[LG G Flex 2] PhantasmRezound:
Relevant PSA for others: $72 for a motherboard replacement on hard bricked GF2s; motherboards "on backorder until March;" expect delayed service even for replacement device of another model type (2/8/17 update: I received my G Flex 2 back with a functional motherboard.)

Details: Hi all, I've sent my G Flex 2 in for out-of-warranty repair back in December. It was a "9008" hard brick that presumably only needed the firmware reinstalled, as Qualcomm USB was alive on PC connection's device manager. The repair center claims "Power Completely Off" and thus charge $72 for a new motherboard. (This repair center is "Wireless Operations, Physical Damage/OOW Dept" in Fort Worth, TX.)

I paid since their paperwork stated the repair and shipment would all take only 5-7 business days after payment - seemed reasonable. However, it has now been 25 business days and counting without any phone.

In between payment and now I've made three calls - two to the LG repair center representative and one to a LG customer service rep. Repair center initially said the board was on backorder until January 13th, but on January 23rd the customer service rep stated the part was on backorder until March.

The representative offered a G4 if I did not wish to wait until March, which I declined due to well-known bootloop issues. He then offered a G5. I accepted and was told I'd not get the GF2 back. He created a second LG repair tracking number for this G5, and I asked for a FedEx tracking number as well. You guessed it - "5-7 days and we'll email it to you."

I am calling again during business hours today to try to escalate and expidite my case. I filed a pending complaint on BBB similar to this one and wish to warn fellow GF2 owners of the inadequate service times LG is currently giving customers, particularly if you have a hard bricked device.

I will update if I receive any further resolution or new information on the backorder status.

Update: Spoke with customer service today. They're still awaiting a G5 at the refurb facility, and confirmed GF2 part is on backorder until March. Now told I will have G5 "7-9 business days" after they get one at the refurb facility. It is unknown when that will be. I pointed out this means 32-36 or more business days since my payment for a 5-7 day service to get *any* kind of device back. I was refused any sort of replacement that is quicker when requested, and when I asked to speak to a manager, I was put on hold for a few minutes, only for the same representative to finish the call saying "he partnered with his supervisor and he agreed all can do is wait" for an update to the status of my order by email.

Update 2: Received an email from LG today, February 5th. My original G Flex 2 was apparently shipped out to me and is in route as of February 3rd (the FedEx tracking number doesn't show yet.) The tracking on the G5 still is not updated, so it seems apparent it will not be sent to me. I was told I'd be getting a G5 so I already purchased a glass protector, case, and Dbrand skins for a G5 and got rid of my G Flex 2 case. What an absolute mess.

Update 3: My original G Flex 2 arrived February 8th. That's 32 business days after payment. My $9.52 tempered glass screen protector was removed; a piece of tape is on the screen instead. Shipping instructions said to "remove accessories such as memory/SIM cards" but didn't not specifically state portectors. It is also clear on teardown videos on YouTube that the motherboard is entirely accessible through the back screws; absolutely no need to have removed the glass from a service standpoint, or clearly requested to remove in paperwork. I haven't tried to reactivate on the Sprint network yet, however I have noticed the yellow Sprint bootup logo is conspicuously missing now, and a SIM card that wasn't mine is in the phone now. Network carrier shows as "LG" on display; apparently some test card an employee carelessly left in.

I called Customer Serivce again, asking for the status of the G5 now that I have this device back. Reiterated I was specifically told I would receive the G5 and not this phone back. After being put on hold a few times the rep said they would call me back in 24-48 hours for resolution after review and consideration of my case notes.