Transparent Phone Shell? (Samsung Galaxy S3) - Galaxy S III Accessories

I was wondering if anyone has an idea of where I could go about purchasing a transparent front and back replacement cover for my S3?

never heard of such thing..

Nor have I.
If you don't find it on eBay, amazon or Alibaba.com, it probably doesn't exist.

Any websites you know that are willing to do that?

You mean willing to custom make one?

I was looking for it a while back and found nada. I like the one they have for the iPhone but will never buy that phone
Sent from the Matrix

danvee said:
You mean willing to custom make one?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, any website that would be willing to make them
dnar56 said:
I was looking for it a while back and found nada. I like the one they have for the iPhone but will never buy that phone
Sent from the Matrix
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I wish they had one for the S3, I'd be willing to disassemble it have a transparent phone.

It can be done.
It would cost about as much as the retail cost of the phone, but it could be done.
All that needs to be done is:
1. Disassemble the phone. (including separating the screen/lcd/digitizer from the face plate)
2. Make a mold from the case parts.
3. Inject clear acrylic into the mold.
4. Insert into a vacuum chamber to eliminate bubbles.
5. Pull parts from mold when set.
6. Trim and finish the parts.
7. Reassemble
Can use a computer scanning and 3D printing process as well.
Wouldn't want to trust a website, but I'm certain that you can find a company within reasonable distance. You'd have to do the disassembly /reassembly yourself, though, as they most likely wouldn't want to risk damage.
You'd have to want/need it really badly ...
The better question is, have you ever seen a display model with a clear case? Some companies have them made up for trade shows. Maybe Samsung would have some and be willing to part with one since the S3 is superseded.

Related

Aria Screen/ Digitizer

It's a new record for me... I had my new Aria/Liberty/Intruder all set up and inside of three days dropped and T-boned the screen
Anyone have ideas on where to find parts for a Aria? I understand HTC is notoriously slow about releasing aftermarket parts. The repair guy I took my phone to encouraged me to help him find the part.
Many thanks-
C+
Preferido said:
It's a new record for me... I had my new Aria/Liberty/Intruder all set up and inside of three days dropped and T-boned the screen
Anyone have ideas on where to find parts for a Aria? I understand HTC is notoriously slow about releasing aftermarket parts. The repair guy I took my phone to encouraged me to help him find the part.
Many thanks-
C+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to order all my blackberry parts from here. Very good reveiws. There across the seas but shipping is usually quick and even faster if you bump it up.http://cnn.cn/shop/htc-aria-c-277_1068.html
Thanks Kudvu002! You saved the day!
I found one on ebay, but the shipping's not as quick.
Have you tried taking it apart yet? I'm trying to get a little insight on the disassembly. It seems like you can pop off the top yellow cover but I wasn't able to get it off and didn't want to force it.
anyone knows where to buy the digitizer for the Aria? cnn.cn shows the digitizer in stock,, but when you go to checkout it says it is not....
Ordered mine about a week ago but it says it was shipped, now I just gotta get it apart!
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
digitizer replaced
So I followed the tutorial found on android forums, it was relatively easy, i forgot to take pictures of the steps but i can write a tutorial if anyone wants it, because the tutorial on A.F. is a little vague. But I have found a solution to the cracked screen problem, I went to Best Buy to see if they had the Zagg shield (which they do, it's for the Intruder/Aria/Liberty) but they also had a new case which looks a little more resilient against dropping. The case is made by Superior Communications (BB item number 35307BBR) and is pretty rugged looking, anyways let me know if you want a tutorial written up, i will try to get some pics to do it with.
so I'm about to replace mine.. any tutorial with pics available?
for those of you that have ordered and recieved their replacement digitizers, are they AT&T branded still?
msgnyc said:
for those of you that have ordered and recieved their replacement digitizers, are they AT&T branded still?
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Click to collapse
Yes they are.. and they are not original part... there are some differences... and after the installation you will have the light that turns on the -home- menu-back-search buttons to filter into the screen. I finished up adding the insurance and getting a brand new for $50.00 and sold the old one for 200
eortizr said:
so I'm about to replace mine.. any tutorial with pics available?
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Click to collapse
I can have a tutorial up by tomorrow, unfortunately with pics of the full install but close enough to get you there. The screen I bought was an HTC oem screen and ATT branded, there aren't any that aren't branded so far. Lemme get the tutorial together and ill post it tomorrow.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
eortizr said:
Yes they are.. and they are not original part... there are some differences... and after the installation you will have the light that turns on the -home- menu-back-search buttons to filter into the screen. I finished up adding the insurance and getting a brand new for $50.00 and sold the old one for 200
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen this phone shown off a few times withut the AT&T branding and with just the HTC logo at the top/middle and would prefer that digitizer.
(and no I wasn't mistaking the HD Mini for the Aria lol) Wonder how long before those are available. Probably will have to wait until another carrier gets the phone IF anyone else decides to even pick it up.
The button light issue is quite a drag tho. Sucks. You could try to add some sort of tiny strip above the capacitive buttons area to shield the light from leaking into the viewable screen area.
here is a good video showing a Disassembly of the phone, it might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMI7sNY5YZg
doing this now...it is a HUGE pain in the ass
ok, to anyone who tries this BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU PULL THE RIBBON OUT
I pulled too hard and like an asshole I broke the "plug" piece off of the ribbon and it's stuck in the "socket"
looks like it's time to try and scam AT&T again

EVO original shell pieces

With the release of the Best Buy exclusive White Evo.... I'm feeling kinda bummed since I just bought mine 2 weeks ago...
Does anybody know where to find original/oem/factory shell pieces, particularly the rear bezel and the battery compartment cover. I want to repaint them white or if possible, the white versions of said pieces.
Also information might be useful to DIYers?
speedycake said:
With the release of the Best Buy exclusive White Evo.... I'm feeling kinda bummed since I just bought mine 2 weeks ago...
Does anybody know where to find original/oem/factory shell pieces, particularly the rear bezel and the battery compartment cover. I want to repaint them white or if possible, the white versions of said pieces.
Also information might be useful to DIYers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure its just a white battery cover on the white ones. Which you will be able to purchase.
its more than just the battery cover.
The white 4G as far as I can tell has 2 different pieces from the original black, consisting of the battery cover and the outer rear bezel. The rubberized matte sections essentially.
The battery cover is one piece, lower frame is second piece, just the shell though, transplanting the wiring, subframes, and kickstand should be relatively easy going by the teardown images on ifixit.
I wonder if you can get the battery cover and the rear half of the phone. The back half is what houses the camera lens as well as the kickstand, so having a replacement would be nice.
I wouldn't mind another battery cover if anyone finds how where to get them. I'm sure Sprint repair stores will eventually get them in, but no idea how long that is going to take.
One to mess up, perhaps put a logo on, or the disc from those low profile car mounts, would be nice to have. They're quick and easy to pop on/off too, and it's only a matter of time before that wears out given that I replace my batteries rather than recharge them in my phone.
Edit:
I emailed HTC, lets see if they respond..
I got a response, here it is:
Thank you for contacting HTC! While HTC is proud to offer the original accessories that come standard with our extensive line-up of mobile devices we unfortunately do not have the part you are looking for. We do apologize for any inconvenience however we can direct you to two non-HTC affiliated websites that may have your desired accessory. Try browsing www.boxwave.com or www.daydeal.com. We hope your search is successful. Sincerely, HTC Customer Care
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Original email to HTC:
I recently purchased an HTC EVO from Sprint, is it possible to purchase another battery COVER for the phone?
Thank you!
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Click to collapse
Response back to HTC for dumping me off to an accessory vendor:
I have visited the suggested websites (daydeal.com and boxwave.com) neither of which sells manufacturer OEM Parts for the EVO. I am not looking for an accessory, nor an after market part. I just want the exact same OEM Part that came with my EVO phone, the battery cover. Part number 71H03150-XXM. If HTC does not sell to consumers, is there anyone that HTC sells to that I may be able to purchase this part from?
Thank you!
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Click to collapse
I hope there is a way to get these parts, I really want to break out the airbrush and make some designs for my phone.
speedycake said:
With the release of the Best Buy exclusive White Evo.... I'm feeling kinda bummed since I just bought mine 2 weeks ago...
Does anybody know where to find original/oem/factory shell pieces, particularly the rear bezel and the battery compartment cover. I want to repaint them white or if possible, the white versions of said pieces.
Also information might be useful to DIYers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return it and swap it out, thats what i did. Was no problem, as long as your within your 30 days. no restock fee either.
apristel said:
Pretty sure its just a white battery cover on the white ones. Which you will be able to purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no its not just a white battery cover, the sides are white as well (well 1/2 white)
OneStepAhead said:
Return it and swap it out, thats what i did. Was no problem, as long as your within your 30 days. no restock fee either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is only if you purchased your phone at BestBuy and did not purchase on launch day (it's now past the 30 days.) It's not due out at Sprint stores until mid to late August. BestBuy has the exclusive until then.
Another update from HTC. So they aren't available right now, but might be in the future it seems:
Thank you for contacting HTC! At this time I am not aware of anybody who carries the OEM back cover for this. We should be supporting this soon, however I do not have an exact date that the accessories will be available. Sincerely, HTC Customer Care
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found them on ebay listed as "OEM Housing"... Might order one or two and try to see how they hold up being sanded and repainted.
I found an OEM battery cover on ebay, but they want $30 for it. A little steep in my opinion.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Authentic-O...ultDomain_0&hash=item27b3386a12#ht_500wt_1154
I also found the OEM back chassis and battery cover.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HTC-EVO-4G-OEM-...ccessories&hash=item255bc105c4#ht_1705wt_1137
Doesn't look like it includes a new lens cover, so the lens cover may be built into the camera. That means no replacing it.
In the second listing they illustrate that it's from Samsung, so they are the actual OEM and HTC purchased the parts/phone from them. I wonder if we'll have better luck purchasing from Samsung or an authorized reseller..
Sirchuk said:
I also found the OEM back chassis and battery cover.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HTC-EVO-4G-OEM-...ccessories&hash=item255bc105c4#ht_1705wt_1137
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Click to collapse
Close but the branding is different. No HTC on the back cover and it says "with Google" instead of "Sprint 4G" near the bottom.
No big deal I just wonder if these are real OEM parts or if they are about to get ripped for copyright infringement...
nebenezer said:
Close but the branding is different. No HTC on the back cover and it says "with Google" instead of "Sprint 4G" near the bottom.
No big deal I just wonder if these are real OEM parts or if they are about to get ripped for copyright infringement...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the first one says it's OEM and from Samsung, the second just says that it's "HTC EVO Compatible" so it's not OEM, and probably a knockoff. Especially since he's in China. We should start seeing them cheaper soon then.
Sirchuk said:
Yeah, the first one says it's OEM and from Samsung, the second just says that it's "HTC EVO Compatible" so it's not OEM, and probably a knockoff. Especially since he's in China. We should start seeing them cheaper soon then.
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Click to collapse
Definitely a good candidate for modding but I hope you are right about them getting cheaper!!
$55 Yowza!
Sirchuk said:
Yeah, the first one says it's OEM and from Samsung, the second just says that it's "HTC EVO Compatible" so it's not OEM, and probably a knockoff. Especially since he's in China. We should start seeing them cheaper soon then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notably, I've found a few wholesale retailers for back housings that have the HTC logo on it but no chrome badging, this is perfectly flat however which means to me, an easier painting process.
Personally I don't care
I just dropped my brand new EVO today, ON THE CONCRETE!!!!!!!!
Well, the only portion that took damage externally, to my knowledge in other words, is the front bevel. I really do not like the blemishes so I went ahead and paid for the $55 set. There was a cheaper $40 option but I didn't see that till after purchasing the $55 set. If everything is legit, considering not just getting the parts I want to replace but also some of the tools needed to do the job, $55 was ok with me.
I'll keep you guys updated. Should be here next week or two. We'll see.
I want a white center with a black battery cover!
Sent from my Evo, using the xda app
Sirchuk said:
I wonder if you can get the battery cover and the rear half of the phone. The back half is what houses the camera lens as well as the kickstand, so having a replacement would be nice.
I wouldn't mind another battery cover if anyone finds how where to get them. I'm sure Sprint repair stores will eventually get them in, but no idea how long that is going to take.
One to mess up, perhaps put a logo on, or the disc from those low profile car mounts, would be nice to have. They're quick and easy to pop on/off too, and it's only a matter of time before that wears out given that I replace my batteries rather than recharge them in my phone.
Edit:
I emailed HTC, lets see if they respond..
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Click to collapse
maybe this will work for you maybe you seen it already but we still need some pre-orders to get this to production. Would you mind helping? Imo they will be better than oem doors! Probably cheaper too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=735830
haha, I should start looting some of the pieces from my technician buddy's at sprint, all they do is stockpile them, no one would notice if they were missing a few lol. only problem is I couldn't see doing it for less than like 40$-60$, gotta split it 2 ways lol

Replacement housing: an alternative to cases

Over the years, my preferred method of addressing the wear/tear was not by using cases (which add bulk), but my simply getting a new phone housing when the old one gets too scratched up.
And it looks like OEM-like housing for HD mini are beginning to appear on the market, such as here.
Looks like HD mini housing is absolutely identical to Aria's. I'm going to stock up on one and give it a try.
Please let us know how this works out, I wonder if someone will sell just the back cover.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
With most phones now having glass in the capacitive touch screens, I just don't see your extra housing providing much protection from a drop.
It's still a good idea though.
yollasho said:
With most phones now having glass in the capacitive touch screens, I just don't see your extra housing providing much protection from a drop.
It's still a good idea though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed I'd be concerned about the screen in the case of a drop, but agreed its a good idea. Let us know how this works out, I'll have to keep it in mind if it does work on if/when my housing ever takes a beating
I bought 2 of these from ebay thinking the exact same thing. They were advertised for the HD mini as we all now know it is the arias winmo twin. When i received my housings I was very excited to try them on but ended up being very disappointed. The housing came with a few pieces of excess plastic from the manufacturing process which was no big deal. Next I noticed that there were no volume buttons, again not too big of a big deal as they can be carefully removed off the old case and hopefully attached to the new case. The absolute deal breaker was the fact that the Aria antenna IS the back cover, and this replacement did not include the antenna. I examined the original and I do not believe it is possible to remove the antenna and reattach it to a replacement. However this particular housing may be different, either way let us know what your results were.
check these out they look like oem with the htc
http://www.amazon.com/Amzer-Luxe-Argyle-Skin-Case/dp/B003TFDIZC/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_2
pcruz said:
The absolute deal breaker was the fact that the Aria antenna IS the back cover, and this replacement did not include the antenna.
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Click to collapse
You're right -- none of the HD mini housings I see advertised on Ebay have the antenna contact leads on the inside
b_atman said:
check these out they look like oem with the htc
http://www.amazon.com/Amzer-Luxe-Argyle-Skin-Case/dp/B003TFDIZC/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a case, what's being discussed here is the actual body of the phone
It's too bad about the mini's back cover not having the antenna contacts, hopefully true Aria accessories will start coming out and you can get your hands on a real housing for it
ya sorry about that , it was deceptive looking the first one i looked at had the logo and tri-screw holes. thought it was a replacement back cover

[Q] Replacement Casing for Lumia 900

So i work for at&t and as such had the good fortune to win one of these amazing devices that I have decided to switch to as my main device over my Galaxy Note. That being said I really dont like the black finish and would really much rather have a cyan or white one. Is anyone aware of anyway to purchase replacement casing for them? And roughly how much they would run? With these phones being so easy to tear down I would much rather replace the casing than just buying a case for it.
I did a quick search and didn't find any replacement parts available just yet for the Lumia. But, I've never seen them not be available for a phone eventually, so I would stay on the lookout.
Ooops, did a quick look on ebay on found a cyan and black one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Origin...463?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416480afd7. Guess these didn't come up on the Bing or Google search as they're the only ones. Better hurry
Can anybody tell if the speaker is included in that housing?
hiko36 said:
Can anybody tell if the speaker is included in that housing?
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Click to collapse
I would ask the guy who bought one.... assuming its the guy above on this thread?
Its hard to tell from the pic if the speaker is in there. There is the black square part that is off-center at the bottom where the holes are but its not easy to see if it is a speaker or not but it has two gold contacts next to it. You might try asking the seller a question.
interesting that they have a "Make an offer" button but it auto-declines as I just tried $45 and it fails instantly.
hiko36 said:
Can anybody tell if the speaker is included in that housing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the service manual in the following link, pages 19 & 20 it does appear to be included.
Judge for yourself:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1648977

Looking for parts to customize original VZW housing

So I thought the Gnex looked kinda boring as it stands (esp since there are no buttons on the front face), so I decided to customize my VERIZON Gnex a bit.
Before anything even happens, I want to find some parts to make it my own original design. Here are the things I'm looking for:
1) Brushed aluminum (silver) battery door; ideal design would be circular patterns that radiate from a central point (like the Acer Transformer Prime tablet)
2) A small Samsung decal in gray, silver or black (preference in that order)
3) A small Google decal in gray, silver or black (preference in that order)
4) A medium sized Nexus "X" decal
I would then paint my middle housing (and all buttons) the pearl white that's found on the Lexus IS 350/250. The back door would either be the brushed aluminum (silver), or I'd paint the original one the same pearl white and apply the Samsung, Google and/or Nexus decals accordingly.
Sadly, I've spent some time searching for the above items on eBay and have found nothing for my Verizon Gnex. Please point me in the right direction if you know where I could find such items. I know this kind of project is very popular (referring to the thread about the white housing), but I wanted mine to be a little more original. I have access to an auto body shop, so the painting isn't the main issue.
Criticism is welcome.
Make the images yourself then take it to one of those sticker places at the malls and have them make it for u. Won't cost too much and you will be able to get exactly what u want
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
justin94 said:
Make the images yourself then take it to one of those sticker places at the malls and have them make it for u. Won't cost too much and you will be able to get exactly what u want
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't seen em yet. Maybe i gotta keep an open eye out for it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
If there isn't a manufacturer already making them, the battery cover in aluminum could get a little pricey. You would probably need to have it produced as a one-off piece from a machine shop with a CNC machine. I don't know for sure, but wouldn't that much metal have a detrimental effect on your signal quality? It seems like NFC would have a hard time at least, since it's range is so limited already. Either way, the idea sounds pretty cool. Would love to see some pictures when you get everything together.
Pierceye said:
If there isn't a manufacturer already making them, the battery cover in aluminum could get a little pricey. You would probably need to have it produced as a one-off piece from a machine shop with a CNC machine. I don't know for sure, but wouldn't that much metal have a detrimental effect on your signal quality? It seems like NFC would have a hard time at least, since it's range is so limited already. Either way, the idea sounds pretty cool. Would love to see some pictures when you get everything together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aluminium batter covers already exist on ebay and they kill NFC entirely. That's the reason why they aren't that popular.
This is how they look for the international version. Does not work with the Verizon (i515) version though.
blunden said:
Aluminium batter covers already exist on ebay and they kill NFC entirely. That's the reason why they aren't that popular.
This is how they look for the international version. Does not work with the Verizon (i515) version though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Thanks for confirming that suspicion.
I actually dont use nfc at all right now, so its low on my priority list. However, i dont plan on having one custom made due to pricing. If anything now, i might make it full silver or pearl white with the decals.
Still lookin for decals tho
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I found this for anyone who might like this design instead of a more minimalistic one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/11081105592...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_600wt_1037

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