Concerns about the Desire before buying

[Elwood42]

I've been looking at getting the HTC desire, but I have concerns on how fragile the screens are, hearing less than a one foot drop can crack a screen.

I've also heard how the screens can crack when charging the phone while it's turned on, surely that's not right? Are the screens this fragile, as if so I'm tempted to not get the phone, I'd hate to be afraid of waking up one day to find it cracked.

 

[grainysand]

Not a Desire user, but I use a more or less identical phone. Dropped my Nexus a few times, from more than one foot even, and the screen is unblemished despite the lack of protector. There's a dent in the body, though.

 

[nx1977]

If you are prone to regularly dropping your phone, then NO touchscreen will be suitable for you.

Issues of cracked screens are mostly down to being damaged by dropping or being in pockets with let's etc

 

[Elwood42]

"being in pockets with let's" first off, what do you mean by a let? and either way, surely you can keep it in the front pocket of your jeans/trousers? That's not going to get sat on or damaged is it?

would seem pretty stupid if you can't keep a phone in your pocket, where are you meant to put it?

 

[Merk78]

I've dropped my Desire a couple of times now from 3 foot upwards and the screen has yet to crack. The handset itself feels more sturdy in my opinion than my previous iPhones.

 

[Elwood42]

what kind of surface did you drop it onto may I ask? It's just I have wooden floors and I am assuming they would be a lot less forgiving than a carpet would

 

[nx1977]

"being in pockets with let's" first off, what do you mean by a let? and either way, surely you can keep it in the front pocket of your jeans/trousers? That's not going to get sat on or damaged is it?

would seem pretty stupid if you can't keep a phone in your pocket, where are you meant to put it?

Should have said keys. Predictive text, lol

 

[nx1977]

As for jeans, tight jeans will make the phone flex. Fine with a normal phone, but when the whole phone is basically glass, not good as glass doesn't flex well.

This is true for any touchscreen, not just the desire

 

[mikebell]

"being in pockets with let's" first off, what do you mean by a let? and either way, surely you can keep it in the front pocket of your jeans/trousers? That's not going to get sat on or damaged is it?

would seem pretty stupid if you can't keep a phone in your pocket, where are you meant to put it?

For most people, keeping a phone in your front pocket for day-to-day use does not cause any significant flexing. That situation might be different if you have tight pockets or lead quite a sporty lifestyle.

However, keeping it in your back pocket can cause large amounts of flexing which is likely to damage a glass screen. Especially if you have a butt like Kylie.

 

[furious duck]

I've been looking at getting the HTC desire, but I have concerns on how fragile the screens are, hearing less than a one foot drop can crack a screen.

I've also heard how the screens can crack when charging the phone while it's turned on, surely that's not right? Are the screens this fragile, as if so I'm tempted to not get the phone, I'd hate to be afraid of waking up one day to find it cracked.

I've dropped mine from a few foot onto carpet with no problem. I also have my phone in my back jean pocket every day without an issue - I've even sat down on it a couple of times without an issue. Where on earth did you hear that the screen can crack while charging?? Utter nonsense. It's a smart phone with a big screen so obviously you can't throw it around but it is built to last under normal usage.

 

[theretroandroid]

I've dropped my phone quite a few times onto a marble floor from over 3 feet. Just got a small dent, the screen is unaffected. Amazing build quality I would say.

 

[Akalatengo]

I've dropped my phone quite a few times onto a marble floor from over 3 feet. Just got a small dent, the screen is unaffected. Amazing build quality I would say.

I agree with you, but don't keep doing this as a habit it could just been a one off. And depend on the landing too

 

[PsychoMania]

I too was worried about dropping the Desire so simply purchased a cheap gel case from ebay. Now it just bounces slightly when dropped and is still in mint condition. I've not had any issues with flexing when in a side pocket in tight jeans. Would never put any phone in a rear pocket.

For example, this is the exact one I use (it's darker red than the picture shows):
GEL CASE FOR HTC DESIRE - RED, W/LCD GUARD on eBay (end time 29-Jul-10 00:56:35 BST)

 

[hanimal]

I dropped mine from about 1.5 meters high onto a wooden floor.. not on purpose lol and a few other times. Still in prestine condition.

All i have is a cheapo gel case and screen protector off ebay.

 

[Tunga]

Screen seems pretty much invulnerable during every day use. Just use common sense as everyone else has said: get a case, don't drop it, and don't let sharp objects near it.

 

[SUroot]

I dropped mine from just above waste height onto tarmac. It bounced off a corner then hit the floor again. damaged the corner slightly but screen perfectly in tact

 

[Kryten2k35]

Dropped mine onto concrete second day I got it. Can't see where ever it hit the floor. SCreens totally untouched.

I was really impressed.

 

[Akalatengo]

elwood42:

it seems that the htc desire could also be use as a weapon for personal self defense

 

[Elwood42]

well thats good to hear, I just didn't want my

 

[SUroot]

Personally I find them bulky and not particularly nice looking. I have a gel type case, but I dont use it. I prefer it naked. Had it 2 months and besides the drop, it has no marks or other problems. I keep it in my pocket when I'm out and about. As long as that pocket is solely for the phone, you should have no issues.

 

[Akalatengo]

Personally I find them bulky and not particularly nice looking. I have a gel type case, but I dont use it. I prefer it naked. Had it 2 months and besides the drop, it has no marks or other problems. I keep it in my pocket when I'm out and about. As long as that pocket is solely for the phone, you should have no issues.

same in here, naked is best

 

[anoniemouse]

Only cases i use are the ones to keep the phone clipped to my belt, rather than a pocket.
I take the phone out for use, then pop it back in the case bit like a gun holster idea.

 

[nickarcher]

I got this rubber case - FoneM8 - HTC Desire Silicone Skin - Black - Includes: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Prefer these to the harder gel ones and it's fine.

I prefer it naked, but I will drop it.

I've combined it with the official screen protector (allows sensors to work) and seems very solid. Certainly better than my previous Nokia.

 

[BubbaHotepUK]

I'm particularly clumsy and so bought one of the flip leather cases. Just as well, as I've knocked it off the table a couple of times but it has survived unblemished. It does add to the bulk (considerably, in fact), but does bring peace of mind and I can throw it in my pocket with keys & coins without worry.

 

[Phenomenological]

It'll only break if you do something stupid. I find silicon cases etc add way too much bulk, so I have a leather pouch I slip the phone in when not in use.