I was a sony customer, I won't be in the future because of my experience with this phone.
While a solid handset (underrated in my opinion) with great battery, SD expansion, high res camera, premium finish, etc sony have lost me as a customer.
- Took my phone into the swimming pool on holiday in August, just like in the ads they used to promote the phone. The screen went blank immediately. Common issue (which you realize only after you google 'Sony Z3 water problem'). Phone works, screen doesn't.
- So couldn't use it for the rest of the two week holiday, but that is life. Had bought it in May so still in warranty.
- Sent it off to Sony once back (third week of August). Sony got it on the 23rd. Checked beforehand, they said just 5 days.
- They sit on it for five days. Say they are working out the problem. Decide it is broken because of a small chip on the screen, nothing to do with the water. Ask me to pay 100 pounds to repair it. I pay as I need a phone back ASAP as now back at work.
- Sony goes quiet. Stays quiet. Speak to customer service. We are 'processing'. Now the 25th of August. Still no phone. Raised the issue with a Customer service rep. No apology for keeping my phone for a month. Didn't recognize any issue with waterproofing. Said 'don't believe everything you read on the internet'.
- Bang. No longer a sony customer. Its why I'll now buy an iphone. They are less solid hardware, simplistic software, but at least Apple remember to not slap you in the face when they have screwed up.
- Recommend others with issues to join the movement to challenge sony for misleading advertising. Register your compliant with the Advertising Standards Authority.
Have others had similar issues? It seems like a lot online, though no offical statement from sony? Bad things happen to phones all the time. Not the end of the world. But I am really disapointed in a company which makes great products, but can't say sorry. I wold watch out if you are considering a Z5 - dont go near water...
