yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
YOu are looking at a post that was made in a website, more than a month ago. We have to believe that what is written there trully comes from official HTC, but the customer service of HTC is to me as official as it gets. IF after all these emails flying back and forth, someone from CS would have noticed that they had done a mistake saying that this is a cosmetic damage and its not going to be treated as part of warranty, they would have emailed me back with assurances. Also on numerous occasions i have been told that there is NO remanufacturing process to be changed. SO to me there is nothing more to believe unless 'verge' comes back with an update or i get an email from HTC!

If you want to believe the original post in the website more than a month ago, by all means. You take the risk, and go ahead. I wouldnt!
[HTC One S] Pixie1:
stupid design flaw

The chipping appears to be a stupid design flaw.

The One S features a rather sharp edge, seemingly for no reason -> the upper part of the phone might just as well have been designed a little more rounded. Alas, the phone *does* habe a sharp edge.

Now, today in a store I checked on the MAO surface. It's sturdy indeed, you can't make the surface chip off with a finger nail, say. BUT, if you slip the phone unprotected in your pocket, it may well encounter way harder objects, such as keys and whatnot.

Now, striking slightly with a key along the sharp edge of the phone makes the coating chip off easily.

Why? That's simple -> elementary physics tells you that pressure is force per area. Exerting little force on some sharp edge means exerting this little force on some darn small area (edge), meaning the pressure on this area is pretty high -> leading to abrading effects.

Wonder whether these 'engineers' at HTC were ever exposed to elementary physics ...
[HTC One S] Harrysoon:
Look at the date. That was well over a month ago.

Since then I've had a replacement handset from Carphone Warehouse, who once I told about the problem, switched my handset without any questions.

My second handset had the same problem, despite keeping it in an official HTC One S pouch whenever I wasn't using it. I contacted HTC myself who said this:

I went to Carphone Warehouse after receiving this reply, and asked about it. They said I was the only one who had come in with this problem, but they'd contact the head office, and HTC reps to ask about serial numbers etc. I also went to the Orange shop, and they hadn't the slightest idea of what a HTC One S even was by the look on their faces.

I got a reply back from the Carphone Warehouse guy today saying this

And by the looks of what others are saying, HTC aren't taking the blame for this at all now despite what they said last month.

I really can't be arsed following it all up. I have my phone running how I want, to get a new handset would just be a pain in the arse.

For the people who used scratch repair kits from Halfords, what exact colour did you buy?
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
Hi mate,

pm me your address and i can send you the one i bought off Halfords. its useless to me now.

otherwise its matte black paint the one used for minor car scratches.
[HTC One S] eminembdg:
I've had my one s for a couple weeks and see nothing like the OPs photos

Sent from my HTC One S
[HTC One S] Pixie1:
HTC One S ceramic black – design flaw

Interestingly the HTC One S Ceramic Black is currently no longer available via Amazon – that’s the second time within a few weeks by now. First time I noticed Amazon drawing back the Ceramic Black version was a few weeks ago. Then this version became available again via Amazon.

I phoned an Amazon Support representative and asked whether Amazon had any notification from HTC that the company really did rectify this stupid chipping situation. The representative emphasized, he or his colleagues would have no information about this question. He tried to reassure me, though, that once a product reappears on the Amazon order pages, the Amazon QA people supposedly have convinced themselves that the problem now was gone. Then he pointed to the 30 day return policy of Amazon.

Now, I rather refrain from a purchase as of now, because sending a fully configured phone back to Amazon is equivalent to losing a lot of configuration and shipping time. I’d rather be really sure that HTC would get its act together.

On a different note, I do find the following HTC corporate statement fringing on fraud on the customers: “The finish on the One S was laboratory tested as being at a hardness similar to ceramic. While that's hard, it doesn't mean it's impossible to damage”.

As pointed out earlier, due to a stupid design flaw, it’s really easy to get the coating damaged. To state, “it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to damage” is an inexcusable and flimsy attempt at tergiversations.

BTW as of today, amazon.de has again a red warning mark stating that the HTC One S won’t be available from Amazon directly due to reported customer problems. That’s the second time within a few weeks now.

*** HTC, what on earth is your company communication policy. ***
[HTC One S] djsubtronic:
I used a Halfords scratch repair kit for my HTC Desire S as it had a tiny chip on the top after year of heavy use. However it's Satin Black not Matte Black, and I noticed that after a couple of days it would wear off. The same things happens using Sharpies, they wear off within a day. Am I doing something wrong?

What's the correct way to apply the Halfords paint so that it's more permanent?
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
you are right, its called satin black and the only way to make it stay longer is to apply a clear laquer on top.

but that would not work on the matte look of the One S! so again HTC is looking at us and laughing atm!
[HTC One S] djsubtronic:
Apparently there is such a thing as matte lacquer, but no idea where to get it.
[HTC One S] jandari:
Guys you are crazy. You are painting you 500€ smartphone 6 weeks after launch and HTC is not admitting the problem and is claiming its only cosmeting problem. How will your phone look after one year of use? I think a group lawsuit would be more appropriate.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
i think so too,

but as i cannot be hassled, i did the right thing and got rid of the phone. That will hurt HTC even more, if its more widespread known of these problems and sales drop, then they will realise that we are not a bunch of people that just experienced this problem, but nearly all of black HOS owners.
[HTC One S] jandari:
i also returned 3 black OneS.

Painting is not a solution, becouse paint will go off becouse of rubbing in pockets and paint does not hold well on aluminium.
[HTC One S] djsubtronic:
What to make of this:
[HTC One S] kadison:
So he apparently knows it's a very important issue for HTC but doesn't know if they're actually going to do anything about it.

"I should think so, it may be just something that needs tweaking" isn't convincing at all.
[HTC One S] Komadyret:
Had mine stuck at the repair-shop for nigh on two weeks now. They are apparently in communication with HTC on what to do with it :p

Anyway, as long as the fault can be traced to manufacturing there is an extended warranty period. (a couple of years?)

I think I'm gonna give it a shot when I get mine back (or replaced), and if it won't work out, the retailer will have to come up with something good for me. Or they'll loose me, as there are two more retailers in my area that provides equal pricing and service, but slightly slower in getting new models in after launch and less models on display.

:rolleyes:
[HTC One S] Hornet331:
Canned support phrases 101... got love those support manual answers... :p
[HTC One S] Habarug:
Kinda off topic, but I bought mine at Elkjøp. A few weeks later I noticed some dust under my screen so I went to the store and they replaced my phone without any hesitate. I hadn't even brought my receipt or the box ;)
[HTC One S] Komadyret:
I avoid Elkjøp here for the most part. Had too many issues with them when it comes to service. Mine was bought at Spaceworld, as Telekiosken or Sn@kk (my preferred store) didn't have it in stock yet as I was shopping for it.

Glad they provided you good service. Other Elkjøp stores I've been too have been good, but I'm not happy with what they deliver here :mad:

End of OT :cool:
[HTC One S] galileox:
Has anyone with the grey version confirmed that the problem is also present in that model? I was planning to buy the black one but I may change my mind...
[HTC One S] azzledazzle:
Hey look at the plus side,,,,, In a few more weeks your phone will be totally chromed :D
[HTC One S] robban87:
My s/n starts with HT23...

I got the reply from HTC that I should return it as DOA to my retailer but that it might not be accepted as such if it gets classified it as wear and tear. That's just irresponsible from HTC... Opinions?
[HTC One S] xmoo:
I had the silver prototype for couple of months. No issue there.
[HTC One S] mardon85:
My S/N is SH23...
[HTC One S] mattionline:
What are your first 4 digits of the S/N number?

Because you seem not to be experiencing this problem.
[HTC One S] sixstring:
Have the One s since one week and have no signs of the coating flaking away (knocking on wood).

The serial is: HT23.......
[HTC One S] jodue:
same here
[HTC One S] QuintusDias:
Keep us posted please :)

As in you have a black One S without this problem and your S/N/ is HT23?
[HTC One S] mardon85:
I have also emailed HTC. I may also contact 3 see what they say.
[HTC One S] igooor87:
The same problem here.

HTC ONE S Black,

S.N. SH23
[HTC One S] jandari:
Just got mine a hour ago.

HT23.

Will see if there will be any problems. Will let you know.
[HTC One S] Tecardo:
I don'T think that it will get bigger on the black one s. It is a hard metal and shouldn't break if there is no pressure on it (Pressure from inside the deivce, when the aluminium inside is getting bigger or something else). Can someone of you test this:

Take a sharp knife or something else and try to remove some of this microarcoxidation surface? If the phone gets damaged, i'm not responsible for that. When i get my black One S i will try it, if it get's the failure.
[HTC One S] Zuecho:
Same problem here with my ONE S black!!
[HTC One S] unclespoon:
Wikipedia's article on MAO states:

The layer is strongly adherent to the metal surface, and it will regrow quickly if scratched off.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_electrolytic_oxidation

Has anyone seen this?
[HTC One S] robban87:
LOL, sounds like bull**** to me. Would like to have a source for this...
[HTC One S] bugsy:
I re-read it a few times and I think the "re-grow" reference is to the normal oxidation layer that develops on untreated aluminum, not the regrowing of either of the non-natural oxidation layers such as anodizing or mao.
[HTC One S] mardon85:
That could just be during the manufacturing process. Doubt it will grow back. Noticed it on mine about 3 days ago and is exactly the same now.
[HTC One S] l3ft3r1s:
I will buy this phone anyway, because I really like it, but it will be my last HTC if the company doesn't recall the faulty batches.

Btw, with what we 've seen till now, there's no problem with the MAO... There is no MAO on the front casing.
[HTC One S] Komadyret:
The qoute is correct, but does not reffer to the MAO. It is the natural oxidation layer of such materials (aluminum) that regrows the oxidation layer if scratched clean. Clean aluminum is bright silver in color. Oxidized aluminum is dull gray in color.

The MAO coating the black S will not regrow, but the whietish silver scratch marks will reasonable fast get this dull gray oxidized color.
[HTC One S] micxploed:
My one s has not chipped because I got an awesome shell for it. For those of you who keep *****ing about how the micro arc oxidation has failed on this phone, can it! First of all, of course is going to chip if it is dropped, or whatever. Who the hell claimed that the one s had an indestructible paint job?! Just because of the oxidation dosent mean is chip proof. I've seen people treat the phone like ****, get scratched and then start talking crap about something they don't understand.
[HTC One S] kadison:
1. My first one chipped and I hadn't dropped it. My second one was chipped out of the box. This coating, at least on the original phones is flawed.

2. HTC stated it doesn't need a case (0:52)

3. No one here is saying they don't expect it to be damaged after a drop.

4. In your own words, don't talk crap about something you don't understand.
[HTC One S] Camazza:
Mine has started to chip on the sides, where I hold it with my hands. No need to drop it or put it in your pocket without a case. Just hold it.

And don't get me started on how the USB connector is turning white. I know, I should never have charged it.
[HTC One S] gingi007:
LIKE!
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
You are probably joking, as you have seen the video of HTC themselves claiming this phone NOT NEEDING a CASE. None of us in here have had our phones dropped, or improperly handled. Only a weeks use of keeping it our hand, putting it our pockets without any keys or other stuff in, and using the damn USB to charge it.

I didnt know i had to buy a magnifier with the phone to avoid hitting the edges of the usb plug OR that i had to expect the phone to chip from normal use.

If you expect that from you phone OR you have to keep it on a case to avoid chipping, then have fun with your case, cause the phone's number 1 feature, ie the ceramic face, will be always enclosed in it!

---------- Post added at 06:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:31 PM ----------

Also on the previous communication with HTC on the previous page.

All of the answers HTC customer service gives are indeed read from a book. They have NO real answers to give, its as if you are talking to a machine. The truth is that they WILL NOT change the surface, so people buying it SHOULD KNOW that this ceramic surface is very delicate and expect to treat it with tons of respect, otherwise they are in for a surprise
[HTC One S] aureleuz:
After 90 days of use

I had begun to think I was one of the "few" who had received a flawless device that actually held its promise about being sturdy but yesterday after a trip to the beach I managed somehow get the edges scratched against what seems to be a sharp edge of some kind (most probably my keys).

So here I sit right now looking at this small "chipping" on the edge clearly visible to the eye, but not discouraging enough for me to be that bothered, however. I am contemplating on phoning HTC directly to make them aware of my issue to emphasize that there is indeed an issue here. But more probable is that I will keep using my phone just as before - some of you ask why and the answer is simple: If you don't mind about it, then why spend so much time on a tedious return-process I mean, it's not like the phone is gonna be that much less attractive, right?

The way I look at things; In about a month and a half I will have owned this piece for exactly 3 months. If the chipping was due to my own fault then it means I will be taking care of it better (i.e. not putting it in same pocket as keys or other metal objects) and if chipping still occurs - then I will just accept this as poor material quality and happily get on with my life, because I know that by that time I will be less than 9 months away from a contract renewal.

Certainly many of you people are stuck on lengthy contracts with 24 months or worse, to which I can only say bummer but if you really want a flawless device then only a full insurance policy will ever be good enough. I have one that will replace my unit in the event of theft or (self)destruction for a modest fee. Also, the reason why I got an insurance plan in the first place is because I can't ever trust that circumstances are going to be perfect enough for me to maintain a daily used device in mint condition. :rolleyes:

[edit] TL;DR - didn't think the post would get so long. :p But, question is if you want to spend time enjoying your phone or having a really bad day with customer service reps that keep on saying what any cs-rep would likely state: "we see no real solution to your problem. kindly accept your fate and move on with your life" :)
[HTC One S] micxploed:
Come on now, you talk as if you know for a FACT that the people who ***** about chipping do not mistreat their phones. I'm not saying everyone mistreats their phone, but I don't think the phone Is just going to flake like that all on its own. If it dose, well, sorry to say that you might have gotten a bad paint job. XD I got a sweet paper thin case that protects like a Spartan war group. The case in no way shape or form take away any of the experience of this phone, to me at least. Also, I have a screen all this protection on my phone to keep the resale value at maximum. Or you can just slip a heavy duty condom on your phone. Lol
[HTC One S] Skillmister:
So i should need a chunky case to protect my phone from my jeans pocket? Seriously?

No.
[HTC One S] micxploed:
Hey, that's your own fault you cannot find a slim enough case . Don't bark at me for your lack of case discovery. Lol I'm just saying, protect your investment, aka, your baby, (in my case), if you want to keep it nice and new. Obviously HTC !ucked up bolstering boasting about It's lackluster paint job. Shame on them. XD
[HTC One S] micxploed:
Lol, there you go, problem solved! Next please...
[HTC One S] hon kin:
Anyone mind to post how bad it chips after a few weeks of usage? The HTC One S will be launched here very soon, and i planned to pick it up. Just wanna see how bad it chips...

Thanks!
[HTC One S] aureleuz:
You know, not everybody wishes to have their beautiful slim phone bag'd up in a cheap piece of plastic holster which may (or may not) keep resell value at max. But you got a point for saying that. Just not all of us intend or care for selling the device once it gets old... or breaks. For what it's worth, my last phone held up pretty good without the case for a full year and a half before I smashed it onto a concrete floor. I don't expect to be holding a phone in mint condition once my contract is up and that should go without saying, specially when i'm pretty active outdoors these days.

But I can see how people struggle with the fact that their phones are starting to "chip" within days of usage. You must at least have some understanding for their situation... otherwise it makes you look pretty blunt and condescending and to make matters worse you try showing them they are making a bad decision for not wanting a case. Try to spin the situation around for a minute and think about what it would feel like to have your phone starting to chip, even though you had a case on, or worse.. chipped right out of the box? :eek:

Take a minute and think about it before you post again.
[HTC One S] Harrysoon:
My first one chipped within a day. Had it in my pocket, nothing else in that pocket with the phone. Only had some light use with it etc. Got a replacement, that chipped within 2 or 3 days. I even had a case that I kept it in. Again, didn't drop it or anything.

And it's not a paint job. There's no paint on the case. It's the aluminium that's been blasted with 10,000 volts that creates the black finish on it.
[HTC One S] Android_Mark:
Oh well the time as come, my current contract expires on Friday, and I need to order my new phone. Desperately want the HTC One S in black, and am 99% sure I am going to go for it...

Here are my thoughts on situation

1) I do not want a case for everyday use - I buy a cheap case for my phones which I use on 'dirty days' - going out on my mountain bike, decorating, tinkering with the car etc. But day to day I want to see it. If I could afford a Ferrari, I would not wrap it in bubble wrap before taking it for a drive!

2) I am pretty sure this is a manufacturing issue and that HTC are making steps to fix (cannot really believe that they released a phone to market with the claims they did, without knocking it around a bit first)

3) I spent several hourse yesterday, reading customer reviews on mobile phone websites. I must have read over 100, and only 1 mentioned chipping (are these moderated by the companies, or is this issue much less than we think?)

4) Anyone who has returned phones several times over the first month or so, are probably still getting replacement phones from original batch. Also someone mentioned that phones supplied under warrenty replacement do not have to be new - so it could be another chipped phone retuend by someone else?? In the early 80's I bought a CD player and returned it 3 times. At least 1 of the replacements was not new - it was not packed properly, batterieres in remote and a CD still in it!)

Anyway. I am going to order my S in Black. If it chips I will hold onto for a couple of months, so that the faulty models are all off the market.

M
[HTC One S] ARC X12:
Is HTC doing something about this? I really like the look of the Black color but if it chips then i will go for the grey. But if HTC is doing something about it then i will just wait for the fixed models.
[HTC One S] qwerty warrior:
bought it since release

no chipping
[HTC One S] cakira:
I was thinking about buying a "ceramic" HOS. It would be just the perfect phone to me, hadn't it this chipping problem.

Perhaps if we use something like Zagg Invisibleshield or similar?

What about applying clear lacquer over the phone before it starts chipping away?
[HTC One S] micxploed:
Ok look, I know it sucks that this new and supposedly awesome micro arc oxidation process is not holding up to some. I know if I had a chip piece come off mine I wouldn't be so happy too. There. Do something about it tho, that's what I'm saying. If your one s flakes like corn flakes, and you don't want any further flaking...just be more careful with it is all I'm saying.
[HTC One S] micxploed:
Anyone care to post some pictures of your flaked or chipped one s? Show us m.a.o fail.
[HTC One S] cakira:
micxploed, perhaps your concerns are sincere. But anyway, you are trolling this topic. Please, stop.

Comrades, don't feed the trolls.
[HTC One S] Harrysoon:
Thanks to Vasp for sending me his spare paint kit, but I bit the bullet and exchanged again. Yesterday was the final day to exchanged it, so I thought I might as well do it. I went to a different Carphone Warehouse and the guy at this one seemed to know about the issue and just took my phone off me and handed me a new one straight out of the box. It's still a 23 serial number, so will see how this on goes. I have another 28 days again to exchange it.

I'm down in London next week too where I originally bought the phone. If it happens while I'm there I'll take it to the actual Carphone Warehouse I got it from. They may have newer models there with it being a much busier place and it being in higher demand there.

You buy a phone with a metal cased phone, and then keep it in a case. That makes sense. That's like me and my car, which I love to bits, wrapping it in bubble wrap in case someone crashes in to me.
[HTC One S] wilcoholic:
I agree with most users. Whats the freaking point in buying a nice looking phone made out of quality materials if you are going to keep it in a case. You might as well buy the GS3 then since its a superior phone in most categories. I bought the 1S for its design.

Its the same complaint I have with iphone users who buy a ridiculously ugly case for their phones. Why worry about getting a scratch on your phone when you are never going to enjoy your phone to its fullest potential. I don't see the point in this materialistic view.

Anyway my 1S is absolutely butchered after 6 weeks of use and I think I am just going to sand it down for a silver aluminum look.
[HTC One S] Android_Mark:
Don't think it is the coating that is the fault, but more what it is coating. The aluminium on the One S is less than 1 mm thick, so fairly flexible, whereas a satellite is probably several cm thick and quite rigid. It is the flexible case and the rigid ceramic combination that is causing the fault on the first batch.

btw, after 6 weeks of putting it off, ordered my black One S today, from Mobiles.co.uk (some excellent deals, and parto f the Carphone Warehouse) tonight. Should be here tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

M