Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

[Becky]

The micro USB port on my z has stopped receiving charge and won't even allow the charger to be plugged into it any more.

The port is uniform in shape which doesn't allow you to know which way round to plug the charger, so you have to guess. Guessing places stress on the pins inside the port. In my case, they seem to have suffered because of this (imho) design fault. USBs can only be inserted one way round, so the user needs to know which way to insert it.

I am wondering if this will be a common weak spot on these phones once they have been in circulation a while?

[sleepyheadalk3]

That's very good news As I sent mine to Phones 4 U they seem to be doing things differently...they have said they will fix it but are awaiting a part (could take a while from past experience!) They have told me though that if it is not fixed within 28 days (14th May) they will replace it. I'm quite happy they have said they will fix it under warranty so not too bothered yet about the timescale. They have said they will cover line rental until then but we will see!! I've also bought the dock so it's sitting in it's box waiting on the phone to come back!!

[Becky]

It arrived today!! Hurrah, new phone and new charger. They only mailed it with Royal Mail yesterday, so kudos to RM for delivering it so quick.

Glad my saga is now over....let me know what happens to you.

[Becky]

I have since discovered that they have returned my unfucntioning. burnt out charger to me - but no biggie on that one as can get one on Ebay and also have the charging dock now.

[sleepyheadalk3]

just wanted to let you know they are sending me out a replacement phone also Should be available on Friday for pick up in store so fingers crossed all goes well!!

[Becky]

This design flaw could end up costing Sony a lot in wasted phones. Can't believe they have built a wonderful new phone with a) such a weak port and b) a port that cannot be easily replaced.

Hope you back up all your info before sending the phone back. I did 🙂

[shogun8]

hi, ive also had the same problem, i took it back to telstra where i got the phone on contract for and they took it for assessment and said it would cost me $300 to fix as it was physical damage! the quote cost me $50... what should i do?

[GeoffH]

I'm on the fence with this, those tiny USB sockets are difficult to see and seem to be quite fragile but on the other hand if you force the plug in the wrong way then you probably haven't been very careful

if it was me I'd show them this thread and also draw their attention by examining a new device in the store and if it's shown to be squared off rather than \....../  that shape then you could argue that it's not your fault, you may have a case with consumer protection agency in your country

[sleepyheadalk3]

I never did force the plug in the wrong way but due to the shape of the port the cable could go in either way and it wasn't until it touched the inside pin that you knew it was wrong. With my other phones it just wasn't possible to put the cable in any way other than the right way. As my phone has now been replaced and I am aware of this needless to say I am VERY careful when charging if I don't use the dock. To be honest I now find it quite stressful when charging as it worries me it will happen again!! Fingers crossed

[Becky]

Shogun - we got our phones replaced. If you contact Sony direct instead of going through Telstra, you should have better luck, as we did. Use their main sony site and contact them from there. They were very helpful and emailed me when they received the phone so I didn't have to sweat as to whether it had reached them.

The port should be fit for purpose. I don't think it is.

Sleepyhead, I feel stressed too when I charge mu phone. My HTC was able to withstand the port being used as it should be. Why design a port that doesn't match the shape of the plug going into it? Sony is a quality maufacturer - I thought - this is pathetic for them. And to make a port 'unreplaceable' is amazing. A whole £500 phone trashed just because of a port.

[shogun8]

hey becky, did you contact them via email or by phone?