Sony Z3 D6633 Dual Fail - What to Do Next?

Tafe on 15/04/2015 - 14:43
Last edited 15/04/2015 - 14:59

Hi All,

I recently purchased the Z3 Dual. Really kick ass phone. Snappy, intuitive, great dualsim functionality yada, yada, yada…

They also make a big deal about it being waterproof. I was terrified but said to myself "Be brave" and waded into the pool with it. Yes, I double and tripple checked all of the ports were closed with the supplied covers.

Essentially, this happened. Almost word for word:

So we tried the new Z3 in our local swimming pool and the screen died. In fact, before that happened, the screen went nuts registering droplets of water as touches (note: we later found out that you can turn off the touch screen to stop this) and the exposed headphone jack meant that apps kept appearing asking how we wanted to use headphones or a headset (possibly due to the higher conductivity of salt water).

Once things calmed down, the camera worked well (using the shutter button) for about 15 minutes as we took pictures above and below water- but without getting close to the 1.5-metre limit. Around that time the screen turned blank but photos could still be taken (we could hear the shutter sound). Afterwards, despite days of drying out (there was no obvious water ingress through the waterproof flaps), the phone could still be turned on and off and connected to the computer, but the screen stayed dead.

So far I've left it to dry for a week in a tub of rice. No dice. Phone is still "alive" but screen is "dead". Have done a complete tear down and rebuild too - thought it might help (don't know how but hey…). Looking inside there is no visible sign of water ingress either. The water reactive tabs that repairers use to detect water are normal.

The phone was purchased on a "No Warranty" basis. Sony Australia won't even look at it (and I imagine, even if they agreed to the repair bill would exceed a new handset…)

From XDA forums seems like a reccuring issue… Pretty poor from Sony :\

What would you do next? Is there anything else I can try? Right now I've got an aesthetically pleasing $700 brick.

Love, Tafe.

Mobile Mobile Phone Sony Android

Comments

  • ozhunter on 15/04/2015 - 16:26
    +1

    The phone was purchased on a "No Warranty" basis

    Where from? Isn't only meant to be put in freshwater?

    • Tafe on 15/04/2015 - 16:58

      It was a chlorinated pool.

      From Sony:

      If your Sony smartphone or tablet is waterproof to IPX8 standard, then you can use it in a chlorinated swimming pool. However, avoid keeping the device in the pool for too long and remember to rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water once you get out.
      Over time, chlorinated water can corrode the rubber seals, so prolonged use in chlorinated water is not recommended. But if you want to use your device to get underwater close-ups of a spectacular dive or your child's first swimming lesson, go ahead.

      And it was purchased from an US Amazon seller.

  • plmko on 15/04/2015 - 16:31
    +1

    Find a local repair store, and ask for a screen replacement.

    • Cyphar on 15/04/2015 - 22:19

      Just put mine in for repairs after the thing cracked itself. $300. Ouch

  • firedragon on 15/04/2015 - 16:34
    +1

    That sucks!

    :( :( :(

    Thanks for posting though, so other people don't put their Z3s in water. I had the same thought as ozhunter though - I thought no phones could go in saltwater.

    I have a healthy distrust of manufacturers saying their phones are waterproof….I'd be more likely to test out a diving watch or underwater camera, stuff that's specifically designed to go underwater.

    Hope you find a solution.

  • Charity on 15/04/2015 - 16:39
    +2

    As cool as the water proof feature is, not sure I would try to take a mobile phone underwater.

    In my experience, (with watches and camera cases) dividing the claimed number by 10 (20 for saltwater) is a more accurate number.

    The flaps and open-ports really won't protect anything.

    Have you checked eBay for parts? I don't think the repair cost will exceed $700, (~$550 in my case.. the ozProfessional price ☺ ) , since it is not a brick (it still works)

    If fixing phones isn't ur thing, maybe shop around for mobile phone fixers to see if u can find one in your price range?

    • Tafe on 15/04/2015 - 17:05

      Yep parts are available and I'm OK at following a repair guide.. My main concern is - is the problem necessarily the screen? If motherboard is alive, but the screen is black (and all the connections are in place) is that the only logical solution?

      I don't want to fork out for a new screen, plug it in then find it still doesn't work :\

      Also - where did you get for $550? I paid a bit more but it was pretty close to on release…

      • iridiumstem on 15/04/2015 - 17:25

        Wouldn't you be able to keep it just in case the screen cracks or something? Even if it doesn't work, you can just keep as a spare.

      • Charity on 15/04/2015 - 20:51

        kogan reg price + 20% off ebay voucher + cash rewards

        probably just the screen, but u r right, it could well be an IC chip too. Problem is, Water faults are the worst to diagnose, since it could short out and damage multiple things.

        How much is the screen? If it is less than $100, cross your fingers and gamble on it. Hopefully u get lucky.

  • Tafe on 20/08/2015 - 09:44

    SO screen prices have come down a bit to the point where I might be willing to take a punt.

    Given the the device is recognised when I plug it into my PC, and I'm able to update software, save contacts do backups etc via the "Sony PC Companion" software when it is plugged in, would you say that is a good indicator that the IC's/Motherboard is OK???

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