Google Confirms Mic Problems In Some Pixel Smartphones, Offers Replacement

Google has confirmed that a small number of it’s “iPhone-killer” Pixel smartphones have broken microphones.

CNET said the problem has long been raised by such owners in the company’s Pixel support forum. Google VP of Product and expert Googler Brian Rakowski confirmed the problem and wrote that the microphone problem is due to a hardware issue.

Addressing a customer, he wrote, “@Bill, we do believe this is a hardware issue. You are correct that software updates will not fix it. We are taking additional steps to qualify refurbished phones to make sure they don't have this mic problem. It's possible that some replacement phones were not properly qualified before we understood this issue, but that's no longer the case.”

He added, “Also, we have been taking additional steps to reinforce the connection at time of manufacture on phones built since January. Phones manufactured in the last month should not have this problem. For phones manufactured before then, the incidence of the problem is <<1%. I know this thread makes it seem much more prevalent, but there is a selection bias at work here.”

Google has also confirmed to various outfits, including The Verge, about the microphone issue. A representative told the site that they are “actively investigating” the issue. Moreover, customers who bought their Pixel smartphones directly from Google can get a replacement shipped out before they return the defect as long as they are okay with the hold on their credit card. As for devices bought through third parties, they would have to send in the defect first before receiving the replacement.