Nexus S Has Terrible 4G Radio, Terrible Wifi Radio, and Wifi Tethering Crashes Data

[nkd]

If Google were responsible for the hardware and the hardware’s drivers I would tend to agree with you. But the fact is Samsung is responsible for them. Not Google. Google is only responsible for the OS. I have far less faith in Samsung as they are notorious for slow updates and pore customer service.
I hope that’s not the case this time because this phone has the potential to be a complete success or a complete failure and it’s really up to Samsung.

Buy the way… today is June 5th the phone launched on May 9th. Its pretty much been a month and no one including Google has come forward and given an explanation as to what the problem is or how they plan to fix it. When the EVO had signal issues back 1 year ago the issue was addressed and a fix was released within a few weeks. EVO 4g came out on june 4th The Fix for signal issues came out on June 28th.

Sprint sends out update for EVO 4G; possible Wi-Fi and battery fixes included - Phone Arena

I hope not to argue about this, but its google phone=support comes from google. Google can grab samsung by the neck and tell them to fix ****, doesn't matter if samsung design the hardware drivers, updates are refined by google and they go according to what google wants. Samsung just designs the phone and google calls the shots.

I personally have 0 under time without signal. I could care less, my wifi maxes out at 20mbps at home, thats what I am signed up for. I get 5-8 mbs on 4g, I could use more bars but I dont get any disconnects.
I am one of those people who doesn't have half the issues that people are having, so its hard to replicate something like that. They have said they are looking in to it, so what more do you want from them? if there is a problem that they find I am sure they wil fix it.

It is not samsung, trust me, its pure google 2.3.4 gingerbread and it will be one of the first to get 2.3.5 or whatever is next, so who cares what samsung does. I really doubt its samsung alone, it is phone desinged in partnership with samsung, they are both responsible for it.

 

[clindner]

I finally traveled pretty far outside my home area yesterday and man, the GPS is terrible. I had like 2-3 bars of 3G but my GPS would not lock in when trying to use navigation. On the 5th try, it finally did like 8 minutes of searching and the directions were wrong. I traveled cross country with my Evo and the GPS worked excellent, even thru stretches of nothing in the deserts of AZ, NM and TX. Thankfully I dont travel a bunch anymore but this phone really sucks at times.

Are you using JuiceDefender? I found that my GPS was a bit glitchy when I was running JD. Now when I need to use it, I turn JD off.

 

[mcantu]

to those that get low speeds with the speedtest app, i suggest trying speakeasy.net through your browser. i get 3.5 Mbps max w/speedtest but on speakeasy i get 10 Mbps.

 

[2CupsWithString]

I wish I got 3.5.

 

[Richard1864]

to those that get low speeds with the speedtest app, i suggest trying speakeasy.net through your browser. i get 3.5 Mbps max w/speedtest but on speakeasy i get 10 Mbps.

According to Ookla (the vendor who makes the speedtest.net and the FCC broadband test app), they are having compatibility issues with handsets released since December 2010. Those new handsets have newer TCP/IP stacks (IP v6 added, along with various manufacturer and Google Android tweaks), and they are working on an update to the app for this. IP v6 has different IP addresses and other big changes in networking protocols. The app is also having problems with Verizon's LTE and Sprint's WiMax, and they are working on resolving those issues as well.

Ookla says you are correct, mcantu. They recommend going to Speakeasy - Speed Test to get the correct speed results for our phones. They don't have a date for when the update will be out. They also confirm that until the update comes out, all the new handsets will show incorrect speed results.

I was curious about the differences in the results between Speakeasy and Speedtest too, so I emailed them and that was what I was told. Does this help anyone?

 

[tyea]

I've had the Nexus S 4G for 21 days, since previously owning a Pre for 23 months. I think I'm going to keep it, even though I get random wifi and cellular network disconnects for times up to 30 seconds. Hopefully, an active community will apply enough pressure to get it fixed. I really wanted a Pre 3, but I guess WebOS phones aren't happening with me until a minimum of 2 years contract with
Sprint.

Nexus S 4G features I like are: phone profile, screen, battery life, and most of all the voice search by Google and how voice is integrated in many apps. I haven't been able to get a video conversation from my nexus s 4G to my wife's new epic 4G (she had a Pre also), but I haven't tried much to troubleshoot qik, or try something else like google talk, skype, or fring. I'm willing to try NFC when it is widely available. I also have not been able to figure out how to search email other than gmail. Universal search using google search does not seem to apply to all email.

Apps I like are Google Navigation,Tracks,Translate,Search, Authenticator, Voice,Maps and Reader, VIP Access by Verisign, BeyondPod, Amazon MP3, RealCalc Scientific Calculator, Dictionary.com, PDX Transit Finder, Epocrates, Package Tracker Pro.

 

[Kloneicle]

I've had the Nexus S 4G for 21 days, since previously owning a Pre for 23 months. I think I'm going to keep it, even though I get random wifi and cellular network disconnects for times up to 30 seconds. Hopefully, an active community will apply enough pressure to get it fixed. I really wanted a Pre 3, but I guess WebOS phones aren't happening with me until a minimum of 2 years contract with
Sprint.

Nexus S 4G features I like are: phone profile, screen, battery life, and most of all the voice search by Google and how voice is integrated in many apps. I haven't been able to get a video conversation from my nexus s 4G to my wife's new epic 4G (she had a Pre also), but I haven't tried much to troubleshoot qik, or try something else like google talk, skype, or fring. I'm willing to try NFC when it is widely available. I also have not been able to figure out how to search email other than gmail. Universal search using google search does not seem to apply to all email.

Apps I like are Google Navigation,Tracks,Translate,Search, Authenticator, Voice,Maps and Reader, VIP Access by Verisign, BeyondPod, Amazon MP3, RealCalc Scientific Calculator, Dictionary.com, PDX Transit Finder, Epocrates, Package Tracker Pro.

That about sums it up for me also .

Google Voice, Google Nav, Google Maps, Google Reader, Loads more Apps, Better Hardware, Faster, No Lag, No Delay Updates with Carriers. Just works out better for me currently.

 

[markus_del_marko]

I can also confirm after going back to an evo that i have zero radio issues and i have a perfect signal. Something is definitely wrong with the nexus s. Im also getting much faster data speeds.

 

[mgwally]

Samsung Support Chat

just got off a Samsung Technical Support chat session nothing got resolved. FYI

Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Vick'. There will be a brief survey at the end of our chat to share feedback on my performance today.

Your Issue ID for this chat is XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Visitor: Hello Vick

Vick: Hi, thank you for contacting Samsung Technical Support. How may I help you today?

Visitor: I'm having trouble with the WIFI in my Nexus S 4G. It randomly loses signal.

Vick: I understand that you are unable to access Wifi, am I correct?

Visitor: i'm able to access WIFI, but it randomly drops signal even though I'm next to my router

Vick: I am sorry to know that.

Vick: I apologize for the inconvenience.

Visitor: same thing happens at my work locations and my fiance's house

Visitor: it's a know issue in the community forums

Vick: I apologize, there is no known issue with the phone regarding this.

Visitor: you can read about it here: http://forum.androidcentral.com/spr...e-wifi-radio-wifi-tethering-crashes-data.html

Vick: Just to confirm, are you referring to Nexus S, SPH-D720?

Visitor: there's also issues in the Google forums as well

Visitor: Nexus S 4G

Visitor: the latest one that launched for Sprint

Vick: Thank you for confirming.

Visitor: no problem

Vick: I apologize, we do not have access to browse third party websites.

Visitor: ok, so what do you recommend?

Visitor: can you search the web for the issue?

Vick: I will assist you with this.

Visitor: ok

Vick: Just to confirm, may I know the exact error message you see?

Visitor: there is no error message

Visitor: the phone simply loses the wifi connection thoughout regular usage

Visitor: the signal is very week. just for comparison, i have my old HTC Evo 4G right next to my Nexus and the Evo has great reception

Visitor: i also have my iPad and notebook connected to the same WIFI router

Visitor: neither have connection issues..only the Nexus

Vick: I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Vick: Would you mind if I place you on hold for 3 minutes while I check the information?

Visitor: ok

Visitor: thank

Visitor: thank you

Vick: You are welcome.

Visitor: hello, are you still there?

Vick: I apologize for the delay; it is taking me some time to investigate the issue.

Visitor: ok, just making sure.. thank you

Vick: You are welcome.

Vick: Thank you for holding.

Vick: ipat

Vick: I'm sorry for the typo.

Vick: I appreciate your patience.

Visitor: no problem

Vick: Under Advanced Wi-fi settings, do you find any option as Wi-Fi sleep policy?

Visitor: hold on..

Vick: Sure. I will be waiting for your response.

Visitor: i can't find it

Vick: I am sorry to know that.

Vick: May I know the options that are available under Advanced Wi-fi settings?

Visitor: i go to "settings", then "wireless & networks"

Vick: Okay.

Visitor: i can't seem to find a WIFI sleep policy

Vick: Please tap on Advanced settings.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: there is no advanced settings

Vick: I am sorry to know that.

Vick: I recommend you to perform the soft reset to troubleshoot the issue that you are facing with the device. This might fix the issue.

Vick: 1. Turn off the handset.

Vick: 2. Remove the battery and wait for 30 seconds.

Vick: 3. Reinsert the battery and turn ON the device.

Visitor: i already did that

Vick: I am sorry to know that.

Visitor: as a matter of fact... i did it about 20 minutes ago because i needed to get the HEX number to register the device in your website

Vick: Let us try it the other way.

Vick: Okay.

Vick: Do you have a Travel, AC charger with you?

Visitor: yes

Vick: Please connect the charger to the phone, remove and reinsert the battery for once while the phone is charging. Let us trouble shoot the issue.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: do you want me to do this while the phone is on?

Vick: Yes. Exactly.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: ok, just removed the battery and the phone turned off

Visitor: i reinserted the batter and the phone still remains off

Vick: Please turn on the phone and check.

Visitor: ok

Vick: Please let me know the status.

Visitor: wifi signal is still very week

Visitor: and now it just dropped and reconected

Vick: I am sorry to know that.

Vick: At this point of time, I request you perform a Hard reset that might fix the issue.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: how do i do that?

Vick: If you perform hard reset on the device, the data will be deleted from the Phone result of this procedure. This process does NOT delete data stored on the microSD card.

Visitor: ok, that's fine

Visitor: please explain how i should proceed

Vick: 1. From the main home screen, tap Applications

Vick: 2. Tap Settings, then Privacy.

Vick: 3. Tap Factory data reset.

Vick: 4. Tap Reset phone.

Vick: 5. Enter your password, then tap Yes to confirm.

Vick: Please let me know if you have any questions on the procedure.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: it's erasing now

Vick: Okay.

Visitor: just reset the phone and reconnected to my wifi

Visitor: unfortunately the problem still persists

Vick: I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Vick: As you referred that the issue still persists even after performing a Hard reset, the issue appears to be with the internal malfunction.

Visitor: ok

Visitor: do I bring it back to the Sprint store i purchased from?

Vick: Yes. You may.

Visitor: ok, i would report this issue to your manager as there are thousands of people reporting the same problem

Visitor: just do a quick google search and you will see for yourself

Visitor: i'm surprised you don't have anything in your database

Vick: Sure. I will forward your feedback and suggestion to the concerned department.

 

[lingo622]

How do they NOT have any knowledge if this? Like you said tons of people have this issue and have sent probably countless emails and forum posts about it....

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

 

[jtfishbein]

How do they NOT have any knowledge if this? Like you said tons of people have this issue and have sent probably countless emails and forum posts about it....

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

They have to know, and I'm sure a low level person like that is given some pre-programed type of response.

Just be patiently impatient like me, and I'm sure a fix will come... eventually.

For the time being I hope the airrave works well, since it comes today.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

 

[nate735#AC]

I just got my Nexus S (W CM7 #13) yesterday and i gotta say the cell service and wifi are on par or better then my EVO which was running CM7. I live in NYC and since i got it i havent had less then 3 bars with an average of 4 most of the time. The browser loads pages much quicker then my EVO and and operating system is blazingly fast and smooth I absolutely love the Amoled Screen, The screen size, and the unbranded stealth look of the device.

Not sure if the people who are having problems are running stock rom or a custom rom but i reccomend trying CM7 on your Nexus S 4g.

I am VERY happy with this phone.

 

[LonghornTreo]

nate could run the speedeasy test on your phone with the rooted rom and report on the results on the speedeasy thread. Thanks

 

[darealm]

Returned it!

Well the phone went back to Sprint tonight ::::sigh:::: back to the old Pre-. Going back to my Pre- is awful but I couldn't risk being locked into a phone with signal issues that are never fixed. So now I have a predicament: try EVO 3D when it comes out or go to another carrier and get something like the T-Mobile G2X? What would you do? If I go the path of EVO 3D I'm definitely going to wait for a few weeks and see if there are any major issues before making the plunge. And I'll be visiting this thread often in hopes that the signal issues are resolved. IF they are resolved quickly I might find myself back on the NS4G because it is truly a great phone sans the signal issues...:'(

 

[betachains]

I also returned my phone today. It is a beautiful computer device, but it sucks as a *phone* and basic 3G receiver. There is no indication from Sprint/Google/Samsung on whether the radio problems are hardware or software, and I need a phone. I can't wait for a fix which may or may not come, esp. since the parties involved aren't saying anything. I suspect it is hardware, in which case there is no OTA fix at all.

 

[skinneejay]

Well the phone went back to Sprint tonight ::::sigh:::: back to the old Pre-. Going back to my Pre- is awful but I couldn't risk being locked into a phone with signal issues that are never fixed. So now I have a predicament: try EVO 3D when it comes out or go to another carrier and get something like the T-Mobile G2X? What would you do? If I go the path of EVO 3D I'm definitely going to wait for a few weeks and see if there are any major issues before making the plunge. And I'll be visiting this thread often in hopes that the signal issues are resolved. IF they are resolved quickly I might find myself back on the NS4G because it is truly a great phone sans the signal issues...:'(

Sorry for your loss. Hopefully you will be back in the future. I feel bad for all the poeplw who are having these signal problems. Good luck with the pre. No way I could go back.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

 

[ftrengineer]

I returned the NS4G today to go back to a Pre (-) until a new awesome phone comes out that can actually hold a signal. The response from Sprint, Google, and Samsung has been completely unacceptable. Sprint's responses to the PC World and Engadget articles make it seem like these are isolated incidents that are not that high on their radar. I'd rather use my money on a phone that has adequate support. Good luck to those who stick around.

 

[LeaninBack916]

I loved WebOS not my pre. I wont be going back. I hold my calls and the data seems constant. Sorry for others but I'll keep the device. Well I do have until June 2nd to decide tho. The 99$ Amazon price point was so tempting though (No Tax in CA #love)

 

[mkhall]

To throw in my own $0.02 on the signal issue:

I am one of the unfortunates who has had a problem with maintaining connectivity. After a week of wild fluctuations in signal strength -- watching my phone go from four bars to X while it sits on my desk by the window -- I went to the friendly neighborhood Sprint Store where I bought it. I asked the Lead Sales guy (who has previously shown himself to be fairly knowledgeable), if any other local customers are having this issue. He told me that he's read about in on-line, but that he doesn't think there can be a solution, as modern smartphones aren't optimized for voice calls. He tried to convince me that all 4G phone have/will have this problem due to internal interference between the radios. I told him that this sounds improbable, and that since I am currently looking for a job, I can't really afford to have the phone just decide that's taking a smoke break and stop noticing voice calls for a while. He suggested that I return the phone -- I'd only had it a week -- and get a dumb phone or a feature phone instead, something without a data connection.

I was not satisfied with his response, so I left and when the NS4G decided to give me a signal again, called customer service, where I got an entirely different reaction. She told me that they are aware of the issue but don't know of any solution at this time. However, without my asking about it, she told me that as a Premier Gold customer I am eligible to get a no charge, no questions Airave, to resolve the issue when I'm at home. All she asked was that I replace my NS4G with another NS4G, in case it was a hardware problem after all. As annoying as the first guy was, the telephone support was equally competent.

I still have the reception issues, unfortunately, but with luck when I get the Airave it will resolve some of them when I'm at home. For me that's the most important thing, as I can't afford to miss a job opportunity due to a sketchy connection.

Thanks for letting me vent a bit.

 

[Bujin#IM]

I also contacted support and they gave me an Airwaves with no issues. My signal issues mainly consist of a roaming signal at home, so this was a pretty good solution for now.