Hi,
the title actually says it all...
I'm planning on buying an Android phone in the next couple of weeks and the Galaxy S is my prime suspect. However, I don't want a GPS cripple since I plan on using the GPS a lot. The lagfix seems to be coming along nicely with lots of different implementations and Sammy also has plans to fix it, so I'm not worried about that, the GPS trouble on the other hand seems to be very hard to catch and might be hardware related. Has anyone found the cause for the strange behaviour yet? Are there hardware differences between the Galaxy S and the Epic 4G GPS (which apparently won't make it over the pond to Germany). And last and least, is there any real alternative to the Galaxy S coming out in the forseeable future? I'd go for the HTC Desire, but it's SOC just can't keep up with the Hummingbird performance, so it's not really an option...the Droid X is too well locked, so XDA Developers won't be able to provide such a wide vaiety of mods and updates (and that is the most important thing to me since all manufacturers seem to drop support for their "old" devices after about 6 months...)
Any information and advice is appreciated!
Thanks
GPS Problems are software related mate.
There is a "fix" under test, that uses Epic 4G files. Works quite nice, i got a lock at home, with 10meters.
Some people claim that the new OFFICIAL Sammy software JM1, improved the GPS as well, people started getting a Lock at home with 10-30meters.
So yeah.. it is Software related, nothing to worry about.
Thanks!
All the fixes I had read about so far were just augmenting the GPS with Wifi and 3G data to smooth things out and did not really fix the problem. I read about the Epic 4G firmware thingy but can't fin the thread anymore, I'll have to dig a bit deeper and see how things are going there. Let's hope it really is only software and not some defective chip or component interference...
Well.. Currently, actually, there is no proof either way. By the end of September, it is likely that if problems still remain, they are hardware flaws.
I personally believe the main problems are software.
I'm on JM5 with Epic4G "fix". Not much improvement I'm afraid. I get stationary locks, but none while moving. Also, while stationary I seem to "jump" around. Not very optimistic about the whole thing. But let's wait for that september fix and see then what is going on.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
And the strange thing is, the problem is not permament.
I get almost always a lock in 20 sec with 5m accuracy.
But if you primarely want a gps device with an android "add on", why not look at the garmin gps android phones?
Well, I'm not looking for GPS with a phone, I'm looking for the best Android Phone with good GPS...
Only samsung knows the answer. But since there seems to be such a range in severity and after all this time samsung has still not provided a real fix it could very well be that its hardware related. Well find out in september.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
The saddest thing is that Samsung still has not really commented on this. They claim that there is no GPS problem on the Epic 4G which should mean that they know about the issue, but they never said a word about the cause or possible solution or whether all they can do is augment the GPS to make it seem more accurate and smooth.
Maybe some GPS chips were faulty/dodgy and that is why not everybody has these problems...if Samsung would fess up and admit where the problem is we could all rest in peace instead of all in pieces...
CommanderROR said:
The saddest thing is that Samsung still has not really commented on this. They claim that there is no GPS problem on the Epic 4G which should mean that they know about the issue, but they never said a word about the cause or possible solution or whether all they can do is augment the GPS to make it seem more accurate and smooth.
Maybe some GPS chips were faulty/dodgy and that is why not everybody has these problems...if Samsung would fess up and admit where the problem is we could all rest in peace instead of all in pieces...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They've said they are optimising the GPS though.. The reason why developers generally don't explain patches in detail, is because there is no easy way to explain it. If they said "the GPS chip required GPS packets to be processed more consistantly, and change blah blah blah in GPS stack", only techies would understand whats going on.
Easiest way to understand, will be to diff the SGS source code when new code is released...
Well, I'm not waiting for technical mumbo-jumbo from them, but I'd like to know whether there is a fix (e.g. new GPS driver or something) or whether we'll have to send in our devices for new hardware.
The "optimizing" is what worries me really, because to my ears that sounds like improving, not fixing. Improvements have been suggested on these forums already, most augment the GPS signal with Wifi or cell data which is fine but does not solve the problem at all. If Samsung is planning to "optimize" by activating skyhook or something then the device will remain a no-go for me, if they mean "fix" by optimizing and will put int he correct parameters or drivers or whatever to make GPS work then I'll be happy. The word optimizing is just extremely dodgy and does not sound promising at all...
UPDATE:
I just found this in a swiss forum...:
If you hold the SGS in your hand or have it in your pocket the GPS reception is really bad. If you hold it with your fingers without covering the back with your hand or put it in a pouch on the outside of your backpack it wors flawlessly. Apparently covering the GPS antenna in any way badly affects the GPS signal.
I have no idea whether this is reproducibly, but if any SGS owner here wants to give it a try please let me know whether you can support these findings.
I honestly never had(serious) issues with the GPS. I'm using JM5 With Ndrive 10, locks in 30 seconds it's a little inaccurate by a 20 or 15 meters, and very rarely loose fix.
but i think it is for covering the antenna.
I still take my N96 to my work only because it has Garmin.
Related
I need a phone for strictly development purposes. I am writing location based software and other such things. I have a Samsung Moment but it is a piece of garbage and cannot ever get GPS lock. How is the GPS on the G1? Is there anything I should look for when purchasing a used G1? I didn't see any huge issues browsing the forums but I just want to check with you guys to make sure I have not overlooked anything. Thanks.
joe85 said:
I need a phone for strictly development purposes. I am writing location based software and other such things. I have a Samsung Moment but it is a piece of garbage and cannot ever get GPS lock. How is the GPS on the G1? Is there anything I should look for when purchasing a used G1? I didn't see any huge issues browsing the forums but I just want to check with you guys to make sure I have not overlooked anything. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is good on G1 and overall it's a cracking phone. I have a desire and G1 and still love using the G1 although the Desire is an overall much better bit of kit. If you can get one cheap it's well worth it.
Hello fellow Xda'ers! I have recently Sold my htc hd2 and I have decided to buy an Galaxy S I9000!!
Do you think this is a smart trade since i LOVE ANDROID, is there another device you could recommend?
Even if so,
Does anyone here know how to, or IF I can use Standard STock Android 2.1 OR 2.2
doesnt matter, I just want it to be Android stock...
Thanks and Please
Sincerely yours Aldin!
yes there are beta version of froyo already JF3
Currently can't use stock (but there is no reason why someone couldn't port get a fully stock rom working). A lot of us like this phone, some people don't. Some people prefer the Desire.
Current main problems people are having.
1) GPS is sketchy, but it does appear Samsung is fixing it. It is a good chipset (and the solution may be that they release a new backplate with a better antenna, because there is a jack for an external antenna). Or, it may be improved drivers. As of JM5, I have quickly tested mine and it is great, but haven't tested it properly yet.
2) "Lag". Some people are whinging that applications take too long to load, and some tasks lag. We KNOW the processor is awesome though, and we KNOW that the NAND chip is fast, so it's probably a configuration/software issue. Perhaps they simply need better caching in place. Also be aware, many people here are blowing the lag WAYYY out of proportion. Some people here will tell you their applications are lagging 10 secs, and that the lag killed their cat.
In JM5 and JG5, I tested it, and I could only get 3 secs lag max after running many apps. I later managed to increase that to perhaps 4. But later firmwares now seem to be quite immune to serious lag problems.
When it comes down to it though, your only way of knowing for sure whether it's the right phone for you, is to test them both.
However, you must be honest with yourself too. Anything to do with graphics is probably better on the Galaxy S (and the firmware is much more buggy still). But the HTC has a better experience at the moment. The Galaxy S also has a better screen, and a PROPER multitouch atmel controller, whereas most mobiles (including the nexus one) still use a hacked synaptics/single touch panel which can support multitouch (but doesn't actually do it properly, and it's easy to generate false ).
I wouldn't trade my Samsung Galaxy S though, even if I was offered full asking price. It really comes down to your needs. The Samsung might be the better long term solution (especially since Samsung are REALLY pushing it, which suggests they are serious about turning it mainstream), but the desire might be the better short term one.
It all comes down to your needs though, and patience. If you need fully accurate GPS right now, or are too impatient to wait 1 sec for an app to open, get the HTC desire. But, if you want a proper multitouch controller, MUCH faster GPU and better screen, Samsung Galaxy. At the end of the day, they are just mobile phones, you just need to go for it! I spent months wasting hours looking up reviews every week, and at the end, I just did it on a whim (had never even seen it in real life). The fact is, in actual real world use, the HTC desire is possibly a bit better for some people if they need accurate GPS for fitness and such (but ours will probably improve too with a bit of software improvements, or a new back case with a better antenna). Both have 802.11n, so you'll find that you can set your router to 802.11n mode only.
It's just a phone though. If you need a fashion accessory, the HTC legend might appeal to you. But as mentioned, what you need is everything.
Also, some people may complain about the build quality of the galaxy S (it uses a plastic back which snaps on). I'd say the build quality is fine (materials which are used doesn't mean a damn if your smartphone gets wet). In fact, I actually think its a pro point, because we can swap the back with a rubberdised one and simply get a screen protector/bumper. But yeah, nothing to worry about. The glass seems strong too.
Good luck.
alldino said:
Hello fellow Xda'ers! I have recently Sold my htc hd2 and I have decided to buy an Galaxy S I9000!!
Do you think this is a smart trade since i LOVE ANDROID, is there another device you could recommend?
Even if so,
Does anyone here know how to, or IF I can use Standard STock Android 2.1 OR 2.2
doesnt matter, I just want it to be Android stock...
Thanks and Please
Sincerely yours Aldin!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the quick answer!!! I have decided to get the galaxy s i9000!! Thank you so much for spending so much time writing and what a good page of information you gave me!! THANKS!
I confess I don't know so much about this, but what do you get if you compile the Eclair source released by Samsung (I assume it needs to be combined with AOSP)? Would that not give stock 2.1, since none of the TouchWiz apps are open source?
Perhaps a few drivers would be missing as they're only available as binaries, but we do have the binaries.
andrewluecke said:
2) "Lag". Some people are whinging that applications take too long to load, and some tasks lag. We KNOW the processor is awesome though, and we KNOW that the NAND chip is fast, so it's probably a configuration/software issue. Perhaps they simply need better caching in place. Also be aware, many people here are blowing the lag WAYYY out of proportion. Some people here will tell you their applications are lagging 10 secs, and that the lag killed their cat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
10 seconds of lagg is not exaggerated. I even experienced a longer lagg.
Let''s say the lagg is only 4 seconds. I is annoying as hell if you you experience that 4 second lagg every 15 seconds while using your phone.
Ofcourse this all depends on what and how many applications you installed and are running.
Guys.. this is really the wrong forum.. This is Android development not Questions & Answers!
Please post your threads in the right sections!
When you have lags you can just use same lag fix... I don't know why you all complaining on lags when lag fixes makes this phone really fast. Othervise if you don't want to lose warranty than if you have enouth money take desire
Moved thread to Q&A
Hello everybody, good morning from Argentina. I am currently a holder of an HD2 HTC Windows Mobile 6.5. As most will know this phone can make Windows 7 Phone & android. My experience with android in a high-end phone was really good, but here in Argentina I have a problem with 3G connectivity. It does not work, already knew this when buying the HD2 but at that time I was not interested. Given that the phones that come out as the "Galaxy S2" or better will cost a lot of money here .. should I buy an i9000? I'll be happy with this team coming from a hd2?
3G connectivity works here in Argentina with the i9000.
Contract: 360 + (12 * 50) = 960
Free factory: 800 + (12 * 30) = 1160
50 = Value of plan they offer.
30 = value of the plan that would put to use.
Best regards and sorry for my poor english.
i like the galaxy s and i wouldnt try to make people avoid using it.
all i will say is do a bit of research first on certain things like flashing roms, increasing gps signals, using ADB and such things, this all comes in handy when trying to improve the phone... it is a good phone, but can be made better by hacking and modifying certains things..
if you could save the extra money to get the Galaxy S2 then i would.... but i dont think you will make a regretful decision
azzledazzle said:
i like the galaxy s and i wouldnt try to make people avoid using it.
all i will say is do a bit of research first on certain things like flashing roms, increasing gps signals, using ADB and such things, this all comes in handy when trying to improve the phone... it is a good phone, but can be made better by hacking and modifying certains things..
if you could save the extra money to get the Galaxy S2 then i would.... but i dont think you will make a regretful decision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Thanks! I bought the htc hd2 for U$S900 no contract. The estimated price for the galaxy S2 will be around U$S1200 here in Argentina. And not even when they are imported.
well your only option is the i9000..
me, Personally dont think you will regret it... others may say so.. dont let me influence your decision...
Unless you want to constantly battle to make basic things work, don't buy a galaxy s.
Sent from my Captivate.
With JS5 now (2.2.1), i t is really a good phone. The Wifi signal strength is solved for me also lag issues.
GPS is reported good on builds later than Nov 2010, so check before you buy the date on battery.
I still didn't test GPS in a high density area with 2.2.1, but with 2.1 it was really not usable for driving in such areas. Only rural parts were ok before of lack precision. Many say 2.2.1 solved it, but I doubt as it was shown to be a hardware problem. Will test by myself.
Overall, an excellent phone if you take into consideration
- the GPS issue, potentially solved in builds later Nov 2011, to be verified
- the wifi signal fixed in 2.2.1
- lag issues: fixed in 2.2.1 or you can use lagfixes if you're really a demanding user
The real issue for many is the need of manual flashing via Odin, as JS5 is not officially available, but not an issue if you follow the guides
I Love my SGS!
jonny_ftm said:
Overall, an excellent phone if you take into consideration
- the GPS issue, potentially solved in builds later Nov 2011, to be verified
- the wifi signal fixed in 2.2.1
- lag issues: fixed in 2.2.1 or you can use lagfixes if you're really a demanding user
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is like saying my Lada is a great car except for the engine, the suspension and the body rusts too much.
The SGS is an expensive phone that has Wi-Fi capabilities, A GPS system and a fast processor, there should be no considerations. It should work right out of the box.
I brought my SGS into the service center today for the second time in two months, that is too much for an expensive phone.
I would stay away from the Samsung Galaxy S (I9000). Get something that has a better track record with quality.
Ian
w98seeng said:
This is like saying my Lada is a great car except for the engine, the suspension and the body rusts too much.
The SGS is an expensive phone that has Wi-Fi capabilities, A GPS system and a fast processor, there should be no considerations. It should work right out of the box.
I brought my SGS into the service center today for the second time in two months, that is too much for an expensive phone.
I would stay away from the Samsung Galaxy S (I9000). Get something that has a better track record with quality.
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completly agree. If you check how many people read the threads about lags, gps, and battery you will know why.
Dont know why google chose samsung for his nexus. Im just a consumer though. On js5, docs, hardcore kernel,lagfix on, and gps aids.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Finally i bought a i9000 Thanks to all! I'm happy with this phone... and i'm enjoying the 3g on android
Now... it's turn to upgrade rom.
no contract...800U$S :S
Woahhh $800!! I would NEVER pay that much for this cheap piece of plastic junk.
Then again i got mine for free on a 24mnths contract...if only i browsed through these forums before hand, and knew the issues it had.
the argentina version of the i9000 has a tv antenna too i believe. you could purchase a used i9000 from the USA for maybe $300, but it wouldn't have tv.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Congratulat to a wise choice.
You will always see this kind of negative post from people that has bad luck.
But look around and make the phone how you like it. Its not hard and its very safe. Try that with an other phone...
**DamianGTO Ultimate kernel. 350MB Ram. 600HZ. all ext2. Steam Rom. Js5**
DamianGto said:
Congratulat to a wise choice.
You will always see this kind of negative post from people that has bad luck.
But look around and make the phone how you like it. Its not hard and its very safe. Try that with an other phone...
**DamianGTO Ultimate kernel. 350MB Ram. 600HZ. all ext2. Steam Rom. Js5**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's true.
Do not forget I come from a htc hd2 and fight enough to put Ubuntu / Android or Windows Phone 7 series. As I understand something: D
Ventu89 said:
Yes, it's true.
Do not forget I come from a htc hd2 and fight enough to put Ubuntu / Android or Windows Phone 7 series. As I understand something: D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.
Well we will Always be here to help out.
**DamianGTO Ultimate kernel. 350MB Ram. 600HZ. all ext2. Steam Rom. Js5**
definitely
DamianGto said:
Congratulat to a wise choice.
You will always see this kind of negative post from people that has bad luck.
But look around and make the phone how you like it. Its not hard and its very safe. Try that with an other phone...
**DamianGTO Ultimate kernel. 350MB Ram. 600HZ. all ext2. Steam Rom. Js5**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I absolutely agree. Once you are aware of initial bugs and you learn how to overcome them, the phone will pay back. And it is addictive. You just keep searching how to improve it, it is a lot of fun.
jonny_ftm said:
I still didn't test GPS in a high density area with 2.2.1, but with 2.1 it was really not usable for driving in such areas. Only rural parts were ok before of lack precision. Many say 2.2.1 solved it, but I doubt as it was shown to be a hardware problem. Will test by myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I confirm GPS issues not solved with JS5. It is confirmed by xda to be hardware issue, fixed by redoing the soldering of antenna or RMA phone and get a new one
I don't want RMA, I don't care as I have a very good SIRF III external BT GPS
So, people for whom GPS is vital, be careful to get a new batch or you'll be disappointed
PS: GPS locks quickely but is not enough precise. In rural area it is ok, but in high density urban zones, it'll keep jumping through roads
i would advice to buy a sgs and update to latest mods or CM7. no issues with GPS wathsoever.. ( i use it for running..)
Does anyone have a reliable GPS on one of the newer roms? I've been using Serendipity (the last version), and have still been having problems.
It wouldn't be a big deal, except I would like to using a cycling app on the phone, and that requires a GPS that doesn't take 10 minutes to lock and looses signal every few minutes. Never mind that it can't even pin point me.
Maybe I'm just not up on todays roms, but my question is the GPS working well?
Thanks!
Using search would have supplied you with about 10,000 threads on how unreliable the GPS is even with fixes, newer roms, etc.
It all depends on your hardware and if you got lucky. If it's truly that bad, especially on any rom, then warranty it.
What cappy said. GPS in these devices is terribly unreliable and there seems to be no rock solid way to fix this. Some phones hardware seem to work better then others, if it really bothers you warranty it repeatedly until you can get a decent timed lock. My dad refused the leave the warranty center until he was able to get locks on his device in less then 10 seconds. Obviously took him a while with these crappy GPS's. He ended up with a much newer revision of the phone not sure what build number but his GPS is noticeably better then mine on the same firmware. I have a 1010 by the way and yes the GPS is aweful. I don't really use it too much other then to find general location sso it doesn't kill me but I understand the frustration with something that Samsung could of very well done a better job at.
At any rate this question has been answered all too many times. If it really kills you complain until you are satisfied. I personally don't think you will be regardless. My dad still moans and groans about his GPS even after all his complaining.
Sent from my i897 running MIUI 1.8.12 with TalonMTD kernel.
Apparently, Qualcomm updated the drivers for the s2 and s3 chips, to support GLONASS navigation. That's great.
But when will it be enabled on the HTC phones?
I know the old Sony Xperia line got updates.
Do you think it is coming in the ICS Sense 3,6 update???
http://wmpoweruser.com/qualcomm-enables-glonass-support-for-all-snapdragon-s2-processors/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1395092
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB9pXInwh3k&noredirect=1
http://www.phonearena.com/news/All-Q...LONASS_id24830
No?
OK
Hmm.. Might not be HTC's priority number 1, since GPS system allready works pretty nicely.
Maybe in some far-future-update, but I hardly belive that its activated in the upcoming ICS update.
Well, here in Scandinavia, the GPS system isn't quite as accurate, and my Inc S frequently jumps 20-100 meters all over the place, especially when running in the forests. The Russian GLONASS system covers the northern hemisphere and would increase accuracy in Scandinavia by over 50%. Down to ~2m....
In other words - I, personally would probably see a significant improvement. That's why I'm wondering...
Monkeybrew said:
Well, here in Scandinavia, the GPS system isn't quite as accurate, and my Inc S frequently jumps 20-100 meters all over the place, especially when running in the forests. The Russian GLONASS system covers the northern hemisphere and would increase accuracy in Scandinavia by over 50%. Down to ~2m....
In other words - I, personally would probably see a significant improvement. That's why I'm wondering...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you might see that I live in Scandinavia too. And I'm well aware that GPS is really inaccurate from time to time.
But still probably not important enough for HTC. Most customers don't need GLONASS, so some regional update is highly unlikely.
You're probably right. Even though Sony updated all their old xperia phones immediately.
Too bad.
Nothing yet
Send a mail to HTC'c customer support and ask them?
Will most likely not help, but you never know until you've tried
Sent from my Incredible S using XDA
Isn't it possible to enable GLONASS in a custom ROM? HTC will never update this phone more.
Monkeybrew said:
Isn't it possible to enable GLONASS in a custom ROM? HTC will never update this phone more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't that be more of a kernel thing? Maybe Nonverbose could weigh in on the possibility of enabling it somehow.