Every time I use the default phone app it blanks the screen and there is no dial-pad visible, so makes it impossible to communicate if the dial-pad is needed (automatic response menus). I see no way of adjusting this in the phone apps settings. Is there a workaround or is there a better phone app that I can replace the stock one with?

 

Finally fixed the problem. It's the proximity sensor under settings/display. Keeps face from punching keys, but mine was set too high. Adjusting it also made the dialpad and end button come back.