my shiny iPhone s (-3G) with cracks

J

JasonK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
349
Reaction score
192
It all began when my iphone 3GS stopped getting a 3G signal, kept on saying either searching or no service and when it did get any signal I still couldnt call out or receive calls. Only way around this was to disable 3G, but then whats the point having shiny white iphone 3GS!??!

So I take it into vodashop explain problem and say they'll fix it. I get a call back few hours later saying that phone is damaged and must be sent out of warranty. I say "never, I take such good care of the thing its always in a case and has a screen protector on it let me see this damage". Go in and low and behold there are two roughly 2mm long hairline cracks one by the power button and another by the screw in the white casing.

Now after being accused of handling my phone like a dumb brute with bricks for hands they say because I have broken it it must be sent out of warranty?!?

Has anyone else got these hairline cracks? In the states its a fairly common problem there and they replace the phones (according to apples forums).

check out http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=2321 for some pics and more info...

most irritating thing is istore guys have no clue whats going on and say ask vodacom iphone techies and anyone from vodacom says sorry no clue maybe ask istore techie?!?!
 
I noticed I have one of those cracks the other day! Looks exactly like the ones in the pics. I have never dropped my phone and always keep it in its protective cover when I'm not using it. It's also a white 3Gs. I'm not too phased about it but if I can get a new replacement phone I would be very stoked. Let me know how it goes!
 
Hi Guys,

The cracks (generally around the 3.5mm jack and vibration toggle), are a manufacturing fault and are covered under warranty. You can get the phone replaced at Vodacare under warranty.

Cheers
 
I'm actually not too fussed about the cracks didn't even notice them, just want my 3G to start working again! iPhone support in SA is ridiculous!! What hit my buttons was the whop who told me I damaged phone and as result it's out of warranty, when the guys in the shop are not allowed to say so only techies in midrand where it get sent.

Either way will keep you guys posted, anyone else had similar 3G issue??
 
My Iphone 3Gs has never been dropped, banged or abused.
I have never examined my phone closely as it is kept in a leather pouch whenever not in use. While mobile I am connected via a Parrot kit, so my phone does not leave my pocket.
Close examination has revealed a hairline crack around the screw next to the speaker. But my phone is working great.
The next time I am near a Vodacare outlet I will show them and ask for a repair or replacement, and see what their reaction is.
But I love my Iphone!
 
So, has anyone had any luck replacing iPhones with hairline cracks under warranty through Vodacare?
 
Last edited:
iPhone support in the US is so awesome, they would have given you a brand new phone straight away, no questions asked, and then still made sure that you're happy before you leave. Over here there try argue over technicalities.
 
I am on my 3rd iPhone, the first was the aluminium 1st gen iPhone, that never made it to these shores, then I have a black 3G, and now using a white 3GS. I have not had any cracks whatsoever on any of them. Actually, I must say, I think the original aluminium iPhone feels the sturdiest and most solid of the three, it also doesn't get scratched or burred. I think Apple would have stuck with aluminium, but it causes a bit of RF shielding, weakening the signal - this is why they changed to plastic.
I have just had a look under a magnifying glass on all 3, no cracks at all
 
My White iPhone 3GS also has these small cracks. On the edges of the phone, next to the speakers, next to the power button, and next to the silent button. The phone was bought cash at Incredible Connection in October 2009. So it is 9 months old now. What do you guys suggest? Should I take it back or will they laugh at me?

I also get the problem where it says "No Service" or "Searching..." most of the time when it looses it's 3G connection.
 
Hello all. Yarik11 informed me of this problem. I run a Vodacom 4u store and I have a 16GB 3GS. My unit is in a pouch all the time so I dont have any cracks. But then again Its possible that a certain batch could have some physical housing issues. My advice would be to take your handsets to Vodacare and they should repair it if not swop it out.
 
OK, sorry I did not update this. After sending my phone back and forth from Cape Town to Midrand, I finally got a new working iPhone! There is an inherent fault in the plastic, whereby with heat it expands causing the cracks. Important thing though that the cracks shouldnt void the warranty whatever the dumbass data guy at a vodacare will tell you. My phone was replaced because my aerial was buggered and it had cracks, cracks werent the reason it was replaced. I know in states they replace phone if there are cracks, here I'm not so sure?!?! Apple doesnt have anything to do with iPhone in South africa because Vodacom brings them in and they to be honest dont have a clue either...If anyone gets their phone replaced solely due to cracks post here...
 
My antenna is buggered, has been for a long time. Vodacare kept on telling me to wait for the next software update that might fix it. When I got fedup they told me the phone is out of warranty now.

Sucks big time !
 
surfs-up said:
I am on my 3rd iPhone, the first was the aluminium 1st gen iPhone, that never made it to these shores, then I have a black 3G, and now using a white 3GS. I have not had any cracks whatsoever on any of them. Actually, I must say, I think the original aluminium iPhone feels the sturdiest and most solid of the three, it also doesn't get scratched or burred. I think Apple would have stuck with aluminium, but it causes a bit of RF shielding, weakening the signal - this is why they changed to plastic.
I have just had a look under a magnifying glass on all 3, no cracks at all
Click to expand...

Are you selling any of these? even the 2G would be fine>>>>>PM me If You Are
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X