Help Known issues with the Galaxy Nexus

[nj02vette]

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.

AnandTech - Investigating the Galaxy Nexus LTE Signal Issue

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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.

 

[nj02vette]

Reserved for future use.

 

[HanSolo]

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.

 

[adjuster11]

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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[nunyabizness]

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.

 

[adjuster11]

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.

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.

 

[EdenObscured]

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 :/

 

[bcote311]

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.

Mine gets fairly hot as well. Hopefully it doesn't hurt the phone later on...

 

[jkc120]

Please see my issue reported here:

http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...ifacts-black-areas-during-video-playback.html

I thought it might just be my phone, but others have seen it, too.

Unfortunately, this is enough of an issue for me (since I watch a lot of videos on my phone), that I will be exchanging it for a Rezound today.

 

[kofuukali]

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....

 

[teddyearp]

I think the reboot issue merits mention in this thread. I believe it is hardware related and warrants a warranty replacement.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus/464201-stuck-boot-loop.html

It seems to be related to the WiFi radio.

 

[jkc120]

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.

 

[ISASoilder]

Opps im sorry didnt see this thread before I posted a new Could a Mod merge please thanks.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus/465636-those-you-experinceing-signal-issues.html

 

[teddyearp]

Opps im sorry didnt see this thread before I posted a new Could a Mod merge please thanks.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus/465636-those-you-experinceing-signal-issues.html

Actually the writing in red in the OP asks to leave signal and battery issues out of this thread.

 

[ISASoilder]

Actually the writing in red in the OP asks to leave signal and battery issues out of this thread.

Opps was not paying attention

 

[ymDroid]

I think the reboot issue merits mention in this thread. I believe it is hardware related and warrants a warranty replacement.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus/464201-stuck-boot-loop.html

It seems to be related to the WiFi radio.

This is a massive software glitch, and I believe that there more people are affected by it, but they just don't know.

I think as people use the phone more and get on certain wifi networks, this going to start coming out.

 

[matt999000]

nj02vette ty for recommending AirDroid !!!

 

[Depth Afield]

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus/464201-stuck-boot-loop.html#post3657775

Cannot enable wifi without phone falling into a bootloop. Only way out of it is to hard reset to factory.

VZW sending a replacement.



e:fb

 

[Deleted User]

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.

 

[mistermojorizi]

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.

 

[mistermojorizi]

e:fb

whats that?

 

[nj02vette]

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.

 

[Depth Afield]

whats that?

Edit: F*&^, Beaten