Develop Bugs

A few small issues with my device. I'm wondering if it's worth exchanging?

Hello everyone,
I just bought my S3 last Sunday. Since then I have noticed several issues with it and I'm wondering if it's worth exchanging. They seem to be both software and hardware issues.
1. It's pretty laggy. For such a "groundbreaking" phone this is lagging much more than my old Sensation. It's rarely smooth switching between screens and going from lock screen to home screen is also laggy. Overall, it's not very smooth. Is this common on this device? Maybe I'm expecting too much.
2. The music player skips and repeats A LOT. Whenever a song is playing, it will constantly have gaps in the music. It will just stop playing for a brief second but then continue normally. It also will repeat parts of a song, such as saying some lyrics twice.
3. Whenever someone calls me, my voice sounds "distant" to them. If I call someone my voice sounds totally normal but when I receive the call I am either echoing or I sound like I'm holding my phone away from my face.
I guess my biggest problem is the lag. It really bothers me since it's supposed to be such an amazing and smooth phone. It takes several times longer to load apps and things than my old Sensation did, and I don't have many apps installed at all. Opening the app drawer is consistently laggy as well.
Are these common issues or do you guys think it would be worthwhile to exchange the phone? As of right now, I'm not very pleased with it.
Thanks for all your input, guys!
Edit: Also, whenever I hit the home button it takes several seconds to load it up. Is there a way to speed this up?
Also, I am not rooted yet. I always like to spend a few weeks with the stock setup before rooting.
Edit 2: Last thing, S Voice is a piece of **** on this. Literally. It takes FOREVER to load up and RARELY does what I say. Does this actually work for you guys or is S voice generally useless?

Not common at all. Exchange.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

elracing21 said:
Not common at all. Exchange.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! i'll exchange it tomorrow. Are the S3's generally pretty smooth? Any lag at all?

alecjake said:
thanks! i'll exchange it tomorrow. Are the S3's generally pretty smooth? Any lag at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smooth as butter.

Have you tried installing the latest OTA? It may help with some of your problems. For the home key lag, double press to open s voice, then go into settings and turn off double press home to open.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

1. Try this. Settings >Developer Options > Window animation scale ->change to 0.5x or off. Transition animation scale >animation is off
Also make sure Do not keep activities under developer options is unchecked. Check it first then uncheck it. This should solve the redraw issue on teh homescreen (at least it did for me)
2. Did not happen to me
3. Turn off noise reduction

For the distant sound issue open the dialer>call settings>additional settings>uncheck noise reduction. Even running unrooted the interface should be very smooth however.

DocHoliday77 said:
Have you tried installing the latest OTA? It may help with some of your problems. For the home key lag, double press to open s voice, then go into settings and turn off double press home to open.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is yet another odd thing about my device. it claims I have the latest OTA, when I know I don't. Also, it says the music hub is still unavailable (even though I know several people who have it running)

I haven't actually used s-voice myself, but a lot of reviews said it wasn't very good.
Another thing you can try for the lag you mentioned is in Developer Options, change the Force GPU Rendering option.
Also try limiting background processes to 3 or 4. Though you shouldn't have to resort to this. If other options don't work id still take it back for exchange.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

wyuan said:
1. Try this. Settings >Developer Options > Window animation scale ->change to 0.5x or off. Transition animation scale >animation is off
Also make sure Do not keep activities under developer options is unchecked. Check it first then uncheck it. This should solve the redraw issue on teh homescreen (at least it did for me)
2. Did not happen to me
3. Turn off noise reduction
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried all the things you listed in number 1 and it is definitely faster, in a way. When I click the home button, the wallpaper pops up immediately. The apps however take significantly longer to load up and the app drawer still takes quite a while to load. I think I am stuck with a return. Thank you for all your help!

alecjake said:
Edit: Also, whenever I hit the home button it takes several seconds to load it up. Is there a way to speed this up?
Also, I am not rooted yet. I always like to spend a few weeks with the stock setup before rooting.
Edit 2: Last thing, S Voice is a piece of **** on this. Literally. It takes FOREVER to load up and RARELY does what I say. Does this actually work for you guys or is S voice generally useless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To speed up the home screen button:
Double tap home screen (bring up s-voice)
Tap menu softkey
Tap settings
Uncheck launch s-voice
You will need to do this with your new device as well.
And s-voice is generally useless, or as far as I've found.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Yea s-voice makes home button laggy. And have u tried to factory reset it?

Do a master reset without restoring back up. Sometimes this all that is necessary on any Rom. If that fails do a buyers remorse exchange.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

sarni84 said:
Yea s-voice makes home button laggy. And have u tried to factory reset it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow. i cant believe i didnt think of this. i just did a factory reset and it is a world of difference. so much faster and smoother! i still think i'm going to exchange it tomorrow, however. the speaker issue worries me since it is probably a hardware issue

alecjake said:
wow. i cant believe i didnt think of this. i just did a factory reset and it is a world of difference. so much faster and smoother! i still think i'm going to exchange it tomorrow, however. the speaker issue worries me since it is probably a hardware issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it usually helps especially with the weird problems. But now if u are still having problems then yea take it back. Because now u ruled almost everything out or have done what u could have. Good luck

some people just want to complain.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Mine is so smooth. But I have not rooted it. WIthout any memory eating apps running, it is not only smooth but actually bolting fast!!:victory::victory::victory:

bipoler said:
some people just want to complain.....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for making your own point.

make sure power save option is disable.it will make it very laggy

I haven't had any problems with my device. But a lot of times when I'm talking to my girlfriend she always asks if I put her on speakerphone and I haven't. She sometimes also says she hears an echo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Undo Back Button?

I'm new to Android and enjoying my Note 8, but one thing drives me nuts. I often accidentally hit the back "button" and have yet to find its mirror image--forward. This is really bad when I am on the web and lose my place and have to navigate back. What am I missing here? How do you undo the Back button?

jventola said:
I'm new to Android and enjoying my Note 8, but one thing drives me nuts. I often accidentally hit the back "button" and have yet to find its mirror image--forward. This is really bad when I am on the web and lose my place and have to navigate back. What am I missing here? How do you undo the Back button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if by "on the web" you mean browser, then this arrow button might be helpful:
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda premium

p107r0 said:
if by "on the web" you mean browser, then this arrow button might be helpful:
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not very clear, sorry. It is hard for me to describe exactly since it always comes as a shock for the app to disappear and when I get it back from the app manager it is not always in the same state, and I have to click back to where I was. If you put in a back button, you need an undo, I think.
Sooner or later I'll learn how to hold the thing without hitting that button all the time.

jventola said:
I was not very clear, sorry. It is hard for me to describe exactly since it always comes as a shock for the app to disappear and when I get it back from the app manager it is not always in the same state, and I have to click back to where I was. If you put in a back button, you need an undo, I think.
Sooner or later I'll learn how to hold the thing without hitting that button all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could consider disabling capacitive keys: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250941
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda premium

[Q] very slooow wake up!

I have SM-P605 (LTE version) running on BMJ9 (also tried few others before it) but the only thing I do seem to resolve and iritate me is the amount of time it takes to come whenever I pick it up. It is the same whether I use the home or the power button. I have switched off lock screen effect, I even switched off lock screen all together but the screen still wakes up sometimes after 2-4 seconds of pressing the button. Otherwise, it is not laggy in general.
Any ideas and wise words?
Cheers.

sakiin said:
I have SM-P605 (LTE version) running on BMJ9 (also tried few others before it) but the only thing I do seem to resolve and iritate me is the amount of time it takes to come whenever I pick it up. It is the same whether I use the home or the power button. I have switched off lock screen effect, I even switched off lock screen all together but the screen still wakes up sometimes after 2-4 seconds of pressing the button. Otherwise, it is not laggy in general.
Any ideas and wise words?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried disabling the home button from bringing up My Magazine? Either hit the home button from home screen or swipe up to launch My Magazine, then go into settings via the left capacitive button to left of home button and uncheck "open using the home key".

mi7chy said:
Have you tried disabling the home button from bringing up My Magazine? Either hit the home button from home screen or swipe up to launch My Magazine, then go into settings via the left capacitive button to left of home button and uncheck "open using the home key".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate. Done that even disabled the svoice getting launched from the home button. THis behaviour is the same using TW or Apex.

This right here is why I returned it. No matter what I did, even using the Samsung Book Cover, nothing worked.
Drove me crazy til I finally had enough and exchanged it for the iPad Air.
If this issue gets fixed, I'd probably pick it up again.

Han Solo 1 said:
This right here is why I returned it. No matter what I did, even using the Samsung Book Cover, nothing worked.
Drove me crazy til I finally had enough and exchanged it for the iPad Air.
If this issue gets fixed, I'd probably pick it up again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is driving me nuts! but it is my dislike of ipad and believe some xda developer (and or samsung) will come up with a solution that is making me keep this otherwise wonderful tablet.

sakiin said:
It is driving me nuts! but it is my dislike of ipad and believe some xda developer (and or samsung) will come up with a solution that is making me keep this otherwise wonderful tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a fan of iPad either but I got sick of opening the cover and always saying, "Ok, hold on a minute" when wanting to show it to someone.
You'd think this expensive spec beast would be able to wake up as fast as a dumb tablet with a third of its RAM. IPad is an instant wake.

Do you have power savings mode disabled?
Do you a micro SD card installed? If so, temporarily remove it and see if it makes a difference. Also, note the brand, model and speed class. And, did you format it in the device you're using?
Downgrading to a child's iPad with DRAM limitations and crashes is not an option for a lot of us.

it's a "feature" of the exynos processor. it puts itself into a deep sleep that has a slight delay when waking up. just about every exnyos4 and higher have the "feature".

madsquabbles said:
it's a "feature" of the exynos processor. it puts itself into a deep sleep that has a slight delay when waking up. just about every exnyos4 and higher have the "feature".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is worrying!
Got me searching and found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2208267
I am hoping some developer can make it easy for us!

madsquabbles said:
it's a "feature" of the exynos processor. it puts itself into a deep sleep that has a slight delay when waking up. just about every exnyos4 and higher have the "feature".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm...it's not limited to exynos processors my friend. It also happens on the snapdragon variants as well.
Just go in Developer Options and check box the option for "Force GPU Rendering". That did the trick for me so hopefully it'll work for you guys too.

Crazypinoy9 said:
Just go in Developer Options and check box the option for "Force GPU Rendering". That did the trick for me so hopefully it'll work for you guys too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean you have instant wake?

Crazypinoy9 said:
Ummm...it's not limited to exynos processors my friend. It also happens on the snapdragon variants as well.
Just go in Developer Options and check box the option for "Force GPU Rendering". That did the trick for me so hopefully it'll work for you guys too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No change so far but will monitor it.

Better...
After todays firmware update it starts up a lot faster. Now I think it's acceptable but Samsung can do better. Had the same issue on my "old" Note 2, but after a few firmware updates the problem disapered. I'm hopeful.

Arla said:
After todays firmware update it starts up a lot faster. Now I think it's acceptable but Samsung can do better. Had the same issue on my "old" Note 2, but after a few firmware updates the problem disapered. I'm hopeful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which update? are you using SM-P605?

Anyone working on this ?? kinda stuck with the same issue : (
Sent from my SM-P605 using xda app-developers app

??? 2 seconds ....???
Anyway when I open my Smart Cover it is on not even a One Second .... lag, like that is a big deal.

AstroDigital said:
??? 2 seconds ....???
Anyway when I open my Smart Cover it is on not even a One Second .... lag, like that is a big deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case from sleep it can easily take 5-6 sec ( though trust me it feels like ages) and compared to my old transformer prime it's downright embarrassing!!

AstroDigital said:
??? 2 seconds ....???
Anyway when I open my Smart Cover it is on not even a One Second .... lag, like that is a big deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried without the smart cover? are you saying smart cover is the solution? I do not have smart cover on mine.

sakiin said:
have you tried without the smart cover? are you saying smart cover is the solution? I do not have smart cover on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smart cover is not the solution. I have the Samsung Book Cover and it still lags on wake.

Han Solo 1 said:
Smart cover is not the solution. I have the Samsung Book Cover and it still lags on wake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the above post sort of implied that. good to know it is not the solution.

Top tip - How to disable the firefly and camera button

1) Root phone
2) Install titanium backup
3) Backup Firefly and the freeze or uninstall
4) Backup stock Camera app freeze or uninstall
5) Install kitkat stock camera
JOB DONE

TheDynamo said:
1) Root phone
2) Install titanium backup
3) Backup Firefly and the freeze or uninstall
4) Backup stock Camera app freeze or uninstall
5) Install kitkat stock camera
JOB DONE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just why?

stunvn said:
Just why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because Firefly is the most annoying app on the whole phone! I don't know how many times I've launched it by accident!

and...
Although I like Firefly, I have experienced pulling out the phone to find a nearly dead battery, and looking at battery usage, somehow Firefly had gotten activated unkowingly. Forget my fingers accidentally pushing that button, I am bummed that my pocket can "butt firefly" on its own.

I can use Firefly to scan QRcode, it's easy to use

LNRrgB said:
Although I like Firefly, I have experienced pulling out the phone to find a nearly dead battery, and looking at battery usage, somehow Firefly had gotten activated unkowingly. Forget my fingers accidentally pushing that button, I am bummed that my pocket can "butt firefly" on its own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stunvn said:
I can use Firefly to scan QRcode, it's easy to use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't be more agreed with you guys.
It happened to me extremely often to find out that my battery is dead because of firefly.
Fortunately sometimes my phone gets uncomfortable warm in my pocket, before it's switches of...

Makes me wonder if there is some case that (even with some minor modification ) might alleviate this issue. I had not planned on using one, but if others notice this issue, they may be talking up the problem/solution in case reviews.

LNRrgB said:
Makes me wonder if there is some case that (even with some minor modification ) might alleviate this issue. I had not planned on using one, but if others notice this issue, they may be talking up the problem/solution in case reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that the phone does not check if it is in your pocket before it starts up the camera or firefly.
Even if it doesn't, for example if it doesn't want to waste time and loads the app anyway, it should check the proximity sensor and/or camera readings to find out if its in the pocket.
I don't think it's extremely difficult, but it would manage to avoid draining the battery, and make many people happy.

Having removed the stock apps and installed the google camera is there any way i can remap the button to load the google camera instead?

Is there any way to disable the camera button while the phone is locked though (without rooting it)? It seems like the weirdest, most obvious oversight.... I launch the camera inadvertently literally every time I pick the damn thing up!
Thanks

i am on 3.5.0 with root and use device control to disable firefly and also installed xposed with xposed additions module.
with that you can disable the camera button or you can reassign it to another function/task.
i assigned it to open recent applications on normal click and home with doubleclick.

the afp will not turn on from camera or home press if the sensor in the front upper right thinks the phone is in your pocket. you can try this by covering the corner with your thumb while the screen is off and pressing either button. the screen may flash on for a moment then immediately shutting off again.
the sensorbis insanely sensitive. ive found that putting the phone in my pockets screen towards me and home button up results in very few butt fireflies. the power button will still activate the screen, but i rarely butt power [mostly i butt home].
any case that blocks this corner with a flap should help as well

Another option for the camera. If you're unwilling or unable to root the phone, the stock Amazon leather case will prevent accidental camera button presses.

ColdEmbrace said:
Having removed the stock apps and installed the google camera is there any way i can remap the button to load the google camera instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone come up with a way to do this? I installed CM11 and miss having the quick launch button work.

Good lock 2018

https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-good-lock-samsung-galaxy-android-oreo/
Works brilliantly, I live in UK, and have to use the quick short maker app, must have for stock roms

Installed them all, played about with them all, only one I kinda like is the recent apps one, but even that I'm beginning to get a bit sick of now, pretty much the same experience of when I tried it on either my S5 or S7, that also got uninstalled very quickly

MattJaO3D said:
https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-good-lock-samsung-galaxy-android-oreo/
Works brilliantly, I live in UK, and have to use the quick short maker app, must have for stock roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blurred QS Bg is also in Goodlock?

Yep, blurred options are available

The new task changer is so good. If you quickly switch between the 2 recent apps by quickly double tapping there's no lag whatsoever. Old version had a little hiccup!

stevenl23 said:
The new task changer is so good. If you quickly switch between the 2 recent apps by quickly double tapping there's no lag whatsoever. Old version had a little hiccup!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I liked it too but my muscle memory has gotten used to swiping left/right to clear recent apps and was constantly doing that instead of swipe up/down, so have reverted back
Think I'm stuck in my ways tbh, at least with Samsung, same reason I cannot think of anything I would like to use the Bixby button for, so it just sits there useless, maybe with a different manufacturer's phone I could change my habits

*Detection* said:
Yea I liked it too but my muscle memory has gotten used to swiping left/right to clear recent apps and was constantly doing that instead of swipe up/down, so have reverted back
Think I'm stuck in my ways tbh, at least with Samsung, same reason I cannot think of anything I would like to use the Bixby button for, so it just sits there useless, maybe with a different manufacturer's phone I could change my habits
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use bxactions!! I use it and if you give it increased control just by following the instructions (involves plugging into computer). It's so good because I've programmed it to launch google assistance, pause music, flightlight etc.

This is the last versión 1.0.00.27?

stevenl23 said:
Use bxactions!! I use it and if you give it increased control just by following the instructions (involves plugging into computer). It's so good because I've programmed it to launch google assistance, pause music, flightlight etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I can't think of anything I would want to use the Bixby button for, I don't need another button for anything
I know about bxactions, I tried it (buggy) but even still there was no action I wanted to map that button for
Maybe if I lived in a cave it would be handy for the flashlight...

*Detection* said:
Like I said, I can't think of anything I would want to use the Bixby button for, I don't need another button for anything
I know about bxactions, I tried it (buggy) but even still there was no action I wanted to map that button for
Maybe if I lived in a cave it would be handy for the flashlight...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty buggy if you don't give it full control or whatever its called. Involves plugging in computer and executing a file on phone. Cause otherwise it launches bixby for a split second and is pretty annoying. And for the flashlight, sure you don't need it all the time but it dos have its uses once in a while. The better features for me is pause music, skip song and importantly launch google assistant instead of bixby

stevenl23 said:
It's pretty buggy if you don't give it full control or whatever its called. Involves plugging in computer and executing a file on phone. Cause otherwise it launches bixby for a split second and is pretty annoying. And for the flashlight, sure you don't need it all the time but it dos have its uses once in a while. The better features for me is pause music, skip song and importantly launch google assistant instead of bixby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I executed that file with adb and the phone connected originally, I set it up via the instructions but it wanted to do something other than I told it to
The button is just in an awkward place for me, I press it whenever I pick up the phone, or press the power button, they've placed it in such a position that they get a load of stats saying it's being used 10x more than it really is due to accidental presses, similar to when Microsoft changed the X close button to OK Accept for upgrading to 10 and claimed it was a mistake
Above the volume up or above the power key would have been a better place, somewhere you only press it when you mean to
If I map it for flashlight or anything else I'm gonna get sick of constantly accidentally launching whatever I map it to
Maybe in 12 months when the novelty of a new phone has worn off I`ll start playing about with it but quite happy to have it do nothing atm

I never had the chance to try this on my S7, so it's a breath of fresh air on my S9. Trying everything now to see what I'll keep. So far the lockscreen options are nice indeed.

*Detection* said:
Yea I executed that file with adb and the phone connected originally, I set it up via the instructions but it wanted to do something other than I told it to
The button is just in an awkward place for me, I press it whenever I pick up the phone, or press the power button, they've placed it in such a position that they get a load of stats saying it's being used 10x more than it really is due to accidental presses, similar to when Microsoft changed the X close button to OK Accept for upgrading to 10 and claimed it was a mistake
Above the volume up or above the power key would have been a better place, somewhere you only press it when you mean to
If I map it for flashlight or anything else I'm gonna get sick of constantly accidentally launching whatever I map it to
Maybe in 12 months when the novelty of a new phone has worn off I`ll start playing about with it but quite happy to have it do nothing atm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, the button is very easy to press, i have a case so less of a issue for me. Yeah i would root my phone but the disadvantages that arise greatly outweigh the benefits

Good lock has been officially released for the US galaxy store

Will it be available in the EU too?

ja-ki said:
Will it be available in the EU too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully it will be, it's a good app, best for custom without root, the other apps are good also, the newer edge lighting has more effects, and also a routine app, one handed mode + and edge touch which I not used yet.

Thanks for the links! After installing all the apps I found that I preferred the way Samsung gave me my device!
However I've still retained one hand operation +, edge lighting plus and quickstar. The rest of the apps didn't seem to attract me much.
Thanks again!
Cheers!
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

I really like it, bit more customisation is always a good thing.
I got the "Badlock" version here which doesn't need any other apps to be able to change settings etc. - https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/lock-lock-2018-8-0-devices-t3804657

http://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.samsung.android.goodlock
It's now out officially for UK

MattJaO3D said:
http://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.samsung.android.goodlock
It's now out officially for UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't tell me Canada got it before the UK... Eeek ??????
Sent from my Galaxy S9+ using XDA Labs