Extremely Annoyed...

[_sC]

Sigh. So after reading about all the loose/crooked home button issues here, I went into the Samsung store today, to get a replacement phone.
Wow. what a surprise. Not only did I NOT get a replacement phone that fixed the problem, it even created a new one.
The power button was very mushy, and the travel of the button itself was non-existant. There basically was no real "click" to the button if that makes sense. My brother actually had this same mushy button issue when he got his S4. Luckily he got a new one that was in good shape. Not this time.
Because of this terribly shitty quality control samsung seems to have, I instantly told the rep to send it in to get it fixed. Then what? she tells me it could take up to TWO WEEKS.
It took all of me to not start yelling at the rep for this absolutely ridiculous exchange. Of course, I had to keep telling myself its not her fault, shes just the middle person.

I know some of you have had the same experience, where a replacement phone was actually crappier than the phone you just handed over.

Can ANYONE give me reassurance on this topic? is there any light at the end of the tunnel? How was your experienced handled?

I don't know if this will matter, but I live in Vancouver, BC. I asked where it was getting shipped to and she said just in Richmond.

I'm hoping the Power and Home button come back in great condition, please let me know if anyone has had experience with sending back a phone for repairs, especially where I live.

I just can't believe the best phone I've had in a while has given me the worst experience I've ever had. What a double edged sword.

Thanks for reading.

 

[jwither]

Sounds like she may have given you a phone that someone else returned.

You didn't get a chance to look over the replacement before you accepted it?

 

[LillieBennett]

You'll just have to accept it. Even those who claim their buttons are firm, rest assured they will loosen up with use. I don't even like the physical buttons, find them awkward and slow but am going to tolerate it for the rest of the phone's functions.

 

[PrinceOfDorne]

when you ask for a replacement, always demand for a sealed box and inspect the box - make sure it was not previously opened (usually if there are adhesive left overs then the original sticker was removed).

I've had worse experience with BlackBerries and iPhones before. The only bad experience I've had with Samsung devices is the battery cover getting loose and/or squeaky.

The home buttons on my Note 3s have slight movement which doesn't not bother me at all. The power button on my black needs to be pressed a bit hard.

No phone is perfect but I feel you because for an expensive device like Note 3, it should be close to perfection.

 

[Grimlock1973]

First and foremost, RELAX and CALM DOWN. I am assuming you have read a TON of posts on the loose home button and know that you aren't alone with this minor issue. I have a white note 3 from sprint and have spent the last 13 days debating whether I should exchange it for another one because of the slightly loose home button. I have come to the conclusion that all note 3s have this issue so I am going to bear and grin it until the note 4 arrives next year.

If I were you I would go and replace the replacement unit you received and be calm about it. No one is going to want to help you if you are screaming and acting like a maniac at the store. If the female store rep gave you someone else's returned phone then go straight to her manager and explain in detail what happened and why you need to exchange your device again. Also, double check that the new unit is sealed in box and closely watch the store rep open it and then ask to see the device before the rep tries to activate it.

I have a lot of experience in this because I went through 3 note 2s last year because of a crooked home button and light bleed. There are some things that we as owners just have to smile and grin with when it comes to Samsung smartphones. HOPE to ALL HECK that Samsung decides to eliminate the physical home button all together with the S4 and Note 4!

 

[_sC]

Sounds like she may have given you a phone that someone else returned.

You didn't get a chance to look over the replacement before you accepted it?

when you ask for a replacement, always demand for a sealed box and inspect the box - make sure it was not previously opened (usually if there are adhesive left overs then the original sticker was removed).

I've had worse experience with BlackBerries and iPhones before. The only bad experience I've had with Samsung devices is the battery cover getting loose and/or squeaky.

The home buttons on my Note 3s have slight movement which doesn't not bother me at all. The power button on my black needs to be pressed a bit hard.

No phone is perfect but I feel you because for an expensive device like Note 3, it should be close to perfection.

Unfortunately, it was indeed a brand new phone in a brand new box. She showed me the box, and proceeded to ask if she could cut the seals on either side of the box. I had a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't really get a phone with the loose home button fixed, but never did I expect to get a new phone with even more problems.

First and foremost, RELAX and CALM DOWN. I am assuming you have read a TON of posts on the loose home button and know that you aren't alone with this minor issue. I have a white note 3 from sprint and have spent the last 13 days debating whether I should exchange it for another one because of the slightly loose home button. I have come to the conclusion that all note 3s have this issue so I am going to bear and grin it until the note 4 arrives next year.

If I were you I would go and replace the replacement unit you received and be calm about it. No one is going to want to help you if you are screaming and acting like a maniac at the store. If the female store rep gave you someone else's returned phone then go straight to her manager and explain in detail what happened and why you need to exchange your device again. Also, double check that the new unit is sealed in box and closely watch the store rep open it and then ask to see the device before the rep tries to activate it.

I have a lot of experience in this because I went through 3 note 2s last year because of a crooked home button and light bleed. There are some things that we as owners just have to smile and grin with when it comes to Samsung smartphones. HOPE to ALL HECK that Samsung decides to eliminate the physical home button all together with the S4 and Note 4!

Don't worry, as I mentioned, I didn't end up yelling, I was just really frustrated with the situation when I got a phone in a brand new box and it was in even worse condition.
I am getting it repaired, I told her to open it in front of me once she brought the new box to me. I told her i dont want to use it one bit.. and asked to get it repaired right away.


Thanks for your replies guys.

 

[Grimlock1973]

PLEASE post an update when you get your phone back. I am very curious to see if the repair facility actually "fixes" the issue or they just send your phone back to you without addressing the problem. Again, I am really hoping that Samsung eliminates the stupid physical home button completely next year!

 

[Limeybstd]

The thing that concerns me is that Samsung repair center will send it back saying no fault found, spec within manufacturers tolerances or something to that effect.

 

[ScandaLeX]

Sometimes I find myself at a lose for words. I'm trying to wrap my head around the sales associate thinking it made sense for YOU to send a brand new phone in for repair.

If I read you correctly all this occurred while you were still IN the store?
At this point someone would've been refunding my money.

 

[MISS DIVA]

Sometimes I find myself at a lose for words. I'm trying to wrap my head around the sales associate thinking it made sense for YOU to send a brand new phone in for repair.

If I read you correctly all this occurred while you were still IN the store?
At this point someone would've been refunding my money.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[_sC]

PLEASE post an update when you get your phone back. I am very curious to see if the repair facility actually "fixes" the issue or they just send your phone back to you without addressing the problem. Again, I am really hoping that Samsung eliminates the stupid physical home button completely next year!

certainly will do.
apparently i'm more detail oriented than most of your average customers. lol they said to me that they havent had any complaints about the home button, so either your average customer seriously doesnt care and/or doesnt notice, or that they were lying to my face.
and yes, wtf is with the physical home button? you're using your S-pen, you have the ability to hit menu and back on the capacitive buttons, but somehow when it comes to the home button i have to press it with my finger? makes so sense to me.. they should've gone 6 inches and use touchscreen controls like they did with the galaxy nexus.

The thing that concerns me is that Samsung repair center will send it back saying no fault found, spec within manufacturers tolerances or something to that effect.

yup, i'm very concerned that would be the exact outcome, but if thats the case, its going up for sale. and hello nexus.

Sometimes I find myself at a lose for words. I'm trying to wrap my head around the sales associate thinking it made sense for YOU to send a brand new phone in for repair.

If I read you correctly all this occurred while you were still IN the store?
At this point someone would've been refunding my money.

yes, in store. the only reason why i didnt demand a refund for my money is because I actually like the Note 3. and I guess this "repair" was this last hope for this phone.
as mentioned previously, if the phone comes back in nearly the same condition, the damn thing is going up for sale.

I won't deal with samsungs hopeless quality control. As i also mentioned, this happened with my brothers S4 as well. and what are the S4 and Note 3 to samsung? their current most popular and flagship phones. and although I havent heard of the crooked home button with the S4, I know of the mushy power button, and of course it trickled to their next line up of phones. what a joke.

They post up a quarter profit of billions and billions, the quality control level for something like this is absolutely ridiculous.


Again, thanks for your replies everyone.

 

[jetguat]

Not sure what the "wiggle" really feels like. if I gently push the home butten and try to move my finger side to side, I feel the slightest of movement. Not sure that is the extent others have seen. But what I've not read is anybodies home button falling off. I mean. If the button wiggles but works.. is it a problem? for those that have the "wiggle" is the button still as flush to the phone as it was originally or is it popping out in some fashion. I know we all like what we like so I am not trying to diminish peoples satisfaction. Just wondering if I have the problem also... or just higher tolerance for "wiggle"

On a different note (pun intended). I typically charge my phone every night. but last night I decided not to. still running strong with 56% (1d 4h 17m on battery). Im very very pleased with this. And since the thing charges soo fast, I'm debating if I even need a spare battery.

 

[44fred]

No disrespect intended. I'm in a service business and about every 100-150 retail customers cannot be pleased, no matter what you do, just the way it is. My suggestion would be to get your money back and buy another style phone. The problem with the home button really screwed me up on the first day. I had my Iloome screen protector in hand before the phone was delivered. During installation I did not realize the home button moved. I kept detaching and re installing the protector because it didn't line up with the button. I finally just did the best I could not realizing the problem until the next day.
The home button moving around like that doesn't bother me at all, now. And I do agree, having a "button" for your home screen is not a good idea.
Bottom line is, the "home button wiggle" is something we'll have to live with or buy something else.
Good luck with your quest.

 

[44fred]

Not sure what the "wiggle" really feels like. if I gently push the home butten and try to move my finger side to side, I feel the slightest of movement. Not sure that is the extent others have seen. But what I've not read is anybodies home button falling off. I mean. If the button wiggles but works.. is it a problem? for those that have the "wiggle" is the button still as flush to the phone as it was originally or is it popping out in some fashion. I know we all like what we like so I am not trying to diminish peoples satisfaction. Just wondering if I have the problem also... or just higher tolerance for "wiggle"

On a different note (pun intended). I typically charge my phone every night. but last night I decided not to. still running strong with 56% (1d 4h 17m on battery). Im very very pleased with this. And since the thing charges soo fast, I'm debating if I even need a spare battery.

Moving the button up and down on the corners with your fingernail is what we are talking about (I think). Kind of weird really.

 

[_sC]

Not sure what the "wiggle" really feels like. if I gently push the home butten and try to move my finger side to side, I feel the slightest of movement. Not sure that is the extent others have seen. But what I've not read is anybodies home button falling off. I mean. If the button wiggles but works.. is it a problem? for those that have the "wiggle" is the button still as flush to the phone as it was originally or is it popping out in some fashion. I know we all like what we like so I am not trying to diminish peoples satisfaction. Just wondering if I have the problem also... or just higher tolerance for "wiggle"

On a different note (pun intended). I typically charge my phone every night. but last night I decided not to. still running strong with 56% (1d 4h 17m on battery). Im very very pleased with this. And since the thing charges soo fast, I'm debating if I even need a spare battery.

jetguat, i've taken this gif from home button issues thread.

http://i.imgur.com/w4X4sAN.gif

http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...key-button-moves-spen-isnt-easy-take-out.html
is the thread.

No disrespect intended. I'm in a service business and about every 100-150 retail customers cannot be pleased, no matter what you do, just the way it is. My suggestion would be to get your money back and buy another style phone. The problem with the home button really screwed me up on the first day. I had my Iloome screen protector in hand before the phone was delivered. During installation I did not realize the home button moved. I kept detaching and re installing the protector because it didn't line up with the button. I finally just did the best I could not realizing the problem until the next day.
The home button moving around like that doesn't bother me at all, now. And I do agree, having a "button" for your home screen is not a good idea.
Bottom line is, the "home button wiggle" is something we'll have to live with or buy something else.
Good luck with your quest.

Thanks so much for your response Fred. its just so hard to think that when other people are not experiencing said problem, and especially when the original phone the button came from (S4), hasn't shown too many issues for being crooked. You almost think how did the button get worse in a sense.


On a sidebar, does anyone know if I can even get a full refund after this whole ordeal? If it comes back with it being barely fixed i most certainly will demand a refund, I just dont know if they will give it to me or not.

 

[Ballymoss]

You'll just have to accept it. Even those who claim their buttons are firm, rest assured they will loosen up with use. I don't even like the physical buttons, find them awkward and slow but am going to tolerate it for the rest of the phone's functions.

I have no problems whatsoever with my Note 3. How can you possibly know what will happen in the future? If you can, can you please tell me next weeks UK Lottery numbers? I will share it with you.

 

[Methos1979]

I think I would have just returned the phone and then bought the same one at a different retailer. Maybe that is not an option for you in Canada. I definitely would not have waited two weeks for a 'repair'. How do they repair it anyway? Open it up and put a new one in?!? That sounds like a recipe for other things to go wrong.

Anyway, I returned my first GN3 within the two week period for the 'screeching/chirping' audio call issue. My button also moved. It seemed to move a whole lot more by the time I traded it in so I'm thinking all these phones are doomed to at least some movement. That said, even though it moved the action was not mushy. It gave a nice tactile 'click' that felt like a high quality switch.

New phone is better in call quality (although not perfect) and the home button is also much better, but like the call quality, not perfect. It moves a little if I press it lightly and turn my finger it moves a little. But not as much as the first phone and it always returns to dead center after normal use. I put on a tempered glass screen yesterday which is quite thick. The cutout for the home button is very fitted and this helps keep the button moving. Something to consider for those that worry about the button getting worse or just driving their OCD crazy.

I understand the OP frustration. Yes, a flagship phone from a company making billions on profit should do a better job with their quality. Unfortunately, when you are the first one to jump on new technology you risk being the guinea pig. Doesn't make it any easier.

Another thing for those with home button issues to consider is I believe there is an app out there that basically gives you a virtual home button on your screen. I remember seeing something about it in a recent post somewhere and thought this might be a good idea for our group to keep use of the actual home button to a minimum and keep it from getting worse!

And speaking of OCD, mines not too bad, but OP's text in all bold is driving me nuts! It's only mildly better than all caps!!!

 

[_sC]

I think I would have just returned the phone and then bought the same one at a different retailer. Maybe that is not an option for you in Canada. I definitely would not have waited two weeks for a 'repair'. How do they repair it anyway? Open it up and put a new one in?!? That sounds like a recipe for other things to go wrong.

Anyway, I returned my first GN3 within the two week period for the 'screeching/chirping' audio call issue. My button also moved. It seemed to move a whole lot more by the time I traded it in so I'm thinking all these phones are doomed to at least some movement. That said, even though it moved the action was not mushy. It gave a nice tactile 'click' that felt like a high quality switch.

New phone is better in call quality (although not perfect) and the home button is also much better, but like the call quality, not perfect. It moves a little if I press it lightly and turn my finger it moves a little. But not as much as the first phone and it always returns to dead center after normal use. I put on a tempered glass screen yesterday which is quite thick. The cutout for the home button is very fitted and this helps keep the button moving. Something to consider for those that worry about the button getting worse or just driving their OCD crazy.

I understand the OP frustration. Yes, a flagship phone from a company making billions on profit should do a better job with their quality. Unfortunately, when you are the first one to jump on new technology you risk being the guinea pig. Doesn't make it any easier.

Another thing for those with home button issues to consider is I believe there is an app out there that basically gives you a virtual home button on your screen. I remember seeing something about it in a recent post somewhere and thought this might be a good idea for our group to keep use of the actual home button to a minimum and keep it from getting worse!

And speaking of OCD, mines not too bad, but OP's text in all bold is driving me nuts! It's only mildly better than all caps!!!

Thanks for the reply.

I bought the phone from a samsung store, and as far as I know, we only have 1 here in vancouver. I didn't want to go to a carrier as I would get bloatware and branding on the exterior of the phone.

I know trying to get it repaired wasn't the best idea but I actually really like the phone. I guess it was my "last resort" effort, since they only allow 1 replacement phone. Now I'm just hoping I don't get some lazy ass and someone who will fix it with competence..

 

[Limeybstd]

Thanks for the reply.

I bought the phone from a samsung store, and as far as I know, we only have 1 here in vancouver. I didn't want to go to a carrier as I would get bloatware and branding on the exterior of the phone.

I know trying to get it repaired wasn't the best idea but I actually really like the phone. I guess it was my "last resort" effort, since they only allow 1 replacement phone. Now I'm just hoping I don't get some lazy ass and someone who will fix it with competence..

I think I understand where you are coming from, you are basically giving Samsung a chance to rectify the problem and then you will assess the situation moving forward. Pretty amicable.

 

[drexappeal]

Just my .02, but for little things like that, if it's not going to affect the performance of the phone, it really isn't worth my time to go through the trouble of having it exchanged. Now, if it's an issue that will affect my use of the phone, that's a different story.

I've noticed my home button being a "little" loose, but as long as it never gets stuck, I'll be fine with it and can live with it. The overall phone is great and in great condition, so stuff like that won't concern me.

Now, things that would definitely concern me and I would no doubt go in to get a replacement, would be problems like my I.T. guy had with his Note 3's screen:

Now, that is definitely a problem worth going to get a replacement, IMO. That would not be a waste of time, for me, because the screen is not functional and prevents functionality.

Ultimately, any piece of technology is really just electronics and any piece of equipment can be slightly off (regardless of the cost). I'm a firm believer in my time being much more valuable than taking the time to have a piece of equipment replaced just because there's a slight symmetry problem. So, when it comes to tech, if I have an almost perfect device with one tiny flaw that won't make the phone unfunctional, I just live with it.

 

[_sC]

I think I understand where you are coming from, you are basically giving Samsung a chance to rectify the problem and then you will assess the situation moving forward. Pretty amicable.

:beer:

Just my .02, but for little things like that, if it's not going to affect the performance of the phone, it really isn't worth my time to go through the trouble of having it exchanged. Now, if it's an issue that will affect my use of the phone, that's a different story.

I've noticed my home button being a "little" loose, but as long as it never gets stuck, I'll be fine with it and can live with it. The overall phone is great and in great condition, so stuff like that won't concern me.

Now, things that would definitely concern me and I would no doubt go in to get a replacement, would be problems like my I.T. guy had with his Note 3's screen:

Now, that is definitely a problem worth going to get a replacement, IMO. That would not be a waste of time, for me, because the screen is not functional and prevents functionality.

Ultimately, any piece of technology is really just electronics and any piece of equipment can be slightly off (regardless of the cost). I'm a firm believer in my time being much more valuable than taking the time to have a piece of equipment replaced just because there's a slight symmetry problem. So, when it comes to tech, if I have an almost perfect device with one tiny flaw that won't make the phone unfunctional, I just live with it.

while the issue didn't make the phone completely 'unfunctional', it actually did affect the way i used my phone like you stated in your first paragraph.
I found myself being much more careful of when i actually used the home button. Tried much harder to avoid pressing it too much because of fears of it getting even more crooked/loose.

i completely understand where you're coming from. it wasn't the biggest issue compared to some of the other problems, but I think each individuals 'ocd level' varies.
I just couldn't believe something like that passed quality control on such a flagship device.


Thanks for your replies.

 

[lr1517]

PLEASE post an update when you get your phone back. I am very curious to see if the repair facility actually "fixes" the issue or they just send your phone back to you without addressing the problem. Again, I am really hoping that Samsung eliminates the stupid physical home button completely next year!

Well the physical buttons have had problems for sure but I personally like to have a physical home button and capacitive keys as well why? So they leave the whole screen alone! I don't want a 6 inch phone just to have a 5.7 inch usable screen, I love the fact that my 5.7 inch screen is a real 5.7 inch!

The Note 4 hopefully comes with a 6 inch screen AND physical buttons, the ease and convenience of waking up the phone with a home button is priceless to me.

All I ask Samsung for the next Note is a spring loaded S Pen and an easier to get SIM slot and please keep the expandable memory and removable battery and of course upgraded specs, please Samsung I'm saving already from the Note 4! Don't listen to these guys they can go HTC or LG, lol.

 

[NeoGrandizer]

Well the physical buttons have had problems for sure but I personally like to have a physical home button and capacitive keys as well why? So they leave the whole screen alone! I don't want a 6 inch phone just to have a 5.7 inch usable screen, I love the fact that my 5.7 inch screen is a real 5.7 inch!

The Note 4 hopefully comes with a 6 inch screen AND physical buttons, the ease and convenience of waking up the phone with a home button is priceless to me.

All I ask Samsung for the next Note is a spring loaded S Pen and an easier to get SIM slot and please keep the expandable memory and removable battery and of course upgraded specs, please Samsung I'm saving already from the Note 4! Don't listen to these guys they can go HTC or LG, lol.

Well the Note LTE (North America) actually had 4 capacitive buttons on the bottom. Menu, Back, Home and Search buttons. I would have preferred that over the physical home button. Wish Samsung stuck with it. Would've avoided this mess right from the start.

 

[_sC]

Well the Note LTE (North America) actually had 4 capacitive buttons on the bottom. Menu, Back, Home and Search buttons. I would have preferred that over the physical home button. Wish Samsung stuck with it. Would've avoided this mess right from the start.

couldnt agree more. the physical home button could stay on the S line for all i care, but shouldn't be on the Note line at all.

 

[drexappeal]

Well the Note LTE (North America) actually had 4 capacitive buttons on the bottom. Menu, Back, Home and Search buttons. I would have preferred that over the physical home button. Wish Samsung stuck with it. Would've avoided this mess right from the start.

couldnt agree more. the physical home button could stay on the S line for all i care, but shouldn't be on the Note line at all.

I agree with you both 100%. I think making the home button a capacitive button, rather than the physical button, would even add functionality to the use of the S-pen (which I love using). I must say though that I like the configuration Samsung has, as compared to the other OEM's because they kept the menu button. I'm still trying to figure out why the "recent apps" button was added to Google's standard, when that could be handled so many different ways. The menu button is something I use for every single app I install. The 3 dot menu thing is still so weird to me.