Google Pixel 9 Series (9/9a/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold & Pixel Watch 3)

The Google Pixel phones are infamous for being picky about what wireless charger is used, and my custom one in the car doesn't play ball if the phone moves even slightly, so I figured I'd explore replacing the charging coil only with something more powerful.

Found this on Amazon with no actual reviews other than one guy who doesn't know what he's talking about:

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Neat thing about it is that the charging controller is in the in-line wedge bit you can see next to it away from the coils, so less heat is generated at the coils so the phone heats up less which is exactly what I found compared to the other desktop charger pad I have where everything is sandwiched together in one area.

My 9 Pro XL has space in that bed to move around, so perfect for testing my theory and seeing if the claimed power of these coils lives up to the task. Happy to report it does, fast wireless charging no matter how many times I poke or move the phone when it's on there:

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I can now DIY it into my existing centre console mod:

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Nice mousemat.
 
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I posted about this in the S25 thread but my battery has been draining really fast too and I thought it was the Android 16 beta but maybe not if others have it?

I have a bigger issue though, seems my handset is one of those which has a dodgy camera bump whereby it's become "loose" and allowed rainwater in during a downpour resulting in all kinds of funky stuff now as moisture is inside. The camera bump has not come off, but I can wiggle it with my fingers so it's worked loose over time which is exactly what others on reddit etc saw.

So yeah, two issues on a Pixel, looks like I will be seeing how good google's RMA service is...
 
So yeah, two issues on a Pixel, looks like I will be seeing how good google's RMA service is...
It was great for me when getting a replacement Pixel 6 with a battery bulge. Also when my Nest Hello had the peeling problem they sent me a new one although I had to send the old one back but not a problem. All very easy.
Good luck with yours.
 
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Historically direct RMAs with Google has always been very good so fingers crossed they've not gone down hill.
 
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Reading comments on reddit, seems Pixel build quality quirks have been a thing since the Pixel 6!
 
Reading comments on reddit, seems Pixel build quality quirks have been a thing since the Pixel 6!
Could be worse, they could have recalled a whole lineup due to the battery's blowing up.

Ahem... Galaxy Note 7.

Launched in August 2016, Samsung's Note 7 device was marketed as a large-screen top-end device and positioned as a rival to Apple's iPhone.

But in September, Samsung had to recall about 2.5 million phones after complaints of overheating and exploding batteries.

The firm insisted that all replaced devices were safe. However, that was followed by reports that those phones were also overheating.
 
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Regarding the battery drain, I've had similar on my 8 Pro. Google Play Services has been caining it in the background recently, I think tis Fit related as I disabled the background location and tis calmed down a fair bit, but a bit of a shame as I do like to use GFit.
 
Regarding the battery drain, I've had similar on my 8 Pro. Google Play Services has been caining it in the background recently, I think tis Fit related as I disabled the background location and tis calmed down a fair bit, but a bit of a shame as I do like to use GFit.
I have been turning all background usage off, but its still draining a lot.
 
I posted my issue details on reddit and someone from Pixel Support reached out offering an advanced exchange where they send me a link to order a new Pixel and then send the dodgy one back once new one arrives. Shame it took a reddit post to get there but there we go. Now this saves me having to go into the EE repair store waving ID and debit card around to prove I am me for them to then inspect the phone and ask Google what to do.
 
I posted my issue details on reddit and someone from Pixel Support reached out offering an advanced exchange where they send me a link to order a new Pixel and then send the dodgy one back once new one arrives. Shame it took a reddit post to get there but there we go. Now this saves me having to go into the EE repair store waving ID and debit card around to prove I am me for them to then inspect the phone and ask Google what to do.
Did they put a charge on your card for this? I had an issue with my PW3 a few weeks ago, having only bought the watch 8 weeks before the watch stopped working. I did some tests and nothing worked so I went to Google Support. They got me to repeat most of the tests, none of which worked.

I was offered two options. 1: "We ship you a new watch and you can back up the old watch to the new watch and send the old watch back. This is so you aren't without a device and you can restore your backup. There would be a charge on your account until we get your current watch returned to us." - That'd be the watch that I've told you isn't working so I'm without a working watch; therefore shipping me a new one won't help me at all.

2: "You post your watch to us and as soon as we get it back we'll ship you a replacement and no charge on your account as we received your current watch before sending a new one out". - This is the option I went for. Made more sense especially as I was going to be without a watch either way for a few days and I didn't fancy having a 'charge' on my card.
 
They called it a "hold" and not an actual charge as the card isn't actually charged, the hold just goes away after a few days once they receive the faulty phone they say. The exact wording:

The first option is Advanced Exchange. With Advanced Exchange we’ll provide you with a link to order your replacement device and it will ship to you before you need to send your defective device back. This way, you’re not without a phone and you can easily transfer your data from the old device to the new device.

You would need to place an order for the replacement device within 30 days from the time your replacement request is initiated to ensure it is not canceled. Please follow the instructions in the email and return the device/accessory within 21 calendar days of receiving the replacement device.

Please note, this option will require an authorization hold on a credit or debit card for the full cost of the device, but once your defective device is returned- the authorization hold is removed from your card.

The hold is just an authorization request and not an actual new or duplicate charge on your account. If the hold lasts 21 days after you place a warranty replacement order, you should contact your bank or credit card company.

The second option is Standard Exchange. With this Exchange you’ll send your device back to Google using a provided RMA and shipping label, after we receive and inspect the defective device at the Google warehouse (usually 3-5 business days), we ship a replacement device. It may take anywhere from 5-10 business days from start to finish.

You would need to ship the defective device 14 days from the time your replacement request is initiated to ensure it is not canceled.

Replacement devices may be new or refurbished based on location and inventory. Every refurbished device undergoes a comprehensive inspection and refurbishment process. We test extensively and replace the battery, cover glass, and back case with OEM parts so the device will look and operate like new.

Please help me with the following information to help you further.

Which replacement option do you prefer?
 
They called it a "hold" and not an actual charge as the card isn't actually charged, the hold just goes away after a few days once they receive the faulty phone they say. The exact wording:
Sorry, yes. It was a 'hold'. I couldn't think of the exact wording. I just thought it was a silly to offer me option A when my watch was already not working and it would take several days to deliver a replacement watch.
 
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Replacement arrived today, the box is a plain brown box and says refurbished but the phone looks like it's never even been touched. Will bung it on Marketplace and maybe MM :cool:
 
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