light coming through

[Dukeboy0169]

This probably shouldnt annoy me but it does...

If im in a completely dark room, and Im facing my 3G normally, home screen at the bottom, it appears that the left side where the chrome bezel meets the screen isnt as tight as the right side. The right side is perfect, but on the left, I can see some light from the screen coming through. If I gently squeeze the chrome to the phone, the tiny gap closes and no light comes through.

Anyone else notice this or are both sides perfectly tight? Theres only small areas where you can see the light. Near the top of the screen and near the middle. You only notice it if youre in a completely dark environment.

Anyone elses phone like that? I doubt theyll let me exchange it for something this minor, its just a small annoyance.

[dturner]

I think 2 other members had the same problem and I know one for sure got their phone replaced. This to me would not be minor and I would not hesitate to take it back to Apple Store. They will replace it with no problem. This is how they get refurbs for future replacements.

[gotzaiPhone]

I have that exact same issue. but its not worth it for me to have it replaced. With my wife's v1, I had nothing but problems with refurbs and other than that small issue, the phone works perfectly.

[dturner]

I have that exact same issue. but its not worth it for me to have it replaced. With my wife's v1, I had nothing but problems with refurbs and other than that small issue, the phone works perfectly.
At this point I don't think you would get a refurb. You would get a new phone.

[gotzaiPhone]

At this point I don't think you would get a refurb. You would get a new phone.

well, my two issues are...

1. are there any left for replacement? and if not, are they going to want to take and send my phone in? and what if I get another one with other issues?

2. is the trim that is just barely off center worth replacing the phone, having to buy another screen cover and getting the next cover on as perfect as I got this one on.... seriously, it is perfectly centered on both holes and I've never done that before (obviously this is my least of the two concerns)

[streborhcaz]

Mine has that same exact crack of light on the left side of the screen, but not the right. Don't think its enough of a concern to try to replace it.

[Dukeboy0169]

I hear you gotza...

Thats what I HATE about iphones. With v1, I had all sorts of things that I felt narotic about caring about, but at the same time I just want it to be perfect when it leaves the store. Like I had dead pixels, so Id get the phone replaced only to find that the new phone had a home button that was strangely off center, so light would come through the top, or the speaker sounded terrible...

Whenever I replaced the phone, I also replaced the issues.

So since I got my 3G at att, theyre not gonna do anything for me right? So I have to go to Apple, hope they feel this is a good enough reason to exchange the phone, AND hope they give me a new one instead of refurb...

Not to mention hope the new phone has no problems.. hmmmm

[dturner]

well, my two issues are...

1. are there any left for replacement? and if not, are they going to want to take and send my phone in? and what if I get another one with other issues?

2. is the trim that is just barely off center worth replacing the phone, having to buy another screen cover and getting the next cover on as perfect as I got this one on.... seriously, it is perfectly centered on both holes and I've never done that before (obviously this is my least of the two concerns)
You have some valid points and I am sitting here putting myself in this position. I would at least go and see what Apple has to say. I am pretty sure the person that had this same problem walked out with a new phone. I don't know if they are holding X number back for replacements or if he/she just got lucky. I think at worst you could keep your phone until a replacement was ordered for you. I wouldn't for any reason let them send it out for repair and honestly I don't think Apple would make this an option. They are very high on customer service.
Now that brings us to 2. Been there, done that. I got the 2 pack for my V1 soon after I got it. Messed the first one up, but learned the trick and the second one is on perfect just like yours. I too would not want to have to repeat this trick, but I really think in this case I would. Money is money and you paid for a product that should be in perfect condition when you receive it. So, if this were me I would return it.

[gotzaiPhone]

You have some valid points and I am sitting here putting myself in this position. I would at least go and see what Apple has to say. I am pretty sure the person that had this same problem walked out with a new phone. I don't know if they are holding X number back for replacements or if he/she just got lucky. I think at worst you could keep your phone until a replacement was ordered for you. I wouldn't for any reason let them send it out for repair and honestly I don't think Apple would make this an option. They are very high on customer service.
Now that brings us to 2. Been there, done that. I got the 2 pack for my V1 soon after I got it. Messed the first one up, but learned the trick and the second one is on perfect just like yours. I too would not want to have to repeat this trick, but I really think in this case I would. Money is money and you paid for a product that should be in perfect condition when you receive it. So, if this were me I would return it.

sounds good, I think I'll go into the apple store this week and see what they say.

[dturner]

sounds good, I think I'll go into the apple store this week and see what they say.
Let us know how it turns out.

[Youngbinks]

I had the same problem and had Apple replace the phone. I actually got the last replacement they had in stock at the time.

The bad thing is, my new, replacement phone, has the exact same issue. I can CLEARLY see into the inside of the phone where the light is coming out. I'm going to wait a little while this time to get a replacement (hopefully nothing will happen to it in the meantime) until they have a new batch of phones that are hopefully free of this gap.

[dturner]

I had the same problem and had Apple replace the phone. I actually got the last replacement they had in stock at the time.

The bad thing is, my new, replacement phone, has the exact same issue. I can CLEARLY see into the inside of the phone where the light is coming out. I'm going to wait a little while this time to get a replacement (hopefully nothing will happen to it in the meantime) until they have a new batch of phones that are hopefully free of this gap.
You must be the one I was referring to early in this thread. I knew someone else had this problem. That is a shame it has happen again, but you probably have the best game plan to wait a while.

[Youngbinks]

Yeah I had it replaced last Friday and the new one is just as bad. I had a REALLY good v1 (still have it) with a great screen and no real issues so I figure that it's my luck to receive some less than stellar 3Gs.

[Dukeboy0169]

The thing is though guys, this seems like a fairly common issue (seeing the light on the left side).

What if the next one is exactly the same way? You may not even be able to tell until you get home and examine it in a dark room.

I agree I want mine replaced, but its not like the apple rep is going to keep checking until he finds one thats perfect on both sides. They should but I doubt they will.

I think Ill give it shot too though...

[mlass]

It's the design, the glass is seperate now (Cheaper and easier to replace)

Look at the first pic and you'll see why

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/07/10/first_iphone_3g_tear_down_photos_live_from_new_zea land_launch.html

[dturner]

It's the design, the glass is seperate now (Cheaper and easier to replace)

That is no reason for it not to fit flush.:smile:

[mlass]

That is no reason for it not to fit flush.:smile:

If it was flush, it would stick and more likely to break the glass.

[Tex]

my 1st 3G's plastic backing was not flush....Perhaps related to the "light" issue...It seems a number of 3Gs have cosmetic issues. I traded mine in this past Friday....no problem. No questions asked. I inspected the replacement, it appeared new...it was in a new box, sealed....all accessories in their original position and packaging as well. I am confident it is not a "refurb".
No hardware issues. (software still gets laggy, but it is my understanding this will continue until at least they have a chance to patch the software).

[VIPERxGTx2000]

I went to the Apple store in Brandon, FL and they replaced my iPhone when I told them about the light coming through the left side. The replacement they gave me was from a small white box and had the same issue but even worse. I went back to the counter (about 5 mins later) and told the lady that the replacement has the same issue and that I would like my previous phone back and she said that there was no way to revert back to my original phone in the computer system. She then pulled out another iPhone in a small white box and I repeatedly asked her if the phone was refurbished or new and she said they were all new but without the accessories. I then showed her the scratches all over the chrome bezel as well as the lint in between the screen and glass, the phone was obviously refurbished. Those were the last two phones they had so I had to order another one which is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[Youngbinks]

I went to the Apple store in Brandon, FL and they replaced my iPhone when I told them about the light coming through the left side.

Whoa we have another Tampa local. I actually got my phone replaced at Apple in Brandon as well and the replacement came from a white box void of the other accessories. My new phone still has a gap but I'm going to wait for a little while to get it replaced as it might be related to an initial build issue and might be fixed with the production of more 3Gs.

[projectdarkside]

Yeah man I would suggest just "nipping it in the bud"
-Cause it would just get worser with time and you will probably regret it, plus since their arent any refurbs "yet" you would still get a new phone:wink:

[iAttorney]

Good luck with getting that fixed! It will be worth it in the end, though. That lint you saw under the screen on the refurb, most likely came from the gap. I have read from others here and over at macrumors that the light gaps let pocket lint in under the screen. :gasp: No good....

[Dukeboy0169]

Im in Tampa too. After the nightmares I had with the Apple store in Tampa with my version 1, I swore Id never go back there. So Im stuck. I got my 3G at my local att store, 2 mins from my house. I have the light issue and I want a replacement, but like most of you theres no way Im taking a refurb.

Im thinking I will go back to my att store and tell him to order me another black 16. Im just affraid hes going to say the light issue is a hardware thing so I have to take it to apple. If that happens, Im going to tell him Id rather pay the termination fee and wait for the HTC Diamond Touch than step foot back into apple. apple lied to my face several times, tried to pass off used items as new. One "genius" litterally told me that the refurbs are far better than a brand new iphone because they go through more extensive testing. Wow, thats just great...

I just know when I get my replacement its going to have more issues. Most likely it will still have the gap. Its never ending. As much as I love this gadget, Im thinking I might be done with it soon.

[sixkilla22]

I have that problem too but i really don't care

[VIPERxGTx2000]

Im in Tampa too. After the nightmares I had with the Apple store in Tampa with my version 1, I swore Id never go back there. So Im stuck. I got my 3G at my local att store, 2 mins from my house. I have the light issue and I want a replacement, but like most of you theres no way Im taking a refurb.

Im thinking I will go back to my att store and tell him to order me another black 16. Im just affraid hes going to say the light issue is a hardware thing so I have to take it to apple. If that happens, Im going to tell him Id rather pay the termination fee and wait for the HTC Diamond Touch than step foot back into apple. apple lied to my face several times, tried to pass off used items as new. One "genius" litterally told me that the refurbs are far better than a brand new iphone because they go through more extensive testing. Wow, thats just great...

I just know when I get my replacement its going to have more issues. Most likely it will still have the gap. Its never ending. As much as I love this gadget, Im thinking I might be done with it soon.

Go into the Apple store and tell them you want to exchange it because you have had too many problems with the phone. If that doesn't work then get a replacement and see how it goes, if it still has problems then go back again and demand an exchange for a brand new one, make sure you take your box with accessories.

[Sirius389]

This probably shouldnt annoy me but it does...

If im in a completely dark room, and Im facing my 3G normally, home screen at the bottom, it appears that the left side where the chrome bezel meets the screen isnt as tight as the right side. The right side is perfect, but on the left, I can see some light from the screen coming through. If I gently squeeze the chrome to the phone, the tiny gap closes and no light comes through.

Anyone else notice this or are both sides perfectly tight? Theres only small areas where you can see the light. Near the top of the screen and near the middle. You only notice it if youre in a completely dark environment.

Anyone elses phone like that? I doubt theyll let me exchange it for something this minor, its just a small annoyance.

I have the same issue if in a really bright light you can actually see the small gap as compared to the right side which is perfectly fine, its in two areas along the left side. It is very annoying, and i keep my phone in my pocket, i havent gotten a case yet because i dont like whats out there right now, but ill probably pick up something soon just because, i noticed a ton of little scuff marks on the entire back of my phone which was not from a drop or anything, i treat this like a baby, lol. I also dont have anything else in my pocket when it is in there, so hopefully they will replace it or let the apple store know im coming...I bought it at the AT&T store...:frown::frown:

[Sirius389]

Well I just got back from the AT&T store and everyone there saw the small gap on the left side of my iPhone, so I went online and made a reservation for Monday at one of the Apple stores near me, I have quite a few to choose from, lol. Hopefully the 'Genius' I see will let me get a replacement, I am not taking a refurb or open box phone:angry: I'll be fine if they order one and exchange it when the new one comes in but I will not be without a phone for however long it takes.

[Fairy_dust]

I have that exact same issue. but its not worth it for me to have it replaced. With my wife's v1, I had nothing but problems with refurbs and other than that small issue, the phone works perfectly.

I completely agree with you. I have the same problem which I didn't even notice until I read the thread about the white iphones cracking. I'm not gonna return mine as I'd be worried they would give me a refurb and would be worse than the one I have now.