About to move from an iPhone 4 to a Sony Z2 but...

MasterNoob on 11/08/2014 - 19:53
Last edited 12/08/2014 - 12:55

I heard many Z2 users are having self - cracking screens and Sony is refusing to call this a manufacturing defect. If you own a Z2, has this happened to you?

EDIT: Many thanks to the awesome Scrimshaw for compiling valuable information on the Z2 situation.

QUOTE:

Sony's statementL

“In a small proportion of cases, screens have indeed cracked with no identifiable cause and in these instances the phone has been repaired for free.”

Sony will apparently fix it for free if you're in the UK, since the media coverage over there back in May brought up the issue of self cracking screens.
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/05/30/bbcs-watchdog-investiga…

And also here is the T-Mobile USA help page for users with cracked screens
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-10500

The Sony Xperia Z may develop a single hairline crack in the screen. Multiple cracks occur due to an impact or 'spider web' cracks are not a part of this issue.

Now it becomes clear — the problem is so significant they event have a knowledgebase article on it. The catch though is that it has to be a single hairline crack and if you have multiple cracks, it doesn't count.

There is a Change.org petition with over 1500 signatures

Tough luck for anyone with the Z1 or Z2 in Australia because Sony Australia doesn't give a damn and this particular user isn't happy about it

The cracking is possibly caused by thermal expansion? temperature differences on the inside and outside of the screen causes the screen to distort/warp due to thermal expansion and shrinking. Since the screen is affixed to the phone using adhesives, it can't expand and simply cracks as a result.

Mobile Mobile Phone Sony Android

Comments

  • Paul Atreides on 11/08/2014 - 20:10
    +1

    nope, never seen this issue.

    i've heard a few that have call drop out issues, but that is fixed with a software update.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2014 - 20:14

    iphone 6 is out in less than a month

    • scrimshaw on 11/08/2014 - 20:22
      +3

      It's still an iphone though, just with a bigger screen :)

      • MasterNoob on 11/08/2014 - 21:19

        I really would wait however I was the lucky few to have a chance at buying the phone on a $40/month vodafone plan with $0 handset cost. It has 1.5gb of data and $450 of call credit.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2014 - 23:35

          How did that happen? I would like to do this.

        • Xenocaust on 12/08/2014 - 00:32
          +1

          @thorton82:
          It was an error on the Virgin website this morning where they listed Z2 instead of Z1.

          Some people got them to honour the offer, or used it to get Vodafone to match it.

        • MasterNoob on 12/08/2014 - 09:58
          -3

          @thorton82:

          With the self-cracking issue, I don't think it's worth your time and effort.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2014 - 17:19

          @Xenocaust: link?

        • Xenocaust on 13/08/2014 - 10:51

          @thorton82:

          Now corrected by Virgin - I did post the deal, but it was removed when it was clear it was an error

  • Deebs on 11/08/2014 - 20:43

    Never heard of self-cracking screen problem but mine is fine and durable pretty strong after a couple falls on tiles and concrete. Also has been thrown in the pool about 1-2m and it is still fine.

  • scrimshaw on 11/08/2014 - 21:03
    +1

    Sony's statementL

    “In a small proportion of cases, screens have indeed cracked with no identifiable cause and in these instances the phone has been repaired for free.”

    Sony will apparently fix it for free if you're in the UK, since the media coverage over there back in May brought up the issue of self cracking screens.
    http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/05/30/bbcs-watchdog-investiga…

    And also here is the T-Mobile USA help page for users with cracked screens
    http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-10500

    The Sony Xperia Z may develop a single hairline crack in the screen. Multiple cracks occur due to an impact or 'spider web' cracks are not a part of this issue.

    Now it becomes clear — the problem is so significant they event have a knowledgebase article on it. The catch though is that it has to be a single hairline crack and if you have multiple cracks, it doesn't count.

    There is a Change.org petition with over 1500 signatures

    Tough luck for anyone with the Z1 or Z2 in Australia because Sony Australia doesn't give a damn and this particular user isn't happy about it

    The cracking is possibly caused by thermal expansion? temperature differences on the inside and outside of the screen causes the screen to distort/warp due to thermal expansion and shrinking. Since the screen is affixed to the phone using adhesives, it can't expand and simply cracks as a result.

    • MasterNoob on 11/08/2014 - 21:14

      That's what a lot of forum members are agreeing on. Most agree that thereally heat intensive activities (particularly using 4K recording)are causing those self cracks. I wonder how Sony would differentiate the cracked screens that were caused by drops.

      Edit: Sony is trying so hard to get into the top end smartphone market. And if they just ignore our concerns, it's really hard to get that positive word of mouth that plays a key part in today's marketing strategies.

      Edit2: I'll sign that petition for sure!

      • phluffed on 11/08/2014 - 21:27

        I imagine that's why the "Single hairline crack" clause is there. It's highly unusual for a drop to cause such a crack. conversely, a crack due to heat is more likely to be a single crack rather than a spider crack associated with impact.

  • here2rock on 12/08/2014 - 07:35

    Sony screen is rubbish,stay away from it. You are better off buying HTC .

  • MasterNoob on 12/08/2014 - 10:21
    -6

    I've decided to cancel my order and wait out for the iPhone 6 release due early next month.

    • SavatteDodo on 12/08/2014 - 11:30
      +4

      You're just a Noob

  • Zippy7 on 13/08/2014 - 15:40
    +1

    Wow. Appreciate the time taken to put together this thread.

    I've got an iPhone, and have been playing with an LG Optimus G.

    I was considering upgrading my android experience, and find this incredibly valuable. There is absolutely no way I would part with good money to buy any Sony smartphone given the customer "experience".

    I've had a few HTC's over the years, and I can attest that they never released any firmware upgrade. Looks like I might try Samsung or stick with LG.

  • ddrex on 13/08/2014 - 16:09

    I tried to sign the petition but it seems to be closed now..
    This sucks as i am pretty set on getting the z1 compact as my next phone.
    I guess i'll wait some more and see how sony plays this in australia :-/

    • MasterNoob on 14/08/2014 - 11:49

      It was a pretty poorly made petition as there were numerous spelling mistake. Someone should make another petition as Sony hasn't actually tried to rectify the problem.

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