Touch/Swipe Problem with Xperia neo V

[sapandey]

I bought this phone on 26th February, 2012 and it was working fine till around March end and suddenly I started experiencing swipe issues:

1) At some occasions, when I recieved calls swipe/drag to right to accept the call didn't work. I assumed it could be a memory issue where I might have many processes running at the backgroud.

Till this problem spread to the different level:

2) Unlock swipe/drag option also started behaving the similar way as mentioned above but at this point I was sure that it has nothing to do with the memory issue since it happened even I restarted my phone.

3) It has increased more when I made an update to Icecream Sandwitch (ICS) version. The latest issues I am facing now are:

a) Pattern lock doesn't work effectively, I have to make 4-5 attempts to unlock it

b) If I put scroll lock (left to right drag function) instead of pattern (I noticed in ICS that they have made this option and pattern optional while in Gingerbread you had to perform both the functions to unlock phone) even then it is hard to unlock phone and I had to make few attempts to unlock it.

--- For resolution, I went to the service center where they made an update to the software (OS) but interestingly it took me back to Gingerbread from ICS however problem with Pattern and scroll unlock still persists.

Service center feels that it might be touch screen issue however I am not sure since this problem is occuring ONLY at Home screen or you can say at the Unlock time or sometimes while receiving/accepting the calls. It does work perfectly, if I go to Settings > Localion and Security > Screen Unlock > Change Screen Lock > Confirm Saved Pattern. It takes the pattern input at this level with no issues at all.

I am scheduled to go to service center today as they said it has to be sent for touch screen replacement / further testing today however wanted to see if it is really a hardware issue or a software issue.

PS: Since my phone OS is reinstalled by service center hence it has very less softwares installed mostly delivered hence software conflicts should not be the possibility.

I found below discussion in forum which has similar issue discussed but it has some software update which I am not very comfortable with unless service center does it for me. Below are the discussion details:

http://talk.sonymobile.com/thread/33112?notification=sent

[sapandey]

I understand. However, the one you mentioned pre-installed is actually what I meant "in the box". This Sony store guy opened the sealed box in front of me and it had a screen protector in the box which he laminated on the screen so there is no additional protector installed on the handset only the one which came in the box.

[uliwooly-wooly]

but that was an extra screen protector, when I said pre-installed, I meant it was already installed/applied on the screen and in some markets they got 1 or 2 extra screen protectors.

[srids]

It is problem with hardware without any dought.

I face all issues what have been discussed above?

Just go to service center and ask to replace touch screen. if it under warenty, you wiill get it for free.

don't wait or think  too much otherwise you will loose interest in sony phones.

if there is not warenty keep around 5000/- (INR) while entering into service center.

[sapandey]

Oh..ok. That was not the case since my handset didn't have the pre-installed screen protector so the one which came in the box is the one and only screen protector on the phone screen.

[sapandey]

I know. Mine is just 2 months old purchase and it is still under warranty and they have already sent it to Sony for replacement of touch screen and I think everyone here is waiting to see if issue gets resolved with it

[uliwooly-wooly]

its really hard to see, but it does come with one, believe me

[gunsranger]

yeah i am with you bro ...

Folks we know what we are talking about and there is no extra screen protector except for the default protector that came with in the box ...

Hmm so it seems like hardware replacement is the only option !!

Just hope that the phone will be alright without any trouble after the hardware replacement !

[#9]

No screen protector added.

[uliwooly-wooly]

fair enough, did you test the digitizer?

Dial -> *#*#7378423#*#*

[#11]

I don´t use any extra screen protector.

It definetely is not a software issue, some people still have their phones working properly, and in mine, after reset or update of firmware the problem still remains. The problem appears in a couple of months for most people that reported to have the same issue, it means it cames with the time of use. If it was software the problem would be solved reinstalling firmware, what I have done with software provided by Sony and even the authorized assistance store did the same. My device is still under warranty and now it is in Sony to be repaired. I didn´t mentioned before but I also had some problem with signal power that compared to other phones using the same sim card in same places, it´s an unacceptable low and fails frequently.

I guess the touch must fail in other situations not only the lock screen for some of you too.

Try after unlock, move/slide an icon or widget on home screen, or simply slide the screen touching on top of a icon, the app will be launched., or move to the screen you have the photos "timescape style" widget, turn off the screen, turn it on again, unlock the screen (After 3 or more times of try :smileysad:), and try to scroll the photos, .

Maybe you should try app like DrawSomething and see in the first try you can´t draw a line, only points and after the second touch it start working.

The screen might fail less or more frequently for different users depending on how damaged the hardware already are.