I'm Returning My Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 4G Because of Phone Problem and Their Low Standard Customer Service

What I've experienced is like 'no customer service' or 'poor customer service'.

Edit: (Bought from Amazon preorder sales, this is Australia version, not grey import.
I could have it returned right away to Amazon without going any of this hassle, but I've used 3 note phones and I like its
hardware and softwares. It suits me well, I kind of need the tech very much. I want my problem solved very much instead of returning it to Amazon.
My problem is the bad customer service.)

My Note10+ has serious network issues (like drop to 3G more than 20 times a day when I was using the phone screen on, and stays on it for 3~5 minutes sometimes longer, when it is on 3G, basically you get something like 1 to 3 Mb down which is so slow can't open a web page ),

I'm using Telstra SIM, the same sim card working in my 2 year old OnePlus phone so well that I have only saw it drops back to 3G/HSPA for like twice in the last two years at the same location.
This Note10+ does the drop at Calamvale, Browns Plain, Sunnybank Hills, Garden City. Called Telstra, they confirmed there's no network issue in surrounding area.
Put the sim card in the note10+, then you constantly got the drops, mobile data cuts ( I use it a lot for hotspot that's how I noticed the problem from the first place).
Put the sim card back in OnePlus, it is awesome flawless network.

Visited Telstra shop to repalce the sim, no difference.

Submitted a support email on Samsung website, got a reply hours later with baked answers like I can try reset the network settings, reset the phone to factory default, or Visit the samsung support store for help. Then the conversation was shutoff right away, because my further reply can not be acceptted by their server anymore. I was trying to ask where's their support store.

Called Samsung support line 3 times, the first phone call, when I said it was purchased from Amazon Au, I was told they can't support grey import. They don't know Amazon Au is also authorised seller for this and was in the preorder. After I word that back, IMEI was requested to check if it is Australia stock. Then we were doing the baked troubleshooting steps, and the phone dropped the call right in the middle.
The 2nd call got another guy, he could not believe phone from Amazon is Australia stock and requested to check the IMEI as well. Then we confirmed things like I've already asked Telstra for network status. The 3rd call I figured out I'll make an apointment on the phone to visit the support center. Was told I'll need to wait 7 days before I can visit their Support store in the shopping center, because it is fully booked out. They can't sqeeze like 10 mintues out for me.

And when I visit them, the staff working there only thing they can do is accept my phone and have it handed over to the real tech guy somewhere else and that will take 1 to 2 days. There're one guy two girls working there, not busy at all, the girls were even chatting with their friends passing by.

And I went their half hour earlier than the appointment time, waiting at the nearby coffee club, in that 30 minutes, there was no other customer visiting them.

Unfortunately due to their support system failure, the 10 minutes hand over in store became 70 minutes, the support system just didn't work, so they have to keep my phone off the record, do a special manual operation for it.

And for some reason, my Samsung ID can login on the phone, but when logged in on the computer, it just wen to error, not able to do anything or even register the phone for warranty. screeshot:
My dad's samsung ID can login without problem when I logged out.

3 days later I got SMS saying phone's ready to collect, without mentioning like what they've found, what they have done, no store location or opening hours. And you can not ring back because that phone number does not accept phone call or SMS.

Went to the store, another guy this time, handed the phone back to me requesting my ID and sign the digit agreement right away, I asked what is that and what's the phone's problem and what they have done, he asked me to sign again, wasn't interested answering my questions.
So I asked again, this time he said this is to provide a signature saying I take the phone back.
And he has two documents saying what's the problem and what they have done.

He only provided me the documents after I provided the signature. Surprisly he said the phones motherboard and maybe other parts have been replaced, all firmware / radio firmware has been refalshed.

The document does say the problem I descripted, does not say what's the cause or what they've found, does say what they have performed (replace the motherboard and there you go ).

I asked should they ask me whether I want to go ahead with the repair for this new 2 weeks old $1600 phone or have it returned (to Amazon)?
He said yes. He said it was strange no one asked me before the tech guy did the repair.

After he helped me to put the SIM card in, he left me right away to check with another customer, the thing is, when the phone is turning on and going through the setup, it dropped back to 3G right away for like 3 mintues. It is on Telstra, the support store is in Westfield Garden City.

I was trying to show him the problem, but he seems really busy and can not leave the other customer.

So I'm going back to Apple and sending Samsung their shit back (returning to Amazon was easy, customer representative agreed with that right away the first minute.)

There's about 12 screen recording showing the problem I've uploaded to Youtube.

Hope you guys have better luck

By the way, the Samsung Dex sucks.

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Comments

  • +1

    And another story:

    I told the guy working in the support center that maybe they should print the phone's serial number on the case, because when creating support ticket/appointment online, the phone serial number is required, if the customer's phone can not be turned on, they don't have a serial number, they can't do the self apointment online.

    I was told you can call Samsung and do the apointment on the phone, this way you don't have to provide a serial number.

    Great idea!

  • +15

    TLDR - my note 10+ always goes back to 3G and can't browse anything and Samsung customer service is shit!!so going back to apple.

    • +3

      Yep, nice! Phone signal or quality is shit, service is worse

  • +3

    FYI:
    After I got the phone back, after a motherboard replacement, the drop to 3G problem has mostly gone, I only saw it is on 3G when at the support center and once at Sunnybank Hills. The network seems to be much more stable.

    But I do not wish to stay with this kind of customer service

    Also in another thread, one fellow ozbargainer said he had the same network issue, went on online chat with Samsung support, and was guided into factory engineering mode or something like that, to adjust some settings, after that, his phone's network issue has mostly gone as well.

    Guess the Note 10 series was launched in a hurry to beat Apple for 3 weeks, without enough testing and adjustment

    • +7

      Nope, the Note10 launch wasn't rushed.
      It's a S10 variant with an S Pen, and they have experience making this for years. It was very controlled from what we see. The Galaxy Fold, now that was a disaster.

      The logic board (or motherboard) probably didn't need a change. It would've been something else. In most cases, there's a big software update after 2 months which addresses many big fixes. That applies to iPhones as well.

      I would've agreed with your customer service comment, but I don't. About 5 years ago Apple used to just swap your iPhone for a refurbished or a new one, making the process simple. Now they take it, pretend to diagnose it, and ask for astronomical prices to fix (thanks iPhone X stupid glass). It's even worse for their Mac products. Their "geniuses" are not qualified technicians anymore, since any stoner can be hired.

      On top of this, you actually received good customer service from Samsung. You had an issue and identified it. Took your phone to a Samsung store where they have salesmen (not technicians). They accepted it, and made their repairs, and called you back in 3 days. You rightfully so had to provide identification and signature, then receive the phone. The phone had spotty reception in the Shopping Centre, well that's expected. You seem to be happy with the performance so far, but you are angry about the customer service.

      The only part where you are rightfully angry is waiting 70 mins to drop off a phone. I had to do it before in Sydney with a Samsung device, and they booked it in over the phone, and it took me 10 mins. You needed to be more active in that situation to avoid such outcome: "hey guys I have an appointment with you, I know I'm early, but there's almost no customers, and its not supposed to take long, can you help me out?"

      • +2

        I wouldn’t have agreed with you that he had good service with Samsung, but then again I’m comparing his experience with what I have had with Apple support. Ive still had the walk in, they do the diagnostics and give you a refurb for your device experience. I got a Samsung phone, several years ago, and it was rubbish as well. Frankly if Samsung want to play in the expensive phone stratosphere they need to up their support game.

      • Hahaha oh my word - only a typical Android user could describe OP's experience as a good experience and in the same sentence lambaste Apple's world renowned exemplary customer service. Get out of here, you're transparent, buddy.

        What utter trollop.

        I work in the I.T. dept for the company I work at and we use Apple iPhones for corporate and, in the past, used Apple iPods on site (for inventory purposes). So I have to deal with Apple a lot - they replace majority of items on the spot. Any hardware issues are 99% likely to be replaced on the spot. This is the same for iPhones, iPods, Apple Watches, you name it.

        Stop spreading bullshit and tryna drag Apple down to Samsung's level. OP walked into a fricken Samsung shop and they could not replace his barely a year old device?! Crikey.

        • I'm not.
          Samsung is known for having poor customer service in Australia, and that's by many people and I agree with that sentiment. Apple was the gold standard but they've slipped up heaps in the last 5 years. I think Apple still offers pretty good support, but it largely depends on which device, warranty, and how much money you have. To think otherwise would be to dishonest. So yeah Samsung's support in-general sucks… however, that doesn't mean every interaction with Samsung is dissatisfactory. And in this case, it was actually a good customer service. Let's look at the facts. He had a problem, consulted their help, handed the device in, it was fixed in 3 days, he picked up the device, the problem was solved.

          What would've qualified as bad customer service?
          - If he couldn't get a hold of the company
          - If they denied there was a problem
          - If they were actively rude to him
          - If they demanded an extortionate amount of money
          - If the repair time took very long
          - If the problem persisted after repairs

          …none of those things happened in this case.
          Aboutconfig seems to have a brittle spirit, or is another "Karen".

          • -1

            @Kangal: You said:

            • If he couldn't get a hold of the company

            OP said:

            Called Samsung support line 3 times, the first phone call was doing the baked troubleshooting steps,and the phone dropped the call right in the middle.

            I think if it takes more than one point of contact to get anywhere, the company has definitely failed to provide even a reasonable level of service.

            You said:

            • If they denied there was a problem

            OP said:

            Submitted a support email on Samsung website, got a reply hours later with baked answers like I can try reset the network settings, reset the phone to factory default, or Visit the samsung support store for help. Then the conversation was shutoff right away, because my further reply can not be acceptted by their server anymore.

            This is as good as saying there's no more problem. Categorically it is - I work in the I.T. field - this sort of behaviour is what is performed once the company has decided the issue is resolved.

            Further:

            The 2nd call got another guy, we confirmed things like I've already asked Telstra for network status. The 3rd call I figured out I'll make an apointment on the phone to visit the support center. Was told I'll need to wait 7 days before I can visit their Support store in the shopping center, because it is fully booked out. They can't sqeeze like 10 mintues out for me.

            And when I visit them, the staff working there only thing they can do is accept my phone and have it handed over to the real tech guy somewhere else and that will take 1 to 2 days. There're one guy two girls working there, not busy at all, the girls were even chatting with their friends passing by.

            OP's time to resolution was at least ten days, though. It wasn't three days.

            This is for a two week old device, mate.

            • If they were actively rude to him

            Well they refused to answer OP's questions about the device, status, or what the issue was. Seems to me that's borderline rude.

            So, ya.

            Apple was the gold standard but they've slipped up heaps in the last 5 years. I think Apple still offers pretty good support, but it largely depends on which device, warranty, and how much money you have.

            By what metric are you basing this off? Is it personal experience? I've got plenty of anecdotal and more evidence of a far superior experience.

            First case for me:

            I have my first and only ever purchased iPhone - the iPhone SE. After two and a half years of ownership I was having issues with the battery's quality - the phone being out of warranty I just assumed I'd have to pay the $69 or w/e it was for a replacement battery. I went into the Apple store (having booked an appointment that day, online, in Brisbane) and walked in. Within thirty mins to an hour I walked out with a brand new device (not refurb'd) free of charge.

            Second cases:

            I've previously mentioned I work in I.T. so I'm constantly dealing with iPhones for our corporate workers, as well as iPads, and iPods on site for inventory purposes. Every time I've had an issue with an iPhone I've been able to walk in and walk out with a replacement device.

            The iPods we just sent away and Apple would send a replacement back to us upon receipt. I will grant you that the iPod generations we were using were horrible and were plagued with battery issues, but Apple replaced them basically no questions asked. Even when the device was a few months past ACL of 2 years.

            Possibly a third that I haven't bothered to follow up:

            I jumped on online chat to talk about my 2013 MacBook Pro retina having battery/power issues - they still provide support and were going to book me in an appointment at the nearest Apple store to troubleshoot and investigate further. I never followed that up cos I work on computers all day at work so I hate using a computer home, so I just use the Mac on power. Not an excuse, I just can't be arsed, lmao.

            So, yeah. I'd be interested to see where your idea of Apple's declining after sale support comes from .

    • Hi
      You mentioned someone talked about solving the issue using Engineering mode. Can you describe?

      Thanks

  • +3

    I didn't need to read it, but Samsung service is why i stick to iPhones, especially living outside a city.

  • +2

    That was really hard to follow. But basically you bought a note10 from Amazon and it didn't work well with your telstra Sim. You took the phone to samsung for repair and are surprised that they want to charge you.

    I assume you bought a grey import from Amazon. Samsung Australia is under no obligation to repair it under warranty, if that's the case. Are you even sure that it supports Australian 4g bands?

    You should have dealt with Amazon rather than samsung directly.

    Have fun with your iphone.

    • Why assume it's grey import?

      • Not being able to get 4g coverage. Makes sense.

    • +2

      It is Australia stock, ordered from the preoder sales , not grey import.
      The first two phone calls to Samsung support, they can't believe Amazon stock is Australia stock, have to provide IMEI to check

      • Place of purchase is always the best place to start with a warranty claim. That's part of the risk you take buying from Amazon (or eBay for that matter). If you do need to claim warranty it's more kicking around than a bricks and mortar store because you have to send it back etc. But place of purchase should always be your first port of call. The ACCC will tell you that too.

        I get that it's not great service from Samsung. That's a fair claim. But Amazon should have been dealing with it.

  • apart from a possible hardware fault

    i feel this is an operator issue.

    enjoy your iphone with old tech

    • +2

      Dont be silly.

      Are you saying that the OP didnt know how to use their phone?

      Meanwhile the Service centre didnt know how to tell them that, so they repaired the phone and sent them on their way?

      Then the service centre service wasnt very good was it, which is what the OP is complaining about.

      Apple Screws up, Samsung Screws up.

      When they do they should be accountable.

      Its nothing to do with old or new tech BS

    • enjoy your iphone with old tech

      Ah, yes, the chipset, which is categorically the defining factor in a phones performance, Apple A13 Bionic - unparalleled in power and performance in literally any other phone, but somehow to myusername it's old tech. Android fans sure do sound like sheep when they trot out the same tired cliches, much like a sheep would.

      • no 5g

        i can keep going………

        • So no remarks on aforementioned defining factor of a phones performance, the chipset? Righto, mate. I never expected a genuine reply. I'm sure you've little to no idea why Apple couldn't include a 5G iteration, huh?

          • @ThithLord: have never understood why apple users get so butthurt when queried

            i'm sorry to have offended you.

            • @myusername:

              apart from a possible hardware fault

              i feel this is an operator issue.

              enjoy your iphone with old tech

              Ah, yes - the classic can't refute my shortcomings so I refer to the other party as butthurt. Again, I'm not surprised at your lack of creativity and direction.

              • @ThithLord: oh wow you just don't want to let go.

                i tried to be nice and polite.

                like i said old tech and even they dont even include the lastest offerings that other premium phones do. hence why most apple users have more dollars than sense.

                now no need butthurt condesending or show that kind of tone or attitude.

                move on and get over it call the wambulance call ya mum call someone who cares

                • +1

                  @myusername: https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2019/08/samsung-galaxy-s10-5g-rev…

                  You might want to read this article. I will be polite and not comment. I don't think I need to, actually, be abusive - unlike some.

                • @myusername: lmao, you're a crack up. Your only carrot is the 5G shtick? Which majority of people report isn't even important? Apple couldn't provide a 5G modem cos of their, at the time, beef with their modem provider.

                  You've yet to list any further "old tech"? You make points like a child would.

                  • @ThithLord: It is about an integrated package. You are the one hung up on “old tech”. As was pointed out in the article some “new tech”, like 5g, isn’t important at the moment. It will become important when the network starts up. Your sort of argument is that a chassis, a set of wheels, a new boot cover, and a petrol tank is more important than how the whole car works and the driver experience, then you abuse the driver for enjoying his experience. Personally I don’t give a rats. If people enjoy their phones that is a-ok by me. I don’t feel the need to be an obnoxious, abusive prick but, apparently, some people do feel that way.

                    • @try2bhelpful: You may have your wires crossed, mate - or you completely misunderstand me. Maybe you should read the conversation again? I'm telling @myusername that the technology in the latest iPhones is not old tech, nor has every iteration before the current iPhone had old tech.

  • +1

    I am yet to buy a Note10+ (4G Hybrid) but I had a much better experience (Chadstone store) than what you described here.

    The key message is always buy a phone from Samsung directly or through their Samsung website OR places like JB Hifi, Good Guys, etc. You probably would pay more but now you can see the hassle.

    I agree it shouldn't be like that but if you bought a Grey import, you cannot expect Samsung Australia to fix it.

    • +2

      It was preordered from Amazon Au, they are authorised reseller, this is Australia stock, not grey import.

      • Okay. I used to have this experience but I don't know if it is going to be the same with yours.

        Go to Samsung Experience Store.
        Get them to flash the phone using Telstra firmware. This process will take at least 30 minutes as Samsung is required to offer you to backup. Go somewhere while this is being done.
        Once you get the phone back, confirm 4G stable (No VOLTE as yet).
        Once 4G stable but if no VOLTE, take to Telstra to activate VOLTE.

        If 4G isn't stabilizing, then you may have a bad batch. Return the phone to Samsung Repair Centre or Samsung Experience Store for a repair BUT insert a notation this has been repaired before to no avail and you are seeking replacement.

        My Note 4 when I had this issue was upgraded to S6 without question.

        If this is too late for you, at least for the benefit of this community.

        Regards

        Zz

        • I'm not sure if there's 'Telstra firmware' that runs better on Telstra. It could.

          I took the device to the support center, it came back with a report says my 10 days phone has been opened and motherboard has been replaced, firmware been reflashed. And it seems the problem has gone, sovled.

          But Samsung's customer service is horrible. I have returned the device to Amazon.

  • +3

    I found Samsung support to be appalling.
    My partner got a gear device and the straps kept breaking off, this was a known issue…
    They continued to deny warranty and claimed it only had 12 months when it had 24 months.
    It was repaired 3 times I think, and three times it was in a different manner.
    Once they wouldn't accept the device in and just ordered in the parts.
    Another time took the device in and returned it fixed.

  • Don’t forget to take your wallet with you. $2150 for a iPhone 11 pro max. Lol.

    • +2

      So whats this got to do with the OP's issue? Dont recall them saying which iPhone?

      Probably better for them not to mention which phone they want to move to then the trolling wouldnt start.

      • +1

        It's a whinge post about leaving Samsung/android for Apple. The only people here are android users who want to troll op and Apple users who want to defend him.

    • Ah, yes, You've made no comment on the $1700~ OP has just burnt with his inferior device, inferior customer service, just inferior experience altogether. But yes, let's lol at the price tag at the iPhone. I see you've not listed the starting price, which is $1899? Curious. Curious.

      • 1899 is the joke phone where you pay 1899 and get a useless 64gb.

        • I absolutely agree that 64GB is paltry - but that's for anyone who uses their phone for more than basic usage. I'm categorically a power user and have a paltry 64GB and I'm surviving thus far. I by no means excuse the tiny storage amount, though. But the OP commenter was definitely being deceiving for dramatic effect by stating OP will need +$2100 for the iPhone 11 Max

  • +1

    has it got band 28?

    • Yes it does. Though it is unclear if it support LTE Advanced (4G+)

  • -1

    TD;LR, apple fanboi shame from straying from the cult of apple

    PS I had samsung phone for over a decade, never had any issues with them

  • +2

    I love the phone's design, both hardware and software. I've used 3 Note series before along with my iPhone. which are 2, 5 and 8.
    Note is a productivity workhorse.
    Overall is good otherwise I wouldn't have bought this.

    But I'm a bit unlucky to experience all of this, phone problem, account problem, email support was very cold, support center fully booked need to wait for 7 days, support system problem can't process support case, repair shop performed component replace without asking which I was told they should. Contacting Samsung support store is hard.

    The phone is in the premium price range, the hardware and software meet this, but not the service.
    If I got so many problems, other customer would also experience some of those.

    For Apple, their customer service seems to have higher standards always, though there's changes, degrades over the years, there's disapointment as well (My iPhone X's camera got its sensor burned in 3 days out of the box, showing lines in the Camera UI and photos taken, they could no longer do a replace or return right away, have to send it back to factory and waited for 2 weeks for dignostic results, though anyone can see the camera sensor was broken, logic step is to give me a replacement or have it returned ).But for Apple products, if I got problem, generally I feel it is much comfortable and ease to deal with them.

    • -2

      Again TLDR, read post title.

    • buyers remorse.

      I bought a PDA back in 2008 and was surprised that $900 got me technology I didn't need and was well unsupported. HP was also terrible for customer service, the person on the other end of the phone was numb to the fact that their job was dealing with suckers manipulated so easily by marketing and the joy of handing over hard earned money.

      You'll learn.

  • i've had 2 samsungs this year, samsung s10+ and now samsung s10 5g. Not a single problem, happy customer :)

    • Good for you. I think the point here is that all is well until things go wrong. Then, your mileage may vary with a company that sells premium devices at a premium price but offers a randomly average (and often below average) service experience.

      • Pretty sure apple is the same mate. They dont want to repair things and when they do they charge an arm & leg

        • I agree they they err on the side of replacing your device rather than trying to repair it, but I've never been charged a huge amount for the "repairs". My iPad mini 4 was showing the battery was not great so they just asked me to back it up and bring it back in so they could give me a refurbished one; would've replaced it on the spot if I'd already backed it up. My man's iPhone 6, well out of warranty, was showing something similar so they gave him a replacement refurbished phone for the cost of the battery replacement. YMMV but they usually run test programs, whilst you are there, and tell you what the issue is. I've never had to drop one off and pick it up several days later.

          • @try2bhelpful: Lets get not get into a argument on apple vs samsung, i cbf lol each to their own, you can buy anything you want with your money

            • @vince088: You are the one that made the flat comment that you are pretty sure Apple are the same. All I did was point out it is not my experience and provide examples. I also said YMMV. I don’t give a toss how people spend their money either.

  • My experience with Samsung was actually ok.

    Got my Note 8 two years ago. Damaged the screen about 11 months later and wanted to make a claim on the free screen replacement. Jumped online to make an appointment. Plenty of next day slots available but I picked a time a few days later. Went in at appointment time and got served right away. Asked to erase all logins and handed over the phone. Phone was ready about two days later and they even replaced the battery.

    This was the Doncaster store.

  • Apple’s text to speech is beautiful.

  • +1

    The experience you describe with Samsung Australia overall, but especially the Samsung in-store experience is spot on. I haven't had to deal with their customer service much over the years, thankfully, despite owning four phones and three tablets from them over the years. That all changed recently and I was appalled just how bad the operating and service model design is for a company that plays in the premium segment. There is a total disconnect between online stores and brick and mortar ones. Staff in stores are very unprofessional and have no respect for people's time, especially if one went to the effort of booking an appointment and then they let in walk-ins jump the queue. Lackluster experience continues with their disregard and lack of accountability for issues customers face with their products that are caused by bad design and quality issues.

  • I can't speak more than highly about the repair process from Samsung earlier this year. I had issues with charging mainly because i didn't rinse my phone with fresh water after having it around a salt water pool when it became wet.

  • More samsung phones are rated blue tick by telstra than Apple .

  • I have a Samsung Galaxy Note10+ Hybrid sim model, bought from Woolworths Mobile, when someone calls me, they will randomly get an engaged signal even though I was available, they would dial 5-6 times and it's all engaged, delay SMS that arrived half a day after it was sent, 4G completely stopped working, would indicated H+ signal and nothing would load but restarting the phone always solved the issue.

    Tried 3 SIM card from Woolworths Mobile, still no luck, even tried factory reset but still getting engaged signal, anyone else have multiple issues with this phone like mine?

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