N4 Troubleshooting
One of the most interesting design flaws of the Nexus 4 is the lack of friction on the edges. This gives it a sort of "hovering" effect on flat surfaces, which can prove fatal for your phone if it's near a table edge. Try it yourself; it's been proven many times.
You absolutely must get some kind of impact case for your Nexus 4 if you hope for it to survive. Maybe the official bumper case, maybe a nice TPU case. But you need something, anything to stop it from committing suicide.
- Problem: When I shake the Nexus 4, there is some subtle rattling noise.
- Solution: This is completely normal behavior. There is no issue.
The Nexus 4 uses a new accelerometer with moving parts, which gives off a rattling noise when shaken. It's not a problem at all.
If there is more than just a little subtle rattling, that is cause for concern, but it is very unlikely.
- Problem: The entire screen seems... off. In color, anyway.
- Solution: The issue is with the software, not the hardware. Wait for a software update, or root your phone and install a ROM with decent calibration.
Nexus phones are known for their lack of color calibration. No one knows the reason why; but at the very least, you can be safe in the fact that there is no hardware error.
An issue inherent to all Nexus 4 phones is a lack of sensitivity compared to other smartphones. The first thing you should do is check if the plastic film is still on the screen.
However, some people have reported issues even without the plastic. Nobody knows whether this is a software or hardware issue, or a part of the design.
The iPhone 5 has a similar issue with touch sensitivity.
After getting your Nexus 4, make sure to check for these common issues.
- Test: Open up a purely white image on your screen, and look for any unexpected black spots.
- Solution: If there is more than one, call for a replacement.
Dead pixels are common defects on screens in general.
- Problem: Yellow spots appear on some areas of the screen. (Note: A fully yellow screen is a different issue entirely)
- Solution: Wait for the spots to go away. If they reappear or worsen, call for a replacement immediately.
Yellow spots are a common issue with smartphones in general, from the iPhone to the HTC One X.
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- Introduction - A quick intro to the rationale and ideals of this guide, and smartphone modding in general.
- General Setup - Learn how to install and run the tools you need to succeed.
- Device Guides - Customized, fully decked out guides for rooting each and every device we could find.
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- Linux - Run a full desktop OS on your little mobile device; research is being made to make it comfortable to use in the mobile space.
- Glossary - Contains all the crazy acronyms and word soup that you'll need to wade through when using this guide.
- Android Buying Guide for Modders - While modding can fix up an outdated device, it will make your life easier to buy the right device from the start.