FTFY
There are a few stories about people who have gone through Sony trying to repair or get a replacement for their devices. Most of the stories have been pretty negative. Well, it just happens that my Xperia Z3 broke and I had to go through that very same service. I'll try and keep this sweet.
Td;lr: Broke Z3 on August 14th, contacted Sony customer service and sent in Z3 on August 21st. Sony surprised me with a free replacement September 9th.
August 14th, I was using my phone in the chlorinated pool at my apartment. Taking pictures and filming some stuff on 4K, everything worked great. After I decided to charge it and go back swimming. Few minutes later I come out and go to use my phone. As soon as I got pass the lock screen the display went black. Over the next few days I tried to start it back up, using all the different power button and volume rocker combinations to try and cycle the battery and get my Z3 to work again, even plugging it into the computer didn't work. The only sign of life was the red notification light that kept flashing when the USB port was plugged into the wall charger. My Z3 was dead.
A few days later I contact Sony Xperia online and try to see what my options were. They tried basic things like making sure it was running on the latest software, which it was. After, a day or two of nothing they suggested working they gave me a customer service number to call.
August 21st, was when I called and spoke to a Sony representative. They were very polite and helpful through everything. Connected my previous online claims and setup a new one so that I could send in my Z3. He set everything up and gave me and said to follow the directions on the email and then send my device in. The email basically said to remove everything/ anything possible from the device including screen protectors, cases, SD Card, Nano SIM and SIM adapters. I took my Nano SIM, SD card and SIM tray out of the phone and sent it in the same day.
Fast-forward today, September 9th. To my surprise Sony has sent me a free replacement unit. On one hand I find it a little odd that there was no email saying they were sending a replacement unit, or what was wrong with my phone. On the other hand I'm glad I got a free, brand new phone. All in all it was a fairly painless, and simple process. I realize a lot of people go through different scenarios and experiences, and I felt that I should share mines. If anyone has any questions or concerns drop a comment below and I'll be glad to answer them.