yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[HTC One S] ScratchyScratchy:
Scratchy Story

Almost instantly after getting my HTC One S, I got the chipping around the micro USB. I also noticed it was picking up small 'scratches' from anything metal it came into contact with. I was concerned that these were permanent, because no amount of rubbing or massaging with a damp cloth could remove them, but they disappeared after a day or two.

However, because my phone accidentally comes into contact with metal regularly (zipper on my wallet, buttons above jean pockets, etc), these marks kept reappearing. It got me thinking about how durable the phone actually is. HTC were orgasming over how scratch resistant it was before its launch, so I decided to chance it and do a bit of a scratch test. I scratched it with the end of my usb charger, and no harder that I could have done to my old Lumia 800 without issue.

It's been 5 days since I did it, and you can still read "F*** HTC" on the back of my phone. It's faded a little, but it's still there very clearly. I'm obviously not going to try and return it as this is of my own doing, and I'm sure they wouldn't enjoy the message all that much anyway :D

I've heard people saying that the micro arc oxidation can pick up residue from other metals (as an explanation of the temporary scratches I picked up during every day use). There seems to be a few people who know a thing or two about micro arc oxidation on here, so I was just wondering if 5 days is far too long for this to be merely residue? It has been fading, but that seems to have slowed over the past couple of days. Does anyone know any way to remove it if it is residue?

If it is permanent, it seems odd that HTC have marketed this as scratch proof if it's so easily damaged in comparison to other phones. This can't be the stuff they use on satellites, or whatever their claim was. That, or the mirco arc oxidation has catastrophically failed over my entire phone. It's worth mentioning that I haven't had any chipping issues aside from a slight bit around the micro USB port, and that I've had the phone for about 3 weeks now.

I know they never said it was scratch proof, but this is ridiculous. As I said, my old Nokia Lumia 800 can survive the same test without a mark.
[HTC One S] mardon85:
This made may day! You are a nutter!

---------- Post added at 12:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 PM ----------

My second ONE S is going back tomorrow. Had it since the 12th of April its a mess along the top edge. Treated it very very well so this issue can not be avoided. Off to the HTC ONE X and all its problems.
[HTC One S] biggles1000:
The One S looks amazing, video reviews don't display how amazing it looks and feels. I'd hold out for the One S if I were you, as it's fast enough and looks beautiful. However, hopefully by the time it comes out in your country they will have fixed the chipping, as...

so, as I said previously, chips on the top due to somebody else have not gone, nor have the ones that were on it when I opened the box. However, on the top right hand corner, some small chips that look a lot more like it peeling rather than chipping, have developed. The area around the micro USB port isn't as bad as some people's, but it's still getting damaged, even with me being extremely careful. On the Trophy I could just fumble around in the dark and plug the cable in by moving it along the edge of the phone, but I can't on the One S as I fear I'll damage it.

In regards to your audio question, I am a bit of an audiophile, as I do care about how my music sounds. This isn't too bad, and the HTC earbuds that come with it aren't actually too bad. Well, they work with the phone. Whereas my JVC XX in-ear earphones don't quite work with it, as they're so far in your ear you can hear a constant hum even on the lowest volumes. Beats doesn't really improve the audio much IMHO, and the inbuilt speaker is fairly bad, though I guess this is understandable given how thin the phone is.

In comparison with the Trophy, I much prefer the Trophy's speakers over these, and the HTC audio enhancer on WP7 was unsurpassed. For casual music listening or watching videos this isn't bad, but don't expect to be impressed.

I have to agree with you, it is rather ironic that this phone is a lot more damageable compared to many others, especially considering they say it's so strong. I agree with you that I'd rather appreciate the look of the phone than put some nasty case on it, and it doesn't really help that none of the current cases look particularly nice.

I'm not sure if 3 will replace my phone if I complain to them about it, as, well, do they? I know Vodafone etc. do, but do 3 (UK)? (for the record, I'm on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan for 24 months and chose the phone with the contract. Given how disorganized they were with giving me this phone (they accidentally tried to give me the grey One S instead, and all the IMEI scanning/recording made it seem rather permanent).
[HTC One S] Harrysoon:
I got this reply from HTC after asking them about it
[HTC One S] hon kin:
Argh!? I thought my JVC gonna be a perfect fit for One S? It works fine with my X10 now!:eek:

Aww... Sounds really bad...

But i really like the design of One S, that's why i have waited so long! Or else i'll simply get the One X, or maybe the upcoming Hayabusa[maybe it was the XPERIA GX announced today]...:(
[HTC One S] shrome99:
LOL, that may be true, there are no keys to scratch satellites in space :p

/s

Now on a more serious note - when i saw the leaks of the One X/S, and the announcement, i was sure this was the one i wanted, but for some reason, HTC to delay the release in India. We have the X, V but not the S. Even if it does come, i won't be getting it, since MAO, which seemed to be the best feature, now seems the deal breaker. I could get the grey one, but it's ugly as hell.

PS - Seeing your user name i have to ask - you made an account JUST to tell this story didn't you ? :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
[HTC One S] ScratchyScratchy:
Haha, I can't argue with that mate!

I felt the same as you. I was certain I wanted the One S from the beginning, and it's a fantastic phone aside from the MAO issues people are having. It's understandable that it's a deal breaker for many though, and HTC seem to have handled the problem with profit in mind, rather than the consumer. I also agree that the grey One S isn't particularly appealing.

And yeah, I did create the account just to tell the story lol :D. I've been visiting XDA regularly for a year or so but never really felt the urge to comment before now.
[HTC One S] biggles1000:
I wonder if mine was one of that newer batches... the box didn't look as battered as the grey variant's one they had in the store and this is one of the China batch, but if this one is, I'm not impressed. The Trophy's screen may have got scratched quickly, but the body held up a lot better over the first four days than the One S. Did they do any actual testing with the device's durability?? This may not be their "flagship" phone, but the price tag isn't far off the One X and it's very much still a premium device, so why such bad build quality?

Well, the bass and clarity through the XX's is amazing, but I just did a quick comparison with the XX's with:

- Trophy with SRS enhancement on

- One S with Beats on.

They both sound good, and the One S is perfectly passable, but the Trophy seems to just produce a fuller sound.
[HTC One S] chic.geek:
My HTC One S (version 2.0) is coming from Expansys today after I sent my first one back after a chip. I'll let you know how it fares...
[HTC One S] Android_Mark:
Good point, but I generally buy on a 24 month contract, and do not terminate early. Usually not worth a whole lot at the end of this time, plus my daughter wrecks phones, so usually hand mine down to her.

:)

---------- Post added at 07:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

I think MAO is a proven technology and IS used on satellietes. problem is the aluminium on a satalite is probably MUCH thicker than the wafer thin metal used on the S (it must be thin, the whole phone is only 8mm thick!)

The thin metal is more flexible, compared to the MAO which is rigid, and therein lies the problem (I think??)

Can MAO work on such a thin base - I do not know, and would really like the input of anyone who is an expert in metalurgy, or whatever specialism covers this problem)

M

---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 PM ----------

6 steps to the 'durable' finish of the HTC One S

http://youtu.be/lhAkArvCDa4

Hmmmm
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
Nice little promotion video, but more than 670 posts of unhappy owners of this durability says a tru story.

I'm not sure if the most disturbing bit is te actual not as promiced quality, or the fact that HTC is not officially doing anything about it... I would be much happier with a plastic phone that the company does not brag about its quality. Sound more ethical

sent with HTC1S
[HTC One S] 18inch:
interesting!
[HTC One S] ratedr75:
I wish I had read this and took the grey one back today as I didn't like the colour and it seemed really slippy.

Right back to the 3 store tomorrow to have a chat with them. Looking at it now (bearing in mind that i've had since 1pm today) I can see three little wear spots up near the power button and the micro usb slot.

#FFS!!!
[HTC One S] boojay:
Glad that finally got sorted out. I must say, that's not that bad of a response timing wise.

Swyped from my iPhone killer/Android
[HTC One S] da_hool:
Where did you hear about this "2.0" version? I've been looking to buy the ceramic version but I'm weary of getting a bad one.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
I think he meant his second handset

sent with HTC1S
[HTC One S] gwbestwick:
Getting my third phone replaced tomorrow. Latest one was kept in a case from day one and start chippin/peeling top left corner same as all the rest. Exactly the place I grip with finger when using keyboard. Looks more like its rubbed off. Anyone know when the new improved batch will arrive as this is getting a bit tiresome now. Did ask if they would swop for a grey one or a one x but they said had to be the same model.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
There is no such indication from HTC, which is why I had enough and I'm sending my 3d one back for a refund and pre-ordered the Samsung galaxy s3 instead.

sent with HTC1S
[HTC One S] chic.geek:
Yeah, not too bad considering it was a cross border return and that FedEx managed to flub my paperwork. Still went nearly a week without it, but you're right - at least it's sorted.

Yes, I (she, but whatever) was just implying that it was my second attempt. I've also ordered a case mate barely there, and a felt sleeve off of Etsy. Despite the finish issue, it's a flipping great phone, rather not have to exchange it again and be without it for another week. Screw wariness, get the phone so long a the warranty is intact.
[HTC One S] eejlny:
sending it back

I have now the s for one day and I am almost ready to send it back.

I have the following issues with it:

Issues that I knew and bothered me:

Lack of SD card and fixed battery. What happens after one year when battery performance goes down?. Will HTC replace it under warranty since it is a 24 months?

MAO failure. I thought I could be a lucky one with this. Since yesterday no problems but I guess they will show up eventually.

New things:

No NFC support and no way to add it since there is no SD slot and the SIM is micro. This seems like a very silly thing to do since NFC could become very popular.

I have an old HD2 running android and the screen feels much more roomy in the HD2. Big icons and widgets, big keyboard, the browser lets me write esily. The screen quality is of course bettern on the S but it just feels small. I can tell the format of the screen is different but I did not expect to have this feeling since they are both 4.3 inches

The S has reboot randomly twice since yesterday. It has simply reboot and ask for a log to be sent to HTC. I think this is pretty bad. What happens if it freezes and I cannot remove the fixed battery?

THe battery performance seems so and so.

I really like the design and material apperance. The S2 looks so plasticky in comparison. The one s just has too many issues ...
[HTC One S] chic.geek:
If NFC was on your wishlist, why are you just finding out about it now? There was never any pretence that the S has NFC. (The X does.) I'm still not convinced that NFC will become of any practical use for the time that I plan to have this phone, about two years.

The SD card ultimately just slows down transfer and loading speeds. I think it would have been nice if there was 32 GB or 64 GB onboard, over expandable memory, but don't see myself filling this up with my use anyway.

Sim card + scissors = micro Sim. No issues here, and I even could float the micro in my old Desire with no issue.

Regarding reboots, have you tried a factory reset? It's a good time, since you just got the phone. And if you need to reboot a frozen phone, you can hold down the power button for ten second in lieu of taking out the battery.
[HTC One S] eejlny:
nfc

Yes, I should have read more about this NFC support.

The place I got it from mobiles.co.uk.

Listed NFC in the connectivity list under specs for the onw S and I thought that was the case. I guess I see it as a basic feature.

Will holding the button to switch off the phone work always? . In my previous phone I have been forced to remove the battery from time to time. Not very often but it has happened.

---------- Post added at 09:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------

Regarding the Sim and Microsim is that I have read that it is possible to get NFC chips integrated in the SIM card so if you really need NFC you can always get one of these SIM cards.

This does not seem to be possible with MicroSIMs because there is no room for the NFC antena/chip?
[HTC One S] kyuubi_ac:
There's no need for pulling the battery in freeze. iPhone Users for example never have able to pull it and have no probs with this at all. I don't know what the difference in implementation of the combo is this time, but it works.

NFC: This could become a nice feature but for sure will take it's time until then. So for me there is no need to have it at leat for the next, maybe next two years.

But I don't understand that you knew about all the issues before, bouht the phone, not specially suffering from those issues but still now decide to send it back. Kinda confusing my mind :confused:
[HTC One S] eejlny:
The issues I knew about were bothering me but they were not a deal breaker. I am sure most people would have prefered to see the SD card slot and removable battery for example. THey still went ahead and bought it.

I did not know about NFC and I did not expect that the phone will reboot after installing one app.

Then, it is this feeling that the screen is smaller than my current HD2 (a bit taller and narrower). Maybe it is just my impression. I think this is what it really affects me. You do not get this feeling at all?

Anyway is a great looking phone and hopefully HTC will do something about MAO.
[HTC One S] kyuubi_ac:
Ok if your dealer was providing the wrong information and you really would like NFC, I can understand that.

That really is no usual behavior, my device did no unexpected reboot until now. I also would suggest to do a factory reset, that should help I think.

Since I was using a Desire before, the screen now is simply larger and though a plus for me! Compared to the HD2 the One S has another format. Due to all those media standards it's 16:9 now, so the display is longer but narrower than on the HD2. It can understand that this bothers if someone isn't used to it, but I also think that all screens in near future will have 16:9.

Anyway, everybody has different desires and tastes. So good luck with choosing another device!
[HTC One S] Harrysoon:
Well I went back to Carphone Warehouse today after getting the reply from HTC that the new batch of phones have been sent out that should have a stronger coating. I'm the only person who has gone in to Carphone Warehouse in my town with the problem, so I went to the Orange shop and the two people in there looked like they had never seen a One S before. The guy in Carphone Warehouse did say he'd ring through to head office or something and contact me next week with more information.
[HTC One S] mvdss:
Hi,

I just wanted to know: does everyone with the black one s have the chipping problem or are there people on here who have the black one and don't have these problems?
[HTC One S] Habarug:
Everybody doesn't have it , I for example do not have it :)
[HTC One S] Michael77500:
Hello,

I have the black HTC One S and I don't have any problems with the painting. ;)
[HTC One S] avataranjie:
How's the battery life treating all of you?
[HTC One S] Michael77500:
The battery life is good for me. Better than the Sensation. The battery lasts 1 or 2 days.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
This is completely irrelevant to the thread. Can you please use the correct thread for it?

sent with HTC1S
[HTC One S] Skillmister:
I went to O2 on thursday and i was also the first person they had seen with the problem. The guy swapped it over no problem though but when i rang up the other 2 shops in the area that morning the first said there was no issue and that was just 'something that happens with the phone' and the other said it had to go through HTC not retailer. Just shows none of these places know what they are talking about if it varies so much store to store.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
Mine now got packed into the box for the last time and its getting picked up on Monday for a full refund.

Good luck to everyone with this issue. I cannot follow HTCs logic in this, paying 415GBP for a phone that chips away with normal use is unaccaptable. If the phone falls and gets damaged, that is fine. Ill accept that. So as it is not something HTC is willing to correct, i am not going to hang around with a phone that i might want to sell in the future for pretty much NOTHING as it has this bad reputation now.

So long then, and off to wait for the SGS3....
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
In a few days i will have a full archive of all my correspondence with HTC regarding this issue. Im afraid the bottom line is that HTC regards this as cosmetic damage and WILL NOT replace the phones under warranty. So those who have thoughts of replacing their phones or waiting for an 'updated' version, better think again or go for the grey one.
[HTC One S] chic.geek:
Then how have I (and everyone else) gotten a replacement? Resellers have obviously seen and accepted this as a warranty issue and I can't fathom that they've honoured these returns without some acknowledgement or compensation from HTC.

(But the black is so pretty...!)
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
Yes, retailers are still holding on, BUT retailers are also bound by a specific law that in some countries obligates them to replace an item within 30 days. If HTC is now starting NOT to accept responsibility as a whole, then you can imagine what will happen in a little while, when retailers will say: its cosmetic damage, not covered, send it to HTC!
[HTC One S] pzboyz:
if the problem is one which was present at time of manufacture, it is a 6 year period.
[HTC One S] neoantho:
Worth replacing my One S?

Has anybody had a positive return from HTC regarding this problem?

I can return it to HTC's french aftersales service but I'm wondering if it is worth it, as long as they have not officially fixed the problem...

They confirmed that they'd replace the device but I fear I might be getting the exact same issue within a few days or weeks...

Has anyone received a new device from a new batch? (which S/N?)

About people not affected by the issue, how long have you been using your device?

I spotted the issue after about 2 weeks of careful use.
[HTC One S] Habarug:
I have only had it a week so I'm still looking for it and do not dare to root yet
[HTC One S] neoantho:
I didn't root mine yet for the same reason.

Waiting for next week before I can get my old X10 as a temporary device and think about replacing my One S.

I will probably ask for a grey "One" when I send it back to HTC, but as far as my retailer does not sell grey models, I might not get this request granted!

Even though the aftersales' girl on the phone told me they didn't have multiple returns, I'm still not very confident. The thing is, IMHO, that maybe people just got tired of returning their phone to get the same result...

I hope I'm wrong and that they changed their process!
[HTC One S] h.han:
People did return their phone more than once, I am sure saw someone said that somewhere.

Since no one can confirm if the new patch solves the issue or not. There is a chance you will still see chipping happens if you get a black one again I am afraid to say.

Also, someone suggested even your operator does not have grey version you are still able to ask HTC to give you one directly. But personally I cannot verify any of the claims so you should try to push HTC to do so and do report back. This will help a lot.
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
HTC was claiming at the beginning that there is an issue and they would be looking into it. On their final communication with me, they told me that this issue is now seen as a 'cosmetic damage', and therefore will not put it under warranty. They can still replace the phone or case for you for a price.

Then when i told them that HTC declares that this phone does not need a case, the customer service reply was: where did you see HTC saying that???

So i leave you to make your own conclusions. I have returned my 3d phone(yes that is right, 3 phones) 2 of which had chipping problems within 1-2 weeks, and one had wifi problems and battery problems.

I will not be getting an HTC phone ever again, even though i had been using them from the touch diamond 2 era.

To whoever wants to see, i can send them a document of my communication with HTC customer service. pm me

I think i am more than reasonable that when saying that if HTC was so bold in their declerations about the durability of their phone then it shouldnt peel within 1 week OR with normal use. Noone is expecting to throw this phone down and be like new. But normal wear from everyday use, it appears that plastic phones are more durable than their ceramic surface. So either HTC mislead us when saying that it does not need a case, or we are all fools and we should agree with HTC that cosmetic damage on a 400+ GBP phone within a week's use is acceptable!
[HTC One S] Skillmister:
My 2nd one is beginning to show signs of chipping. It was fine for the first 3-4 days while it spent 90% of time on my desk but yesterday i was travelling so it was in and out of my pocket and now has 6 or 7 little specks on the top edge again.

I'll be ringing HTC in the next few days but i don't hold out much hope with what is said above. Shame O2 doesn't seem to offer the grey one.
[HTC One S] wilcoholic:
Well I am not returning my phone and I am not going to get any other phone except the 1S.

And my phone looks worse than anyone else in this thread here. I am just going to deal with the cosmetic damages. They are only cosmetic. Sure its not going to help you with the resale value but you can still use your phone.

I am looking in to diy methods though.
[HTC One S] aras1:
got my 2nd one s today after 3weeks
[HTC One S] vasp3690:
yes, that is also a solution.

for me i think its unacceptable to have cosmetic problems in a week's ownership with just letting the phone hang on the table or my office, OR having to keep it continuesly in a case and not enjoy it for what it is.

my desire Z was always in a case, never had a problem for 2 years, i then took it off to enjoy it and it fell down, got scratched, replaced the back alloy cover for another 25GBP, and then when i wanted to sell it to get the one s, i got offered 40GBP less for 1 minor scratch on the side. So to me it means a lot to be able to resell it when a new phone comes out.