Develop Bugs

Warranty - Samsung US vs. Grey Market

If and when the GSM model becomes available for sale in the US, what will the experience be if I need to do a warranty exchange through Samsung US? Would it be much easier and quicker than purchasing it through grey market? (ie. Expansys, Negri, etc) I assume with both instances, if something were to happen with my device, it would take many weeks to get it back from repair. If something did happen, I could also go with a local phone repair shop I suppose.
Also, if the GSM model became available in the US through Best Buy, would their black tie warranty service be better than the above options?
I guess Im just used to T-Mobile service where they send you a warranty replacement before you send in your defective device!
Thanks!

If Best Buy starts carrying the GSM model I would get it there. Not that I like the place much (used to work there and couldn't wait to get out) but they honor the manufacturers warranty. This gives you a storefront to take the phone to in case it needs repair. Also they do offer a warranty that covers accidents due to drops and spills but if I recall correctly it cost too much and if you are careful or have it in a case you should be fine.

Bigsam411 said:
If Best Buy starts carrying the GSM model I would get it there. Not that I like the place much (used to work there and couldn't wait to get out) but they honor the manufacturers warranty. This gives you a storefront to take the phone to in case it needs repair. Also they do offer a warranty that covers accidents due to drops and spills but if I recall correctly it cost too much and if you are careful or have it in a case you should be fine.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, yeah I wouldn't need accidental coverage, Im usually very good with phones. After a year of use on a phone I barely have any scratches on it. I just have had bad luck in the past with hardware defects, overheating etc.

mstyle88 said:
Thanks, yeah I wouldn't need accidental coverage, Im usually very good with phones. After a year of use on a phone I barely have any scratches on it. I just have had bad luck in the past with hardware defects, overheating etc.
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Click to collapse
I hear you. I've had two HTC phones, and both had parts fail on me. So I'm looking for a warranty as well.
I don't want to wait for a US release. Who knows when the GSM will be released. I haven't heard any rumors, so it could be awhile. I'm going to wait for the Canadian release (Dec 8th). Supposedly, you'll be able to buy it off contract for $650. And if anything happens to it, the wait time won't be as bad as shipping it back across the Atlantic.

Man_Utd said:
I hear you. I've had two HTC phones, and both had parts fail on me. So I'm looking for a warranty as well.
I don't want to wait for a US release. Who knows when the GSM will be released. I haven't heard any rumors, so it could be awhile. I'm going to wait for the Canadian release (Dec 8th). Supposedly, you'll be able to buy it off contract for $650. And if anything happens to it, the wait time won't be as bad as shipping it back across the Atlantic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of the same plan of getting the Canadian version of the phone. But there is one little bitty set back, the two carriers getting it on the 8th (one if you count one is a MVNO) is Bell and Virgin. Both use CDMA. So that one is a no go. The Rodgers one coming next month will work however.

Lil Jones said:
I was thinking of the same plan of getting the Canadian version of the phone. But there is one little bitty set back, the two carriers getting it on the 8th (one if you count one is a MVNO) is Bell and Virgin. Both use CDMA. So that one is a no go. The Rodgers one coming next month will work however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked out Bell and Virgin. Both have specs of the phone and they both have the frequencies necessary for Tmo US. Check it out (I would post the link but I'm too new).
I remember someone saying Canada ditched CDMA awhile ago.

I emailed Squaretrade and while I didnt get an exact answer, it sounds like if you are a UK customer buying from one of these establishments then you can buy a warranty and be covered. I didnt ask about US stores like Negri or Expansys. I'll send the question to them and report back.

Negri said when it first launched that they will honor the year warranty for you.
but i emailed them and asked about unlocking the bootloader and getting the warranty still and they said it's up to samsung UK.
so just remember, if you unlock the bootloader and you imported you may be screwed.

Lil Jones said:
I was thinking of the same plan of getting the Canadian version of the phone. But there is one little bitty set back, the two carriers getting it on the 8th (one if you count one is a MVNO) is Bell and Virgin. Both use CDMA. So that one is a no go. The Rodgers one coming next month will work however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That statement is incorrect, bell and virgin are no longer using CDMA, i am a customer with bell and all new phones now use sim cards on the gsm network.

neok44 said:
Negri said when it first launched that they will honor the year warranty for you.
but i emailed them and asked about unlocking the bootloader and getting the warranty still and they said it's up to samsung UK.
so just remember, if you unlock the bootloader and you imported you may be screwed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read that people have already confirmed that fastboot oem lock works fine on the Galaxy Nexus, so it really shouldn't be a problem.

From what I've heard if you purchased your phone from expansys-usa then all you need to do is send your phone to them and they will send it to Samsung for repairs. That's the reason I bought it from them.

If you check the "Expansys USA Now Shipping" forum, you'll see quite a bit of information on the Warranty situation. Just search the thread for Warranty.
OP: should you move the Warranty parts of that thread to this one so it is consolidated and easier to find?

If you bought from Handtec, they also said that you can send the phone back to them and they'll take care of the warranty process w/ Samsung UK as well, although it's obviously a little more costly to send to them than to Expansys-USA.

wrayrb said:
If you check the "Expansys USA Now Shipping" forum, you'll see quite a bit of information on the Warranty situation. Just search the thread for Warranty.
OP: should you move the Warranty parts of that thread to this one so it is consolidated and easier to find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea, I'll try compiling what I find either this afternoon or the weekend.

I bought mine from Expansys USA and they honor the one year Samsung manufacturer warranty. Just send it to them if there is an issue and they will send it to Samsung for repairs or warranty replacement. Yes, you may have to wait longer to get the phone back, but you still have a year warranty, and it's better to have this lovely device in my hands now than to wait until who knows when for the US to stock this officially somewhere. Go with Expansys, they shipped out right away and they know their products. Just my two cents.

nyijedi said:
I've read that people have already confirmed that fastboot oem lock works fine on the Galaxy Nexus, so it really shouldn't be a problem.
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Click to collapse
well thats good. i remember when i first got my Nexus One and the devs made it very clear that once you unlocked there was no going back, at the time.

If you buy "Grey Market" it is a roll of the dice---NO Warranty
mstyle88 said:
If and when the GSM model becomes available for sale in the US, what will the experience be if I need to do a warranty exchange through Samsung US? Would it be much easier and quicker than purchasing it through grey market? (ie. Expansys, Negri, etc) I assume with both instances, if something were to happen with my device, it would take many weeks to get it back from repair. If something did happen, I could also go with a local phone repair shop I suppose.
Also, if the GSM model became available in the US through Best Buy, would their black tie warranty service be better than the above options?
I guess Im just used to T-Mobile service where they send you a warranty replacement before you send in your defective device!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you happen to buy a Samsung product from a Grey market dealer they will give you nothing but a cold shoulder...period. I bought a S5 2 months ago on EBay and it shot craps and the seller (some jerks in Houston Texas just say screw you) and when I called Samsung USA they basiically were nice until they found out it wasn't and "official" USA import. I now own a $600 brick. The "international warranty is in Farsi, so you can imagine I won't be sending it back to Iran for service.

Warranty Claim or Pay to Repair in the U.S.? Please help me. (SDS involved)

Hello people!
Looks like I might have become the first in the U.S. to experience the SDS issue, at least among those who attend this forum regularly? Because I searched and searched, read and read, and could not find a single sign that anyone in the U.S. has experienced this SDS issue and filed a warranty claim to someone/somewhere. I contacted Samsung USA and they said this device is not supported and they're not trained to provide the support to me, and directed me to their international website... I had not luck with their international website either, so I contacted Amazon seller who I bought my N7100 from. And they have not replied in the past couple days...
So I wanted to see if anyone here has imported his/her n7100 into the U.S. and happened to encounter any issue with the phone and successfully filed warranty claim against Samsung. If so, how can that be done?
Worst case scenario, I pay to repair n7100 in the U.S., who should I go to? Or do I have to send the phone overseas either way?
Many thanks in advance.

bump for help please :crying:

I did not import my phone, I got it from Sprint, BUT..................given the choice, ship it back to Korea for Warranty!!! Have you ever a conversation with repair tech's in most mobile shops here??? And even with TEP they will give you every excuse how YOU messed it up or dropped and and your claim is denied.
If you send it back and likely they will get you someone that actually BUILDS the note's, original part, or give you a brand new (not referb) Note!!
This is JMO! Good Luck!!

Thanks for your reply. However, who would I contact before I ship it to Korea? I'd guess I'll have to have Samsung open an RMA for me or something?

Hi
if you have N7100 SDS,,Usually You Need Replace eMMC....
I Have and i can replace eMMC ,,,Please Read :http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/9306319-post324.html
i'm product manager on RIFF-Jtag Box and I can do it,,,Plz Contact Me Via eMail or Sonork
[email protected]
Thanks

Thanks for the info. How much do you charge for the repair though? Also, where am I gonna send it to? Your location shown under your name or did you implicate (if you implicated at all) that you have stores in the U.S.?

How long have you had the phone? Is it within 30-day return period? For return/replacement reasons I only buy items from Amazon that are Prime Eligible even if the non-Prime ones are dirt cheap.

clearday said:
How long have you had the phone? Is it within 30-day return period? For return/replacement reasons I only buy items from Amazon that are Prime Eligible even if the non-Prime ones are dirt cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish! :crying: I've had it for well over 5 months. It wasn't prime even tho I do have prime membership, because at the time I bought it, only ones available are from all kinds of importers/sellers that sell THRU amazon. Even though it's prime (fulfilled by Amazon), im not sure if it's Amazon that you can contact for warranty claim after 5 months, because it is not sold by Amazon but only "fulfilled".
It's unlucky to say the least. It is essentially "mistake by mistakes" made by me. I shouldn't have assumed that there should be no issue like SDS on an Samsung device; I shouldn't have assumed that if something happens, it's easy as a breeze to just call Samsung UK to get things fixed; I shouldn't have assumed that the seller I chose on Amazon is willing to help me if Samsung UK and Samsung USA kicks me back n forth; etc etc...
Bad assumptions, bad luck.
If anyone had any experience with this, please please help me :good:. I swear I'm not gonna be so trusting next time. I will buy from a seller that's known to be helpful with their customers' warranty claim, i.e., expansys. I would even buy a carrier subsidized phone just for the sake of the proper support. I thought the worst case with this dead phone for me was to pay high bills to fix it and sell it to cover partial cost, but now it looks like the worse case is that I don't know where to go to fix it...

cswithxda said:
I wish! :crying: I've had it for well over 5 months. It wasn't prime even tho I do have prime membership, because at the time I bought it, only ones available are from all kinds of importers/sellers that sell THRU amazon. Even though it's prime (fulfilled by Amazon), im not sure if it's Amazon that you can contact for warranty claim after 5 months, because it is not sold by Amazon but only "fulfilled".
It's unlucky to say the least. It is essentially "mistake by mistakes" made by me. I shouldn't have assumed that there should be no issue like SDS on an Samsung device; I shouldn't have assumed that if something happens, it's easy as a breeze to just call Samsung UK to get things fixed; I shouldn't have assumed that the seller I chose on Amazon is willing to help me if Samsung UK and Samsung USA kicks me back n forth; etc etc...
Bad assumptions, bad luck.
If anyone had any experience with this, please please help me :good:. I swear I'm not gonna be so trusting next time. I will buy from a seller that's known to be helpful with their customers' warranty claim, i.e., expansys. I would even buy a carrier subsidized phone just for the sake of the proper support. I thought the worst case with this dead phone for me was to pay high bills to fix it and sell it to cover partial cost, but now it looks like the worse case is that I don't know where to go to fix it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the warranty bro. By the way, I've successfully returned items to sellers without problems even when it was only fulfilled by amazon. One instance was an order of 750gb seagate xt HD, to which I received a 60gb HD instead. Contacted the seller, got no response, contacted Amazon and I was immediately issued an RMA.
As far as requesting support from warranty, knock on wood, I haven't such experience yet with items purchased from amazon.
Good luck man, hopefully someone can help you in this forum.

clearday said:
Sorry about the warranty bro. By the way, I've successfully returned items to sellers without problems even when it was only fulfilled by amazon. One instance was an order of 750gb seagate xt HD, to which I received a 60gb HD instead. Contacted the seller, got no response, contacted Amazon and I was immediately issued an RMA.
As far as requesting support from warranty, knock on wood, I haven't such experience yet with items purchased from amazon.
Good luck man, hopefully someone can help you in this forum.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the kind words man. If you have a note 2 just remember to update whenever it's possible and avoid ending up like me hah...

Hey cswithxda, I have the same situation. Bought a N7100 from Amazon a few months ago (around November) and everything was fine until this afternoon when it was just off. Tried turning it on but I'm just getting the dim red light that flashes slowly when I press the power button. Charging light is off and the phone appears absolutely dead.
A while ago I checked to see if I have a vulnerable chip, and it was positive.
Samsung's live chat said they don't support international products.
I might go to one of those repair places tomorrow to see if they can diagnose the phone. Then I might see if Samsung USA will even look at it, or else I might send it to UK or Korea?
What have you done since your phone suffered from the SDS?

Gordon. said:
Hey cswithxda, I have the same situation. Bought a N7100 from Amazon a few months ago (around November) and everything was fine until this afternoon when it was just off. Tried turning it on but I'm just getting the dim red light that flashes slowly when I press the power button. Charging light is off and the phone appears absolutely dead.
A while ago I checked to see if I have a vulnerable chip, and it was positive.
Samsung's live chat said they don't support international products.
I might go to one of those repair places tomorrow to see if they can diagnose the phone. Then I might see if Samsung USA will even look at it, or else I might send it to UK or Korea?
What have you done since your phone suffered from the SDS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about your unlucky situation.
By repair places, do you mean Samsung support center or something? I talked to Samsung USA also and they wouldn't even talk to me if I tell them the model number (n7100). So I really don't know where I should go now. I contacted original seller and the help was minimal (telling me to contact Samsung).
I would like to send it to either UK or Korea, as long as it can be repaired, or even better, if it can be repaired under warranty.
Let me know what you find out with repair places.
Also, I did not know about SDS after my phone's dead. So I had been suffering from hangs/freezes but thought it was only software problem and was being lazy about re-flashing it. I wish I'd come here more often when the phone was in a good condition, not after it died... Anyway, after I got to know that it's been SDS'd, I contacted seller, SamUK, SamUSA without any luck. It is just amazing how much we are unsupported in this situation. As large as Samsung has become, how hard can it be for them to just provide global repair services (if not warranty services)

BABAK236 said:
Hi
if you have N7100 SDS,,Usually You Need Replace eMMC....
I Have and i can replace eMMC ,,,Please Read :http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/9306319-post324.html
i'm product manager on RIFF-Jtag Box and I can do it,,,Plz Contact Me Via eMail or Sonork
[email protected]
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$150 for an emmc chip?
How much does whole motherboard itself cost

I'm about to go to a phone repair place for a diagnostic test and see if they can do anything. I'll let you know what I find.
I was surprised to read that Samsung UK didn't wasn't helpful, since this phone is sold there. As a last-case scenario I was thinking of sending my phone to a friend over there and sending it in for repair.

Okay, as of today I sent the phone to a friend in the UK who was kind enough to let me use his address. It really sucks from having the best, most powerful phone to nothing, but I will likely pick up a Nexus 4 to use. I don't regret purchasing the phone since I wanted to have the best and it needed to be unlocked, but in the future I will be more cautious about buying one without local warranty.
I just hope the phone is 'dead' enough so the fact that I rooted it isn't detected.
What have you done with yours? I imagine it'll take ~2 weeks for my package to get shipped across the pond, and then I'll calculate 1.5 months for repair. I'll keep you posted on how it goes; maybe it's an option to get yours repaired there too?

Gordon. said:
Okay, as of today I sent the phone to a friend in the UK who was kind enough to let me use his address. It really sucks from having the best, most powerful phone to nothing, but I will likely pick up a Nexus 4 to use. I don't regret purchasing the phone since I wanted to have the best and it needed to be unlocked, but in the future I will be more cautious about buying one without local warranty.
I just hope the phone is 'dead' enough so the fact that I rooted it isn't detected.
What have you done with yours? I imagine it'll take ~2 weeks for my package to get shipped across the pond, and then I'll calculate 1.5 months for repair. I'll keep you posted on how it goes; maybe it's an option to get yours repaired there too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a nexus 4 as well lol. I really needed a phone and it was cheap! :good: The experience has been as good as on N7100. 4.2.2 is even smoother now.
I have been caught up with school works and sth else in life, so I haven't really tried anything else yet. Samsung UK sent me an email that I cannot reply (automated email system), gave me a link to the list of Samsung regional supports (hell, they think I cannot find that on my own?!), and nothing more. Samsung USA just slammed the door in my face, basically saying "no, good luck" when I tried live support on their website. So now I am still trying to get my original seller into this and help me, but they haven't replied in the past 2 weeks.
I wish I had a friend in UK!
BTW, when you bought your phone thru Amazon, did you notice where the phone came from? I'm not sure where my came from now.. It has German, French, and Italian user guide in it, but on the warranty card, it seems to be written in German and Slovenian. And Samsung Electronics Austria GmbH is the only thing I can read (those long, long german words are giving me a headache :silly: ) It talked about three regions - Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland (thanks to Google Translate). So it looks like this phone might come from Austria. I am not sure if it still can be sent to UK for repair.

Well my friend in the UK really only has to drop it in his mail and then accept it when it comes back. I'll let you know how it goes because he might be able to help you too. I'm pretty sure mine came from California (Amazon seller WorldWide Distributors). But the firmware version on the phone was from Brazil or Panama.
I made an account on Samsung UK's site and it accepted the model number, serial number and IMEI number so despite not being from the region, it should be good. Did you do anything to your phone just before it died? I think that installing MIUI with kernel 4.1.1 was the insult that triggered it all for me. I should've realized the vulnerability but assumed the newest version would have the SDS fix included.
I was thinking about bringing it to a cell phone repair place for diagnosis, but it didn't have water damage or broken screen so I doubt they could have helped.
Being optimistic, not having a good cell phone is really allowing me to focus on my final USMLE studies!

Gordon. said:
Well my friend in the UK really only has to drop it in his mail and then accept it when it comes back. I'll let you know how it goes because he might be able to help you too. I'm pretty sure mine came from California (Amazon seller WorldWide Distributors). But the firmware version on the phone was from Brazil or Panama.
I made an account on Samsung UK's site and it accepted the model number, serial number and IMEI number so despite not being from the region, it should be good. Did you do anything to your phone just before it died? I think that installing MIUI with kernel 4.1.1 was the insult that triggered it all for me. I should've realized the vulnerability but assumed the newest version would have the SDS fix included.
I was thinking about bringing it to a cell phone repair place for diagnosis, but it didn't have water damage or broken screen so I doubt they could have helped.
Being optimistic, not having a good cell phone is really allowing me to focus on my final USMLE studies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW good luck with the exam, i used to do premed but changed my major my GPA wasn't good enough
Anyway, that's for sure a better news. It looks like Samsung UK does not screen off phone bought outside of UK support region (if yours was from Mid/latin america.
Please definitely update this, if this works out I'll follow your path. Thanks for being the first in this case and helping the rest of us!

Gordon. said:
Hey cswithxda, I have the same situation. Bought a N7100 from Amazon a few months ago (around November) and everything was fine until this afternoon when it was just off. Tried turning it on but I'm just getting the dim red light that flashes slowly when I press the power button. Charging light is off and the phone appears absolutely dead.
A while ago I checked to see if I have a vulnerable chip, and it was positive.
Samsung's live chat said they don't support international products.
I might go to one of those repair places tomorrow to see if they can diagnose the phone. Then I might see if Samsung USA will even look at it, or else I might send it to UK or Korea?
What have you done since your phone suffered from the SDS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you check for vulnerable chip?

Gordon. said:
I made an account on Samsung UK's site and it accepted the model number, serial number and IMEI number so despite not being from the region, it should be good. Did you do anything to your phone just before it died? I think that installing MIUI with kernel 4.1.1 was the insult that triggered it all for me. I should've realized the vulnerability but assumed the newest version would have the SDS fix included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh btw, I don't think anything triggered the issue, it was just there from the beginning I didn't even install anything new for at least 2 months before the phone died. Just normal daily use - web browsing, call, SMS, mobile IM, etc. I did start experiencing random freezes about 2 weeks before the phone died, and it became much more frequent towards the end of its life.
clearday said:
How did you check for vulnerable chip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search "SDS xda" on google, and you'll find a ton of info. I didn't know about this issue before my phone died, so I never bothered to check if the chip in my phone was defective hehe..

HTC One - Manufacturer warranty?

A friend gave me an HTC One thats useless to him since the battery wont accept a charge whatsoever.
It powers on and everything when its plugged in, but it dies immediately if its unplugged.
The phone still has a year left on the manufacturer warranty, but im clueless to HTCs rules/policy/procedure. I am not the original owner and have no papers or proof of purchase. Would I still be able to send it in as is? Or do I need some paperwork etc?
Thanks for any help.

I wasn't the original owner on my phone when I sent it in, and I didn't have to provide any proof of purchase or anything. I just had to pay for shipping to them.
They asked if I could take it to my service provider (VZW), and I said no I couldn't because I wasn't the original owner and they just said Ok, and started on my claim. I did it through online chat - not sure if phone service would be the same or not.

carngeX said:
I wasn't the original owner on my phone when I sent it in, and I didn't have to provide any proof of purchase or anything. I just had to pay for shipping to them.
They asked if I could take it to my service provider (VZW), and I said no I couldn't because I wasn't the original owner and they just said Ok, and started on my claim. I did it through online chat - not sure if phone service would be the same or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the devices is the one that gets the warranty regardless of who bought it. they track it with the IMIE that is on the phone.
OP i would suggest you talk to HTC, they are normally good about helping with HW failures like you stated. Couldn't hurt to ask.

Ahh ok, good to know, thanks Synister

I had similar experince, not orginal owner and they will accept RMA if phone is under warrenty.
You pay shipping to them, they cover shipping it back to you..

You don't even need proof of purchase. My wife had to use the advantage screen replacement and the Rep said when the phone first gets programmed, it sends the info to HTC, so they know when the phone was bought.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

So I went ahead and did the live chat. I got disconnected twice (who knows why) but they had a record of the convo etc.
Anyway, went through the process to confirm it wouldnt take charge and am sending it in. Pretty cool.
Initially I opted in for the refurbished replacement and then mentioned it had a cracked screen. I got excited for a moment thinking the warranty coverage may actually accept it and they would send a non-cracked refurb . As expected though, no go there so im just gonna get the battery fixed.
Thanks for the help everyone.

jet2k said:
So I went ahead and did the live chat. I got disconnected twice (who knows why) but they had a record of the convo etc.
Anyway, went through the process to confirm it wouldnt take charge and am sending it in. Pretty cool.
Initially I opted in for the refurbished replacement and then mentioned it had a cracked screen. I got excited for a moment thinking the warranty coverage may actually accept it and they would send a non-cracked refurb . As expected though, no go there so im just gonna get the battery fixed.
Thanks for the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ask about the free screen replacement for the phone? maybe while they are fixing the screen they will do the battery too? I know some people are saying its only 6 months for the screen but i did convince a friend to try and they are going to fix his One Max screen and he's owned it for 8 months. worth a try.

Cost of out-of-warranty motherboard replacement in the UK?

Does anyone here know how much it costs in the UK to get the motherboard replaced out-of-warranty (to fix the bootloop issue)?
Also, if the phone is a TWN model H815, is there any chance that a new motherboard fitted in the UK will allow me to unlock the bootloader?

I don't know how much but probably too much
I think its cheaper to buy a used one on ebay

itm said:
Does anyone here know how much it costs in the UK to get the motherboard replaced out-of-warranty (to fix the bootloop issue)?
Also, if the phone is a TWN model H815, is there any chance that a new motherboard fitted in the UK will allow me to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should had searched the internet before buying the g4 make it habit next time when buying any phone dont buy it at the launch wait aleast 6 months forbthe bugs to appear n if its problematic dont buy it without warranty

Er...I bought this 7 months after it was released, at a time when there were no more reports of hardware problems than there had been for other high-end phones. The reason it's not covered by local warranty is that it's not a UK model. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Smart-ass comments not so much.
Anyway does anyone actually have an answer to the question that I originally asked?

itm said:
Er...I bought this 7 months after it was released, at a time when there were no more reports of hardware problems than there had been for other high-end phones. The reason it's not covered by local warranty is that it's not a UK model. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Smart-ass comments not so much.
Anyway does anyone actually have an answer to the question that I originally asked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have old stock. What's the first 4 digits of the serial number?
I would agree with cosmos23, try and get a phone on eBay with a cracked screen because it'll be much much cheaper when you just put your screen on the eBay device or just put the eBay device motherboard into your phone. This depends on which is in better condition or easier to do.
You'll have to get a H815 EU for easy bootloader unlocking. Try and make sure the serial number is 60x.

itm said:
Does anyone here know how much it costs in the UK to get the motherboard replaced out-of-warranty (to fix the bootloop issue)?
Also, if the phone is a TWN model H815, is there any chance that a new motherboard fitted in the UK will allow me to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try calling LG Resolution Centre 01332527386 tomorrow and tell them that you would need to have motherboard replaced and ask them how much would it cost if it was out of warranty repair. They might divert you to Taiwanese support centre since this is not even EU device.
Alternatively try 01233 619320 which is the actual repair centre (for LG and looks like many other companies) as that is where they send the phones for repair:
SBE Ltd
Beaver Business Park
Ashford, Kent
TN23 7SH
Though in general 2 things to keep in mind: LG haven't been able to get motherboards for over a month now and the service of this company might be one of the worst in the UK so make a decision wisely. Be prepared that it is going to cost time and money (a lot of both). Don't worry about bootloader now as that will be the least of your concerns once you get with any of those people in touch. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

htr5 said:
You might have old stock. What's the first 4 digits of the serial number?
I would agree with cosmos23, try and get a phone on eBay with a cracked screen because it'll be much much cheaper when you just put your screen on the eBay device or just put the eBay device motherboard into your phone. This depends on which is in better condition or easier to do.
You'll have to get a H815 EU for easy bootloader unlocking. Try and make sure the serial number is 60x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The serial number is 505K*, so I was doomed from the start I guess. Many thanks for the suggestion - that makes alot of sense. I'm struggling to decide on what to do next. Buying a used G4 would cost around £180 and that too may start bootlooping within a month of me buying it (I'm not sure whether even the 6* serial motherboards will prove to be reliable in the long run). I thought about buying a G5, but the USB-C adapter would be a pain in the neck as I have a ton of chargers and cables in various locations which would all require adapters. Plus the G5 doesn't have the multi-window feature, which I use alot in the car. Plus the G5 would be another £100-150. Plus the G5 might develop the some sort of bootlooping issues as the G4 over time - it's still quite new to the market. Plus my G4 accessories would be redundant (LG spare battery kit and a battery/charging case).
A removable battery is a must, so my choices are limited. I've looked at the Galaxy Note 4 but the camera is nowhere near as good in low light, and flash photography is terrible on the Note 4. Decisions, decisions.....
gedas5 said:
Try calling LG Resolution Centre 01332527386 tomorrow and tell them that you would need to have motherboard replaced and ask them how much would it cost if it was out of warranty repair. They might divert you to Taiwanese support centre since this is not even EU device.
Alternatively try 01233 619320 which is the actual repair centre (for LG and looks like many other companies) as that is where they send the phones for repair:
SBE Ltd
Beaver Business Park
Ashford, Kent
TN23 7SH
Though in general 2 things to keep in mind: LG haven't been able to get motherboards for over a month now and the service of this company might be one of the worst in the UK so make a decision wisely. Be prepared that it is going to cost time and money (a lot of both). Don't worry about bootloader now as that will be the least of your concerns once you get with any of those people in touch. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for that info. I did call the main LG support number (0344***) on Wednesday. They were too busy to deal with my query so promised me a call back in 24-48 hours. I'm still waiting. I'll certainly give those two other numbers a try though. I might also ask SBE how much they would charge to transplant a screen to a "good" host/motherboard.

itm said:
The serial number is 505K*, so I was doomed from the start I guess. Many thanks for the suggestion - that makes alot of sense. I'm struggling to decide on what to do next. Buying a used G4 would cost around £180 and that too may start bootlooping within a month of me buying it (I'm not sure whether even the 6* serial motherboards will prove to be reliable in the long run).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point. The cheapest option is to put your working screen on a cracked screen device. These will be bootloop free but may not be bootloader unlockable. I'd get an Axon 7 if buying a phone now. http://m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw...313.TR0.TRC0.Xlg+g4+cracked&sqp=lg+g4+cracked

htr5 said:
I see your point. The cheapest option is to put your working screen on a cracked screen device. These will be bootloop free but may not be bootloader unlockable. I'd get an Axon 7 if buying a phone now. http://m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw...313.TR0.TRC0.Xlg+g4+cracked&sqp=lg+g4+cracked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'll keep an eye open for G4s with cracked screens (and serial nos > 600).
I've been reading about the Axon 7 - looks like a great device. If only it had a removable battery :0(

Good luck with SBE. They have my phone now since 29/07 and does't even answer my emails. Mine is bootlooping as well but in warranty. Maybe they will act nicer way for a paid job.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

thefiqs said:
Good luck with SBE. They have my phone now since 29/07 and does't even answer my emails. Mine is bootlooping as well but in warranty. Maybe they will act nicer way for a paid job.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm...I see what you mean. I tried calling them this morning but gave up after 30 mins on hold. Tried the LG number and they said they'd call me back (again). I'm not holding my breath.....

thefiqs said:
Good luck with SBE. They have my phone now since 29/07 and does't even answer my emails. Mine is bootlooping as well but in warranty. Maybe they will act nicer way for a paid job.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you call LG support? My phone is with LG (repair subcontractor). Repair under warranty. They got my phone on Aug. 11th and I was told it shows up in the system as motherboard replaced on 15/8, but I am still to receive it.
Called up LG yesterday, and was told they won't chase it up unless 14 working days pass since they received it.
Did you call LG? What did they tell you?

thefiqs said:
Good luck with SBE. They have my phone now since 29/07 and does't even answer my emails. Mine is bootlooping as well but in warranty. Maybe they will act nicer way for a paid job.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zonkkk said:
Did you call LG support? My phone is with LG (repair subcontractor). Repair under warranty. They got my phone on Aug. 11th and I was told it shows up in the system as motherboard replaced on 15/8, but I am still to receive it.
Called up LG yesterday, and was told they won't chase it up unless 14 working days pass since they received it.
Did you call LG? What did they tell you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I called LG Support twice - once on Thursday Aug 18th (i.e. a week ago), then again on Monday Aug 22nd. On both occasions I was told that they would call me back within 24-48 hours.

itm said:
Yes I called LG Support twice - once on Thursday Aug 18th (i.e. a week ago), then again on Monday Aug 22nd. On both occasions I was told that they would call me back within 24-48 hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means you got to the overflow line. Keep calling back until you ger to support or ask them (the overflow line people) to give you an update. They have access to the system.

zonkkk said:
That means you got to the overflow line. Keep calling back until you ger to support or ask them (the overflow line people) to give you an update. They have access to the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I think that was how they answered the call. I'll try again tomorrow for the 3rd time.....

zonkkk said:
Did you call LG support? My phone is with LG (repair subcontractor). Repair under warranty. They got my phone on Aug. 11th and I was told it shows up in the system as motherboard replaced on 15/8, but I am still to receive it.
Called up LG yesterday, and was told they won't chase it up unless 14 working days pass since they received it.
Did you call LG? What did they tell you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I'm not. Got a reply from the contractor, it is BS btw. So as long as I don't even know, I can't even find my rights or what's LG's repair policy, they will just lie and equivocate. Oh and considering what other ppl are telling about call backs etc.
So first I need to find out officially how long does it takes to repair. Or have to be repaired.
Answer from SBE.
Unfortunately we are experiencing technical issues* and this has caused a build up in processing handsets for repair. Please be reassured we are working to resolve this issue.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
Okay so I just phoned up LG. They don't know why does it takes so long and promised a call back on tuesday cuz of bank holiday monday. And about repair policy it shouldn't takes more than 10-14 working days.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

My phone was delivered back to me from warranty repair exactly on the 14th working day since they received it. Seems OK so far.
I have also received a reply to a Support Request regarding this via the Support Form on their website... they took a month to reply... something along the liens of: Sorry we're so late replying, if you still need help with this please contact us...
Says all about their respect for their customers...

The cost is £110 from the LG repair centre place..... never buying anything with LG on it again or anything made by them both my LGg2 and G4 died doing nothing special not even playing games....

sbe are shocking if you call lg they have there own repair centre too use that
gedas5 said:
Try calling LG Resolution Centre 01332527386 tomorrow and tell them that you would need to have motherboard replaced and ask them how much would it cost if it was out of warranty repair. They might divert you to Taiwanese support centre since this is not even EU device.
Alternatively try 01233 619320 which is the actual repair centre (for LG and looks like many other companies) as that is where they send the phones for repair:
SBE Ltd
Beaver Business Park
Ashford, Kent
TN23 7SH
Though in general 2 things to keep in mind: LG haven't been able to get motherboards for over a month now and the service of this company might be one of the worst in the UK so make a decision wisely. Be prepared that it is going to cost time and money (a lot of both). Don't worry about bootloader now as that will be the least of your concerns once you get with any of those people in touch. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

There should be a class action lawsuit on this whole fiasco.

This is crazy.
I bought a Note 7 with Verizon.
Today the phone updates and the result is on screen nags telling to to turn off the phone and not use it.
I call Verizon and they have no idea about what is going to happen about the swap for a new Note 7 as they have not been notified.
Seems to me that Samsung and Verizon have some serious liability here.
Am I wrong?

a lot of countries are already exchanging, I've had mine several days now, it's over a week since the first exchanges in the UK, the problem for you is the US government got involved and have held up the process leading to it taking way longer and everyone being left in limbo there.

No update with sprint.

Damm this would not happen under a Trump administration.

pego99 said:
This is crazy.
I bought a Note 7 with Verizon.
Today the phone updates and the result is on screen nags telling to to turn off the phone and not use it.
I call Verizon and they have no idea about what is going to happen about the swap for a new Note 7 as they have not been notified.
Seems to me that Samsung and Verizon have some serious liability here.
Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is having the replacements available tomorrow the 21st. You can exchange at a corporate store unless you bought from Costco, Best Buy etc.

AT&T has had replacements available as of yesterday (9/19).
Sounds like Verizon may be having delivery issues.

Wait wtf I JUST ordered one through Verizon over the phone. How do I know this is a new fixed batch or the one that got recalled?

pego99 said:
There should be a class action lawsuit on this whole fiasco.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will be. It'll take five years to wind through the courts, the lawyers representing the class will make millions, and the class will each get $20 off coupons for a Samsung accessory. Go for it.

Chadly said:
Wait wtf I JUST ordered one through Verizon over the phone. How do I know this is a new fixed batch or the one that got recalled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really need to read this forum. You will receive a safe mobile.
Ryland

I bought my att note7 at swappa.com, kinda like eBay, from a private seller. Online chat with samsung 3 times with different person, they all said return it to where you bought it. What's the fu*king different the seller return it and I return it myself and get a replacement?

I just called VZW as I control the companies wireless account and they told me to go to any verizon store and swap it out. There is one a few blocks from my job and I just went there during lunch and swapped out my note 7. Box has a new sticker on it verifying that its a "B" series and I have the green battery icon. All is good.

Oyeve said:
I just called VZW as I control the companies wireless account and they told me to go to any verizon store and swap it out. There is one a few blocks from my job and I just went there during lunch and swapped out my note 7. Box has a new sticker on it verifying that its a "B" series and I have the green battery icon. All is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you need to bring into the store with the phone for replacement?

icemike557 said:
What did you need to bring into the store with the phone for replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I needed the receipt that has the date and IMEI # on it. I did bring my corporate account info but they did not ask for it.

I worked at Verizon Wireless very recently. They just started exchanging them in store yesterday. You can call customer care and do it over the phone if you want, they just ship you a new one and give you a 25 dollar bill credit for the hassle. You dont even have to return the old one.
Now that I think about it I still have an employee account so over the phone may just be for us....we arent allowed to do anything in store.

rocmat1 said:
I worked at Verizon Wireless very recently. They just started exchanging them in store yesterday. You can call customer care and do it over the phone if you want, they just ship you a new one and give you a 25 dollar bill credit for the hassle. You dont even have to return the old one.
Now that I think about it I still have an employee account so over the phone may just be for us....we arent allowed to do anything in store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to return your old faulty mobile? So you could sell it and the new owner have a problem then said new owner could take legal action against you AND Samsung? Very odd situation. Here, part of the recall is just that we HAVE, correctly so, to return our faulty mobile. The idea is to get them out of circulation.
Not only does this situation differ country by country it differs from store to store. :silly:
If Samsung cannot account for every mobile sold with that battery problem its only a matter of time before they really end up with a very serious problem., not to mention a customer selling his recalled phone on to a new owner. Crazy situation. You take care.
Ryland

pego99 said:
This is crazy.
I bought a Note 7 with Verizon.
Today the phone updates and the result is on screen nags telling to to turn off the phone and not use it.
I call Verizon and they have no idea about what is going to happen about the swap for a new Note 7 as they have not been notified.
Seems to me that Samsung and Verizon have some serious liability here.
Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you turned it off right away, otherwise your the one liable