Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Case Cracks Appearing

Some European owners of Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 smartphone are reporting cracks appearing in their handsets.  The issue, which appears to be predominantly affecting the silver version of the device, is generally observed near the stylus bay or battery compartment.  More than 24 cases have been identified at XDA-Developers.

The handsets in question appear to have been made in or around the 08W44 to 08W46 production weeks, as identified by the sticker in the X1 battery compartment itself.  As well as cracks, flaking paint has also been observed.  Aside from the build dates, there doesn't appear to be a connection between carrier or country: branded and unbranded devices are affected, in countries including the UK, Germany, Netherlands and France.

Sony Ericsson NL have made an official comment regarding the issue, and suggests that only a small number of users are affected.  However they will examine handsets on a case-by-case basis, and – in situations where it doesn't look like purposeful damage – replace either the X1 shell or, rarely, the whole smartphone.

"According to Sony Ericsson it concerns only small amount of phones. "We only received a relatively small amount." The manufacturer acknowledges this problem but they will investigate every individual case like a unique case. "When a housing is completely wrecked it is obvious that the owner did something weird. When there are only a few cracks and nothing further then there is a big change that this is covered by warranty." When the cracks aren't very significant, the housing will be replaced. In extreme situations the phone will be replaced" Sony Ericsson NL comment (translated)

[via Sony Insider]