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Extremely unhappy with Galaxy S4...

C

chocochip9

Lurker
Ok, I know this is going to be a long post, but please bear with me and feel free to offer any piece of advice you can.

So I bought a Galaxy S4 on an early upgrade 3 days ago and (stupidly, i know) allowed the Bell service guy persuade me into getting the S4. I was interested in the HTC One as well but it got pushed to the side. I came home and enjoyed the S4 for about 3 hours. After that I knew i made the wrong decision. My main gripe is the home button. It started to make crackling, double click sounds from just tapping it. It is about 2x worse as of today. I also have been experiencing extreme lag to the point where checking things quickly is just out of the picture. 8/10 games have crashed after install. And lastly, the phone will randomly reboot at least twice a day.

Bell told me I have 14 days and under 50mb of data to return the phone. Again, stupidly, when I got home i figured the phone would be alright and went ahead and downloaded all my apps. Well over 50mb. I am at the point of complete frustration and anger with this phone. I am going to call Bell again and demand some sort of return, even if they have to waive the data thing. I refuse to send my phone for repair for 2 weeks JUST after buying it, and being this unhappy with it.

So my question is, has anyone gone through something like this? And has your service provider given you a refund after demanding one? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys
 
I have had my S4 for a few months now and I'm completely happy with it... What you are describing sounds like a (very) possible defective phone. This does happen from time to time. I'm not sure of Bell's policies but, with just the home button issue, you should be able to return/exchange the phone under warranty regardless of data used. It is a factory warranty with Samsung, not the carrier. Now, if it were just a phone performance issue, they would most likey want you to do a factory reset before exchanging the phone to see if that would do the trick on that end. But, either way, they should exchange it under warranty due to the home button issue(You will probably still have to pay for the data used). Good luck!:)

Suggestion: Download all your apps via Wi-Fi to avoid large usage of data when getting a new phone.:D
 
chocochip9 said:
So I bought a Galaxy S4 on an early upgrade 3 days ago and (stupidly, i know).
Click to expand...

No, not stupidly. The S4 is unquestionably one of the best phones out there at the moment by any sensible measure.

chocochip9 said:
My main gripe is the home button. It started to make crackling, double click sounds from just tapping it. It is about 2x worse as of today.
Click to expand...
You have been unfortunate enough to have been given a faulty phone. If you had searched the forum (which I presume you did not) you would have seen that a small number of S4s had faulty home buttons. Yours is clearly one of them so you should get a replacement phone as the one you have is definitely defective.
 
I also concur with the statements of those above me. Faulty phone. Regardless of data usage, they should be able to replace it as it should not be doing that.
 
Don't know how the consumer protection laws work in Canada. It sounds like the phone has defective workmanship and/or parts and is faulty. If the home button is crackling, double clicking and doing other funky things. If it's frequently rebooting, especially a new phone, that sounds very much like it's faulty as well. I know in the UK if you got something like that, you're entitled to a refund or a replacement within 30 days, and not have to settle for a repair. Unless anyone else knows different, it might be worth seeking legal advice. Presumably Canada has some kind of citizen's legal advice service. The wireless data consumed is something you might have to pay however. Were you downloading apps on cellular data rather than using WiFi?
 
The S4 is a very solid device, but it appears that you got one that has a hardware issue. You may not be able to return the phone, but you still have a warranty. Go back to where you bought it and show them the issue. Politely demand that they at the very least give you a new phone, if not allow you to return it for a different model. FWIW, though I was a big HTC fan, at this point I would go for Samsung over HTC. Good luck!
 
Ditto ^^^ also much easier to navigate, than the HTC One, which my sister owns and calls me everyday complaining. So you read up on the phone and know all the quirks, I also would choose the S4 over the One, that is just be FWIW
 
In addition to the comment about downloading via wi-fi (which hopefully you did), I would suggest turning off a lot of the Samsung features like Air View, Air Gestsure, Smart Pause and Smart Scroll. They only work on a few programs, don't really work that well, but can cause lag.
 
Smokey Joe said:
I have had my S4 for a few months now and I'm completely happy with it... What you are describing sounds like a (very) possible defective phone. This does happen from time to time. I'm not sure of Bell's policies but, with just the home button issue, you should be able to return/exchange the phone under warranty regardless of data used. It is a factory warranty with Samsung, not the carrier. Now, if it were just a phone performance issue, they would most likey want you to do a factory reset before exchanging the phone to see if that would do the trick on that end. But, either way, they should exchange it under warranty due to the home button issue(You will probably still have to pay for the data used). Good luck!:)

Suggestion: Download all your apps via Wi-Fi to avoid large usage of data when getting a new phone.:D
Click to expand...

I agree, I actually have no problems with the phone itself. It is just these experiences that turn me off from it. This is the second phone with my carrier that I have had a problem with straight out of the box. First was IPhone 5, with the same thing, a faulty home button. I am really just tired of going through this process.

I did download all my apps through WiFi but I believe they told me this "rule" was for WiFi or cellular data.


lotus49 said:
No, not stupidly. The S4 is unquestionably one of the best phones out there at the moment by any sensible measure.


You have been unfortunate enough to have been given a faulty phone. If you had searched the forum (which I presume you did not) you would have seen that a small number of S4s had faulty home buttons. Yours is clearly one of them so you should get a replacement phone as the one you have is definitely defective.
Click to expand...

I actually did not search the forums, I'm new here and the thought about having a second defect phone never crossed my mind. I assumed I would not have a problem. I will see what they can do for me, hopefully replace it.

Goodspike said:
In addition to the comment about downloading via wi-fi (which hopefully you did), I would suggest turning off a lot of the Samsung features like Air View, Air Gestsure, Smart Pause and Smart Scroll. They only work on a few programs, don't really work that well, but can cause lag.
Click to expand...

Again, yup! I did download via WiFi. But as stated above they said it didn't matter pretty much. Also, I have every feature off and have turned off animations as well. Also have factory reset about 3 times. None of this has helped :(
 
mikedt said:
Don't know how the consumer protection laws work in Canada. It sounds like the phone has defective workmanship and/or parts and is faulty. If the home button is crackling, double clicking and doing other funky things. If it's frequently rebooting, especially a new phone, that sounds very much like it's faulty as well. I know in the UK if you got something like that, you're entitled to a refund or a replacement within 30 days, and not have to settle for a repair. Unless anyone else knows different, it might be worth seeking legal advice. Presumably Canada has some kind of citizen's legal advice service. The wireless data consumed is something you might have to pay however. Were you downloading apps on cellular data rather than using WiFi?
Click to expand...

Yea I will have to check up on the laws here before contacting my provider. They told me the 50mb of data would be used up regardless of WiFi or Cellular which I think is RIDICULOUS. I will be calling shortly so hopefully I can post back here with some good news.

DonB said:
Ditto ^^^ also much easier to navigate, than the HTC One, which my sister owns and calls me everyday complaining. So you read up on the phone and know all the quirks, I also would choose the S4 over the One, that is just be FWIW
Click to expand...

Thank you for the tip :D At this point, I will even be happy if they can just replace the phone i have lol.

What's funny though is last night after posting I also realized that my micro USB doesn't actually sit right in my phone. It wobbles heavily and one side is loose. Sigh...
 
Well, back with a bit of an update. Figured I'd post right down to the final result so this thread can be of future use hopefully.

I called Bell, twice actually because the first person I spoke to was very unhelpful. Anyway. I basically explained to the second person how unhappy I am with the phone and let her know each problem I was having. A finicky home button, wobbly micro USB, and random reboots was thankfully enough for her to understand that I had a defected phone.

Because I (and what a shocker... -_-) was over 30 minutes call time and 50mb of data, It will be hard for me to get a replacement. The representative said to go into the same Bell store that I purchased the phone and explain to them what I told her. If I'm lucky, I can claim for DOA or consumers remorse and see if they waive the talk time/data. If given a hard time, I was told to speak with a manager and basically demand a replacement.

If all that doesn't work, I can call Samsung and see what they can do. Doubt it would be much though.

Sigh... I will go into a store tomorrow and post back the results. Fingers crossed :/
 
DonB said:
Ditto ^^^ also much easier to navigate, than the HTC One, which my sister owns and calls me everyday complaining.
Click to expand...
Hmm, I can't say I've ever found the One hard to navigate. And it's not because I'm used to Sense, because I'd been running AOSP for the previous 3 years.
 
I don't believe that they can refuse to replace or fix the phone under any circumstances. I don't know anything about consumer protection law in Canada but I do know a bit about Canadian contract law, which is basically the same as in the UK. You paid for a fully working S4, not a broken one. If you got a broken one (which you clearly did) then they are in breach of contract and cannot legally refuse you restitution (ie fix or replace).

In the UK there are specific consumer protection laws which give added rights over and above the rights in contract law but that may not be true in Canada (but I bet it is though).
 
In the United States, if you pay for the phone with a major credit card, the credit card issuer may help the purchaser with problems such as this soon after the purchase. May want to check with your credit card company to see it there is a similar policy in Canada if the selling store is not willing to be of assistance.
 
lotus49 said:
I don't believe that they can refuse to replace or fix the phone under any circumstances. I don't know anything about consumer protection law in Canada but I do know a bit about Canadian contract law, which is basically the same as in the UK. You paid for a fully working S4, not a broken one. If you got a broken one (which you clearly did) then they are in breach of contract and cannot legally refuse you restitution (ie fix or replace).

In the UK there are specific consumer protection laws which give added rights over and above the rights in contract law but that may not be true in Canada (but I bet it is though).
Click to expand...

Wow seems like such simple information but this actually never crossed my mind! I will look up the laws and see if i can print it or something before going in tomorrow. You are absolutely right.

smitty543 said:
In the United States, if you pay for the phone with a major credit card, the credit card issuer may help the purchaser with problems such as this soon after the purchase. May want to check with your credit card company to see it there is a similar policy in Canada if the selling store is not willing to be of assistance.
Click to expand...

Again, many thanks for bringing this up! I paid with visa so I will contact them and see about that policy.
 
Out of curiosity, I did a quick search on the net and it appears that the legislation in Canada is fairly similar to the UK. Have a look at this site Consumer Protection Legislation in Canada - www.consumerinformation.ca and you should be able to find the details of what the law is in your province. In Ontario (which is the only part of Canada I know) it's pretty similar to here and there should be no question as to whether the retailer must address your problem.
 
lotus49 said:
Out of curiosity, I did a quick search on the net and it appears that the legislation in Canada is fairly similar to the UK. Have a look at this site Consumer Protection Legislation in Canada - www.consumerinformation.ca and you should be able to find the details of what the law is in your province. In Ontario (which is the only part of Canada I know) it's pretty similar to here and there should be no question as to whether the retailer must address your problem.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for going out of your way to do that. I was at work so I didn't have much time. I have looked through a bit and so far found this:

"Obviously, consumer goods cannot last a lifetime, but they should work as promised under normal use when purchased. Most consumer goods carry a time limited guarantee. If the product is defective you can ask:

  1. that the product be repaired;
  2. if it cannot be repaired, that it be replaced; or,
  3. if the product cannot be repaired or replaced, that a refund be provided"
"The only case where a consumer has the absolute right to a return is when there is a defect in the product. Most merchants have refund and exchange policies.

Many businesses, service providers and retailers only accept returns and exchanges for a specific period after a purchase, so it is important to return a defective or unsatisfactory product before the deadline."

I will read more but hopefully I can just print out a few pages to have as a backup when I go in tomorrow. Again, many thanks
 
Could be worse. My first S3 on Cricket was broken. The phone wouldn't even boot up for first setup lol. :p Anyways. Lag. In an S4? I have one and lemme tell ya bout TouchWiz. It lags it. Major. And I don't even use most of the ugly features that it comes with. I suggest you get CM or AOSP, but you'd have to do stuff. As for the home button...I don't know. I've never heard of a problem. Only on iPhones. :p
 
eduardog131 said:
Could be worse. My first S3 on Cricket was broken. The phone wouldn't even boot up for first setup lol. :p Anyways. Lag. In an S4? I have one and lemme tell ya bout TouchWiz. It lags it. Major. And I don't even use most of the ugly features that it comes with. I suggest you get CM or AOSP, but you'd have to do stuff. As for the home button...I don't know. I've never heard of a problem. Only on iPhones. :p
Click to expand...

Well my main problems (and the ones I will push onto the manager tomorrow) are that from a brand new model out of box:

- the home button is loose and makes crackling and pop sounds
- the micro usb doesn't sit right in the phone. it wobbles
- phone will randomly reboot at any given moment. it has happened at least once or twice per day since i purchased it
- i can't charge it overnight because when i wake up the back is very hot

I originally thought that the lag was a problem but i realize that it pales in comparison to all these hardware faults now
 
chocochip9 said:
Well my main problems (and the ones I will push onto the manager tomorrow) are that from a brand new model out of box:

- the home button is loose and makes crackling and pop sounds
- the micro usb doesn't sit right in the phone. it wobbles
- phone will randomly reboot at any given moment. it has happened at least once or twice per day since i purchased it
- i can't charge it overnight because when i wake up the back is very hot

I originally thought that the lag was a problem but i realize that it pales in comparison to all these hardware faults now
Click to expand...

Anyways, good luck getting another S4. You paid good money for a trusty phone. So did I. Around 500 for a CDMA S4. I don't like even thinking of these faults. I would be scared to find my S4 melted on my nightstand. And the sound that comes from crackling -- that's also why I enabled softkeys. Even though it takes up screen space, you'll have a less chance of wearing the home button. Oh and that micro usb problem sounds awful.
 
Well, I'm finally back with an update guys! Just wanted to start by thanking every person who participated in this thread or offered advice. I greatly appreciate you all taking time to post in a thread like this :o

I went to my local Bell store and started off by letting the rep know that I've been having problems with the phone. I told her that I called the company twice and was told to go in and speak with someone about getting the phone replaced.

She then politely asked me what problems I was having, to which I told her and showed her (the micro USB wobbly issue). After looking at some paperwork, she told me that she would replace the phone without a hassle. She went back and grabbed a new one (in box and all) and proceeded to transfer my SIM and SD to the new phone. I also told her that I had a screen protector on the phone and she offered to give me a new one completely free.

I am extremely grateful I got a good rep and that she was understanding.

Anyways! I asked her if i could see the phone this time and check it over before taking it home. The phone was world's different than the one I had. The buttons were nice and solid, home button was tight, and the micro USB was completely snug. No wobble at all.

She also told me that because I am still within 14 days, if i have a problem with this phone as well then just bring it back in.

I am so pleased with the experience and with the new phone. Now I can truly appreciate the Galaxy S4 in all it's perfect glory :D Again, thank you all!
 
I'm pleased you managed to get everything sorted out to your satisfaction. The S4 is a great phone but like any mass produced gadget, the odd lemon sneaks through quality control. You were just unlucky to get one of them.
 
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