Google Admits to Pixel and Pixel XL Microphone Defects

Megalith

Megalith

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The Pixel may be one of the best phones of 2016, but it is kind of useless if yours happens to be one that can’t make calls or record audio. While the defect was reported many months ago, Google is finally admitting an issue with the device’s microphones: a tiny crack in the solder connecting the audio codec chip to the main motherboard causes the phone to lose audio processing abilities. Luckily, only 1% of devices are affected, and all warranty claims will be honored.

…both the Pixel and Pixel XL may have a failure-causing physical default in one of the three microphones on the devices, the primary "phone" input and two ambient mics. It could also be an issue with a hairline crack in the solder of the microphone component going to the phone's main board. These two issues seem to cover most of the device problems experienced so far, and the minute physical nature of the defects explains why they can sometimes appear and disappear with tiny variations like phone grip and ambient temperature. Some users have managed to get their microphones "un-stuck" with applied heat and air via a hairdryer, but it isn't officially recommended. The problem is occurring with "less than one percent" of units.
 
If this was Apple they would say you are talking into it wrong and never admit to a issue.
 
1%. I would hardly call that a defect. Sounds like that would be within the margin of error for making so many units. This is why there are warranties.
 
Grahamkracka said:
1% is pretty significant in the manufacturing world.
Click to expand...
There are countless parts on these devices. I've had 3 smartphones, and every one of them has had different weaknesses.

edit:
My iphone 4 eventually had yellow spots on the screen from a clear glue or film getting heat damaged
My iphone 5 had an iffy face proximity sensor that they somehow worked around with software
My iphone 6... well actually I can't think of any problems with it. Occasionally it doesn't read my touch, but from what I can tell that's because I'm holding an edge partially on the screen, or I got something on the screen on accident.
 
Last edited:
Megalith said:
The Pixel may be one of the best phones of 2016, but it is kind of useless if yours happens to be one that can’t make calls or record audio. While the defect was reported many months ago, Google is finally admitting an issue with the device’s microphones: a tiny crack in the solder connecting the audio codec chip to the main motherboard causes the phone to lose audio processing abilities. Luckily, only 1% of devices are affected, and all warranty claims will be honored.

…both the Pixel and Pixel XL may have a failure-causing physical default in one of the three microphones on the devices, the primary "phone" input and two ambient mics. It could also be an issue with a hairline crack in the solder of the microphone component going to the phone's main board. These two issues seem to cover most of the device problems experienced so far, and the minute physical nature of the defects explains why they can sometimes appear and disappear with tiny variations like phone grip and ambient temperature. Some users have managed to get their microphones "un-stuck" with applied heat and air via a hairdryer, but it isn't officially recommended. The problem is occurring with "less than one percent" of units.
Click to expand...

I remember when only 1% of Xbox 360s would get the Red Ring of Death..... Seems to me major companies always lowball their defect numbers. That being the case, my Pixel has been working great.
 
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