(Q) Nexus S Gps - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So...I currently own a vibrant and want to pick up a nexus s mainly because I'll be guaranteed android upgrades. My main concern is if the nexus s utilizes the same gps chip as the other galaxy s phones. If it does, it is an epic fail because gps accuracy is still HORRID on these phones and would be a total dealbreaker.
Anyone know the answer?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.

neok44 said:
The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried every fix out there and it still has me driving next to the highway in the woods or 2 blocks from where I'm standing.
My crappy Motorola cliq has pinpoint precision compare to the vibrant.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

neok44 said:
The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that mostly means that there is still a hardware issue and that means the difference between driving on the road and driving perpendicular to it.

mchimney said:
But that mostly means that there is still a hardware issue and that means the difference between driving on the road and driving perpendicular to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im still pretty sure its a SW error, friend has a Galaxy S phone, installed the latest leaked build for his phone and wala GPS lock in seconds

The Nexus S got recertified through FCC testing for upgraded BT/GPS hardware.

JCopernicus said:
The Nexus S got recertified through FCC testing for upgraded BT/GPS hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's what I wanted to hear!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

REQUEST
Those who already have their phone: please make a GPS test as it follows:
choose a location outside which you can easily identify on google earth (a tree, a big rock, something small but visible on satellite view)
go out there and use an app which shows GPS coordinates - preferably the free app GPS test
stand next to object and get the coordinates, write it down, etc (for this wait a while till more precise fix)
go back to house, type the coordinates into Google Earth
measure the distance between the location you got with your phone and the real object using Google Earths measuring tool
post the results here

Well, I'm not gonna do all that, but maybe this will help.
I did a cold start on Maps. Got a lock on within 10 seconds. Pretty damn good. Now I'm using GPS Test app and was able to lock on all satellites. 7 out of 7. This is all within my house. Wifi is off.
I can happily say that GPS works fine. From my experience anyways.

Yup GPS is fine locked faster and seems more accurate than my vibrant
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.

aohmer said:
It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
load of BS. took less than 0.5 sec to get a lock and the accuracy is incredible.

aohmer said:
It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They also said they were driving while trying to get a lock... And in my experience (Nexus S, TomTom, Garmin), a GPS can't get a lock while you're moving. Maybe the best ones can, but their test is not enough to say that Nexus S sucks.

I feel that I have a bad GPS. It's. Not seeing more than 2 satellite outdoor. I will test it more
demo23019 said:
Yup GPS is fine locked faster and seems more accurate than my vibrant
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Those that say that the GPS issues of the Galaxy S line of phones were fixed via the software update and market app probably don't own a Galaxy S phone. The GPS is definitely not fixed. In fact, it's the only reason why I'm in this forum. I'm willing to give up AT&T 3G for a working GPS -- I plan to sell my Captivate and buy a Nexus S if the GPS works.
Also, those that say they got a fast lock and great accuracy, that doesn't exactly mean anything yet. Most Galaxy S users had great GPS performance out-the-box, and after a hard reset. But the performance gradually degrades over the course of a few days, and then you eventually want to throw your phone out the window. So the fact that only some Nexus S owners have great GPS performance -- and not ALL -- leaves me discouraged. But we should have a better assessment after a few days.

Maybe Samsung and/or Google also released in market the pieces that they have produced, before changing the GPS antenna....
Maybe that's why some users have GPS issues and others not...
So maybe we have 2 deferent produced devices....
Nice scenario don't you think???

Related

State of GPS on this phone ?

What's the state of GPS on this phone in todays date ? Did it ever get fixed to be as accurate as other phones ?
Update 9/30/10: I was pretty hopeless about the GPS after reading all of your comments. Today I met a dude on campus with a captivate. We were sitting inside a building, so I decided to test out his captivate against my Eris. I turned GPS on on both devices, and started google maps. The captivate got a lock withing 10 seconds as did my Eris. My eris had an accuracy of 40m, while the captivate had 60m. Not bad, considering what I have been reading here.
StDevious said:
What's the state of GPS on this phone in todays date ? Did it ever get fixed to be as accurate as other phones ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works perfectly.
much improved since update
does better than any of my winmo phones ever did
Update supposedly did not contain a GPS fix. Supposedly getting the official fix by months end as per level 2 Samsung tech.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
droidal said:
Update supposedly did not contain a GPS fix. Supposedly getting the official fix by months end as per level 2 Samsung tech.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this month or next ?
I read end of this month on the GPS analysis thread today.
StDevious said:
this month or next ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
GPS is much better since update
saint168 said:
GPS is much better since update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update did nothing for the GPS. The GPS is still junk on these phones. Samsung is one of the most disorganised companies there are.
My gps works fine. But then again I don't sit around waiting for the manufacturer... I sit around waiting for devs.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Even with the tweaks that people put out on here it's still worthless. I don't know if it's an issue with the drivers that control the GPS or what but it's not normal for it to be this bad. I sent my phone back to Wirefly and if they send me a new one I know the GPS is still going to be junk on it so I may sell it and buy a different phone that runs on at&t.
galaxyjeff said:
The update did nothing for the GPS. The GPS is still junk on these phones. Samsung is one of the most disorganised companies there are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually my gps sucked balls before the update and now works extremely well. The update may not have contained a gps fix but mine has been much improved since the update. Before the update I would be lucky to lock onto 1 sat. Now I am able to lock onto 7-9 sats in under 20 seconds and pretty much stay locked.
Are you using the GPS Test app to get these locks? Or is there something else that shows how many satellites you're receiving info from? Because I can get 10 satellites 'locked' no problem using the GPS test app, but Google Maps or the Navigation app both still take forever to show my location, and track my movement, most of which is completely wrong (for ex it will have me driving in fields instead of on roads).
For me I can now lock indoors, which I could never do before. This is in the Gmaps app
Also I can actually get a lock in an urban setting (apts and buildings everywhere) and not have to stand out in a field somewhere for five minutes
There has to be some kind of tweak in the latest update, there just has to
matt310 said:
Are you using the GPS Test app to get these locks? Or is there something else that shows how many satellites you're receiving info from? Because I can get 10 satellites 'locked' no problem using the GPS test app, but Google Maps or the Navigation app both still take forever to show my location, and track my movement, most of which is completely wrong (for ex it will have me driving in fields instead of on roads).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use gps test to see how many locks I'll get. But, I can fire up google maps or google navigation without warming up with gps test and still be up and running within 20 seconds.
Gathering anecdotal reports on whether the GPS is fixed is worthless.
Some people get a lock indoors and think it is fixed, while others do serious Google Navigation and My Tracks testing and find it is not fixed.
I do not think the GPS is fixed to be as accurate as other phones. Yes, it has improved since stock, but stock was garbage -- now it is just poor.
phr00t said:
Gathering anecdotal reports on whether the GPS is fixed is worthless.
Some people get a lock indoors and think it is fixed, while others do serious Google Navigation and My Tracks testing and find it is not fixed.
I do not think the GPS is fixed to be as accurate as other phones. Yes, it has improved since stock, but stock was garbage -- now it is just poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said.
climber1872000 said:
Mine works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You people keep saying it works on your captivates. We know your either full of it or have a special edition phone that no one else got. No bodies captivate works 100% on GPS. If you think yours works then PROVE it!!! Take a long drive and track it on a map and post it here. I've yet to see such. QUIT SAYING IT WORKS WHEN IT DON'T.
whitenerj said:
You people keep saying it works on your captivates. We know your either full of it or have a special edition phone that no one else got. No bodies captivate works 100% on GPS. If you think yours works then PROVE it!!! Take a long drive and track it on a map and post it here. I've yet to see such. QUIT SAYING IT WORKS WHEN IT DON'T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You! Locking on Satellites DOES NOT mean the GPS works - Hell you can just use location to find out where you are - GPS is for MOVEMENT and how WELL it keeps up with MOVEMENT. If People keep saying that it works it's improved after the update - Samsung nor At&t will do anything to fix it (don't believe me just call them and they will get angry telling you how the update fix ALL that was wrong with the phone). PLEASE stop posting it's FIXED or IT WORKS because it can see and lock on satellites. Drive/Walk with this phone and then ANY other phone - Trust it will make you want to SLAP someone at Samsung & At&t.
i admit after the JH7 update, gps locks in alot quicker! but it still samsung garbage! gps navigation show Turn right on Pine Ave, i turned Pine ave 2 block ago, gps navigation still showing Turn right on Pine ave. or i waiting at red light waiting to make a turn on Pine ave, gps navagion already tell me the next turn Turn right on Rose Ave. so do i turn right on Pine or keep driving straight and turn right on Rose?
netnerd said:
i admit after the JH7 update, gps locks in alot quicker! but it still samsung garbage! gps navigation show Turn right on Pine Ave, i turned Pine ave 2 block ago, gps navigation still showing Turn right on Pine ave. or i waiting at red light waiting to make a turn on Pine ave, gps navagion already tell me the next turn Turn right on Rose Ave. so do i turn right on Pine or keep driving straight and turn right on Rose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure this is a GPS problem and not crap code for navigation app?

Is there a model number of captivates that have wore GPS?

Im going to try to return my phone since the GPS cant do anything in regards to navigation. It never knows what street im on even when its locked.
Is there a certain model I should be requesting that performs better?
All of them are broken. It's a hardware problem.
MikeyMike01 said:
All of them are broken. It's a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not true. my phone is build no. 1012 rev 0.4 and everything works as expected, including GPS.
Mine has never ever, locked once!!!
Mine is 1007 stock and I've always been able to use the GPS. So imho it's pretty much luck of the draw.
I don't even care anymore. I've given up on Samdung to be honest.. terrible support and no communication for their 10 million galaxy s devices.
For what its worth, I have a 1006 build and gps is marginal at best when tracking - regardless of which ROM and gps cocktail files I throw at it.
Supposedly the newer builds have better tracking, but there isn't any PROOF.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Samdung... Clever. I prefer Samsuck myself.
I have a model 1009 running Serendipity 2.0, and my GPS gets a very quick lock and maintains lock when I'm driving in the car for the most part.
I had 2 1008's that both had great gps with Darkys rom and very spotty if any lock with other roms. I now have a refurbished 1007 running Darkys that locks fast and tracks great too.
I have a 1007, that I got to replace my old 1007 and the new phone's gps works perfectly with any rom I've used. Guess I got lucky.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I have to agree that GPS on my Captivate isn't great since day 1 either.
Recently I've been using Designgears Perception build 10.0, GPS has nothing but spectacular. Did a few long-drive road test and didn't lose signal even once and testing it with short trips for about a week now. Signal lock is within a minute. That is with both Google Maps/Navigation and CoPilot Live. A round trip from St. Robert to St. Louis, MO then from St. Robert, MO to Fort Smith, AR and back and GPS has been Spot on. This is with Perception Build 10.0 - Before I made the trip back from Fort Smith, I decided to update to Perception build 10.1 and GPS just gave out on me... did not work at all... get all kind of GPS signal but can not be locked into 3D to get an accurate position. Great thing I still have Build 10.0 on the phone decided to flash back from Build 10.1 to 10.0 and GPS is miraculously work the way it meant to be. This is the first time GPS on my Captivate has been working so well for me ever since day 1. I almost made a jump to Windows Phone 7 because of it. Now, I don't have to anymore, all thanks to Designgear.
MikeyMike01 said:
Samdung... Clever. I prefer Samsuck myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I like samjunk.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
I'm curious...
If you look at all the messages and statements here that the GPS on the Galaxy phones don't work, one would think (at least anecdotally) that a large percentage of the phones' GPS's don't work. Does anybody have any numbers showing the percentage of the phones with the problem? I mean, with multi millions of phones sold, one would think that you would hear more of it outside the tech stream media. Maybe it has been, and I just didn't notice. Does anybody have any link to the number/percentage of phones affected?
Sent from my...
mwilhelm said:
I'm curious...
If you look at all the messages and statements here that the GPS on the Galaxy phones don't work, one would think (at least anecdotally) that a large percentage of the phones' GPS's don't work. Does anybody have any numbers showing the percentage of the phones with the problem? I mean, with multi millions of phones sold, one would think that you would hear more of it outside the tech stream media. Maybe it has been, and I just didn't notice. Does anybody have any link to the number/percentage of phones affected?
Sent from my...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, that data doesn't exist. You could start a poll thread. It'd be skewed towards XDA users (which might comprise in part those that find their phone inadequate) but that'd give some idea.
My phone varies from poor gps tracking to completely unfunctional depending on the ROM. Incidentally, all 2.2 i9000 were 100% broken for me, but 2.2.1 i9000 brought it up to "crappy". YMMV
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
mwilhelm said:
I'm curious...
If you look at all the messages and statements here that the GPS on the Galaxy phones don't work, one would think (at least anecdotally) that a large percentage of the phones' GPS's don't work. Does anybody have any numbers showing the percentage of the phones with the problem? I mean, with multi millions of phones sold, one would think that you would hear more of it outside the tech stream media. Maybe it has been, and I just didn't notice. Does anybody have any link to the number/percentage of phones affected?
Sent from my...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two people I know with SGS phones that said their GPS worked learned otherwise when I asked them to show me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
DrCruelty said:
The two people I know with SGS phones that said their GPS worked learned otherwise when I asked them to show me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's like the iPhone antenna. They're all broken, but many people don't notice or understand the problem.
So the company spits in your face and goes to the bank.
Some people think this is acceptable, I don't. That's why I shall never but another Samsung phone again.
I've been holding a grudge against RadioShack since fifth grade, when they tried to screw me over. Now Samsung can add to the list.
Sent from my Captivate.
derek4484 said:
Haha, I like samjunk.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If people keep refusing to buy their phones anymore because of the Captivate, they'll soon be Samsunk!
bacuy82 said:
I have to agree that GPS on my Captivate isn't great since day 1 either.
Recently I've been using Designgears Perception build 10.0, GPS has nothing but spectacular. Did a few long-drive road test and didn't lose signal even once and testing it with short trips for about a week now. Signal lock is within a minute. That is with both Google Maps/Navigation and CoPilot Live. A round trip from St. Robert to St. Louis, MO then from St. Robert, MO to Fort Smith, AR and back and GPS has been Spot on. This is with Perception Build 10.0 - Before I made the trip back from Fort Smith, I decided to update to Perception build 10.1 and GPS just gave out on me... did not work at all... get all kind of GPS signal but can not be locked into 3D to get an accurate position. Great thing I still have Build 10.0 on the phone decided to flash back from Build 10.1 to 10.0 and GPS is miraculously work the way it meant to be. This is the first time GPS on my Captivate has been working so well for me ever since day 1. I almost made a jump to Windows Phone 7 because of it. Now, I don't have to anymore, all thanks to Designgear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive tried every ROM and none of them work with my GPS. It will track me for periods of 30 seconds, then the circle around my arrow gets huge and rarely locks again.
MikeyMike01 said:
It's like the iPhone antenna. They're all broken, but many people don't notice or understand the problem.
So the company spits in your face and goes to the bank.
Some people think this is acceptable, I don't. That's why I shall never but another Samsung phone again.
I've been holding a grudge against RadioShack since fifth grade, when they tried to screw me over. Now Samsung can add to the list.
Sent from my Captivate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minus the fact that the iPhone antenna actually works... That thing never loses my position... NEVER. A simple case on the phone remedies the issue... with the captivate, there is nothing you can do but keep returning the phone.
My GPS is perfect. I have 10 locks in within 30 seconds. This is my second captivate due to me dropping the first one and the screen breaking. When I used the GPS on that device I got a Max of 3 satellites with 1 lock. I think it its that they have slightly updated the device as time has passed on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Poll: Does your GPS work on Galaxy S 4G/Vibrant 4G

Hello everyone who owns Galaxy S 4G / Vibrant 4G. As a Vibrant owner, I would like to know (and I am sure many others as well) whether GPS works perfectly on Galaxy S 4G ? If it does, then please post screenshots from GPS test app if possible.
Also, please answer the poll and leave any comments regarding drifting/accuracy etc.
Because if it works perfectly, then it's safe to assume the issue with Vibrant's GPS is a hardware issue ( specially now that we have 2.2.1 ported for vibrant)
Moved of : Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Galaxy S 4G > Galaxy S 4G General
thanks
Looks like I was the first one to vote. Tried several readings yesterday and one this morning. All very accurate and this mornings was more accurate than my Garmin for some reason.
the GPS on the SGS4G works as it should... I get 5 second cold start locks and <5m accuracy with no drifting. i drove around with it on and it had no issues on parallel streets that are very close to each other or anything like that.
it works better than my tomtom. so I am a happy camper with the GPS.
I used Root Explorer to pull out Telenav and while my Google Maps is still locking my location inside and outside, News and Weather no longer finds my location. I am really hoping Samsung wasn't trying to use Telenav to backbone it's GPS service.
If anyone else is having this problem let me know.
stellarvelocity said:
I used Root Explorer to pull out Telenav and while my Google Maps is still locking my location inside and outside, News and Weather no longer finds my location. I am really hoping Samsung wasn't trying to use Telenav to backbone it's GPS service.
If anyone else is having this problem let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
odd... I didnt remove Telenav so I couldn't tell you.
It took me a while to get a lock straight out of the box, but I assume that it might have just been a fluke since I'm trying it inside. it functioned after I ran telenav x.x
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk
Gps working fine on most if not all apps.even geotagging, etc
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
The GPS does not work on either my Vibrant or my 4G at all. By the way yes, I have used a GPS unit before, I have owned several Garmin Nuvi (350, 1490) and currently have a 3790t.
Works fine on mine...
Sent from my DAMN Galaxy 4G¡!
My GPS is working a lot better than I expected coming from the Vibrant. It hasn't failed me yet.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4G using XDA App
psiah1418 said:
My GPS is working a lot better than I expected coming from the Vibrant. It hasn't failed me yet.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine too!!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk
For those of you having GPS problems... I just came across this article on Google.
Have you tried this GPS fix? --> blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/
Please post your results if you try it.
Guys this is a thread of interest to me as a 3g vibrant owner, who's GPS works but is subpar.
For those reporting results can you confirm:
- you only have GPS on (settings>location&security> use wireless and sensor aiding are both off)
- you are not using maps to test with but an app like GPS test link or accessing the phone's lbsTestMode.
I have both SGS4g and the vibrant-(returning vibrant) side by side when I tested the gps lock. By far the SGS4g is quicker and have yet to experience any issue. Shocking isn't it.
I've been having issues with GPS - hard to get a lock, and low accuracy. But...
Toshinobu said:
For those of you having GPS problems... I just came across this article on Google.
Have you tried this GPS fix? --> blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/
Please post your results if you try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This helped with the accuracy, but it still wasn't up to par with my G1 or iPhone.
SykesAT said:
- you only have GPS on (settings>location&security> use wireless and sensor aiding are both off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wireless didn't make much of a diff on OR off. But I turned off sensor aiding and the accuracy is now almost perfect.
My two cents on this issue is that on my 2nd SGS4G the GPS works 85-90% of the time and on the 1st one I had at lunch day that one the GPS only worked 70% of the 3 days I had it.
Could one of you sgs4g users try and put your gps into ms assisted mode and tell me what your supl settings are?
The original vibrant would lock up, freeze apps and drain the battery 2% a minute when changing from standalone gps to either ms based or assisted. All this can be changed in the lbstestmode--application settings.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I have actually ran sgs tools and followed the sticky post in the Captivate forums regarding gps fixes. Default settings were exactly like the vibrant, and I have set them to ms based, google supl no security, accuracy 50. Locked quick outside, ~20 seconds or so vs half way home (3 minutes). I'm going to try accuracy 150 with dynamic accuracy on my 2 hr trip up to north jersey this saturday, so I'll post my findings.
I do not use agps nor the sensor aiding. I can else conclude that even with default settings, once a fix is established and a position is determined on google maps, the gps has no trouble following. The only thing that bothers me is first fix, which I hope my current settings will address.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk
Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated. It seems for most of you GPS is a thumbs up!
Sadly Vibrant owners will never have a 100% working gps. Good luck with Galax S 4G custom ROMs now that you have unofficial clockwork recovery

Gps on the inspire.

I was wondering how the gps worked on the inspire. I have a captivate and it sucks. Particularly interested in tracking (my tracks) and navigation. Any insights or my tracks would be appreciated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I switched from captivate and this phone is way better. GPS is spot on and locks in my house in about 5 seconds.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
nephets0 said:
I was wondering how the gps worked on the inspire. I have a captivate and it sucks. Particularly interested in tracking (my tracks) and navigation. Any insights or my tracks would be appreciated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya on the GPS. Was holding out for the stock 2.2 update to see if there was any marked improvement, and, though it might be a tad better, it's not where it should have been in the first place: still pretty much worthless as far as I'm concerned.
I've heard the inspire is like night and day better, as the comment above me confirms.
I'm getting ready to make the jump, personally.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
Suffice it to say the inspire 4g does not have poorly implimented GPS hardware, and therefore does not need tons of software tweaks to get it to work, nor does it need 12 sats to get a 5 meter accuracy..
Galaxy S phones have dead GPS. Period.
If you have a Captivate get a rom based on either XXJPY or WJS3/5 -- Those have the best GPS i've found.
For stock experience, use Cog 4 with UCKB1 + adamholden85's GPS fix.
Even on a good day though, its not even close to the inspire..
Much better than the captivate, even on one of its better days, but not as quick to lock as my incredible. Overall the gps does what I expect of a phone. Navigation works well, quick to locate in maps, update location for weather, etc.
I quote Ferris Bueller:
"If you have the means, I highly recommend it. It's so choice."
I was driving 45 mph, had passenger press the lock button on maps... had a 10m lock in about 10 seconds. Tracks perfectly around turns and everything. That and this phone is just awesome. HTC FTW.
Mine is coming in tomorrow...I am coming from the captivate side as well.
GPS on the captivate was a hit or miss. Various roms would get it to work sometimes but its all in the hardware.
I am glad to hear that the inspire has a great GPS.
I originally had a bad antenna which I swapped out at the store and honestly this phone is QUICK! It's funny how used to my old phone I became about certain functions like the GPS and tracking.. Loving my Inspire.
Cwluc said:
I originally had a bad antenna which I swapped out at the store and honestly this phone is QUICK! It's funny how used to my old phone I became about certain functions like the GPS and tracking.. Loving my Inspire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you get a signal at all? how did you know it was bad? i think mine may be having problems aswell.
For all those GPS fans out there, it works great out of the box, but some have had problems once reflashing with even stock rom, so be careful.
farmercyst said:
did you get a signal at all? how did you know it was bad? i think mine may be having problems aswell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was unreachable for calls and the GPS wouldn't pinpoint my location accurately. We did a number of tests in store and called TS. Also I was stock at the time no question it was the phone and not a hack or rooting issue.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Inspire's GPS is great. No worries. Not as phenomenal as the Atrix's GPS, but very good.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
What's the best app out there for navigation? Google Nav isn't great. I got navigon and it's not too bad, on my iPhone it was the best out there, so I'm assuming it's the same with Android?

GPS

Coming from the HD2 I had hoped for a big improvement in GPS lock times. It is better but not amazing. Compared it today to my son's ZTE Blade and his was way faster. Disappointing!
Anyone else feel the GPS is nothing special? Could be something to do with the Vodafone mods I guess...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
touchee said:
Coming from the HD2 I had hoped for a big improvement in GPS lock times. It is better but not amazing. Compared it today to my son's ZTE Blade and his was way faster. Disappointing!
Anyone else feel the GPS is nothing special? Could be something to do with the Vodafone mods I guess...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
I'm very interested in this topic. I'm struggling mightily with my Galaxy S right now trying to walking navigate a big city. It's consistently off by at least a block in location and the compass is totally worthless. Phone has frozen solid twice, with the required 5 minute reboot to get going again. Major PIA. I'm really hoping the Sensation will solve this problem.
Any GPS experiences you can post will be greatly appreciated.
samnada said:
I'm very interested in this topic. I'm struggling mightily with my Galaxy S right now trying to walking navigate a big city. It's consistently off by at least a block in location and the compass is totally worthless. Phone has frozen solid twice, with the required 5 minute reboot to get going again. Major PIA. I'm really hoping the Sensation will solve this problem.
Any GPS experiences you can post will be greatly appreciated.
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Click to collapse
I bought my fiance the Vibrant at launch so I definitely have felt the pains of a horrible GPS on a phone. That said, the Tmo version's GPS has been real, real good. It's even performed pretty solid downtown here in Chicago.
Now are there better GPS units in phones out there? Possibly. But for what you are using it for and the phone you are coming from, you will definitely be happy with this feature.
I didn't own a HD2, so I can't compare, but my Sensation locks in less than 10 seconds. I don't think that is very bad at all.
phoenx06 said:
I didn't own a HD2, so I can't compare, but my Sensation locks in less than 10 seconds. I don't think that is very bad at all.
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Click to collapse
I have owned almost all high end android devices for T-Mobile and the Sensation/MT4G have the quickest GPS locks by far. My Sensation locks in less than 4 seconds and my MT4G is a little quicker but both are great! Compared to my G2x which takes more than FIVE MINUTES to lock!!
The test I did today between the ZTE Blade and the HTC Sensation used the GPS Status app.
Basically I switched both on at the same time (they had both locked previously and had downloaded the AGPS data) and simply watched the time to the first fix.
ZTE Blade would get a warm lock in 2 seconds
HTC sensation would get the warm lock in about 10 seconds
Indoors by a window the gap was more pronounced between the two devices. I feel the sensation is struggling a bit, and indoors it shows more, as the Blade coped much better with the weaker signal and fewer satellites.
Interestingly when both were locked outside and with a clear view of the sky, the Blade would show 8 or 9 satellites whereas the Sensation would only sometimes (very occasionally) have this number, more often just 6.
I have also observed that even when the Sensation has, say 5, satellites with green bars it still takes several seconds to process the info and finally display position. With the Blade, once it gets about 4 green bars, it's straight there with a position.
Weird. I think it may be something to do with the UK units as there is a gps.conf.vodafone in /etc/ so that implies some messing around by them. But the difference between that and the gps.conf in /etc/ seems to simply be the choice of NTP server (ie. north america or europe).
Appreciate the responses.
A quick lock is definitely good, but what matters even more to me is accuracy and direction. Is the compass reliable, and is your actual location shown on the map closer than 100ft?
If I can't use it in a strange city to get my bearings and navigate on foot it's a deal killer.
Thanks.
nccu_eagles said:
I have owned almost all high end android devices for T-Mobile and the Sensation/MT4G have the quickest GPS locks by far. My Sensation locks in less than 4 seconds and my MT4G is a little quicker but both are great! Compared to my G2x which takes more than FIVE MINUTES to lock!!
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My G2X gets a instant lock and is accurate to less than 10 feet.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
jrwingate6 said:
My G2X gets a instant lock and is accurate to less than 10 feet.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
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I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
samnada said:
Appreciate the responses.
A quick lock is definitely good, but what matters even more to me is accuracy and direction. Is the compass reliable, and is your actual location shown on the map closer than 100ft?
If I can't use it in a strange city to get my bearings and navigate on foot it's a deal killer.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm averaging 3-10 meters depending on situations.
I use MMTracker to read OSGB 1:25000 UK maps and the positional accuracy is very good on both the Sensation and the Blade. GPS Status reports very similar grid positions too on both devices.
I've never really found the reported error in GPS Status to be that relevant or accurate. But when using a map overlay (eg. Google or MemoryMap) the position seems very good in relation to the known map position.
Using the Sensation in the car with Sygic it copes well, with occasional loss of signal, but nothing to worry about.
Overall I'm very pleased with the Sensation. But I can't help feeling it's not that sensational. It's great hardware, but leaves me disappointed software-wise, when I consider what I can do with my HD2. If it gets rooted and then that's another story. If it doesn't I shall probably sell it and stay with my HD2. I'm giving it a month to test .
Same. Gps locks very fast
Swyped from my HTC Sensation Pyramid using my thumb and eyes
Off topic guys but witch navigation apps are you using on the sensation. Cause i've tried igo, navigon and sygic and all of them have prroblems with Sensation's resolution. Thanks and sorry for my english
leftheodo said:
Off topic guys but witch navigation apps are you using on the sensation. Cause i've tried igo, navigon and sygic and all of them have prroblems with Sensation's resolution. Thanks and sorry for my english
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Click to collapse
I use Google maps but I'm in the USA
nccu_eagles said:
I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Well I'm talking real world too. When I open google maps. My GPS icon locks instantly. I don't have any bugs on my G2X but I know plenty of people who got multiple buggy units. I'm not the only one with a G2X who had a great GPS. It's honestly the best GPS on a phone I've ever used.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
nccu_eagles said:
I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Lol dude, In a way you are like me.
When you have something you defend it.
When you had the G2x you would defend that phone like crazy. Now that you have sensation it sounds like you see the G2x like a piece of crap.
Sent from my G2x
I am using co-pilot and my sensation took about 45 seconds for first lock when taken out of the box and subsequent locks take about 10-15 seconds.
Not quite as good as my HTC Desire but still fast
Gps is very fast
Gives good directions on the highway at about 60mph
moshe22 said:
Lol dude, In a way you are like me.
When you have something you defend it.
When you had the G2x you would defend that phone like crazy. Now that you have sensation it sounds like you see the G2x like a piece of crap.
Sent from my G2x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never defended the G2x that phone sucked I never made it a full day using it I would always pop my sim card back into my MT4G running cm7 ...and there is no way that his gps is that fast on his the g2x. forums are full of people complaining about the gps on that POS phone...he's saying his ICON appears LOL type in an address in the navigation app and see how long it takes before it starts giving VOICE COMMANDS and turn by turn directions. it will display "waiting for route / searching for gps" for a few MINUTES on the G2x
I obviously jinxed myself with the GPS. The past day here in Chicago I can't get closer than a 500 meter lock. It was previously working perfectly with quick, accurate locks.
Any ideas?

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