Initial Poor Service - and Advice

Good day. I purchased a Sony Xperia XZ Premium on 13 August as part of the upgrade on my contract.

The phone worked fine until 21 August when I needed to purchase a car charger for my car. I had not been unable to source a Sony original product online to that point, so the only option was to purchase one at the Vodacom store where the phone was purchased. The specific product was purchased on recommendation of the stores assistant.

While driving from the mall, I noticed that both the phone and the charger became extremely hot. This was abnormal to me so I returned and returned the charger for a different item. The phone had only charged for about 20 minutes. When plugging the second charger into the phone, the battery power dropped from ±35% to 2% and the phone switched off automatically. This charger was used for the trip home, and once home the phone was connected to the Sony charger that was sold with the phone. The phone then charged to a maximum of only 63% before the light indicated green and the “charged” notification was displayed, and any further charging did not allow the phone to charge beyond 63%.

The phone was switched off and on, but the charge remained 63%. The phone was allowed to discharge through normal use to ± 7% and then recharged with the Sony charger. The phone only recharged to 63% again, with the same indications. At the store, the assistant tried to charge the phone with his external power bank, but a maximum of 64 % could be obtained before the light turned green.

What frustrated me was the fact that when I queried with the assistant what could be done to correct the phone, there was a lot of deniability from the assistant and according to him, the manager as well. He stated that the problem was mine and Vodacom was not responsible for the problem or the repair thereof.

This is rather concerning that a store can sell a product that has compromised the serviceability and integrity of a 10-day old phone and then state that it is My problem.

He eventually booked the phone in for a repair - after 10 days use this is quite shameful. - Repair Job: ********** 0

I expect this Vodacom store, or the parent company, to at least assist me with resolving the issue and ensure that there is no long-term disadvantage to either me or the phone.

I also purchased the Sony due to the reliability and quality that I have experienced from all the other Sony products and phones that I have purchased in years past, this being my 4th Xperia. I am very concerned that the battery has been damaged through this product as recommended by the store, and that this will affect the overall use and dependability of the phone in the years to come.

I am requesting that Vodacom address the issue with the Repair department to ensure that the Battery and the phone internals are properly checked to ensure that there is no underlying damage that could compromise the phone into the future.

Please advise further