Motorola Moto G 4g screen cracked issues

[chickenbradly]

I purchased the Moto g 4g version about 2 weeks ago and I love it. Everything about the phone is great. Unfortunately the other day I dropped the phone mabye about 2 ft. and it must have landed on the perfect spot on the corner because the screen spider cracked in a heartbeat. I was surprised how easy it was for the screen to shatter. I know its glass but still (should've had a cover anyways). I am going to get this phone replaced with another of the same version ( I chalk it up to bad luck) straight from the Motorola site so I can get a shell for free with it for some added protection.

Before I do that though, I would like to weigh my options for repair. My phone is not covered by Motorola's new "fix your screen for free once" plan announced about a month ago because I bought it through amazon and not the motorola site directly. The phone works fine, the screen is just cracked. The cracked portions are just fine to touch and use as well, so I believe the digitizer is fine. But before just buying some parts I have a few questions.

1. I own the Motorola Moto G 4g model. I'm assuming its exactly the same as the original moto g in terms of dimensions, but just to be sure: If I find a glass lens online for the Moto g, will it work for my Moto g 4g?

2. If I choose to do the repair option, will this diminish or remove the phone's abilitiy to remain waterproof (with its protective coating)? Not sure if the 3rd party glass lens would have the coating.

3. If anyone has any experience with repairing screens such as this (this will be my first time), what do you suggest? Was it difficult? Any special precautions that need to be taken?

Thanks for the help everyone

 

[yaconsult]

Please keep us updated on this - I'm sure all us moto g owners are interested in case we have the same thing happen to us in the future.

The moto g and moto g lte are physically identical - the difference is in the radios.

It sounds like you might only need the glass and that seems to be available on ebay for about $10: Motorola Moto G XT1032 XT1036 Front Screen Glass Lens Panel Replacement Part USA | eBay

As far as the coating, there's nothing you can do anyway so I wouldn't worry about it. Besides, it's more the internals that need to be protected, not the glass and they will still have their original coating.

I know that there are disassembly videos out there - I've seen some, so do a google search. I hope you are able to quickly and cheaply fix it and have your phone back to 100%!

In the case where the screen itself is broken - not just the glass front like yours - the new screens seem to start at about $40 on ebay. Search for "moto g screen". I guess that's not a bad price to repair a $220 phone if you drop it and it lands the wrong way. It's also a lot of work to disassemble and reassemble and requires a lot of care, but looks like something that most people who have some experience with working on electronics could handle.

 

[blackveils]

i recommend you get a TPU case after the screen issue is fixed.

 

[isdaako]

If you decide not to repair the damage (so long as the phone is functional) put an adhesive style screen protector on it. That will help in water resistance and prevent any chips from coming loose.

I've got some pals with screens much worse than you've described still using them.

 

[BMIC50]

Let's pull Lazarus up...

My son just dropped his 4G and it is soo bad that shards are starting to fall out. I am looking to get it repaired, and I am curious as to if anyone has used Motorola's repair service. I am not entirely sure on the costs but at first blush, it looks like $75.

Also, I have repaired (or attempted to) my Nexus 7 2013 and I am also interested in trying it myself. Did the OP successfully repair theirs? Anyone else?

edit: Called Motorola Support and the cost is $75, and it's basically you sending your device back and them sending you a replacement. However, they are out of 1st Gen Moto G 4G LTE Unlocked so I might have a chance at getting upgraded trade in....we will see!