topic Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point in Z Series

Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:22:55 GMT

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?

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

GeoffH — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:34:17 GMT

I agree they are tiny and difficult to see which way is the right way to insert - I have a label on my usb cable that I determined had to be pointing in a certain direction to ensure it was the correct orientation - there is only one way it will go into the socket because it is in fact shaped that way

you need to get something to mgnify the port and inspect it for damage - if you see something out of shape you may be able to restore it delicatly - otherwise I fear you may have damaged either plug or socket through faulty insertion - I'd be hoping the damage is on the cable end but if not then I'd play dumb and return if stating you cannot get the charger to work (never have) since out of the box and hope they will replace it

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:47:39 GMT

My Xperia Z port is symmetrical. At least, if there is any asymmetry, it is imperceptible to normal human vision.

I've just re-examined it again and it really is, even with my (magnifying) spectacles on on top of my contact lenses, a symmetrical port. Even though USB cables are not.

You have had the good idea of labelling your cable...but should one have to do this?? I am going to do it once the phone is repaired though 😉 thanks for the tip.

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

GeoffH — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:55:31 GMT

it may be rounded now but I can assure you it didn't start out that way lol - I have a dock now and very rarely use the usb interface but the sides of the socket are definately tapered \_____/ like that

you may still be able to get it to work if you insert it as I have indicated

does it charge from PC if you can insert the plug the right way - you may have blown the mains charger by inserting upsidedown - just a thought

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

GeoffH — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:02:35 GMT

there was a white label on the cable already - I was very careful when first using it then noticed the direcion of the label was always the same - if you force these little plugs you will damage them if they are the wrong way

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:31:54 GMT

Yes, the end of the charging cable has a bit of a taper to it, but the actual port on the phone doesn't and never did have!! I haven't been that heavy handed on it to round it off LOL!! I have only ever pushed the cable in until met with a little resistance, then try the other way round.

Here's a pic. Sorry for slight blur, but needed to zoom a bit to get close enough.

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:06:18 GMT

better pic

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Lemon — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:16:30 GMT

Looks a little damaged from forcing the USB cable into it, on my phone, the central, horizontal 5-pin bar is much closer to the bottom, as you look at the photograph, so you need to push it down slightly...

And, looking at your photograph, your USB cable is upside down.

So you need to push the central 5-pin connection down, closer to the bottom, turn the USB cable the other way around, and enter.

It doesn't help that the 'sd-card' label on the adjacent flap is the opposite way around from what one would normally perceive as being top and bottom!

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:26:50 GMT

Ok, so the phone (as you are aware) is on its back in the photo. With that in mind, the USB cable should be inserted with its widest part of the connector in line with the back of the phone, the narrowest part of the taper should be uppermost?

There was no way of knowing this without trying it. Not to me, anyway. The port in the phone doesn't indicate it with its shape (like my HTC Desire HD does - its port matches the end of the cable, so there is no margin for error).

I had a look in the ony warranty...it does say something about the item will be covered if used in a 'normal' manner, which I believe I have done. I personally feel its a design fault. Don't you think it is?? 🙂

I tried pushing the central 5-pin connection down, but the cable still can't be pushed in. I don't want to make the situation any worse...not that it could be worse than "not working" LOL

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Jeff — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:50:29 GMT

The shape of the USB-connection port is used in other products as well, so it's not not new or unique to the Xperia Z.

My biggest concern is that you didn't mention feeling any resistance when trying to put it in (I assume it only happened once, the first time) and managed to to this.

About your next step... you really should give us a call, and talk about what can be done. These processes can vary by region.

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:01:36 GMT

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 🙂

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

GeoffH — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:38:33 GMT

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

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

sleepyheadalk3 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:21:32 GMT

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.

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:29:57 GMT

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?

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

sleepyheadalk3 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:04:05 GMT

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!

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:50:17 GMT

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).

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

sleepyheadalk3 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:40:35 GMT

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!

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:05:27 GMT

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?

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

sleepyheadalk3 — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:59:37 GMT

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!!

Re: Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

Becky — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:54:59 GMT

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.