yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 9 General] mkygod:
Anyone knows how Amazon handles refunds on the N9 tablets that had that $50 Google play store credit promotion? Do i have to give back the credits somehow or get charged for them?

This was my 3rd N9, which still had bad backlight bleed and totally flush buttons (much worse than the others), so I'll have to return it.
[Nexus 9 General] jmaudi0:
my replacement from best buy just arrived. both are black 32gb models.

original model - HT4AJ - (October 18th) - moderate light bleed around top corners and middle bottom, buttons didnt stick out much, flexy back

New model - HT4CP - (December 23rd) - hoping this will be much better. Will open after work and provide my review.
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
Got mine yesterday from Amazon UK (16GB, White).

It is an HT4AN (23rd October, I guess).

Light lightbleed on top but horrible side buttons.

I will be most probably asking for a replacement...
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
Sending tablet number 4 back. Early October again. It seems Amazon only has early October devices available for replacement. This one had 2 very bright stuck pixels and flush volume up that didn't click and hard to press. How fun! Back to back stuck pixels and broken buttons!

At least the defects vary device to device. Some have horrendous light bleed, some have bouncy backs, some have stuck pixels, some have flickering displays. HTC keeps it exciting. 2-3 random defects per tablet! What a bonus.

If I could pick and choose parts from each of these 4 tablets I could build a perfect Nexus 9.... :(
[Nexus 9 General] jmaudi0:
damn damn damn. so the new model (HT4CP) is definitely built better. no flex in the back, volume down and power buttons are clicky. volume up is still hard to press. the light bleed is about the same except for the bottom left hand corner which is much worse. ugh. not sure if i should risk another swap.
[Nexus 9 General] stavrinho:
Even december build has the same problems!!! Is the worst product line ever???:mad:
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
Looks like it is a matter of luck then..
[Nexus 9 General] Voje:
I bought a N9 from Google Play Norway about a week ago, and received it yesterday.

It was a HT4AH model, and it has bad buttons, minor flex and some lightbleed.

After a pretty long conversation with Google Play support - Jesus, these guys don't know much - were i didn't get any promises about what revision i would get as a replacement, and seeing that the newer revisions also have build issues, i'm starting to think that i'll keep this one since it feels livable..

But then again, this is what they're hoping that people do.. So, difficult decision..
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
Just got my replacement, same model: HT4AN

The buttons seem a bit better, there is no lightbleed at all, so I might keep that one.
[Nexus 9 General] Jsunn:
So I think there is NO new revision. It's luck of the draw. I wish we could put this rumor to bed. I has hoping to get a "new revision" but it is becoming more and more apparent that nothing has changed.

I don't think that HTC nor Google will acknowledge any systemic issues with the tablet. They are probably not getting enough complaints versus overall sales to motivate them to change anything. When they become readily available at my local Best Buy and I can buy and return if necessary in the same day, I may think about getting another. But for now, I'm keeping my N7.
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
Well Amazon finally cut me off at 4 :crying:. Maybe its for the best since it seemed they only had early October models with a ton of issues. I don't really want to buy it from somewhere else though since it's 10% off on Amazon and I get prime shipping. Don't like the idea of waiting 5-7 days for another tablet with stuck pixels, backlight bleed, and mushy hard to press buttons. (Not local stores sell them, not even best buys)

Man, all I want is a tablet with mild to moderate light bleed, no stuck pixels, and buttons that are at least okayish. Is that so much to ask?
[Nexus 9 General] stadicon:
HTC4CC here... The back and the buttons are fine, no issue at all. Light bleeding is in acceptable levels. But I got this yellow tint which in fact isn't evenly distributed around the screen, so the bottom is more white and the top-left is more yellow (quote noticeable while read and scrolling. I got mine from Expansys. Maybe I should risk a replacement, but I am afraid I might get a worse built...
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
I am sending my second one back today (refund). I will reorder when the sand color is available (Amazon UK) so that I make sure that I am receiving a recent revision..

My second one had exactly the same issues as the first one and were built on exactly the same date. Horrible side buttons and light lightbleed on the top of the screen. That's not what I would expect from a premium tablet, shame on HTC, I considered them to deliver high quality products.
[Nexus 9 General] stavrinho:
I just bought the nexus 9 white 16gb from amazon.fr. They drop the price for 20 euros.

I hope that they have good stuff! :)
[Nexus 9 General] ritchea:
Not too much to ask even with the $50. off. That's exactly what I'm waiting/hoping for. You

can

reorder from Amazon especially as you have Prime so no shipping costs. It may take 2 days (I usually receive replacements in 1 day), but that's not so bad. I just wish I could believe their stock of 32gb white was at least 95% good tablets.
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
I'm thinking I'll just reorder. I guess they can't stop me from buying again *shrug*. Unfortunately that would mean I'd be $840 in the hole for this tablet for a while until they process the returns.

The big issue is that Amazon appears to have a HUGE stock of very early October models. (Funny considering all other Nexus devices have had trouble keeping manufacturing up with demand)

While it seems screen defects have not been fixed in later models (although maybe improved?), all signs point to the buttons and back panel being improved over time.

This means ordering from Amazon puts you at quite a disadvantage in finding a decent quality tablet.

I guess that's why they are $50 off :/
[Nexus 9 General] Diaphragma:
HT4AHJT

Returned my bad 16gb HT4BNJT and bought the 32gb instead. I received it today.

Version: 32GB Black

Serial: HT4AHJT

Manufacture Date: October 17, 2014

Buttons: Bad (Flush, squishy, not tactile)

Back cover: Bad (Gives in when pressed.)

Screen: Good (Light bleed is pretty much non existent!)

Weird how I got such an early version after I purchased it a week ago when it was finally back in stock after it's been out of stock for the entire holidays.

Power button is all lopsided and squishy, volume buttons are flush and I don't even know if I've pressed them if I close my eyes.

The back cover is just like the last. Gently press your finger on the back and it gives in. Feels cheap.

The screen however is way better than the last. Almost no light bleed. the only time you can see it is when you are in a pitch black room with full brightness on and you're intentionally looking for it. And even then it's barely noticeable.

I want to send it back, but I'm afraid this is the best I'll get.
[Nexus 9 General] velocity90:
So, you guys really notice the small bleed during normal use? I only do if I think about it.

I only have it around the edges. No problem at all. Brightness always 0 and thats even to bright for my taste.
[Nexus 9 General] Diaphragma:
I never notice it during normal use. Only when brightness is at 100% and the screen is black
[Nexus 9 General] velocity90:
Always have it at 0 brightness,
[Nexus 9 General] .vermilion:
When having brightness at 0 I see absolutely nothing, even if I think about it.

Sent from my Nexus 9
[Nexus 9 General] ritchea:
Twice today, the price has gone up. First it was $5. , now $15. That's for the 32GB white in my cart. If it goes back to $479. it makes it easier to order sand from Play. I'm Prime, too, so postage from Play (which I think would be about $10.) would be extra.

I just checked and all are back to regular prices except the white 32GB. That's still -$35.

EDIT; Amazon price is now $455.
[Nexus 9 General] jinxed_kid:
Nexus 9 16gb White

I have a Nexus 9 recently purchased at a local electric retailing branch. Purchased two weeks ago or so but I dont know how long the units have been in the warehouse.

My number is : HT4AMJT

Lightbleed issue isn't that bad, only noticeable in 90 brightness onwards. Badly affected in bottom corners with minimal lightbleed on the edges.

Buttons nice, they stick out but the only tactility I get is from the volume down button. The power button isn't as tactile and I have some trouble pressing the volume up. It is sticking out but I want them tactile.

I am inclined to get a replacement unit from the store and was hoping that someone would explain to me my number and which numbers are OK to purchase.

Thank you.
[Nexus 9 General] FD_:
I just found that deal as well [emoji2] . Let us know what build date and quality your unit has once you receive it!
[Nexus 9 General] stavrinho:
HT4AMJT=13/10/2014

Sadly there are no good numbers.

I will tell you in 27/1, according to ups courier. :)
[Nexus 9 General] Jsunn:
So I just picked up my Nexus 9 and it is pretty good.

My screen looks really good, hardly any light bleed. The back is just fine. the buttons are kind of flush. I will be keeping it.

HT4CMTJ
[Nexus 9 General] error_problem:
I have the first revision and its perfect except for a strong but even light bleed along the entire top edge. Im fixing this using modacos modpack, you might check it out:

http://xdaforums.com/nexus-9/development/1-tweet-rating-5-add-poll-modpack-mcr-t3009119

This helps me immediately...
[Nexus 9 General] PaisanNYC:
I am on stock with TWRP. What does this mean? How does the mod work? (Sorry for me being stupid). Does it dim the backlight to reduce the lightbleed? Once the modpack is installed, how is is activated/controlled?

thanks!
[Nexus 9 General] error_problem:
Yep it only works on stock. Just flash it through TWRP, wipe caches and youre done.

The zip also installs MCR Control, an app which controls the mods various features. Inside simply tick "force black status bar" and "force black navigation bar".

Hope that helps people as much as it did me!
[Nexus 9 General] :
Just ordered a Nexus 9 today to replace my broken Nexus 7(2013), but... Oh well, I just don't know what to say when I see the batch number HT4AGJT after sending me the dispatched email.

Seriously, Google? I am ordering in late January but giving me the problematic 16th October, 2014 manufactured Nexus 9. Wasn't expecting Google to do so, sent an email to urge them to give me a later batch of Nexus 9 before it will be delivered to me.
[Nexus 9 General] soroush0313:
Hey guys

I'm about to buy Nexus 9 and I don't have any chance to return my device after buy because of light bleeding or crappy buttons so I should pay attention and buy the correct device! :)

Could you guys help me buying the good one telling me what to check when buying the device?

From what date the manufacture production revised? And how to find out what's the device production date?

I should buy this device without opening the box! So help me find out if the device has problems before buy!

Thanks in advanced!
[Nexus 9 General] rootcid:
Check my thread here: http://xdaforums.com/nexus-9/help/how-to-tell-revision-version-nexus-9-t3010046
[Nexus 9 General] FD_:
Same here :( Ordered two days ago and was told to be getting HT4AKJT :mad: I had already waited quite some time just to make sure I get a recent batch, and specifically ordered from Google, even though there are way better offers, just because I thought Google would get me the highest probability of a newly produced device - but now it's from October. I just hope those October units somehow miraculously are without (or only slight) flaws! Let us know if your email leads to anything :fingers-crossed::)

I had found a post that exactly described what letter in the serial number means what, but somehow I could not find it anymore. Do you possibly know where that was, or could you explain what the whole code means? I know that 4 means the year (2014), and A means October (hexadecimal for 10 = october). But what does "HT" and "GJT" stand for?

---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:40 PM ----------

Did you get it today? Thrilled to hear what batch number it is :D:fingers-crossed:
[Nexus 9 General] PaisanNYC:
Helps greatly. Thank you so much!! :D Going to flash it now
[Nexus 9 General] stavrinho:
Yes i have it :)

The s/n is HT4BVJT.

I have a good back with no space.

I have a good screen in every day use. I will post an photo also for the light bleeding.

I used it all day and i didn't saw any flaw in the screen. For the purpose of testing i close all the light in the room an i toke a photo with 100% brightness.

In the photo it looks bad(its from my nexus 5), but the same time, in the dark room, with only my eyes as the "testing device" i couldn't see almost any light bleeding. So i say the screen its a keeper. :)

And the last one is the buttons. I can't say that they are good. The volume buttons are ....ok. The power button its bad.

You can press it any time you want, there is no problem with the actual use of it. But the feeling is like someone press it in and it never came back out again.

I am not sure if i want to send it back with only this flaw. I am wondering if the local HTC service can do something easy and fix it. I will give them a call in the following days.

PS In the first photo is my nexus 5. In the photo you can see some light bleeding. I have it one year i didn't saw anything!
[Nexus 9 General] Jsunn:
OK, I was just doing the DIY mod to fix the flush buttons, when I went to take off the back cover I noticed that it is now held on by double sided adhesive. Here is a picture I snapped with my phone.

My serial number is HT4CM, which I think means I have a December build. The back was completely solid with no flex.

Anyway, here is the picture. My screen as little to no light bleed and the only issue I had was with the buttons.

[IMG="Double sided tape"]http://i.imgur.com/HJsOsdD.jpg?2[/IMG]
[Nexus 9 General] error_problem:
Do you also have the bleed evenly along the top edge? For me thats the only affected place and since i rarely use it in landscape MCR allows me to not force the nav bar.

So i get half-lollies :)
[Nexus 9 General] GibsonSGJ:
I'm not so sure about this new revision idea. Maybe they increased the quality control but I've personally seen two flawless examples from early October and people are still receiving defects with the newer models. I received my White 32gb N9 last week from Bestbuy.ca. I don't have the exact serial number with me but it is a HT4A? very early October build that feels very solid. No discernible light bleed that I can see from any angle, buttons are low profile but protrude from the side and "click" nicely when pressed. There is no perceived flex in the back either. At least not with any force that should be sainly applied to the back of a tablet.
[Nexus 9 General] :
So a quick update today, received the reply from Google and they suggested refunding if the N9 has build quality issues.

I decide to take my chance to see how things go, given that I can always RMA it within 15 days of purchase anyway. But if it does have flaws, perhaps I will just ask for a refund and buy an iPad instead.
[Nexus 9 General] FD_:
Mine arrived just today, and regarding build quality it is quite good. Only a bit of lightbleed, solid backplate, buttons are pressable without big problems. They are bit low-profiled but I will easily get used to that. My biggest concern currently is temperature. Chrome causes the device to heat up quite quickly, I hope this gets better with time (updates?):fingers-crossed:

I can agree. I received an October unit and it seems way better than some of the November units here on the forum.:good::D

Thanks for posting! I hope you will find a solution for your buttons though. I received my Nexus today, and must say it's the opposite on mine, quite good power button, mediocre volume buttons. Is Chrome working on yours without causing the device to heat near the camera? It's not as bad now as it was initially on mine, but I guess the promised 10 hours of Chrome browser are a bit unrealistic. Seems possible though with watching Youtube...
[Nexus 9 General] stavrinho:
Until now i used it only for reading pdf because i have exams and i have time only for studying. So i don't have an opinion for long time use of chrome and heating.

If you have only pdf open the battery is good :)

I had 4h of screen on time and the battery gone from 100% to 80%.

(now we are out of topic i think :) )
[Nexus 9 General] SwoRNLeaDejZ:
I have an HT4BFJT (which looking at your post, would be the bad/old revision) but it has zero light bleed, and the buttons work perfectly.
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
I just got my sand 32GB. HC4V.

Horrible light bleed. One of the worst I've seen About a third the screen is a nice yellow while displaying black. Two bad spots that spread far into the display. Pretty ugly looking.

Buttons are all clicky which is nice. The power button is flush, and hard to find, but it still clicks. This is the first N9 I've had with 100% no give on the backplate. Absolutely perfect in this regard.

I guess I'm returning this to Google. Not sure if I want another.

Just wanted to warn people thinking that problems had been fixed in newer tablets.
[Nexus 9 General] SwoRNLeaDejZ:
I'm always amazed that people go through so many of these tablets and think nothing of RMAing tablet after tablet after tablet. I guess I just have good luck, because my N9 has absolutely no issues.
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
Great
[Nexus 9 General] :
Totally not the case for me. Rather, it is just unacceptable, and HTC once again let me down. Horrible light leak, shallow buttons, it "amazed" me in a really upsetting way.

Well, guess I will just ask for a refund now. Goodbye, Android tablet, and hello iPad.

The previous time I see such a horrible light leakage is on my HTC One X. One of the worst I've seen recently. HTC builds devices with premium quality? No, no and NO.

[IMG="The previous time I see such a horrible light leakage is my HTC One X."]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/Herman_Yau/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150130_191341_zpswkhzgpp2.jpg[/IMG]
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
I got refunded from Amazon and ordered the 32GB sand color directly from google.

I expect it by Monday. Let's see..
[Nexus 9 General] ewa12321:
[MENTION=3960964]yauhoman[/MENTION] good luck with iPad see their forums they having problems with light bleed and yellow screen too,, IPads are not problem free too
[Nexus 9 General] :
As far as I know, chances of iPad having light bleed issues is much less than N9 over the last few years with much less complaints on the web, that's the reason I am asking for a refund instead of replacement. Don't get it wrong, I am an Android fanboy but I don't have the least confidence regarding HTC's quality control.

I've owned 3 HTC devices before. The first one was HTC Legend, which appeared to have no problem, yet the other 2 were total disappointment. The former was the HTC Incredible S, which has the problem of extremely shallow power button. I'd sent the device for repairing for 5 times, but issues were getting more horrible with dust in screen without improvement on the button.

The second one was the HTC One X. Quite premium at first glance, I must say, but then I found the light bleeding was terrible, which led me to the repair cycle once again. I'd sent this device for repairing for a total of 6 times, and the results always "amazed" me. Not even once they'd properly repaired it, but the device was getting dust in screen as well as scratches on the bezels which weren't present originally. I can still remember the time I find the screen wasn't properly put in place for the 3rd time I received the device back.

Anyway, replacement is not an option for me. I just can't put up with the manufacturer and the express service by Yamato in Hong Kong.
[Nexus 9 General] Metallice:
I can directly compare with an iPad3 and an iPad Air 1. The iPad 3 has some yellow leakage in the bottom corners and one very mild spot near the volume buttons, but it's mild compared to the Nexus 9. The iPad Air has a soft, light, and thin white-blue glow around the entire display. Essentially perfect.

The nexus 9 is embarrassing by comparison to both.
[Nexus 9 General] darkmuffin:
I had tried FOUR 32GB black models from Amazon. All had moderate to bad lightbleed, only one had decent buttons, and only one had a solid back panel. All four devices serials started with HT4A, which, unless I'm mistaken, means they were manufactured in October, 2014. I was so disappointed in the build quality that I went and bought an Nvidia shield tablet. Despite the fact that it has 4 cores vs the 2 in the Nexus 9, I was disappointed in overall performance, the bugginess of Nvidia software, battery life, and the poor development community.

When I saw that the 32GB Sand model came out, I returned my Shield Tablet and gave the Sand a shot.

Holy crap.

It's wonderful. Lightbleed is SO minimal that I have to remember where it is in a completely dark room at full brightness to even notice it. Even then, it's only in two corners. Buttons are clicky and prominent. Back panel is so solid and makes no "stick" sound when I press the back and release (adhesive is well bonded, I guess). Plus, the sand just looks damn good. It's a refreshing break from the black and white of mobile devices nowadays. :good:

Serial on this guy starts with HT4C, which I believe means a December, 2014 build date. I'm hoping this is a trend towards better build quality. Come on, HTC. Don't fail the rest of us.
[Nexus 9 General] error_problem:
My bleed is not "minimal". At the moment I'm looking at it upside down at an angle. I'm sure I'll get used to it, no returning it now :)

But its a fine device for reading on amazon.

Actually its heavier than my kindle, so I've started using the high quality kindle hdx as my on the move device and the nexus as a reader.
[Nexus 9 General] theodore80:
I received mine a few minutes ago. This one seems to be very good.

I got it from Google Play (UK), it is a 32GB sand color. It is an HT4CW (31st December, I guess).

There is no lightbleed, the buttons are very good and no problems with the back cover. I will definitely keep this one.

This is my third nexus 9, the first was a 16GB white from Amazon UK. I asked for replacement and the second one was even worse. Got a refund and ordered the sand color from Google play.
[Nexus 9 General] chogardjr:
I picked mine up at best buy on Monday and it appears to be flawless. Serial starts with HT4CPJ. I'm trying to patiently wait for the gumdrop case to be released. I've got one for my Asus Prime and Asus Infinity and they are without a doubt the best protection your money can buy.

Oh and hello XDA, been a long time. I hope people are friendlier then a year ago.
[Nexus 9 General] ChristianJay:
But I doubt its like what we've gone through. Lol.
[Nexus 9 General] murfi:
i'm still not sure if i should get one or not. How does it feel compared to an ipad mini? i have one and its basically flawless regarding the built and screen quality. the n9 still seems to varying.

how does the size measure up? its between the ipad mini and large ipads, right?