Galaxy S5 has a multitude of problems, is there a fix or should I just get it repaired?

[AC Question]

This started recently maybe about 2-3 months ago. The screen will just freeze at random intervals, you can hear the background noises and etc when you touch the phone still functions. Not only that, but when I press the power button or the home button the phone will just turn off, turn back on with a static/pixelated screen. It will then proceed to restart and vibrate for about 5 seconds for 3-4 times in a row. Unfortunately I have had this phone for about 14 months now so I'm not within the warranty period. The thing is I'm still paying off the phone and have roughly 8 months left. Was trying to find solutions online and I have already done a factory reset and cleaned partition twice with no success. I have no apps on the phone either. If anyone has found a solution I would like to know what steps you have taken to remedy this issue. I will also mention for some reason the battery has water damage but not the phone itself. Will try to test replacing the battery but I doubt that is causing the issue.

 

[ironass]

This started recently maybe about 2-3 months ago. The screen will just freeze at random intervals, you can hear the background noises and etc when you touch the phone still functions. Not only that, but when I press the power button or the home button the phone will just turn off, turn back on with a static/pixelated screen. It will then proceed to restart and vibrate for about 5 seconds for 3-4 times in a row. Unfortunately I have had this phone for about 14 months now so I'm not within the warranty period. The thing is I'm still paying off the phone and have roughly 8 months left. Was trying to find solutions online and I have already done a factory reset and cleaned partition twice with no success. I have no apps on the phone either. If anyone has found a solution I would like to know what steps you have taken to remedy this issue. I will also mention for some reason the battery has water damage but not the phone itself. Will try to test replacing the battery but I doubt that is causing the issue.

When you have reached the stage you describe then there is only one thing to do and that is a FULL WIPE+FACTORY DATA RESET as per #2.3, #2.4 and #2.5 of S5 Lollipop Update Problems - Dummies Guide. Backup your phone beforehand and check it thoroughly before installing apps and settings, as described in the guide.

 

[Tech-Newb]

Have you done a factory reset? Try to reflash your android. Or maybe the motherboard is damaged or loose and needs replacement.

Posted with ❤Love❤

 

[Feldon]

I have already done a factory reset and cleaned partition twice with no success.

Wish people read the OP.

 

[crescentsky]

Good morning ironass thanks for getting back to me. Apologies for a late reply. Unfrunately yes I have done a fullwipe+factory reset with no luck. Yesterday I also attempted to flash the phone with Odin and Sammobile firmware which hasn't worked either. I'm guessing it must have something to do with the hardware because when I leave the phone alone for a good few hours and turn it back on it works for a few minutes with no issues then freezes.From what I read it could possibly be an issue due to the power button getting stuck so I don't know if getting that replaced would fix the phone from constantly freezing though and pixelating. I appreciate your insight on this though seems you have done alot of research on this.

 

[ironass]

Good morning ironass thanks for getting back to me. Apologies for a late reply. Unfrunately yes I have done a fullwipe+factory reset with no luck. Yesterday I also attempted to flash the phone with Odin and Sammobile firmware which hasn't worked either. I'm guessing it must have something to do with the hardware because when I leave the phone alone for a good few hours and turn it back on it works for a few minutes with no issues then freezes.From what I read it could possibly be an issue due to the power button getting stuck so I don't know if getting that replaced would fix the phone from constantly freezing though and pixelating. I appreciate your insight on this though seems you have done alot of research on this.

I am inclined to agree with you crescentsky, if you have done a FULL WIPE+FACTORY DATA RESET and the issues persist prior to loading apps and settings, then you have a hardware issue. (The FULL WIPE part is required as some issues can be generated by internal and/or external memory).

One thing you could try, as you mention that you have a water damaged battery which could have allowed a minute amount of moisture to enter the phone, is to take the back off and remove the battery and place all the components into a ladies stocking/tights/pantyhose, (preferably whilst they are not being worn), and place it in a large tupperware tub of uncooked rice and leave in a warm place, such as an airing cupboard, for 4/5 days. You can, if you have some, replace the uncooked rice with some of those little bags of silica gel that you get with electronic equipment. On no account, use a hairdryer on it! If this does resolve your problems then immediately replace the water damaged battery.

Another thing that some users are finding is that after nearly 2 years of use, the grease from their fingers has built up around the power button, inside the phone, causing the power button to stick. A few brave types, have tried a sharp tap either side of the power button to release it. Alternatively, you could get it cleaned professionally if this appears to be an issue.

 

[Jims S5]

Could you case be too tight?

 

[crescentsky]

I am inclined to agree with you crescentsky, if you have done a FULL WIPE+FACTORY DATA RESET and the issues persist prior to loading apps and settings, then you have a hardware issue. (The FULL WIPE part is required as some issues can be generated by internal and/or external memory).

One thing you could try, as you mention that you have a water damaged battery which could have allowed a minute amount of moisture to enter the phone, is to take the back off and remove the battery and place all the components into a ladies stocking/tights/pantyhose, (preferably whilst they are not being worn), and place it in a large tupperware tub of uncooked rice and leave in a warm place, such as an airing cupboard, for 4/5 days. You can, if you have some, replace the uncooked rice with some of those little bags of silica gel that you get with electronic equipment. On no account, use a hairdryer on it! If this does resolve your problems then immediately replace the water damaged battery.

Another thing that some users are finding is that after nearly 2 years of use, the grease from their fingers has built up around the power button, inside the phone, causing the power button to stick. A few brave types, have tried a sharp tap either side of the power button to release it. Alternatively, you could get it cleaned professionally if this appears to be an issue.

Thanks Ironass for the solution, however I did somewhat manage to fix one of the issues. What I had done was I revert back to Kit Kat via Odin. That stopped the phone from excessively rebooting/bootloop. The only issue I face now is that my phone screen keeps freezing. However it is still responsive as I did some testing using Mobizen to make sure the screen is in working condition via PC. I have no clue as to why it keeps freezing so I'll give an update after I fix it.