Samsung Galaxy S3 - common fault - they blame me!

[Layla90]

Hi everyone,

 

I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 on contract with orange, still under manufacturer warranty.

 

The problem that i have is a very common one when searching google called the Sudden Death Syndrome, one day the phone was working fine and then go to use it again....ITS DEAD.

 

I get in contact with Orange and they organised for me to send the phone to the Samsung Repair centre (SBE Ltd), i waited circa 2 weeks and received the phone back with the report of the problem being "Water Ingress", they blamed this on numerous reasons such as:

 

1. Dropping the phone into water or a puddle

2. Spilling liquid on the phone

3. Rain, fog or mist!!

4. Steam (e.g. Leaving the phone on the kitchen counter whilst cooking)

5. Condensation (e.g. Leaving the phone in a vehicle overnight)

6. Body perspiration (e.g. keeping your phone on you when exercising)

 

Now, from my point of view points 4 to 6 are what people do with their phones in every day use! An example, what if i were cooking and using the recipe application - does this mean i can't do that? or perhaps wanting to go down the gym?

 

I know i have never spilt any water in the phone directly, their are plently of stories gonig round about Samsung putting the blame on the customers to cover their faults.

 

I'll really appreciate you guys help on this because i need this phone for business.

 

Many thanks,

 

Layla

Edited July 29, 2013 by Layla90
Added a link

[BankFodder]

I had an identical SDS problem with mine. Luckily I had insurance but if I hadn't I think that I would have gone so far as suing Tmobile.

 

You have the phone back. Examine it very carefully and if you see no signs of water damage then I would find as many report as possible across the internet about SDS. Print them out and build a good file. I understand that Samsung may even have released a firmware fix for the problem. try and find references to that. Go to the XDA developers forum and ask questions there. They are extremely knowledgeable.

If you can get reports of a dozen or more - but as many as possible - 30 would be great, then I think that I would threaten Orange and then sue. Don't threaten if you don't mean it.

See our small claims faq. I would rate your chances of success as better than 80% and I expect that Orange would cave in rather than risk a judgment

[Layla90]

Hi BankFodder,

 

Thank you so much for your advice, I took it and all worked well. I must have been on and off the phone to orange for a good couple of hours, they did try to continue with the water ingress issue but I continued with my quest.

 

Just received the replacement today, lets hope the same doesnt happen again

 

Thank you again, would still be holding my head with worry if it wasnt for your reply! So thanks again!

 

Layla