iPhone 4S - Just Died Whilst Charging - What Are The Options?

DS2k on 22/02/2015 - 22:40
Last edited 23/02/2015 - 12:05

Hi,

I plugged in my iPhone to charge this afternoon. After about 10 min, noticed that the phone was vibrating randomly and it felt really hot to be normal.

I tried to wake it up but nothing would happen. It kept vibrating for a while.

After about couple of hours, upon pressing the power button the phone displayed apple logo, as it is about to start but will not turn on. It eventually displayed the low battery symbol.

When I plug it again to charge, same issue, it starts getting hot straight away, doesn't seem to charge either.

Now I have two issues:

  1. How can I retrieve the data from my iPhone? No, I haven't unfortunately backed up my phone for a while. I have tried plugging it into iTunes on my Mac but again starts getting hot, as it charges. Doesn't sync, but I haven't tried it for too long, as I don't want to damage it.

  2. What are my options of getting it replaced? Phone is roughly 3 year old and was bought from Apple store outright. Has never gave me any issue, so never been opened or anything.

Any help will be appreciated.

UPDATE: Took the phone to Apple Genius and was told there is water damage as there is some moisture inside and sensors have turned "Red" to indicate. Phone does turn on now. But the screen flickers continuously.

Option now is to replace the phone with a "new" that comes with 2 year standard warranty for $229.
or
Buy Motorola Moto 2G from the Good Guys for $199.

Can I sell this iPhone on eBay, What sort of price do I expect?

Mobile

Comments

  • bargainy on 22/02/2015 - 22:56

    Shame you didn't enable iCloud as that would have had your backups covered. Sounds like battery has failed. You could try replacing it yourself with this https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+4S+Battery+Replacement/7…

    • scrimshaw on 22/02/2015 - 23:57
      +1

      Cracking open the iPhone voids the warranty but I guess after three years your warranty is already expired.

      I haven't had an Apple product in years but it may be worth going to an Apple store to see what your options are before attempting a self-repair.

      Also make sure you get a quality, genuine battery — I've had fake batteries 'swell' in my phones before and in a tightly shut device with no removable back cover like the iPhone, the phone's chassis will simply get forced open and bend the body.

  • ohp on 23/02/2015 - 01:22

    Had the same happened to my IP4s. Took it into the Apple store and they said it was dead and too far out of warranty. They sold me a refurbished of the exact same model for $230 and two years warranty.

    • DS2k on 23/02/2015 - 07:07

      I have read other forums on the net and this seems like Apple's way to go. I spent about $800 on this phone in Dec 11 and I am not too impressed with this. But then again, 2 years warrantly is a good option, if apple offers that, on refurbished one. Did you have to haggle at all?

      • ohp on 23/02/2015 - 19:25

        At first they tried to sell me IP5S for $800 but I said no because waiting for IP6 to come out 2 months later. Only because I said no they offered the $220 deal + warranty for the same phone.

        Depends on you usage, I found the IP4S is abit outdated now. Last week I purchased the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 for $450 dollars with 2 years local warranty. I am very happy with the phone and Android.

  • Marco1993 on 23/02/2015 - 02:36

    have you tried pressing both the home and the power button to turn on the phone
    sometimes when my iphone wont turn back one i try this

  • NoVillage on 23/02/2015 - 07:40

    Take it into Apple and see a Genius, they tend to have options to replace out of warranty devices. If I remember correctly its around $180-$230 for a replacement of the same model phone. They used to have information on their website about this, but I cannot find it. There are a few whirlpool forums about it! Each time ive been in they have been super accommodating, sometimes even waiving the replacement fee! As for the data…..good chance it will be hard to get back

    • Randxyz123 on 23/02/2015 - 11:26

      This. You can ask to replace the battery it might help if just to get all the data off.

      Also try a soft reset hold down the home and power button for several seconds and wait for the screen to come on.

      You could also try a different USB cable if you have one.

  • msmhw on 23/02/2015 - 07:41

    I got the same problem with my ipad but it turned out it was from the usb cable. try another cable if you have one or you may try replacing the battery. it easy to do it. just watch couple of videos

  • tinx on 23/02/2015 - 11:58

    just wondering, with out of warranty option from apple, do you always get the same exact model even though it's an old model ?

    I thought they don't sell iphone 4 anymore.

    • Randxyz123 on 23/02/2015 - 12:15

      They don't but they do replace iPhones with the exact same model. Even if you took a iPhone 3GS in, they'd give you a 3GS not a 4S or a 5

      • tinx on 23/02/2015 - 12:39

        ic. that's an expensive replacement for iphone 3gs or iphone 4 :)

  • DS2k on 23/02/2015 - 12:05

    Update: Took the phone to Apple Genius and was told there is water damage as there is some moisture inside and sensors have turned "Red" to indicate. Phone does turn on now. But the screen flickers continuously.

    Option now is to replace the phone with a "new" that comes with 2 year standard warranty for $229.
    or
    Buy Motorola Moto 2G from the Good Guys for $199.

    Can I sell this iPhone on eBay, What sort of price do I expect?

    • tinx on 23/02/2015 - 12:42

      sold mine about 120 with water damage (16gb iphone 4s so not worth it to get replacement)

      if you have 32gb or higher it's better to get the replacement and sell that i think ? check completed listing for sold price.

      i remember one guy selling replacement iphone 4s around 450-550 late last year.

    • Randxyz123 on 23/02/2015 - 12:45

      If you sell the broken one about $50 might be ok for parts…

      If you get the refurb one maybe $250 if you're lucky….

    • ohp on 23/02/2015 - 19:30

      Motorola is a good buy if you dont wanna spend too much.

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