I'm a gadget freak. Especially when it comes to Android devices.

The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ came out last week. I leased a plus from Sprint for $35 a month.

The phone is gorgeous.

It is also slippery and fragile -- which I very quickly discovered. Before I had a chance to put it in its new case, it slipped out of my hands on onto the floor... from no more than three feet.

Two corners fractured and "spider web" cracks across front glass.

I have insurance. Called Sprint repair store. Yes, we can fix it.

Go to store, wait in line one hour.

Cost to replace front glass with insurance: $125.

But phone just released...no repair parts available.

"So, we will be happy to replace entire phone for only $250."


Dejectedly living with a beautiful, powerful, broken phone.

 

$35 + Insurance (for insurance that doesn't cover everything) + cost for cellular services?

See this post

 

Tell them that you will pay for the replacement....................if you can keep the broken one.

Then a in couple of months.......buy replacement parts.

 

...if you can keep the broken one.

It don't work like that.

The folks in the store have no power to do anything but what's in the "book". This week I will call Sprint HQ and escalate the issue, if necessary. I am a *very* long-time customer... let's see if that counts for anything.

 

Ouch !
That must have hurt.

 

Ouch !
That must have hurt.

First time I've cried in years.

 

It always hurts the worst when there's no one else to blame.

 

It always hurts the worst when there's no one else to blame.

I would like to blame Samsung. I could not get away with selling an $850 slippery hand- held consumer product that cannot withstand a three foot drop.

Hell, I'm tempted to file a class action suit. But only the attorneys would benefit.

 

New and improved

New...cheaper more fragile components
Improved...higher profit margin and shorter time between replacement

Ain't innovation grand? Ooops, I did it again.

 

joeyd999 Why on earth would you need such a phone? My phone is a Nokia, built like the proverbial. It costs nothing to run as I only use it instead of a watch and to receive calls.

 

Why on earth would you need such a phone?

40 year ago, I bought a TRS-80, and everyone asked the same question.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 

I remember getting chewed out for spending $400 when atari 400 first came out. But I got more out of that than any college course.

 

This week I will call Sprint HQ and escalate the issue, if necessary. I am a *very* long-time customer... let's see if that counts for anything.

Didn't work out well. Here's the story:

The phone is brand new. Samsung has not released any replacement parts for it, nor has it authorized any dealers for service. In fact, I suspect the phone is not serviceable -- I have since learned it is "hot melted" together (likely in order to achieve IP68 to 1.5m of water).

Therefore, only replacement is possible -- at least right now. $250 down the drain.

For those considering purchase, here are some thoughts:

1. It is fragile (though I have seen video showing drops with little damage). Buy a good case for it.

2. Expect to have to replace it if it breaks.

3. It is a work of art -- seriously. And like fine art, it should be looked at, not handled.

4. It is as powerful as anything I have ever held in my hand that runs on batteries.

5. The WQHD (2960 x 1440) OLED edge-to-edge-to-edge-to-edge display is impressive, bright, and colorful. It's difficult to see individual pixels even with a 10x loupe.

6. Both front and back cameras are very high quality. Probably the best digital images I have ever taken.

7. UI is instantly responsive. No delays when switching apps, little startup delay for new apps.

8. Battery charges fast and lasts a looooong, looooong time.

All in all, a highly functional device. Just not very rugged outside of its case.

 

Here's a photo of the OLED display through my 10x loupe. See any pixels (ignore the moiré)?

 

I don't quite understand the design decisions that phone-makers have made. Since the dawn of cellphones, users have complained about two issues - durability and battery life. Both things that users want would be easily delivered by adding a few millimeters of interior volume for more battery and a few mm of shock-absorbing edge/corner material.

As far as I can tell, the only reason not to deliver this market-satisfying design is the relentless pursuit of "thin". Do users clamor for thinner phones? I don't think so. They'd rather have function first, form second.

 

I don't quite understand the design decisions that phone-makers have made. Since the dawn of cellphones, users have complained about two issues - durability and battery life. Both things that users want would be easily delivered by adding a few millimeters of interior volume for more battery and a few mm of shock-absorbing edge/corner material.

As far as I can tell, the only reason not to deliver this market-satisfying design is the relentless pursuit of "thin". Do users clamor for thinner phones? I don't think so. They'd rather have function first, form second.

I think they've nailed both battery life and performance in this design, and the cosmetics are exceptional. It is also "water proof" (i.e. IP68 1.5m 30 minutes) with a standard headphone jack -- something Apple is unable to do.

You really can't understand how impressive the "infinity" screen is until you actually see and feel it.

In Samsung's defense, I dropped it without a case, probably at the worst angle possible (though not from excessive height). The curved glass edge is exposed -- a definite weakness especially at the corners. The phone still operates 100% -- just the glass is cracked.

In general, I am in love with the device. I'm angry for two things: 1) I dropped it before I got the case and 2) repair is not possible (thus excess out-of-pocket).

 

I'm a gadget freak. Especially when it comes to Android devices.

The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ came out last week. I leased a plus from Sprint for $35 a month.

The phone is gorgeous.

It is also slippery and fragile -- which I very quickly discovered. Before I had a chance to put it in its new case, it slipped out of my hands on onto the floor... from no more than three feet.

Two corners fractured and "spider web" cracks across front glass.

I have insurance. Called Sprint repair store. Yes, we can fix it.

Go to store, wait in line one hour.

Cost to replace front glass with insurance: $125.

But phone just released...no repair parts available.

"So, we will be happy to replace entire phone for only $250."


Dejectedly living with a beautiful, powerful, broken phone.

View attachment 125800

I'm so glad you posted this report. That's exactly going to be my next phone, and I'll be getting it within a week, according to my provider. I'll be buying it a protective cover before I even leave the store!

 

The last cell phone I had that was not supplied by an employer was a Sonim military spec phone. Damn near indestructible and could go for over week or more between charges even with regular use!

Here's what they have now and they are impressive when it comes to durability and run time compared to the crap like you have now. Granted they are not all thin and sleek but then neither is an anvil!

http://www.sonimtech.com/

 

The last cell phone I had that was not supplied by an employer was a Sonim military spec phone. Damn near indestructible and could go for over week or more between charges even with regular use!

Here's what they have now and they are impressive when it comes to durability and run time compared to the crap like you have now. Granted they are not all thin and sleek but then neither is an anvil!

http://www.sonimtech.com/

I'm a desk jockey. I don't require an anvil.

 

I'm a desk jockey. I don't require an anvil.

And just cause you don't pay for it, someone does:



Edit: 1 MP front camera. Ha!