S3 keeps rebooting by itself.

[Oscar Blanco]

Hi everyone.

I heard about the insane chip thing recently, when I looked up what could be happening to my phone which keeps rebooting by itself every two hours or so.
Sometimes it freezes right after it starts up. Yesterday it seemed it had formatted itself, because all apps seemed to be gone, and the desktop had reset itself (though strangely the wallpapers for the lock and regular screen where still there, and so where all my pics and contacts). But on restart, everything came back.

So, anyway, I installed the eMMC check app. And indeed, I have the insane chip. :'(

My phone is a GT-19300 international version.

Chip:
Type: VTU00M
CID: 15010056545530304df1e9f55c657f6b

OS version: 4.1.2
Kernel: 3.031-789635
SMP PREEMPT Fri Jan 4, 2013


I've read about rooting, but honestly I don't want to do it. Neither look for an unofficial 4.2.2 OS (I've read posts from people that had formatted and installed that OS, and they keep having problems).

Is there any simple solution?
I've heard that the OS I have is good enough to at least have the phone not DIE on me... but the constant restarts can't be a good sign! And frankly, it's quite annoying and a hassle!

Thanks for any help! :-\

 

[Scott Kenyon]

Personally, I'd be claiming the warranty on this. It's a known manufacturer issue and they should replace the unit for you. As far as the reboot with no apps and stuff and them reappearing upon reboot, your phone probably booted into safe mode and you didn't realize it at the time. I'm sure you were frustrated by it.
Good job doing all the research and footwork before posting. You really know your issue well, and I hope Samsung will make it right.