Screen and bezel misaligned

[Kwono1]

Update:

Screen and bezel do not align. There is a considerable gap between the bezel and the screen which some here have suggested may affect the waterproof quality of the watch. Two of my three friends who have bought the watch have returned them due to water damage. They believe that this is due to this misalignment. From what I have seen both in this community and in person, many Ionics suffer from this issue including the demonstration models at the stores.  Other problems have included an inability to connect to the Wi-Fi, or not having the Wallet tile available at all. 

Luckily, Fitbit support got into contact with me and have asked that I exchange the product. I have now returned the watch and await for another one. I highly recommend that you test your Ionic. Maximize your brightness setting and simply enter a very dark area. It is important to manually maximize your brightness as the auto sensor will automatically set it to dim. Should you see light escaping the bezel as per the photos, then I would recommend that you contact Fitbit support immediately. 

Moderator edit: updated title for clarity

[Kwono1]

Heard from someone that the next gapless batch are coming soon? Can anyone confirm? 

[N8teGee]

First I've heard of it. 

[runwithnewmedia]

@Kwono1 Where’d you hear that? Does that mean they admitted to a QC error behind the scenes? 🙂

[WavyDavey]

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@Kwono1 wrote:

Heard from someone that the next gapless batch are coming soon? Can anyone confirm? 

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If you post something like that, without any source, it looks like you just made it up.

Did you hear this from a Fitbit employee?  Or is this taking speculation to a whole new level?

[anoyce]

So I have received a replacement Ionic which still has gaps between the screen and the body and has a mark on one side of the metal body. I am still waiting for a response from Fitbit days after phoning and emailing with the details and images it’s nearly been a week. Looks like they are having some major issues with quality control! And support!

[bbarrera]

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@anoyce wrote:

Looks like they are having some major issues with quality control! And support!

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Thats odd, because Fitbit management made a big deal about improving quality control for Ionic, on quarterly earnings investor call (last week). They talked about how they were being careful to deliver higher quality rather than producing as fast as possible. And that ongoing it would reduce warranty reserves. They had to dance around the subject a bit, as it acknowledges quality issues of the past.

[anoyce]

Yes, maybe that's why the Fitbit management is making such a big deal about quality control because they know that there is big problem with manufacturing! I have had two Ionics with issues now and still waiting a week later for a response from the Fitbit regarding the second one, does make you wonder how many customers they have with these kind of issues.

[Venkats]

@anoyce

So let me ask a curiosity question, knowing well that there may be a QC issue what motivates you from keeping it and waiting for a magic to happen? If you so like it you can still come back after a few months when things stabilize or is this your first fitbit product?....

[anoyce]

I have owned the charge hr, blaze and aria and never had an issue with the qc of these products. Just to be clear when I had an Issue with the first Ionic as anyone would I contacted Fitbit, who assured me that I would have no issues with a replacement at this point I didn't know for sure they where having

problems. They sent me the replacement and as I have said above It had a mark and gaps so using my own experience and what others have said I have come to the conclusion they are having issues. I would like to get my current Ionic sorted or just get a refund but as yet Fitbit have not responded to me so I have no choice In keeping the device for the moment, until I get a response. I hope this answers your question Ventcats

[Griffa87]

I bought an Ionic a week ago. I returned it last night to the retailer for an exchange as I had what looked like a defect underneath the screen.

The new one I have now has the light bleed as you all have mentioned which is totally unacceptable for a product of this value. Aswell as that the screen itself is not straight, it's off slightly.

I also have a very small chip in the metal between the screen and the bezel which has also bothered me. I have raised this with fitbit to see what they say.

I don't want to replace it again as the next watch will likely have some other issue similar to this!

These issues may seem petty to some, but I feel that when you spend good money you should have nothing less than a flawless product. 

You wouldn't spend hundreds on the latest smartphone to find these defects. So why should we accept them on our fitness trackers / smartwatches...

I was under the impression that the Ionic underwent a new manufacturing process to create a seamless product? These issues do not demonstrate that method whatsoever... It makes the product feel cheap and does not inspire confidence in its ability.

Aside that we were sold new tech like the oxygen sensor? With no clear message to say it's coming soon... The most frustrating thing is I love the watch! But the way it's been marketed and the QC involved is abysmal.

[cosmickinect]

Went for a swim in the pool, ionic is now dead 😞

Fitbit was acting weird after swim, randomly died with 29% battery. Charged to 100% again and drained back down to 20% in 30 minutes. Only after did I find condensation in the sensor housing.

Rip ;( 

[ron8an]

Allison,

What about hygiene?

We are talking about a device operated by touch. One that is meant to be worn during training and also for breakfast lunch and dinner. The gap between the screen and the bezel will get filled with sweat, dead skin and dirt.

How can you say that wearing a bacterial culture on your hand is something we don't need to worry about. Note: I am talking specifically about the gap since it is too hard to clean and an actual bacteria trap.

Seriously: How should I clean the gap? am I supposed to use a toothbrush? How often should I clean it? How do I know it's clean?

It is my responsibility to make sure that the watch is clean, no doubt and no argument. But it is your responsibility not to make it difficult.

Needless to say, if I knew it will come with this gap I would never consider buying it.

This is a serious problem. Awaiting your reply.