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?

[Becky · Accepted solution]

Jeff, I did mention it met with resistence (in answer 5), and that I didn't force it!

I have given a call and booked it in for repair. My point is, I suppose, that this is a very weak point on the phone and the way to insert the cable should be much more apparent than having to put one's glasses on 🙂

[GeoffH]

I think these are very small connections on phones so some care is best advised

on a first insertion I am always careful and not force it I tried one way didn't work the n tried he other way and it slipped in easily, once you have it in for the first time then you know how it feels and can do it again with ease - no force required

as I said on an earlier post the label helped get the usb plug the right way up from that time on - I even think that is why it's there

Hope they're not too h a r d on you

[sleepyheadalk3]

I stumbled across this as I am desperately trying to find others in the same position as me. I agree with what you say about the shape of the port on the phone not matching the cable...just asking for trouble. My phone is currently away to be assessed however I am not holding out much hope as they have already implied charger ports are not covered under warranty. The tab in mine literally came out as I unplugged the charger and is stuck in the cable. After 6 weeks use this is ridiculous. I can only assume that the trial and error with what way to insert the cable has loosened it and eventually just came off. I'm not stupid enough to force it in as I know if it's not one way it is the other but even the fact that the cable can fit in slightly either way allows for movement. There was no way of inserting the cable the wrong way on any of my old phones as they were the same shape.

[Becky]

Sleepyhead, so glad you've had the same problem as me!! Well, not glad, but you know what I mean.

This is a weak point of the phone, design-wise and no-one implied to me it was not under warranty when i spoke to Sony.

I think, if the item is used in a normal manner (as it says in the warranty), it should be covered. This is a highly used port and should be fit for the job. Shaped appropriately and DEFINITELY robust enough to cope with 2 years of daily charging, if not more.

My phone is also currently in for assessment/repair.

May we stay in touch re the outcome, as there is often power in numbers and together we may have more voice than singly if our claims for repair aren't considered to be covered by warranty?

[sleepyheadalk3]

I know what you mean

Just out of interest where are you from? As I know different regions have different rules. My argument would be no where in the warranty does it state these ports aren't covered. It also states that it covers faults through normal usage. One of the most important things you have to do with a phone is charge it! And I definitely agree the port should be robust...certainly to last a LOT longer than 6 weeks!

Will be interested to hear how you get on...good luck!

[Becky]

I'm from Essex/London. You?

Yes, if the port is not able to withstand 'normal use' and is too fragile to last beyond 4 weeks (in my case), then it's surely, not fit for purpose?

I am going to invest in one of those charging docks, though, as they charge via the connectors on the side of the phone and don't utilise the micro usb port.

Glad you found this thread, as other posters made me feel like I was the only person who had stumbled upon this problem.

My phone, hopefully, should be back with me by Thursday next week (25th April 2013).

[sleepyheadalk3]

I'm in Glasgow so at least both in the UK! You may have a better chance as it is only 4 weeks but will still be interesting to hear what they say. I've already ordered one of those docks but unfortunately there is a severe shortage in supply so no idea when it will arrive! I have a suspicion that over the next few weeks more and more people will have the same issue...as it is a newly released phone the problems will be minimal for now I would think. My estimated delivery is the 30th April as it was only dropped off today. Good luck!

[Becky]

I have had an email from Sony saying they have received my phone and are examining it and will get back to me soon. Any news about your phone?

[sleepyheadalk3]

That's good they have got it..shouldn't be long for an answer. Mine is still in transit! It was dropped off to Phones 4 U on Tuesday so they seem to be taking their time. I think you will probably have better luck than me seeing as yours just isn't charging. It was the wee plastic part inside my charger port that literally got stuck inside my charger the last time I charged it. I know it was inserted properly as it did a full charge and I only noticed the issue later in the day when I went to charge it again. Let's see!!

[Becky]

I got an email today. The repair IS under warranty, but cannot be fixed so they're sending out a brand new phone! I've bought the charging dock now to avoid the risk of the same happening again, as the charging dock uses the metal contact on the side of the phone rather than the USB port.