A Google search page is reflected in sunglasses in this photo illustration taken in Brussels May 30, 2014.
A Google search page is reflected in sunglasses in this photo illustration taken in Brussels May 30, 2014. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Having little success in purchasing the Nexus 6 from Google and Motorola at this time is proving to be a blessing in disguise as the native Android Lollipop flagship is reportedly plagued by fresh hardware defects.

In a report by Android-centric blog site Phandroid, there are good reasons for Android fans to skip the Nexus 6 altogether as some current owners of the device claimed that its back cover is coming off (a sample image of which is viewable here).

It appears too that the back cover issue was caused by battery malfunction, which in one affected unit became reportedly bloated. As a result of the unwanted expansion, the Nexus 6 back plate, which is designed as non-removable, was slightly separated from the unit.

Reddit report

The problem first surfaced on Reddit, the Phandroid report said, and Motorola has reportedly admitted that a few devices have been returned to the Nexus 6 maker and subsequently replaced. The company admitted some units of the latest Nexus model were with manufacture defects.

In a separate report by 9t5Google, similar incidents have emerged in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Mostly the rear cover popping out is blamed on two things - the weak glue used on the back shell and defective battery.

It is the battery, however, that is thought to be the real culprit.

Bloated battery

A number of Nexus 6 back covers are slowly separating from the main unit due to the expanding battery that naturally pushes away the rear protection. There was no explanation, however, what prompted the swelling batteries.

In the absence of any official word on the matter, Phandroid is advising that bloated batteries come with hazard so the affected the units must be returned to where they were bought.

While Motorola seem very willing to take back the damaged units, the report is recommending to users to opt instead for a refund and use the money to take home a new unit. That way, the chance of getting a refurbished unit as replacement is eliminated.

Or better yet, affected Nexus 6 fans should look for alternatives as the problem is likely found on a manufactured batch of the smartphone, Phandroid said on its report.

That means even a fresh and completely unused Nexus 6 could randomly develop the same problem unless Google and Motorola offer a permanent remedy that is short of a massive recall.