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Thunderbolt: one big fault in design about charging port

Now, the charging port is on left side....and if you have to use the kickstand, say to watch youtube or live stream movies, you cant charge it same time coz the kickstand is such that the phone will stand on the left side,i.e. left side is facing down, so obviously you cannot connect charging port....duh...they could not even think of this simple design logic?

Odds are if your watching videos your holding the phone, because most phones today dont have a kickstand for you to do so. though you could probably flip the phone around and put something between the kickstand and the phone to keep it up while you charge
Plus the phone kickstand also works upward as well, so for skype video calls you still can charge
Seems like a Third party will make a landscape dock if it becomes a huge issue, which i doubt... no offense

Just finding things to complain about. not everything can work out perfect..

maybe they did this to get people to buy a dock

Left side kickstands were on clearance.
I'm sure we can find some China made back replacements that have the kick stand going in the other direction.
I do agree though, it's silly that MOTO made it that way when Android can rotate easily in the other direction. Maybe they could have at least designed it to be universal and snap on either way.

smilesuhas said:
Now, the charging port is on left side....and if you have to use the kickstand, say to watch youtube or live stream movies, you cant charge it same time coz the kickstand is such that the phone will stand on the left side,i.e. left side is facing down, so obviously you cannot connect charging port....duh...they could not even think of this simple design logic?
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I'm retracting my stupid Q, because it was in fact probably the stupidest thing I've ever asked, lol. I wasn't thinking about the kickstand only being one way.

Evo user here. Trolling the TB forum, because I have a friend that is on VZW, and she is going crazy in waiting for this thing to drop.
I must say, that this is a pretty big blunder. I use my EVO on the kick-stand in landscape all the time, while charging. Can't imagine how this was overlooked and/or ignored.
Dumb, dumb, dumb, but that is just my opinion...

My charging port is on the left too. But my kickstand on my case is awesome so this isn't the case.
Sent from my Rooted God-like HTC Vision.

Can it not use the kickstand in the other direction? As in lay it on the right edge and the stand flat on the ground?
I thought a video showed them doing it. They said the spring was stronger than EVO and this actually worked.

andydumi said:
Can it not use the kickstand in the other direction? As in lay it on the right edge and the stand flat on the ground?
I thought a video showed them doing it. They said the spring was stronger than EVO and this actually worked.
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I think so, yes, but that would be in Portrait (<-edited), which is not ideal for video watching (what I do with my Evo while plugged in sometimes).
It does appear to be a lot better kickstand (wider, stronger spring, etc.) than the Evo.

Bang3r said:
I think so, yes, but that would be in Landscape, which is not ideal for video watching (what I do with my Evo while plugged in sometimes).
It does appear to be a lot better kickstand (wider, stronger spring, etc.) than the Evo.
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I think you meant portrait.
But I do mean landscape on the right edge, not left. Which would put the charge plug at the top (also not ideal).
Essentially when you flip out the kick stand, instead of laying the phone so the kickstand has a space under it, like a tripod, lay the phone the other way, where the kickstand is flat on the ground in its entire width and the spring supports the weight of the phone upright.

andydumi said:
I think you meant portrait.
But I do mean landscape on the right edge, not left. Which would put the charge plug at the top (also not ideal).
Essentially when you flip out the kick stand, instead of laying the phone so the kickstand has a space under it, like a tripod, lay the phone the other way, where the kickstand is flat on the ground in its entire width and the spring supports the weight of the phone upright.
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Click to collapse
Oops, yes I meant Portrait...TY. Prior post changed to make me not look crazy!
Ahh, I see what you are saying. If that is the case, then my concern would be proven moot....

You wouldn't be able to replace the kickstands as the cover comes off halfway and the stand stays intact. The stand is part of the body of the phone, not the case.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

I call this the "Right handed" landscape. I find it perfect with the kickstand.
As far as the charging port. I find that it is better on the left.
If I was using my right hand to click and use the phone the cord would be in my way over my arm constantly. Instead it would be under my arm and out of the way.
Though the location in any case being at the bottom is better than top, it's still hard to hold the phone with the left hand being in the way.
I'm not going to be using it for movies often. My workplace more or less doesn't want to even see it on the desk so using it as a nice desk clock is even out.

Coming from the EVO, all I can say is this has me a little worried but not deterred. I'd say this is more of a blemish as opposed to a big fault though. I'll most likely just put up with it.
Also being an EVO user, I can say that my kickstand saw A LOT of use while on the charger.
After all, the kickstand was designed for watching porn hands free.

The placement of the charge port only shows that HTC might have plans for it, like the canceled Desktop dock by HTC for the Droid Incredible, citing landscape support as the cause of cancellation.
I've seen a couple of videos that show the ThunderBolt being used in portrait mode (ie: standing up) using the kickstand which would free up the USB connector for charging instead of landscape where it blocks the port.
as for the kickstand not being replaceable, that might be a flaw in design but that area of the phone is also the unibody aluminum frame. We can be grateful that HTC decided to make the entire battery/sim/microSD area accessible via a removable battery cover on top of the Unibody frame. Seeing the reviews of the Desire HD and Inspire 4G its one of the cons of the unibody design since its hard to remove the battery/microSD/sim card.
and yes, this phone will have a SIM for the LTE service, its even been shown off how the SIM slot is accessible in the unboxing video Wirefly posted, and that is a pretty nifty way to hide it, kudos to HTC on the design.
I can't wait to hear the sound quality of the back speaker under the kickstand, i've been waiting for something louder than the Incredible, the sound quality is top notch for a phone with that size of a speaker but its not loud enough for use in somewhat louder conditions like working in a loud environment where earbuds are not allowed etc.

Geegolly said:
Coming from the EVO, all I can say is this has me a little worried but not deterred. I'd say this is more of a blemish as opposed to a big fault though. I'll most likely just put up with it.
Also being an EVO user, I can say that my kickstand saw A LOT of use while on the charger.
After all, the kickstand was designed for watching porn hands free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yieww, TMI

smilesuhas said:
..so obviously you cannot connect charging port....duh...they could not even think of this simple design logic?
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Click to collapse
Not sure how thats obvious, on a phone thats not even out. But upon reading this I decided to stop and help you out of that box you are thinking in there, negative Nancy.
Did ya ever think about turning it over while charging and watching? You seriously never had a "kick-lay" on a bike growing up? Who said kickstands always have to stand, man?
Its so sick it might just hold up your phone while laying down! One day, we can all be that lazy and effective. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. Did you hear about that clown that under estimated the power of physics when playing with a spring? No? That's cause it was super-messy, Google that sh*t.
Sent from my thumbs yo!

Drink less before you post next time.

Is this the same guy that posted this ridiculous thread on Android Central?!
The device is not even out yet and people are complaining about these details. Honestly, HTC has some of the best hardware and highest quality designs. I am sure they thought this through and planned this...
Now you will want a desk dock to charge the phone while you Skype or watch videos.

The Thunderbolt mod I want??!?

Ok so I have only had my Thunderbolt for 26 hours but the kickstand is just a total utter joke! At first I was shocked and appalled that they would design the kickstand so you couldn’t use it and have the USB plugged in at the same time. As bad as that is I don’t really see myself using the kickstand that much…
But it covers the speaker!!?!?! Who designs a speaker and then says... “Ok let’s put a flush tight steel plate over the top of it”?!?!?
It clearly muffles the sound in all uses of the phone. Even if you can hear ok you know it will sound better if the kickstand is out. So I’m walking around talking on speaker with the kickstand out! Watching YouTube with the kickstand out! Just a joke!
So the mod I want is to be able to remove the kickstand all together. I can’t wait for the YouTube video that shows me how to take my phone apart so I can get that dumb piece of steel out of the way!

Hahaha +1
I totally agree with you, that kickstand/USB design is FUBAR! I can't believe someone signed off on that. And then, as you said, someone was brilliant enough to put the speaker behind it! It almost seems like a cruel joke!

OK I just did the magnet test on that dumb piece of metal and its aluminum… Same thing… I want it off of the front of my speaker!

you know you can stand it up with the kickstand and charge at the same time right???
i agree with the speaker thing...had to do a double take to see if they really put the speaker there...doesn't bother me anymore tho

And everyone was like “yeah stay away from Motorola and Samsung... HTC’s quality and designs are just so much better…”
And here it is, their flagship phone (for a few weeks) has one of the stupidest design flaws I could ever dream up!

patdroid1 said:
you know you can stand it up with the kickstand and charge at the same time right???
i agree with the speaker thing...had to do a double take to see if they really put the speaker there...doesn't bother me anymore tho
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Yeah you do a lot of video and movie watching with the phone upright do you? Cant wait for the Netflix app so you can watch movies upright???

The kickstand is sweet. Watching movies and tv is so much better. Though I wish the usb was on the bottom of the phone.but then the desk mount wouldn't work...

At first I was shocked and appalled that they would design the kickstand so you couldn’t use it and have the USB plugged in at the same time
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you didn't say watch video...you just said USB plugged in lol!
just giving you a hard time...all in all i like the kickstand but yes it could have been designed better overall

Forgetfull said:
The kickstand is sweet. Watching movies and tv is so much better. Though I wish the usb was on the bottom of the phone.but then the desk mount wouldn't work...
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Click to collapse
So even though maybe 5% of Thunderbolt owners have a desk mount you ruin the kick stand… You couldn’t redesign the desk mount to plug-in on a side or have a cable that pugs in on top, or have USB ports on both sides?? This is the flagship phone after all…
And forget all that. So they have to do it that way for the 5% of desk mount buyers and promote people to shell out more money for them... fine.
But don’t cover the bloody speaker with the piece of metal!!

This thread is a joke, if you don't like it the return it.... Don't cry to the masses about it, specially since 90% of people on this particular forum are for this device not against it
HTC made a mistake, so what? This phone is effing awesome and makes up for that and so much more
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

If you want to use the kickstand and charge at the same time you could use it the opposite way. Let me get my other phone and take a pic real quick.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

Here is what I meant. Of course not as stable as the correct way, but it works.
Sent from my DROID PRO using Tapatalk

Heck I cannot even hear a difference in the speaker with the kickstand open or closed. I love the kickstand and I love the way the TB sounds and I've never even needed to charge and use the kickstand at the same time. The OP should have considered this stuff before he bought it if it bothers him so much.

I just pop-in the spare battery....I rock my kickstand to the grave!

Actually a good quick mod for using the kickstand in the opposite way is you could put something on the end of it like a sticky bump thing (sorry didn't know the technical term for that). This will put the device at a more perpendicular viewing angle (albeit viewable) but also by gravity, take less stress off the hinge thus having it not close as easily. Most of the weight would would be distributed across the side of the phone that is touching the table surface. Sorry it is 10 PM in hawaii so I couldn't find a sticky bump thing to explain what I meant so I just leaned it against my old Pre sleeve.
Sent from my DROID PRO using Tapatalk

Sorry, forgot to attach the pics.
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MrHawaii said:
Sorry, forgot to attach the pics.
Sent from my DROID PRO using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In this case, a picture was worth well over 1000 words...

Yup sorry about that, I kind of just thought of that now. I have been using the original way I posted for a couple days now at work and every once in a while someone would bump the table and the phone would fall backward.
When taking these pictures I wondered why it felt more sturdy in different places on my couch. Then I noticed that the surface on the couch was not flat like a table and saw that the more perindicular angle puts more weight on the phone rather than the hinge. Funny how things turn out sometimes.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

I never thought of using it that way, but heck it works.

Two threads down like this exact same thread. Just sayin.
Good idea using it upside-down.
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A Plead to Case Manufacturers

Design a case that has a 'channel' for the speaker. use a little bit of common sense in your design since lg didnt have the sense to design the phone correctly.
channel = put and indentation/recess from the speaker grill to the side and bottom edges of the case so the sound has a decent chance of escaping. or put a 1-2mm hump/bump on the bottom corners of the case to lift it up so the sound can escape.
help a brother out would ya? its prety much a guarantee that the first one to do this will have the most popular case among the n4 and the optimus owners.

I actually prefer having the back of a phone to be flat. It feels a lot better in my hand but I do agree that when the is face down the speakers are not hearable
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

zephiK said:
I actually prefer having the back of a phone to be flat. It feels a lot better in my hand but I do agree that when the is face down the speakers are not hearable
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
i like it being flat. reminds me of my old iphone days. i just wish they would have designed the phone in a way that we can hear notifications when sitting on a flat table. or better yet... the ringtone loud enough to wake me up when i get a phone call. i miss more calls and texts than i ever have.
its all well and good until you miss a home cooked meal because your brand new top of the line phone cannot emit decibels because the speaker is muffled.:angel:
i think a properly designed case will get around the issue pretty well. im talking about a recess or a couple of itty bitty bumps on the corners by the way. not a big hump.

Lifeproof case for the g5

I will most likely be going to best buy tomorrow to get a lifeproof for my g5, but I'm curious on the speaker and if it's f effected and if so how much? When/if (only is speaker is murdered) I get it I can also answer questions if you guys have any.

Youtube review!

DarkMage619 said:
Youtube review!
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For a 80 dollar price the case feels extremely cheap. I had it for a couple days but returned it. first case failed water test bottom port doesn't "seat" but is sealed by the pressure of clipping it together. (probably the most likely fail point), The screen protector sits too far from the screen you have to apply pressure for the screen to work. It's also difficult to swipe down from the top. There's thin sheets covering the camera and finger print scanner not sure how well they will hold up over time. As far as sound the back has a gap as well creating a vibrating effect when using the loud speaker. It's not hideous but quite annoying just the same. I didn't record any sound but chanced are that may be distorted as well. But some people may like the rattling sound of the speakers since lifeproof is calling it their sub woofing system lol. But this is just an opinion. You may like it.

I got one... I got it for functionality, as a machinist everywhere in my work area is oily including the air.
As mentioned above it does have a cheap feel to it. Mines passed the water test and that's what I was MOST interested in.
Touch navigation is flawless for me even with oily hands.
I was pleasantly surprised that the speaker/fingered print sensor/mic worked at all. Though output from speaker defiantly wasn't hifi. When I purchased I planned on always being connected on Bluetooth. After realizing that I could hear without headphones Bluetooth is now a option not a necessity.
Bottom line... If you spend time in wet environments it's a capable case up for task. If aesthetics is your goal go another direction.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Got mine at worstbuy the same day I upgraded to the G5. I'm usually dubious of screen protector/all in one type cases. Plus, I have giant fingers, so that was a concern also.
I can happily report that so far I have not run into any issues with this case.
Notification drawer slides down with ease, sound isn't affected too much, touch is all but the same as w/o the case.
It just adds a little bulk to the phone (but that's expected with these types of cases). Otherwise, no complaints. Well worth the 79.99 investment.
Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk

lifeproof will be great , if you do not mind to pay for 80 dollars

I like mine. It failed the water test the first time around so I sent in for another that works well. The only issue I have is using headphones. For some reason it thinks I'm sending voice commands when I don't even have a mic on my headphones. Sometimes it works great other times I get regular OK Google interruptions and the music will pause/unpause itself when placing the phone in my pocket.
EDIT: I'm actually going to return mine now. Or at least sell it. I do not trust this thing to be waterproof. Whenever I used it in the bathroom while I'm taking a shower (it just sits next to the sink... like 5 ft from the shower even) I notice water vapor trapped inside between the screen and protector the next day. This is the 2nd one I've noticed this with & the 2nd one even passed my initial water test, unlike the first. I don't trust this USB port cover to ever be waterproof and the issues with the headphone jack are just an icing on the cake.

somethinlike said:
I like mine. It failed the water test the first time around so I sent in for another that works well. The only issue I have is using headphones. For some reason it thinks I'm sending voice commands when I don't even have a mic on my headphones. Sometimes it works great other times I get regular OK Google interruptions and the music will pause/unpause itself when placing the phone in my pocket.
EDIT: I'm actually going to return mine now. Or at least sell it. I do not trust this thing to be waterproof. Whenever I used it in the bathroom while I'm taking a shower (it just sits next to the sink... like 5 ft from the shower even) I notice water vapor trapped inside between the screen and protector the next day. This is the 2nd one I've noticed this with & the 2nd one even passed my initial water test, unlike the first. I don't trust this USB port cover to ever be waterproof and the issues with the headphone jack are just an icing on the cake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case is water proof. Not steam proof. Steam is a vapor not a liquid like water.. Steam can easily get past almost any waterproof product
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app

clninja said:
The case is water proof. Not steam proof. Steam is a vapor not a liquid like water.. Steam can easily get past almost any waterproof product
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
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Click to collapse
Damn, someone should tell their customer support so they can tell dummies like myself haha. My phone got soaked in a camelbak related mishap the other day (works fine, got completely drenched while on. water in the battery compartment and everything) so I've been using the lifeproof since then. Their customer support is very nice and hassle free though.

most casses cover the 3rd microphone

The 3rd microphone is in the side bump in the camera.. I've noticed all my cases cover that hole..
Surely that reduces the clarity of the microphone when recording video.
Your thoughts?

Depends how many videos you take that require a microphone.
Sent from my BlackBerry Bold 9900

try to find that mic.... where is it.... I'm not seeing it

magichoward said:
The 3rd microphone is in the side bump in the camera.. I've noticed all my cases cover that hole..
Surely that reduces the clarity of the microphone when recording video.
Your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I check the details of the cases before I purchased them. The ESR Tough Alliance and all of its Note 20 ULTRA cases have a slanted side on the camera side that's actually helpful in capturing audio. The Ringke Fusion X and Ringke Air-S ones have 2mm of space between the camera bump sides.

edwardob said:
try to find that mic.... where is it.... I'm not seeing it
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See attached

You can always drill a hole if you need that port.

magichoward said:
See attached
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wow... that's hidden well...

magichoward said:
The 3rd microphone is in the side bump in the camera.. I've noticed all my cases cover that hole..
Surely that reduces the clarity of the microphone when recording video.
Your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's necessary because if they don't cover that then the case won't fit snuggly. And that would make the case wobble. I don't see a way around it. May be a cut out of a mm in that place.

mine not covered.... so it is possible

I'm using an Otterbox Defender Pro and the mic is not blocked. There's 1mm or more around the camera assembly and the case.

Bolt cases don't cover the mics...
https://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Ultra...ocphy=9059462&hvtargid=pla-945538896475&psc=1
I use these on my 10+ and love them... very easy to hold and has very good grips. The stand is nice for holding by too.
Make sure the stand is fully retracted or extended though to keep from loosing its hinge pins in your pocket. Happened once but was able to recover them... talk about luck.

Even the official cases cover it. I have the leather and kvadrat cases and they cover that mic. Samsung themselves must think it's not important.

qzan7 said:
Even the official cases cover it. I have the leather and kvadrat cases and they cover that mic. Samsung themselves must think it's not important.
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Lol, you greatly overestimate the level of cohesive wherewithal at Samsung:silly:
&
Someone just got a memo....

That's the easiest problem to solve in all this messy flagship lol you make a needle hot and make a hole in the plastic case lol
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Before suggesting that anyone butcher their case, perhaps its time to see what that mic actually does. It cannot be too important if the official cases cover it, right?
But seriously folks (Joe Walsh pun intended!) that third mic serves what purpose? Video is recorded in stereo which is two discrete (L+R) channels.
What's the third mic for? Could it possibly be used in conjunction with DSP for the (useless IMHO) audio zoom feature? I suppose one could experiment a bit with shooting video and comparing. Even in a somewhat ideal environment for the sake of comparison - dual monitors with 1kHz sine wave playing back, recording and panning back and forth and up and down with no case and with a case that firmly covers the hole. Then play back to compare differences.
Additionally, you could actually WORSEN the effect by trimming or making holes as the surface around the mic opening acts as a pinna (the outer part of your ear) that can really start to do weird stuff with the audio that mic would capture. Still skeptical? Try this once. Take your hands and hold them over your ears but using your fingers like spider legs so your palms are a few cm away from your ears. Do this while there is music playing or people talking. Sounds awfully "tinny" doesn't it?

qzan7 said:
Even the official cases cover it. I have the leather and kvadrat cases and they cover that mic. Samsung themselves must think it's not important.
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Click to collapse
cpufrost said:
Before suggesting that anyone butcher their case, perhaps its time to see what that mic actually does. It cannot be too important if the official cases cover it, right?
But seriously folks (Joe Walsh pun intended!) that third mic serves what purpose? Video is recorded in stereo which is two discrete (L+R) channels.
What's the third mic for? Could it possibly be used in conjunction with DSP for the (useless IMHO) audio zoom feature? I suppose one could experiment a bit with shooting video and comparing. Even in a somewhat ideal environment for the sake of comparison - dual monitors with 1kHz sine wave playing back, recording and panning back and forth and up and down with no case and with a case that firmly covers the hole. Then play back to compare differences.
Additionally, you could actually WORSEN the effect by trimming or making holes as the surface around the mic opening acts as a pinna (the outer part of your ear) that can really start to do weird stuff with the audio that mic would capture. Still skeptical? Try this once. Take your hands and hold them over your ears but using your fingers like spider legs so your palms are a few cm away from your ears. Do this while there is music playing or people talking. Sounds awfully "tinny" doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh snap, now you started it. Case acoustic performance ratings.
Guess we need to determine what the ideal length and diameter is for port tuning this mic.
Ok some sarcasm but you do make a valid point.
Just not sure if the Samsung engineers put this much thought into it

blackhawk said:
Oh snap, now you started it. Case acoustic performance ratings.
Guess we need to determine what the ideal length and diameter is for port tuning this mic.
Ok some sarcasm but you do make a valid point.
Just not sure if the Samsung engineers put this much thought into it
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Click to collapse
Maybe the only function of this mic is that Samsung can say the phone has 3 mics [emoji1787] just to be up
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theholyguy said:
Maybe the only function of this mic is that Samsung can say the phone has 3 mics [emoji1787] just to be up
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That's for vids, their telescopic audio zoom thing I think.
Or maybe the auxiliary water entry port...

cpufrost said:
Before suggesting that anyone butcher their case, perhaps its time to see what that mic actually does. It cannot be too important if the official cases cover it, right?
But seriously folks (Joe Walsh pun intended!) that third mic serves what purpose? Video is recorded in stereo which is two discrete (L+R) channels.
What's the third mic for? Could it possibly be used in conjunction with DSP for the (useless IMHO) audio zoom feature? I suppose one could experiment a bit with shooting video and comparing. Even in a somewhat ideal environment for the sake of comparison - dual monitors with 1kHz sine wave playing back, recording and panning back and forth and up and down with no case and with a case that firmly covers the hole. Then play back to compare differences.
Additionally, you could actually WORSEN the effect by trimming or making holes as the surface around the mic opening acts as a pinna (the outer part of your ear) that can really start to do weird stuff with the audio that mic would capture. Still skeptical? Try this once. Take your hands and hold them over your ears but using your fingers like spider legs so your palms are a few cm away from your ears. Do this while there is music playing or people talking. Sounds awfully "tinny" doesn't it?
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Click to collapse
The mic on the back is called the zoom-in-mic also included on the Note 10 series.
https://www.samsung.com/global/gala...a app,sound recording will adjust accordingly.

ggrant3876 said:
The mic on the back is called the zoom-in-mic also included on the Note 10 series.
https://www.samsung.com/global/gala...a app,sound recording will adjust accordingly.
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Will test it when I buy the case and the phone, just waiting Samsung solve the mess about 5g on snapdragon in Europe [emoji111]
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