What's happened to my Nexus 4?

[Bazsty]

I've had my Nexus 4 for about 2 months now. Having previously owned an iPhone 4S, I find this phone far superior and am enjoying my first traverse into the Android universe. I use it daily for all kinds of different activities, mostly browsing and playing games. However, I've noticed that the phone gets hot to the touch whilst doing these activities, so hot infact, that I worry I might get burnt, gah!

Anyway, on the back of the phone I've noticed a strange lump that I don't recall being there when I first bought it (I look at that glittery wonder everyday). It's coincidentally located at the exact area the phone gets the most hot, which is the area right next to the 'N' in Nexus. It's distorted the shape of the glass too, so it looks like a funny mirror when looking at a reflection in it. I can't think of what else would cause this lump other than the heat, as I look after my phone and keep it in a case at all times.

These pictures should show you what I mean, though it looks worse in person. Would you call this a problem? I'm thinking about contacting Google to get a replacement as I'm worried I may be stuck with a defective unit.

Thanks

 

[skyrockett]

wired... did you try pressing it down?

 

[greydarrah]

If my phone was warping from heat, I'd have Google send me a new one.

 

[CoMoNexus]

If my phone was warping from heat, I'd have Google send me a new one.

Agreed. That looks like a serious problem. I'd start by emailing Google those photos.

 

[Bazsty]

Thanks guys! I'm going to get in touch with Google ASAP about this.

I've tried pushing down on it, but it just won't budge, and I don't want to risk putting too much pressure on the device incase I end up with something even worse (i.e a cracked screen). :O

 

[CoMoNexus]

Is it possible that a battery could swell so much that it distorts the phone's shell? I can't see a component such as the processor changing shape that drastically.

 

[Basscase]

Is it possible that a battery could swell so much that it distorts the phone's shell?

Yes, very possible. But I think he is assuming the heat is warping the glass, not the processor (or battery) bulging out.

My initial thought would be glass warping also.

 

[chubb]

Would you call this a problem?

Yes. It looks like the soft side of the phone, whatever it is, is warping. I don't think the glass would be warping like that, to me I think it would crack with that kind of a bulge. But if it was my phone I would be contacting Google ASAP to get a new one.

 

[wildmangk]

Thats crazy!! Your phone has a tumor


Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk

 

[rivoire]

And if Google gives you the run around I'd definitely talk to lg, that bump ain't right.

 

[CoMoNexus]

More about overheating: The Nexus 4's supposed overheating problem has appeared on my device - Pocketables

 

[Andy Bell]

Can't the pics, i wanna see a strange bump!!!

 

[jim302]

Probably a bulging (defective) battery... get it replaced right away before it cracks the glass. When this happens on a phone with a removable battery, the back door just pops off... when it happens on one with a sealed battery, something has to give, and that will either be the back glass or the display.

Battery University has a picture of a bulging Lithium Polymer pouch cell. It is an extreme example, but it doesn't take much swelling to break something in most phones: Pouch Cell - Small but not Trouble Free – Battery University

 

[Anantha Raj]

I too have the same bulge, though not as prominent as yours. But there is a slight anomaly on the front too, exactly opposite to this spot. Please check if its the case with your phone. I bought this from US in March. Planning to show it to the techies at LG Service center this week, will let you know once they get back to me.

 

[snowdroid83]

If that is the battery bulging, I'd get it replaced fast, wouldn't want the battery to vent (usually with flame) in your pocket.

Posted via Android Central App on my Nexus 4