[Updated] Here's why Google Pixel 6 & 6 Pro camera produces rattling noise when phone is slightly shaken

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on December 15, 2021) follows:

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are definitely one of the best phones released this year. Thanks to the in-house developed SoC along with significant camera upgrades, the Pixel lineup is giving a tough time to the Samsung S21 series and the recently released iPhone 13.

However, ever since their launch, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have reported several bugs that ruin the near-perfect stock Android experience. You can check them out in our dedicated Pixel 6 bug tracker.

Having said that, Pixel 6 users are now complaining (1,2,3,4,5) that they hear a rattling noise from the camera bump when they shake the phone. Users were confused and wondering if they had broken anything inside.

Some even thought that they had received faulty units and that it was a manufacturing defect, but others said they never heard the rattling. It is interesting to note that users say the rattling stops whenever they zoom 4x.

A user said they sent a video of the Pixel 6 camera making rattling noises to Google, who then allegedly received a replacement unit. However, the replacement unit also has the same issue but according to them, the rattle is not that loud.

Hi All, Has anyone else here noticed a rattling noise coming from the camera module when the phone is shaken a little? I have been using the new phone for 2 weeks and never noticed it till a couple of days back, when for a game I had to shake the phone a little. The noise is not loud but is definitely there. I wondered if, it is from the image stabilization mechanism, however, I still took a video and reported it to Google, who were very helpful and immediately offered a replacement. For records the phone has not been dropped or anything.
(Source)

Apparently, the rattling noise can be heard in recorded videos, which is really annoying to those using the phone to shoot videos.

Rattling on The Camera Too Loud (Pixel 6 Pro)
I know everyone says the rattling is totally normal, and I understand why it happens. Nonetheless, I’ve had this phone for like 3 weeks, and I have NEVER heard it. I was wiping the screen, and I heard it for the first time, now I can’t unhear it. It’s driving me LITERALLY insane, because I spent so much money on this phone.

The user went on to say,

I would not mind the rattling, IF IT WEREN’T BECAUSE YOU CAN HEAR THE RATTLING SUPER LOUDLY WHEN WATCHING RECORDED VIDEOS. It’s so bad 🙁 I recorded a couple of videos, with very mild movement here and there, and you can hear it every time the phone moves, even if there is music in the background.
(Source)

Apparently, there’s a possible explanation for why the Pixel 6 camera makes rattling noises when shaken.

Have the same issue and Google said this
Hi Nick, Pixel 6 Pro’s tele camera for 4x optical zoom has a voice coil motor (VCM) to focus the camera quickly. If you shake the phone, VCM may make a slight rattling noise. This is normal and does not impact camera use. You may experience the same on Pixel 6. Appreciate it!
(Source)

We hope Google comments on the matter and explains why the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cameras make rattling noises. If and when they do, we will be updating this article so make sure you stay tuned.

11:32 am (IST): The supported Pixel phones are now getting Android 12L with March 2022 update. It will be available for Pixel 6 devices in the coming days.

This software update includes bug fixes and performance improvements for the camera. And it may also resolve the rattling noise issue on Pixel 6 devices.

Camera

– Fix for issue causing frame drop during video capture in certain modes and conditions.

– General image quality improvements in camera preview/capture.

– General improvements for camera stability & performance. (Source)

11:05 am (IST): Google released March 2022 update for Pixel 6 devices. And among various other bug fixes, the update also carries some improvements for the camera.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google Section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Blog

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