Galaxy S4 repaired but found out screen is fake

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Jattennz

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Topic # 150084 10-Jul-2014 18:55

Just wondering what people would recommend to do this in case.

I had a S4 with a damaged LCD panel, as it was out of warranty from dropping I got quotes from around Auckland. One place in particular was within $10 of other places and after asking told me their parts were Original Samsung parts. They had 100% positive feedback on their facebook service page as well.

After returning home with fixed phone, I went in to get a new screen protector as the one he used was placed horribly. Was talking about how the screen had been replaced and the guy said it was a fake. I had the original face plate which he showed me the differences with the lettering SAMSUNG and the pattern of the front. He assumes the lcd panel is probably original or refurbished but the glass is definitely fake.

Wondering how I should go about this. I've tried to contact the seller and emailed about the parts. No reply yet.

If I were to take it back to him I risk him damaging the unit more, and won't be able to test if it's working if he puts back my old screen as it doesn't show anything on the screen.

Other option could be take it to official repairer and keep the plate to return to himi but worried that if the fake screen breaks etc in repairs that he won't give me a refund.

Bit hard with the parts mixed in with the hardware :(

Cheers all, and yes lesson learned although I thought Trademe with good reviews etc would be safe.

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597 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1086647 10-Jul-2014 19:25

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Would you be able to post a pic of the supposed telltale signs that it's a fake

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086655 10-Jul-2014 19:31

Similar to this example where it begins in the below youtube. First she shows up close of the fake then the original. The samsung on mine isn't as smudged as hers but definitely completely different to the original with the black border indent around the text and the pattern over the front is printed versus the tiny perforated holes.

http://youtu.be/zS4-pzQmN3k?t=3m26s

richms

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Reply # 1086660 10-Jul-2014 19:36

Most of the non authorised places are using either fake parts or else parts of stolen phones to do repairs.

Richard rich.ms

johnr

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Reply # 1086669 10-Jul-2014 19:39

Did you not ask if they were a authorised Samsung repair agent?

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086670 10-Jul-2014 19:40

Yea, was a complete overlook on my part. I went off their pricing being cheaper but it wasn't like $100 cheaper (if it was dramatically cheaper I would have stayed away) and confirmed with them first about the parts also based on they were one of the highest feedback repairers listed with no negative comments in regards to repairs of phones etc.

Now just unsure how best to get it sorted.

johnr

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Reply # 1086673 10-Jul-2014 19:41

So can you place feedback?

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086675 10-Jul-2014 19:44

johnr: Did you not ask if they were a authorised Samsung repair agent?

There were only 2 I was given, one wouldn't touch Telecom Samsung phones the other needed 5-10 days.

I'm more concerned that a company can just confirm original Samsung parts and then use fake parts and how to go forward now.

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086677 10-Jul-2014 19:46

johnr: So can you place feedback?

Yea I can place feedback, just waiting for their response. They've gone silent. And as it was a service listing as a company on trademe not a auction I'm guessing it works differently. Glad I got a digital receipt.

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086699 10-Jul-2014 20:05

A bit baffled really.

Another store I emailed for repairs mentioned to watch out for this (received email after mine was repaired) but the guy who repaired mine has contacted me now saying he assures me it is original but as it's imported it looks different to the local model. Not really sure who to believe. I don't see anything to say that overseas models have different screens when checking online, and the sites that show the differences are already international.

Technofreak

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Reply # 1086765 10-Jul-2014 21:39

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Does it work alright otherwise? I know it's a piss off having a non genuine screen but is it worth fighting over if the phone works as it did before the screen needed replacing? I suspect many places use non OEM screens in some cases they don't realise as they have been told by the supplier they are OEM.

How long before you replace the phone or break the screen again?

For what it's worth I think screen protectors on a capacitive screen are of dubious value, so long at you don't make a habit of putting the phone in places like your pocket where you also have sharp items like keys etc. The screen protectors seriously degrade the user experience. I used screen protectors for a long time but don't bother any more as the phone is much nicer to use without a protector. Plus protectors are a pain to get to fit nicely.

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Jattennz

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Reply # 1086799 10-Jul-2014 22:29

Technofreak: Does it work alright otherwise? I know it's a piss off having a non genuine screen but is it worth fighting over if the phone works as it did before the screen needed replacing? I suspect many places use non OEM screens in some cases they don't realise as they have been told by the supplier they are OEM.

How long before you replace the phone or break the screen again?

For what it's worth I think screen protectors on a capacitive screen are of dubious value, so long at you don't make a habit of putting the phone in places like your pocket where you also have sharp items like keys etc. The screen protectors seriously degrade the user experience. I used screen protectors for a long time but don't bother any more as the phone is much nicer to use without a protector. Plus protectors are a pain to get to fit nicely.

Yea otherwise seems to work, I haven't used it really leaving it as is until sorted.

I guess if it was just the screen (glass) that was non genuine and $100 or so I would less annoyed. More the fact was almost $300 for the parts, (panel, digitizer, glass) that if the glass is non-genuine I wonder about the rest too.

Hopefully get it sorted tomorrow.

Yabanize

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Reply # 1086835 10-Jul-2014 23:45

How much did the repair cost you? If it was cheap (under $200) then he probably replaced just the glass and not a whole new screen

Jattennz

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Reply # 1086841 11-Jul-2014 00:01

Yabanize: How much did the repair cost you? If it was cheap (under $200) then he probably replaced just the glass and not a whole new screen

$290 all up, for the glass and screen all-in-one part. Have the old panel still with me. The old glass actually had no cracks in it, was just the lcd panel that cracked on the fall.

insane

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Reply # 1086845 11-Jul-2014 00:09

Sounds like it's time to get your phone in a bag with a set of keys to make sure, a real S4 screen takes a real beating before showing any signs of scratching.

fahrenheit

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Reply # 1086848 11-Jul-2014 00:15

Check to make sure its OLED. I'm not sure that anyone other than Samsung produces Super AMOLED panels, so it should be fairly obvious.
An OLED screen will have a weak glow like a very dark charcoal grey in a pitch black room (with a black source). An LCD will glow enough to comfortably use as a reading light...

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