Not even four months since its release, and some Asus ZenFone 6 (aka Asus 6Z) devices already need a motherboard replacement. Not a good omen! Confused about what’s happening? Read on.
Asus recently released a firmware update (16.1220.1906.167) for their newest flagship device ZenFone 6. Unsurprisingly, the patch was yet another camera-centric update, like the earlier builds. However, this one left some users complaining about crash, reboot & shutdown.
As we highlighted recently, after installing this latest patch, reports about the phone hanging, randomly crashing/rebooting began to pour in. Users say it took multiple trials to turn on the device, and in extreme cases, the phone literally died after these frequent crash sequences.
This bug was confirmed by a ZenTalk forums moderator who suggested the affected users to visit a service center to get things sorted.
We have concluded that all devices with these issues must be sent in to your ASUS Service Center. It’s most probably related to hardware issue even though it started with the latest update for some customers.
While the moderator didn’t give a clear picture about the root cause earlier, now it is coming to light these crash/reboots have to do with the device’s motherboard. You heard it!
Sharing more insight into the crash issue, the mod explained the problem reared its ugly head after the recent update which somehow instigated a motherboard fault in some ZenFone 6/Asus 6z phones. So it’s basically the case of a software update crippling the phone’s hardware.
In addition, the mod suggests users to get in touch with a nearby service center, as the problem requires a motherboard replacement. Reason being, a software fix may re-trigger this hardware problem with updates in future. Here’s how the moderator confirms and explains this:
The .167 update triggered a motherboard malfunction which only some units have had and it’s natural that their owners find their way here.
Furthermore, they add:
“Fixing” it with software would only cover up a hardware related issue which will most likely popup later with some other update. You will get a new motherboard when you send it in and I’m sorry you were one of the affected people.
There you go. Those of you who were facing the crash/reboot/shutdown problem discussed here after the latest update, head to an Asus service center to get the motherboard replaced.
Note that there’s currently no clarity on whether or not customers will be charged for this replacement. However, ideally this kind of service should be free.
NOTE: For more Asus-related news, bugs/issues and updates, interested readers may head here.
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Dr. Aparajita Sharma
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Currently, I am pursuing Ph.D (Psychology), and have been teaching the same for past four years. Coming to PiunikaWeb, I know it was a complete switch over, but the idea was appealing enough to put in all the effort it called for. My work primarily involves research. Oh, and yes, some of the photographs you see here are clicked by me. Overall, I am enjoying whatever I am doing, and hoping you’ll also feel the same reading all my articles. You can find me on LinkedIN.
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