[Q] GPS inaccurate - Galaxy S6 Edge Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi All,
Love the phone but having major issues with the GPS of the phone.
For instance every time I run with runkeeper I get about an extra 0.5 miles recorder per 3 miles I run. On iPhone I dont have such problems.
It seems to kill the GPS when the screen is locked, tried various GPS locking issues.
Is anyone else having this issue?
Thanks

Related

[Q] GPS dropping out

My GPS intermittently drops out. I use my Rezound in the HTC car dock on my commute. At an apparently random time, the GPS just drops out and I get no signal. It seems to stay that way until I go into settings and turn off all three GPS services and then turn them back on.
Does anyone else have this kind of problem? I want to decide if I should return the phone.
Thanks for your help.
I've had a couple times where the GPS seemed to have stopped working. Turning GPS (and only GPS) off and back on has always fixed it. I've been meaning to do some further testing, but haven't gotten around to it.
I missed this post but I have similar problems in another post I just made. I can't fix my problem by toggling GPS though.

the GPS is not accurate at all!

Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
Using Navigon on both S2 and Note. Very accurate except my maps a bit old. So it shows to one way street sometimes. The Note lock within 3 seconds. Don't have your issue
EvoXOhio said:
Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've taken my note in my car, and I can tell you that I've never seen a smartphone's GPS perform as well as the Note does. I get a lock in 5 seconds or less, and I've seen as many as 25 satellite locks, with a position as accurate as 5 feet for a long duration.
Do you keep your Note in your pocket while you're running, or is it exposed/attached to your body somewhere?
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
The note is in my pocket at all times. I did The same with my old phone. The issue could be that, or maybe it just can't track slow speeds very well but it works fine at higher speeds like when driving. I am going to take it in the car later and drive that same path with it exposed and then again with it in my pocket and see what happens.
Da_G said:
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
EvoXOhio said:
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I used it with telenav from NJ to NY and it worked great!
No problems with GPS at all here. I've had 10+ satellites locked on inside a building with lots of glass. It was able to pinpoint my exact location within the building.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
I'm getting absolutely amazing GPS performance here gets a lock almost instantly and is very accurate. Maybe try turning off mobile networks and just using the satellites. I did that and still get a lock just as fast and is far more accurate at least for me.
worked beautifully for me today in the car
Err0xx said:
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you changed any settings in mytracks or do you use the defaults? Is your phone in your pocket or out in your hand?
I did turn off wiring before my run, maybe there's a bug when you do that?
Just got mine yesterday. I had a Galaxy Tablet, used it with WAZE for navigation of sorts. The SGT would always show me not on the exit ramp at a particular exit, difference distance was 100 feet.
The Note shows me on the exit ramp every time, it is much better GPS
So driving down the road with the Note in my vent-attached phone holder, the GPS works flawlessly. When I put it in my pocket, it started getting inaccurate again. I'm not sure why this is the case since my old phone worked in my pocket just fine. I am hesitant to carry the phone in my hands for the 5-6 miles I run, in fear of dropping it. If others report that MyTracks works flawlessly with the Note in their pocket, I may return mine and try another.
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
Maroon Mushroom said:
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Runkeeper Pro and Edmondo so I'm going to try one of those next time. I don't like those apps as much because they don't let me see a granular breakdown of my speed throughout the run. Meaning, I can see a chart of exactly how fast I was running all throughout my run. With these other 2 apps it just shows you a total speed at the end of the run, Maybe I can find another app that does what I want.
I use my GPS quite often and I will say there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this GPS. Best phone GPS I have ever had.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I've narrowed down the issue to it only occurring while in my pocket. I am going to try some other apps or buy an armholder.
What do you have in your pockets?????!!!!!!
er....Never mind

What is your GPS [GLONASS] lock time?? +info on GLONASS

In case you didn't know, the Note can use GLONASS instead of GPS (Click on the words to read more).
People use GPS like "Xerox", "Coke", or "Kleenex"... but nevermind that.
What is your GPS/GLONASS lock time with A.GPS (Assisted GPS (network location)) and sensor aid on??
Please describe whether you are outside or inside. I am also particularly interested the lock time from a fresh boot or if you're using GPS from a new location.
IMPORTANT: Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Why do I ask? My Note takes anywhere from 3-12 seconds to lock when GPS is "hot" and takes 10-25 seconds to lock from a reboot in doors while stationary.
Compared to my Sprint Evo 3D, GSM Galaxy Nexus, or the iPhone4s that I never use, that is slow. When I powered up the Galaxy Nexus for the first time, it locked under 5 seconds! My Evo 3D would lock from a boot in under 5 seconds. The 4s is super fast also. The Note, with GLONASS, is supposed to be faster and more accurate...
Thanks.
Edit: Interesting discovery today--the slow lock and low precision in my car may be because of my car--but it may also be revealing limitations in GLONASS:
Every piece of glass on my car is double-paned (twice as thick as the typical car glass), sandwiched with a polymer layer, along with an IR rejecting coating. This is designed to keep the interior very quiet, makes the glass theft resistant, and the IR coating reduces the heat that enters the cabin (heat travels in the form of infrared). The IR coating, unfortunately, also rejects other radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. That, along with metallic particularized tint, causes a reduced radio performance for any device that is in the interior of the vehicle.
I usually don't have any problems with the GSM/UMTS or CDMA phones, and GPS has no problems either (although I notice a reduced s/n ratio). As I indicated before, other GPS-based phones lock fine, and the GPS+GLONASS iPhone works fine also.
As I was driving home today, I tried opening the window. I noticed that every time I opened, the phone would get a quick and solid lock. Every time I closed, the uncertainty circle appears.
Is it possible that GLONASS, operating at 1.6Ghz, using FDMA is less able to penetrate certain objects than GPS operating at 1.57Ghz using CDMA? I presume civilians are still only using the coarse channels so that doesn't help. It is interesting to see that GPS have no problems in my car while GLONASS does. I will drive another car tomorrow and see if there is a difference.
My Note locked within 2 seconds this morning, on my way to work. I was outside in my car.
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I lock before apps load that can use it such as maps/nav. I came from a Vibrant that even after numerous "fixes" it still could take a couple minutes to lock.
Wow... That is what I expected from my phone. Are you guys all using the stock ROM? If not, what ROM are you using and who is your carrier?
Thanks.
welchertc said:
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same experience here,running stock
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Chief Geek said:
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... maybe it's *my* screen protector that is killing the GPS...
A follow up to those who responded:
Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Thanks for the information.
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
johnus said:
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation, however the more you lock onto the more acurate you are. This is why "quick" on and off checks are rarely very accurate. however, with weather, the phone grabs your location and then queries the closest whether center, which is very rarely in your neighborhood. Typically it's your closest airport or military base, so this will atleast be 20-30 miles away, but often in same or neighboring zip codes.
For the indoor, thing, I never expect (nor really use) reliable GPS signal indoords. Just because you get a lock doesn't mean it'll be enough locks to do much. I rarely get lost going from my kitchen to the latrine anyways, but I suppose with enough beer it could happen. I would suggest (and you probably already have) check to make sure you make use of "use sensor aiding" option.
If all else fails, I will loan you my vibrant and you can experience a man-tantrum in your car when the fking thing wont lock after 5 minutes and your lost as **** and late as hell and google maps keeps freezing and FCing. That'll make you want to wine and dine your other devices for treating you so well.
Chief Geek said:
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you need at least 3 for triangulation (location) and 4th to give elevation.
Another interesting thing I noticed about my Note--even if it locks quickly while I am stationary, it looses lock when I am moving (driving). I had my Sprint Evo 3D, Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Sprint Galaxy S Epic 4G, GSM Galaxy Nexus, and the Note side-by-side on the dash. The only phone that keeps losing and reacquiring the lock the the Note (especially while traveling at freeway speeds).
my note locks on really fast
under 10 seconds for sure.
If im out side its within 5 seconds.
My Skyrocket usually locked in around 10-15 seconds
my inspire....30 seconds.
my nav in the car....30 sec
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Chief Geek said:
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
snovvman said:
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
littlewierdo said:
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so excitable and quick to judge? "Give me a break..."? "Good Lord..."? Really?
Your TomTom uses GPS, not GLONASS and does not have Assisted GPS. GLONASS and A.GPS should allow a faster fix. With these new and additional technologies, the phone SHOULD get a much faster fix than your TomTom. You're comparing apples and oranges.
My Evo 3D, Galaxy Nexus, and other phones I metioned, with GPS (no GLONASS) and A.GPS will almost ALWAYS get a fix in 2-5 seconds. If enough research is done here at XDA, you will find that many newer devices, if working properly, *should* get a lock in under ten seconds. Your "DEDICATED GPS Tomtom" [sic] is a different and arguably less advanced animal.
Another example--the built-in GPS in my two vehicles lock IMMEDIATELY when the car is on. Why? Because they remember the last location, use brake sensors, steering angle sensors, and accelerometers to determine location. If they do not lock immediately, something is wrong.
If you re-read my original post--I am trying to figure out if others have the same problem, and attempting to understand what others are experiencing. At the same time, I provided information on GLONASS, in case other owners didn't know they had it.
For a just-released, $650 device, I expected mine to perform on-par with other phones. Perhaps mine is defective? I wanted to find out if I need a replacement. Last checked, this forum is about people asking questions, sharing information, and learning something. To that end, I am puzzled at your comments--it seems like *you're* the one who is complaining...
So yes, really!
littlewierdo said:
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Really?!
Chief Geek said:
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I suppose...
While I'm her--there is also F GPS (fake GPS, provides coordinate of your choice to the location manager), GPS to MMS (allows you to send a text/MMS with your current coordinates), and GPS Speedo (a nice GPS-based speedometer).
See the edited OP. I made an interesting observation today. It seems like GLONASS signals are less able to penetrate objects...
My Note's GPS performance is flawless and is my most loved feature of the device. Superquick and very accurate.
I use the GPS all the time for backpacking, motorcycling, running and of course general finding all the stores my wife makes me take her shopping on the weekend.
Even better than my previous iPhone 4 and 3g.
My Samsung Infuse's GPS was a disaster taking forever getting a lock, loosing it, placing on the next road over, and not performing if sitting in the middle of my car...constant frustration so I REALLY am happy with my stock Notes GPS.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.

[Q] Not getting a GPS lock on Google edition

So I'm not able to get a GPS lock on my HTC One with google edition installed. Location works with mobile data/wifi but it's not the most accurate.
I've ran the GPS for 5-10 minutes, using GPS status to see if it locks onto any satellites; it detects a bunch but never can lock on.
I figured it may have been the case since I have the Otterbox defender on it but same thing happens with the case off.
Anybody have a solution or experiencing the same issue?
mcho19 said:
So I'm not able to get a GPS lock on my HTC One with google edition installed. Location works with mobile data/wifi but it's not the most accurate.
I've ran the GPS for 5-10 minutes, using GPS status to see if it locks onto any satellites; it detects a bunch but never can lock on.
I figured it may have been the case since I have the Otterbox defender on it but same thing happens with the case off.
Anybody have a solution or experiencing the same issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you trying this outside. Even minor building walls can block the signals. Also it is possible since your phone was not intended for the Google Edition ROM, the ROM may have reduced your GPS transceivers power. This is one reason it is never a good idea to use ROMS that the phone was not made for.
Changed the rom back to stock at&t rom, always test outside for gps lock, and updated to latest firmware, still no gps lock.

GPS issues

Bought a second hand TS a few days ago and overall I'm very pleased with it. My main aim was to use it for tracking my runs whilst listening to music over bluetooth. The music works well but GPS is very intermittent.
I use the GPS test app to monitor what's going on and while the watch is off my wrist I get a good GPS fix. However, as soon as I put it on my wrist it loses all reception. I've tried bending the strap to see if that's why it fails but it's not that.
Has anyone else had similar issues?
I know I'm lucky to have GPS working at all but it's next to useless if it won't work on my wrist!

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