Google apps missing after return from RMA. No browser installed on phone.

[Void_Incarnate]

I had a recent issue with my Z3C which necessitated an RMA.

After receiving my phone back from sony, I was happy to see that they managed to fix my problem by replacing the PBA. 

However, the phone shipped back with all the google apps (gmail, play store, google+, google maps) missing, and on top of that, there is no web browser installed. It also came back with Android 4.4.4 instead of 5.0.

I've tried repairing the OS using sony PC Companion, but I still don't get get the google apps back. I've also tried sideloading the google store APK; it installed fine but exits immediately upon running (I think it's expecting ART, and only getting Dalvik).

Any ideas?

[Phy]

That doesn't make sense, perhaps they made a mistake, contact Sony Xperia Support

Contact Sony Xperia support.
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/contactUs/

[Void_Incarnate]

Yeah.

I've also noticed that the phone also refuses to charge on the magnetic charging dock.

It works fine if I unplug the USB cable from the dock and plug it straight into the phone.

Arrrgh.

[Uliwooly]

I've experienced something similar with a faulty Dock

[Void_Incarnate]

How did you determine it was the dock that was faulty?

The dock has been sitting on my dresser for the whole time the phone was in RMA, and was working just fine before. It's strange (though not inconceivable) that it would start acting up now.

PS, I notice that one of the charging tabs on the phone is wider than the other, but half of the wide tab is plastic instread of metal contact. Is that normal? Or did one tab get gunked up with too much coating perchance?

[Rickard]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

It sounds like the phone may have wrong firmware installed and i'm afraid this can't be changed using PC Companion.

I recommend that you contact the service location or your Local support so that they can fix this for you and also have them check why it doesn't charge on the magnetic connector. It might be the firmware but i'm not sure.

One of the charging connectors is a bit wider than the other. It's so that the charger can't connect if you should put the phone in the dock turned the wrong way.

[Void_Incarnate]

Thanks Rickard,

I was suspecting something like this, since the firmware number 23.0.A.2.93 didn't match the latest firmware that people were talking about.

I'll contact sony support and see if they can help.

Cheers,

Steven