haha
Anyways, the moral of the story is, if you are having this issue send it in now before your warranty is gone or live with copper color buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check and see if there was an AT&T Device Support Center near you? They may be able to do the swap while you wait.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

Cracks around the white plastic band

I've never seen this before. My One developed these very very thin cracks, it's never been dropped or sat on etc.
It's going back to HTC tomorrow for 'repair', most probably replacement (hopefully)
Anyone else seen this on theirs?
I had this from the first batch. I sent it back. My latest phone doesn't suffer from this. Was yours from the first batch?
nope ... but min has rattling when i hammer with the fingers around the camera... sounds like something is loose..
It is from the first batch yes. I noticed it quite a while ago but wasn't that bothered as it was so hard to see. Now it's getting more visible I suppose due to build up of dirt.
Did you get your replacement though HTC Support?
mwatson said:
I had this from the first batch. I sent it back. My latest phone doesn't suffer from this. Was yours from the first batch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, i sent mine back for other reasons, though i had noticed the cracks. My newer device does not have this.

Build Quality

I was just wondering if it is just my phone. I got the developers edition VZW and when I push on the logo in the back of the phone (back/bottom of the phone) I get a tape sound when I release. Like they forgot to put padding or something in the back.
Is this normal?
I was going to go to the VZ store and see if they have the issue.
Same!
I have the regular vzw moto x and it does the same thing! I thought mine was defective or something. Weird...
I have had three Moto Maker AT&T models and none have had this issue. They have had other issues, including faulty haptic feedback, WiFi antenna, and varying degrees of smoothness at the edges (the wraparound glass or whatever they called it) and on the flash (one phone was completely smooth at the edges and at the flash on the back, another has a more pronounced lip).
Slusho said:
I have had three Moto Maker AT&T models and none have had this issue. They have had other issues, including faulty haptic feedback, WiFi antenna, and varying degrees of smoothness at the edges (the wraparound glass or whatever they called it) and on the flash (one phone was completely smooth at the edges and at the flash on the back, another has a more pronounced lip).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also moving onto my third moto x. 2 gsm dev editions, and now i'm just going on to a used at&t model. for me:
1st gsm dev: marks on the screen in low light
2nd gsm dev: dirt embedded in the white backing, rattley/loose vibrations, creaky back
i figure, as long as i'm compromising and not getting a perfect device, might as well save $300 and get a used one where my expectations aren't so high. i just hope i get one with tight vibrations. i wish moto would get their crap together, this is such a beautiful phone.
Wait.. so I'm really interested in getting a moto x but it sounds like there are a lot of problems with the build quality.. Is this only with the phones that are manufactured in the US?
Wheyn said:
Wait.. so I'm really interested in getting a moto x but it sounds like there are a lot of problems with the build quality.. Is this only with the phones that are manufactured in the US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are a lot of issues on every new phone released. but there seems to be a good bit from the usa factory. if you are in the states... a motomaker phone is your best bet as far as quality goes. my first one was perfect. but dropped it on day four and busted the glass. so they gave me a new one. this one seems to have a weak vibrator. but that is something i can easily live with. as im not a fan of haptic. but i have yet to turn it off because i dont need the battery savings.
Well, I just tried and mine does it too. I never hold the phone in such a way that I'm actually touching that area so not really an issue for me. It does sound like tape, though.
dymmeh said:
Well, I just tried and mine does it too. I never hold the phone in such a way that I'm actually touching that area so not really an issue for me. It does sound like tape, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while i have no plans of testinf it out...there were leaked pics just before the release that show the x in layers. those pics show that there is some empty space as the back curves up at the camera all the way to the top. there is a lip at the top of the camera to keep the back from flexing in. id imagine that is why you can press down in the first place. just fyi.
OK. So it is normal. From the answers here and going to the Verizon store. They must have a piece of tape for the entire back and a gap at the bottom of the phone. Causing the issue. I am not going to try to do an RMA because it seems to be a design issue.
Aside from this issue, this has been by far my favorite android phone.
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
hill180 said:
OK. So it is normal. From the answers here and going to the Verizon store. They must have a piece of tape for the entire back and a gap at the bottom of the phone. Causing the issue. I am not going to try to do an RMA because it seems to be a design issue.
Aside from this issue, this has been by far my favorite android phone.
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
makes sense and agree. i didnt look at ifixit, so i didnt want to say there was tape. but i know the og droid razr had a back that was taped to the battery. and then the battery was connected by a ribbon. of which i ripped and ruined when taking it apart. so be careful if you ever decide to diy. it helps with twist/flex. so i would have to assume they did the same thing on the x. and it sounds like the tape is a bit bigger than it needs to be. no doubt because the usa plant isnt as good at building phones so they made it easier on the employees. which is why peeps are able to push in and hear a tape sound. it sounds like if it were an eighth inch shorter... this would be a non issue.
and i also agree with you that its not worth worrying about. the bad assedness of the phone makes up for the design flaw.

Please delete

Please delete
Android.is.better94 said:
I have a moto x 2014 pure 5.1 lollipop ..custom and I love it but it has general wear and tear like a small chip in the metal a dent in the dimple and my speaker bars have nicks , I know how easy it is to make up a bs excuse and get a warranty replacement but I fear of getting one with issues like others have has such as burn in and purple haze at low brightness and others that I really didn't get with mine ...so I guess my question is what was your experience with a warranty replacement and do you recommend doing this ? I just would like to start over fresh and clean with no small nicks and an undented moto dimple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you shouldn't lie about something being wrong with your phone to get a replacement for normal wear and tear. Second, maybe take better care of your phone so it doesn't get beat up. But if you want to do it so bad, just deal with whatever kind of phone you get.
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
Did you start out with a small chip in the metal, a dent in the dimple and speaker with nicks ?
And yes, unless they do not have any refurbished at hand, which is pretty much never, you will get refurbished.
I echo the above. Don't lie to get a phone replaced for wear and tear.
And yes, the phones are refurbs. Even if they don't have an identical refurb (same Moto Maker selections) they will ask you to accept a slightly different color before they offer you a new phone. Refurbs fall into a couple categories... primarily they are going to be 1) phones that were purchased and returned or 2) phones that were sent in for a warranty repair and replaced with another refurb. The first category is typically going to be free from wear and tear, but is often prone to minor defects like screen calibration issues, gaps in the body, etc... things that picky people would return the phone for. The second category will likely not have those issues, but will instead have wear and tear like minor surface scratches.
I have used my phone Insurance many many times back when I soft bricked my phone and had no clue how to return it back to stock. the best way to do it is to say that your phone is lost not stolen then you will be able to keep the one handset and then get a new one and they will ask you if you find your old phone to please return it but you and I both know that will never happen two phones are better than one. If you say your phone is stolen they will block your phone just tell them it is lost. And it sounds like you need one of those gigantic spongebob OtterBox cases.
sent from my i337 bumpin that CarHDRom
robot_head said:
I have used my phone Insurance many many times back when I soft bricked my phone and had no clue how to return it back to stock. the best way to do it is to say that your phone is lost not stolen then you will be able to keep the one handset and then get a new one and they will ask you if you find your old phone to please return it but you and I both know that will never happen two phones are better than one. If you say your phone is stolen they will block your phone just tell them it is lost. And it sounds like you need one of those gigantic spongebob OtterBox cases.
sent from my i337 bumpin that CarHDRom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't do that either, since that's insurance fraud.
raptir said:
I wouldn't do that either, since that's insurance fraud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is wrong with people? It's wrong and then you go and brag about it on a public forum! Geez!
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
I'd say it depends on how rare your phone design is. If you have black and black they'll probably give you a refurbished. If you have an odd combination then they'll probably make you a new one. I did an advanced exchange for a brick when upgrading and I got a new one (black with slate back 32gb). Although the top grill was loose and I had to glue it back. I wouldn't worry about nicks though. I've had mine for about three weeks and it's starting to look just like the old one. If you have issues then send it back otherwise it really isn't worth it.
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
Didn't know so many people were boy scouts about such a insignificant thing ....only considered because my warranty goes out it October why not take advantage and just get a new one but otherwise no I take good care of mine as all my phones it still looks great I'm just worried about getting screen burn in and other hardware problems after warranty is done
Android.is.better94 said:
Didn't know so many people were boy scouts about such a insignificant thing ....only considered because my warranty goes out it October why not take advantage and just get a new one but otherwise no I take good care of mine as all my phones it still looks great I'm just worried about getting screen burn in and other hardware problems after warranty is done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen burn in is not a hardware problem. It's normal wear and tear on an AMOLED display. Each display may be more or less susceptible to it, but given the right use pattern every AMOLED screen is going to develop burn in. If you wanted to avoid it you should have bought a phone with an LCD.
And it is significant because fraudulent warranty claims drive up prices across the board.
I know its not a hardware thing, I've gotten my answer anyway
I think that if you have insurance you should use it you are paying for the service and when your new phone arrives you also pay for the deductible. If there's a way to get something free or close to nothing in this world I will do it. I'm sorry that the majority of the community doesn't feel the same
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

Categories

Resources