This thread is for known hardware/software issues with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. If you discover an issue, either post in this thread or PM me or mods. I'll keep this original post updated with the most pertanent info.
Note: I'd like to keep battery life and signal strength discussions out for now. There are plenty of other threads for those and those are common complaints for almost all phones. However, we can approach those subjects if software/firmware updates seem to affect them.
Please see this excellent writeup on the Galaxy Nexus 4G signal.
It may not explain everything, and certainly there are members who are having problems, but it does help explain why the GNex shows lower signal readings compared to other phones, and also disspells the myth that the GNex has the exact same radios as the Charge. The 4G radio is an evolution different.
Issue 1: File transfers unreliable
File transfers over USB cable from computers is unreliable. There are reports that coping files from the phone works ok, but trying to copy files to the phone causes issues. I've tried this both on XP, Vista, and Win7 and had the same issues with intermittant transfers, timing out, and other issues. For example, my ringtones transferred fine, but I couldn't transfer any pictures.
Possible smack myself in the forehead moment. For all those with issues transferring files, try using the USB cable that comes with the unit. I just tried it, and all my transfers worked fine. I have a USB->MicroUSB cable that I leave plugged into my computer to hook up to various devices. Apparently, there was something about this cable the GNex didn't like.
Resolution:
This has been discussed on XDA. The problem has to do with lack of true USB host mode. Or could it just be the cable you are using?
There are a couple of workarounds:
Easiest: Download Airdroid from the market. It lets you wirelessly connect to your phone and control it, including transferring files. Can't believe it's free, works pretty slick (Must use Chrome or Firefox, don't use IE)
Moderate: In CWM, mount USB storage. I'm going to try this to see how well it works.
Issue 2: WiFi bootlooping
Wifi bootlooping. Some users report that when connecting back to wifi, it causes bootloops.
Resolution:
No resolution at this time. Possible hardware defect. Lightflow has also been suspected as causing problems.
Issue 3: Artifacts while playing videos in low light
Some users report that while playing movies in a dark environment, that scenes with black lighting can tend to exhibit blue blocky artifacts.
Resolution: This issue is caused by posterization during the encoding process. While we like to think that black backgrounds are truely black, instead there may be minute amounts of detail that is being transferred. This gets exacerbated when the video is transcoded. Normally, this wouldn't be visible on traditional backlit LCD screens as it would be washed away, but instead, with the super contrast of AMOLED screens, it becomes more visible. It's also being exaggerated by the pentile arrangement of the subpixels, causing the effect to be more pronounced.
Unfortunately, there is no resolution at this time other than using higher quality source material. Some report the app "Screen Adjuster" helps to alleviate the issue.
Issue 4: Extra audio clicking sounds
Some users report extra clicking sounds happening quite a while after doing an operation. There are normal sounds that go with events, like touchscreen input, and abnormal sounds that happen afterwards.
Resolution:
Possible hardware defect, return phone.
Issue 5: Power button problem after rooting
Some users reported that the power button acts strangely after rooting.
Resolution:
Pretty much confirmed to be a problem with Lightflow.
Issue 6: Keyboard lag
Some users reported keyboard lag, especially in landscape mode.
Resolution:
Most likely endemic and hopefully will be fixed by a software update. In the mean time, there are other keyboards available in the market.
Issue 7: Bluetooth controls only work with Google music
Some users report that when using bluetooth headsets, the only app that works with the controls is Google music, other apps get locked out.
Resolution:
No more information at this time.
Issue 8: Slow transfer speeds connecting with computer
Some users report very slow speeds when connecting to a computer to transfer files.
Resolution:
From my own experience, I did have this issue once when I plugged it in, it defaulted to USB1 mode, and not USB2. File transfer speeds were miserable. I unplugged and tried again and everything worked fine.
Not sure about the long term resolution.
Issue 9: Voice to text feature inconsistant
Some users report getting garbled text, no text, or even random info when trying to use the Voice to text feature, or voice actions.
Resolution:
No more information at this time.
Last edited by nj02vette; December 20th, 2011 at 01:42 PM.
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This thread is for known hardware/software issues with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. If you discover an issue, either post in this thread or PM me or mods. I'll keep this original post updated with the most pertanent info.
Note: I'd like to keep battery life and signal strength discussions out for now. There are plenty of other threads for those and those are common complaints for almost all phones. However, we can approach those subjects if software/firmware updates seem to affect them.
Issue 1:
File transfers over USB cable from computers is unreliable. There are reports that coping files from the phone works ok, but trying to copy files to the phone causes issues. I've tried this both on XP, Vista, and Win7 and had the same issues with intermittant transfers, timing out, and other issues. For example, my ringtones transferred fine, but I couldn't transfer any pictures.
Resolution:
This has been discussed on XDA. The problem has to do with lack of true USB host mode. There are a couple of workarounds:
Easiest: Download Airdroid from the market. It lets you wirelessly connect to your phone and control it, including transferring files. Can't believe it's free, works pretty slick (Must use Chrome or Firefox, don't use IE)
Moderate: In CWM, mount USB storage. I'm going to try this to see how well it works.
Hopefully this issue will be resolved in an update.
I've found that I can transfer files to my USB connected phone very easily from my PC to the phone, but I can't download to it from the internet like I can with a flashdrive. I have to save a file to my PC, then transfer to my Gnex.
For me, it's not too big a deal.
One known issue is that the top part of the phone gets rather warm/hot. Does anyone else have this problem?
I don't know if that's where the 4G chipset is located. If so, that would make sense.
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I'm on mailstreet, a hosted exchange for Outlook email.
I believe 4.0.2 has an issue as it won't properly "pull" the mail off the server.
This is my second nexus, they both only pull about 2 days worth of mail, and then it's only about 25% of the mail for that day. The mail they pulled was also 3 days old.
If you try to click open the inbox, it won't open.
The kicker is my tech guy at Mailstreet has a Galaxy S2, running 3.5.xx and he entered my settings in his phone and got the mail to come down fine, both sent and inbox.
Hoping 4.0.3 fixes it. Sammy's calling me back Monday to discuss.
If anyone else has an issue or I find an answer, I'll post back. Hope it doesn't take long to fix this. That's how the money comes in, via email.
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i dont use a hosted exchange but i sync with my workplace's exchange without problems. Got two exchange accounts set up on my gnex both syncing definitely more than just 2 days and a few emails.
You dont happen to be looking at email through the widget are you? That only goes up to 2 days.
I also noticed slight lag typing in landscape mode.
Last edited by ez12a; December 17th, 2011 at 10:07 AM.
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On my Yahoo mail account (yes I use Yahoo) The title of the email is blurred together with the email preview. It basically over laps the preview.
External speaker is a little low but not as bad as a lot are saying. I am sure a software update will fix this.
Signal strength is off anywhere from 7 to 10 db compared to my charge which was no champ in that area but seemingly better than the Galaxy Nexus. Again I am sure a software update will help. Or at least I hope it will
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This may be an isolated problem, but my volume rocker is hosed. The up button works, bringing up the volume bar on the screen where I can change it via touch; however, the down button is completely non-functional. Consequently I cannot do screenshots.
Last edited by nunyabizness; December 17th, 2011 at 10:27 AM.
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I'm opening the email icon, and it usually takes me to the inbox. I've hit the sync key on the bottom of the phone, but no new mail.
What worries me is the tech was able to duplicate my settings at Mailstreet and pull my mail down to his phone. That sure seems like a 4.0.2 issue since he's just a bit behind me with 3.5.xx
If I get it solved, I'll post answers about why.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ez12a
i dont use a hosted exchange but i sync with my workplace's exchange without problems. Got two exchange accounts set up on my gnex both syncing definitely more than just 2 days and a few emails.
You dont happen to be looking at email through the widget are you? That only goes up to 2 days.
I also noticed slight lag typing in landscape mode.
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My work uses Microsofts Hosted Exchange. Straight through microsoft. No problems. I wish there was problems because I am part of network alerts and get 200 emails of just alerts daily :/
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I find my phone incredibly unsmooth...
I thought it might need a reboot, but even after a reboot no change.
Opening a browser link from google reader
opening the list of open applications
choosing reader again while the browser loads
opening the list of open applications
switching to google translate
etc...
This sequence of events takes a really long time, which I am dissapointed to report is no smoother than on my HTC Desire....
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Ok, regarding the blue blocks/aliasing in black parts of the screen during video playback, there is a nice workaround. Get the app called screen adjuster (free) from the market. You can also use this to control the brightness during video playback since another person reported it automatically goes to full brightness. So here's a summary of the issue and how you can work around it. Also what I found to be the optimal contrast level for full brightness during video playback.
- for those of you who watch movies/videos in a dark environment, you may notice blue/blocky artifacts in dark parts of the video
- to work around this, download the free app named screen adjuster
- optimal contrast (lowest contrast that blocks go away) for 100% brightness is a contrast of ~7%. Could go a little lower, but then the blockiness starts to manifest
Anyway, for anyone like me that noticed this, try out this free app. I am more than happy to use this workaround and keep my Nexus than go to a locked down device.
I may still file a bug with Google/Samsung on this. Seems like it MIGHT be fixable in software - even if it's just a built in way in ICS to adjust contrast.
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Is anyone else having issues with the touch/clicks on the screen. I'm seeing this issue mostly in Tweetdeck. the screen doesn't register my selecting/clicking on updates. It's pretty frustrating.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kcs7272
On my Yahoo mail account (yes I use Yahoo) The title of the email is blurred together with the email preview. It basically over laps the preview.
External speaker is a little low but not as bad as a lot are saying. I am sure a software update will fix this.
Signal strength is off anywhere from 7 to 10 db compared to my charge which was no champ in that area but seemingly better than the Galaxy Nexus. Again I am sure a software update will help. Or at least I hope it will
for yahoo mail, change the system font to normal in display settings, make sure accessebility options don't change it to large. close the mail app. restart the phone. should look very good if not perfect. i had this same problem realized it's cause i actually wanted the font to be big enough to read. silly me.
i know the OP says to keep speakerphone and general reception issues out, because they're common to most phones, but here's something specific to the gnex:
if i start with CDMA in settings, connect to 3g, then go to settings and turn on LTE/CDMA, it will not connect to 4g until I restart the phone.
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Just a clarification on the reception/battery issues. I didn't want this thread getting derailed on those topics. That's one that people can get passionate about, and besides we already have threads that discuss those topics.
This thread is intended for issues that many people have experienced and that there is a possibility that they can be resolved. I'm cross referencing some of the issues brought up here, along with ones from XDA and other sources. If it's a real issue, is repeatable, then I'll post it up in the OP.
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not sure if flaw or feature - when running an app that has a settings button in the lower right corner (three vertical dots)
After waking from sleep- the lock screen shows a settings button in the same location and pressing the settings button unlocks the phone. also shows the notification bar on the lock screen.
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This may be an isolated problem, but my volume rocker is hosed. The up button works, bringing up the volume bar on the screen where I can change it via touch; however, the down button is completely non-functional. Consequently I cannot do screenshots.
Yeah, that's basically a hardware issue. I'd definitely exchange it for a new one.
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Ugh. I was having issues yesterday with screen brightness being out of whack and so exchanged it.
Now I'm having the same issues with artifacts in video and with overall lagginess that I didn't have the first time.
This is sometimes a consequence of the video codec trying to squeeze too much image out of too little data (too highly compressed). Are you seeing general connectivity or data rate issues? How does speedtest.net look for you?
Good luck, and my regards to Cheetara.
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Yeah, that's basically a hardware issue. I'd definitely exchange it for a new one.
although it would appear to be a hardware issue, i've read multiple reports stating that this happened after rooting, and return to stock corrected the problem. unfortunately i don't remember which forum(s) i saw this, but had to be one of these: Droidforums, XDA or RootzWiki.
This is sometimes a consequence of the video codec trying to squeeze too much image out of too little data (too highly compressed). Are you seeing general connectivity or data rate issues? How does speedtest.net look for you?
Good luck, and my regards to Cheetara.
connectivity and 4G are outstanding. Consistently getting around 21 down, 17 up.
I'm going for a second exchange now, after having spoken to the store rep.
Hope that third time's the charm.
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Something i noticed this morning and read in another thread: a few seconds after a sound effect, the speaker "clicks", as if the sound controller is turning off or something. It's very faint and you probably wouldnt notice it walking around somewhere busy. i only noticed it just now with my room dead quiet.
Since I picked up this phone Friday I am lucky to get a signal or data. Never more than 1 bar if that and constant data outage on 4 or 3G. And it's wherever I am. Tried factory reset no luck. Just talked to Verizon tech support and they told me to go to store and try a new sim card and/or get a new device.
He stated it is a Known Issue with the phone and they are working on a software update.l.... All this wait now I have a phone I can't use more than 50% of the time...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ez12a
Something i noticed this morning and read in another thread: a few seconds after a sound effect, the speaker "clicks", as if the sound controller is turning off or something. It's very faint and you probably wouldnt notice it walking around somewhere busy. i only noticed it just now with my room dead quiet.
I'm thinking that it can at least be tweaked a bit with a software patch. I had the same issue with my Galaxy Tab 10.1, and one of the maintenance updates Samsung sent out made the popping a lot quieter. I think all units act this way, however I do believe that some units pop more loudly than others. Being an audio engineer, I can tell you that with speakers, even identical models, no two speakers will ever sound completely alike. There are always variances, as small as they may be. And also, some people's ears (like mine) are more sensitive than others, hence why not everyone is chiming in on it.
To partially remedy this, I did turn off the selection sounds and it made it a lot better. I usually do this anyway (I don't need to hear a sound every time I tap on something), and it has greatly helped. I still get it after every notification, but only notice it when I'm in a quiet room.
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Last edited by MMcCraryNJ; December 18th, 2011 at 11:54 AM.
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Does anyone's back on the phone have a little give when pressed by the battery? It kind of clicks in and out like it doesn't fit perfectly. Went to VZW and they said every phone does that. Is that true? If you have a case on it it's a non issue.
Does anyone's back on the phone have a little give when pressed by the battery? It kind of clicks in and out like it doesn't fit perfectly. Went to VZW and they said every phone does that. Is that true? If you have a case on it it's a non issue.
Mine is solid as a rock when I press down in any area, including battery.
No giving way at all.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjanow
Does anyone's back on the phone have a little give when pressed by the battery? It kind of clicks in and out like it doesn't fit perfectly. Went to VZW and they said every phone does that. Is that true? If you have a case on it it's a non issue.
Mine fits perfectly but come on, would you really consider that an issue...
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SOB, I'm so pissed. That effin' vzw store is awful. I'm calling right now and have them note my account to replace the cover and I'm going back there. Better chill a little first though.
And yes, I do consider that an issue cause it bugs me and shouldn't be.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjanow
SOB, I'm so pissed. That effin' vzw store is awful. I'm calling right now and have them note my account to replace the cover and I'm going back there. Better chill a little first though.
And yes, I do consider that an issue cause it bugs me and shouldn't be.
Maybe the problem is that you or the VRW CSR broke one of the tabs off the back?
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It's not on the side where the tabs are, but right in the middle, to the lower left of the camera lens. (just checked, no tabs broken) I'm going back now, thanks guys.
not sure if flaw or feature - when running an app that has a settings button in the lower right corner (three vertical dots)
After waking from sleep- the lock screen shows a settings button in the same location and pressing the settings button unlocks the phone. also shows the notification bar on the lock screen.
Yeah, I have the three dots on the lockscreen too, not sure why. The notification bar is supposed to be visible on the lockscreen, though. It's one of the touted features of ICS, that you can access your notifications without unlocking.
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Has anyone tried airplane mode yet? I put mine in A.M. today and I couldn't get it out. Had to reboot, after which it got a signal no problem. Not sure if this was an isolated incident or a widespread problem.
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I have a little give right by the camera lens too. Maybe they were right?
I do too. If you press the cover right below the flash it pushes in and goes flush against the phone. If you don't there's a little gap. Happens on mine both with the regular back and the extended battery back
I think my screen is messed up though... I think I'm gonna have to get a replacement. I guess then I'll find out if they all have this battery cover issue.
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I'm opening the email icon, and it usually takes me to the inbox. I've hit the sync key on the bottom of the phone, but no new mail.
What worries me is the tech was able to duplicate my settings at Mailstreet and pull my mail down to his phone. That sure seems like a 4.0.2 issue since he's just a bit behind me with 3.5.xx
If I get it solved, I'll post answers about why.
Did you change the default settings for mail that you sync? Don't recall what the default is however I have changed mine to two weeks and it is pulling down all my email.
You can do this either in the mail app or from accounts area in settings. Once in your email account select the Exchange option and under the Data Usage section you can change the Days To Sync.
I'm using Office365 Exchange hosting from MS without any issues.
Last edited by budwizer; December 18th, 2011 at 03:57 PM.
Reason: Add using Office365 for Hosted Exchange
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SOB, I'm so pissed. That effin' vzw store is awful. I'm calling right now and have them note my account to replace the cover and I'm going back there. Better chill a little first though.
And yes, I do consider that an issue cause it bugs me and shouldn't be.
I understand you perfectly. If you're paying all that money, everything better be as good as it can be!
I have a little give right by the camera lens too. Maybe they were right?
Haha I do too!
Didn't notice that. Its very slight though, and I think its because of the flexibility of the hyper skin, which also allows for the ability to peel the cover off when needed.
Doesn't bother me though.
I had a crappy display and I did exchange twice because of it.
I'm happy with it now.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HanSolo
Haha I do too!
Didn't notice that. Its very slight though, and I think its because of the flexibility of the hyper skin, which also allows for the ability to peel the cover off when needed.
The Galaxy Nexus is the third official phone contracted by Google and the first phone to come with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Specs include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16/32GB of internal storage, a 4.65 inch 720p HD Super AMOLED... Read More
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Known issues with the Galaxy Nexus
l.... All this wait now I have a phone I can't use more than 50% of the time...
