I don't know if this is one of the things you've tried already, but if not, try this: holding the phone by the edges in one hand, slap the edge of the phone against the palm of the other hand. It's a low-tech solution that has worked for some folks, so it's worth a try.
Note 4 Camera/Focus Problem
- Thread starter DCuell12
- Start date
Smack trick worked for me too. Very weird, Nokia phone cameras still seem to be the best experience.
I got a Note 4 from Verizon on February 28, 2015. Camera was perfect for a couple of months, but then I started to notice a problem. The first symptom was when taking a photo, the image preview on the screen became extremely wavy prior to taking the shot. It seemed like the actual pictures were OK, so I thought perhaps this was a software issue.
I eventually noticed that my photos were very fuzzy....not exactly out of focus....just fuzzy...as if the camera took two exposures and overlapped them slightly.
Within a few weeks the problem got worse, and that's when I noticed -- the camera itself was emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise that sounds almost exactly like a mosquito. Most of the time this noise wasn't loud enough to hear unless you held the camera right up to your ear. Rarely, the camera would appear to lock focus and the buzzing would stop.
I did lots of research into the problem and eventually found this forum. I tried every recommended fix including slapping the phone on my palm. None work. I then tried a live chat with Samsung. They recommended booting into safe mode. Didn't work. Next they suggested a factory reset. Didn't work. At that point, they asked me to send the phone to them for evaluation (they emailed me a UPS 2-day shipping label with an address in Texas).
It looks like they will either repair the phone or replace it with a new one (either is OK), but sadly it looks like I will be phone-less for about a week. I have numerous old phones sitting around but they were all from T-Mobile and they won't work with my Verizon SIM. Sucks.
Obviously we don't know the exact issue yet, but based on my experience I would say this is 99.99% a problem with the optical image stabilization. The mosquito-like buzzing and the wavy image preview just looked like the lens was vibrating rapidly out of control which seems like it would be related to OIS. It really sucks there isn't a way to disable OIS in the camera's settings as this would be a quick way to troubleshoot the issue.
Anyway, best of luck to everyone else suffering with this problem.
I eventually noticed that my photos were very fuzzy....not exactly out of focus....just fuzzy...as if the camera took two exposures and overlapped them slightly.
Within a few weeks the problem got worse, and that's when I noticed -- the camera itself was emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise that sounds almost exactly like a mosquito. Most of the time this noise wasn't loud enough to hear unless you held the camera right up to your ear. Rarely, the camera would appear to lock focus and the buzzing would stop.
I did lots of research into the problem and eventually found this forum. I tried every recommended fix including slapping the phone on my palm. None work. I then tried a live chat with Samsung. They recommended booting into safe mode. Didn't work. Next they suggested a factory reset. Didn't work. At that point, they asked me to send the phone to them for evaluation (they emailed me a UPS 2-day shipping label with an address in Texas).
It looks like they will either repair the phone or replace it with a new one (either is OK), but sadly it looks like I will be phone-less for about a week. I have numerous old phones sitting around but they were all from T-Mobile and they won't work with my Verizon SIM. Sucks.
Obviously we don't know the exact issue yet, but based on my experience I would say this is 99.99% a problem with the optical image stabilization. The mosquito-like buzzing and the wavy image preview just looked like the lens was vibrating rapidly out of control which seems like it would be related to OIS. It really sucks there isn't a way to disable OIS in the camera's settings as this would be a quick way to troubleshoot the issue.
Anyway, best of luck to everyone else suffering with this problem.
@DavidS72 - I feel your pain, my T-Mobile Note 4 is doing the exact same thing and I've tried all of the fixes found around this and the XDA forums to no avail. The only temporary remedy I've found is to point the camera straight up in the air to allow the OIS to presumably stabilize better and then the buzzing noise will go away and I can shoot freely for a period of time before the issue either returns or I jump out of the camera mode. Once back into camera mode the issue returns and I have to point the camera upwards again . . I end up looking like a spazz shaking my phone around at events . . Ironically I upgraded from a Nexus 4 to this phone in large part because of the highly rated camera . . I wish this thing didn't have hardware OIS because I fear that at some point the phone will NOT be under warranty and we'll all be sitting on time bombs waiting for the OIS to fail like this.
Please let us know how things go. Since I purchased my T-Mobile variant in order to unlock, root and use on AT&T I'm not sure if I'll go through the process of seeking replacement via warranty exchange though I may tap into my squaretrade warranty at some point.
Please let us know how things go. Since I purchased my T-Mobile variant in order to unlock, root and use on AT&T I'm not sure if I'll go through the process of seeking replacement via warranty exchange though I may tap into my squaretrade warranty at some point.
muzzy996 - Sorry you're got the same issue. I received an email today saying that Samsung has received my phone, but no diagnosis yet. I'll keep you posted on the result.
But FYI -- as I was considering other options I noticed something -- you can actually buy a replacement Note 4 camera part from Amazon for $20.99 (oops -- I am not allowed to post links here, but just run a search on Amazon for "Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Replacement Camera" and you will see what I am talking about).
Before you laugh, here's a little story -- my previous phone was a Note 2. After about 18 months of ownership, the phone stopped charging from the mini-USB port. It also seemed to lose the ability to transfer files to my PC via USB.
I did some research and found a replacement USB port for the phone on Amazon. I think the cost was something crazy -- like maybe $6? Replacing the port was actually very easy, although it required prying the phone apart and removing a lot of very small screws. The job only took about 10 minutes and the fix worked perfectly.
My point is simply this -- a Note 4 is a pretty damn expensive phone, but the parts are surprisingly cheap (considering how good the camera is when it works, $20 for a new one is just shocking). As my experience with the Note 2 showed, you actually can replace parts on these things relatively easily. So if your phone is out of warranty and you are having camera issues, rather than spending days and weeks searching Internet forums for a fix, I would suggest dropping $20 on a replacement camera and swapping it out. If you think this is beyond your technical skill level, try searching YouTube for a video that shows how to disassemble the phone (I'm sure there are many).
But FYI -- as I was considering other options I noticed something -- you can actually buy a replacement Note 4 camera part from Amazon for $20.99 (oops -- I am not allowed to post links here, but just run a search on Amazon for "Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Replacement Camera" and you will see what I am talking about).
Before you laugh, here's a little story -- my previous phone was a Note 2. After about 18 months of ownership, the phone stopped charging from the mini-USB port. It also seemed to lose the ability to transfer files to my PC via USB.
I did some research and found a replacement USB port for the phone on Amazon. I think the cost was something crazy -- like maybe $6? Replacing the port was actually very easy, although it required prying the phone apart and removing a lot of very small screws. The job only took about 10 minutes and the fix worked perfectly.
My point is simply this -- a Note 4 is a pretty damn expensive phone, but the parts are surprisingly cheap (considering how good the camera is when it works, $20 for a new one is just shocking). As my experience with the Note 2 showed, you actually can replace parts on these things relatively easily. So if your phone is out of warranty and you are having camera issues, rather than spending days and weeks searching Internet forums for a fix, I would suggest dropping $20 on a replacement camera and swapping it out. If you think this is beyond your technical skill level, try searching YouTube for a video that shows how to disassemble the phone (I'm sure there are many).
@DavidS72 - Yeah actually that is a consideration that I have made but when I looked up the teardown procedure to get to the camera I realized that in order to unplug the cable for the camera the motherboard has to be accessed in a way that requires display removal .. I forget the specifics but essentially it was more involved than removing several screws on the back and gaining instant access to the camera module for an easy swap. Gave me reason to pause and think that i'm better off doing a warranty claim with squaretrade.
wow, I thought I was the only person with this issue, and seeing just now that is is indeed so widespread. wtf, Samsung. quality control.
as others have said just shake the phone and it fixes the issue as long as the phone remains booted. a reboot and you'll have to shake it again. I enough the best way to shake it is to grab it as if you're talking on the phone, and then flick your wrist back and forth violently. can't wait to get a new phone D:
Posted via the Android Central App
as others have said just shake the phone and it fixes the issue as long as the phone remains booted. a reboot and you'll have to shake it again. I enough the best way to shake it is to grab it as if you're talking on the phone, and then flick your wrist back and forth violently. can't wait to get a new phone D:
Posted via the Android Central App
Update -- I just checked Samsung's online repair tracking page and saw this:
6/19/2015 11:24 AM-Jennifer Canizales: The unit has left the technician. SOLUTION: Replaced Component
*06/18/2015//10:08:55//0001773863//Web Chat//ASC*
6/18/2015 8:13 AM-Cecilia Garza: Accessory: Battery Cover,Stylus
*06/18/2015//10:08:55//0001773863//Web Chat//ASC*
6/18/2015 8:13 AM-Cecilia Garza: The unit has been received. Pack Condition: Fair Packaging (Box & Cushion)
Sounds like they replaced the camera and hopefully are sending back my old phone? It had a nice $30 glass screen protector on it, so I'm happy to get my original unit back. I just wish they didn't make me do a factory reset since now I have to restore everything.
For anyone else having issues with your camera, try turning on the camera and then holding it up to your ear (with the lens facing away from your head). If it sounds like a mosquito buzzing, then you probably have the same issue I did. Slapping the phone may reset the optical image stabilizer (which I suspect is the problem here), but I doubt that's a long term solution. I think the camera probably needs to be replaced, but as noted above this part is actually very cheap (about $20).
I will post a final update when I get my phone back. As for the rest of you guys, good luck!
6/19/2015 11:24 AM-Jennifer Canizales: The unit has left the technician. SOLUTION: Replaced Component
*06/18/2015//10:08:55//0001773863//Web Chat//ASC*
6/18/2015 8:13 AM-Cecilia Garza: Accessory: Battery Cover,Stylus
*06/18/2015//10:08:55//0001773863//Web Chat//ASC*
6/18/2015 8:13 AM-Cecilia Garza: The unit has been received. Pack Condition: Fair Packaging (Box & Cushion)
Sounds like they replaced the camera and hopefully are sending back my old phone? It had a nice $30 glass screen protector on it, so I'm happy to get my original unit back. I just wish they didn't make me do a factory reset since now I have to restore everything.
For anyone else having issues with your camera, try turning on the camera and then holding it up to your ear (with the lens facing away from your head). If it sounds like a mosquito buzzing, then you probably have the same issue I did. Slapping the phone may reset the optical image stabilizer (which I suspect is the problem here), but I doubt that's a long term solution. I think the camera probably needs to be replaced, but as noted above this part is actually very cheap (about $20).
I will post a final update when I get my phone back. As for the rest of you guys, good luck!
Ugh....well it's now Monday and still no phone. I got an email on Friday from Samsung that said they were shipping the phone back via UPS 2-day air. However, the tracking number they sent hasn't been updated since Friday -- it just says that a shipping label has been printed, but it doesn't appear the package has actually been shipped. SO frustrating.
So I have been living without a cell phone for a week now, and honestly, I kind of enjoy the peace and quiet.
So I have been living without a cell phone for a week now, and honestly, I kind of enjoy the peace and quiet.
Update - 6/24/2015 -- my phone arrived back via UPS today. They returned my exact phone (the IMEI and serial numbers are the same as my original box). So that's good. I guess I am happy to have my old phone back rather than a refurbished one.
Also interesting -- they included a packing slip which seems to say they replaced THREE parts on the phone, not just the camera. The packing slip lists the following parts:
Part #GH96-07482A - ASSY CAMERA-MODULE 16M AF 1/2.6" SM-N910
Part #3009-001678 - AUDIO-RECEIVER; 132DB, 2.6, WB, RECTANGLE, 12
Part #GH96-07542A - ASSY SUB PBA-SUB (SM-N910V); SM-N910V, SUB
Looks like the first item was the camera, but no clue what the other two items were. Audio receiver? Hmm. My phone didn't seem to have any audio issues when I sent it in. Maybe they found another problem during troubleshooting? Or maybe they need to replace those other parts in order to fix this issue? No idea.
One annoying thing -- my phone had a nice ($30-ish) Zagg Invisible Shield glass screen protector on it which was installed by the Costco rep when the phone was new. The screen protector was semi-permanent -- it was stuck to the screen with adhesive....so it wasn't something that you could just snap off and snap back on.
For some unknown reason, Samsung removed the screen protector and sent it back stuck to the outside of a bag containing the stylus and rear cover, but it was otherwise just loose in the brown cardboard shipping box. Because the back of the screen protector was super-sticky, it is now covered with small particles from the box which are embedded in the adhesive. This basically ruined the screen protector. Obviously this is Samsung's fault, so I may try to chase them down and see if they will do something about it. The screen protector came with a lifetime warranty and it says they will replace it as the result of ANY damage, so maybe Samsung's negligence counts as damage?
Oh, final comment -- the camera seems to work fine now. Of course, fingers are crossed that whatever parts they replaced are better quality than the ones that failed.
Also interesting -- they included a packing slip which seems to say they replaced THREE parts on the phone, not just the camera. The packing slip lists the following parts:
Part #GH96-07482A - ASSY CAMERA-MODULE 16M AF 1/2.6" SM-N910
Part #3009-001678 - AUDIO-RECEIVER; 132DB, 2.6, WB, RECTANGLE, 12
Part #GH96-07542A - ASSY SUB PBA-SUB (SM-N910V); SM-N910V, SUB
Looks like the first item was the camera, but no clue what the other two items were. Audio receiver? Hmm. My phone didn't seem to have any audio issues when I sent it in. Maybe they found another problem during troubleshooting? Or maybe they need to replace those other parts in order to fix this issue? No idea.
One annoying thing -- my phone had a nice ($30-ish) Zagg Invisible Shield glass screen protector on it which was installed by the Costco rep when the phone was new. The screen protector was semi-permanent -- it was stuck to the screen with adhesive....so it wasn't something that you could just snap off and snap back on.
For some unknown reason, Samsung removed the screen protector and sent it back stuck to the outside of a bag containing the stylus and rear cover, but it was otherwise just loose in the brown cardboard shipping box. Because the back of the screen protector was super-sticky, it is now covered with small particles from the box which are embedded in the adhesive. This basically ruined the screen protector. Obviously this is Samsung's fault, so I may try to chase them down and see if they will do something about it. The screen protector came with a lifetime warranty and it says they will replace it as the result of ANY damage, so maybe Samsung's negligence counts as damage?
Oh, final comment -- the camera seems to work fine now. Of course, fingers are crossed that whatever parts they replaced are better quality than the ones that failed.
Sooks
Well-known member
- Nov 3, 2009
- 568
- 8
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The camera is supposed to be lose unless active...... that is the OIS kicking it once the camera app is opened we have roughly 15 note 4s that I have issues at work and all rattle and all stop rattling once the camera is activated and they all seem to focus just fine.. here is a pic of one of our drones we flew yesterday:
@DavidS72 - Glad you got it repaired. I wouldn't be surprised if you got a new display assembly since the display has to be removed to get to the motherboard connections in order to ultimately remove the camera module. I ordered the camera and may end up doing the repair myself but will decide later... 20 bucks for the module so if I chicken out its no biggie.
I'm having the same focus issues with my T Mobile Note 4, what really sucks is my friend has no such issues on her iPhone 6 plus, the pictures when they do focus are way way better on my Note 4 than on the 6 plus when I do A/B comparisons,,, I love my N4 and love the 6 plus less but I might be checking out the newest iPhone this September as the camera is very important for me,,,,, if I have to go back to an iPhone because of a camera I'm sooooo going to miss my N4,,, wonder if the focus issue will be resolved with the Note 5 ?????
Shame you can't use the $20 camera in stand-alone mode! Anyway, good luck and please keep us posted.
Just got my UK note 4 back from Samsung as the camera was buzzing badly when focusing. The notes from the repair just said recalibration done and resets and it has passed all tests.
I turn on the camera and straight away loud buzzing, waited 2 weeks and got nowhere I shall contact Samsung tomorrow
I turn on the camera and straight away loud buzzing, waited 2 weeks and got nowhere I shall contact Samsung tomorrow
Note crap is one of the worst phone ever
I replaced my note 4
I just got it today
The problem with the auto focus is a lose camera
If you shake it it'll focus fast
Now I have a new note and a new freaking problem
The screen half of it is brighter then the rest wtf
I replaced my note 4
I just got it today
The problem with the auto focus is a lose camera
If you shake it it'll focus fast
Now I have a new note and a new freaking problem
The screen half of it is brighter then the rest wtf
Hitting the reset settings button in the camera settings worked for me it appears - thank you for posting the recommendation. Prior I was waiting 30sec to over a minute and pointing the thing at every object I could find to get it to focus. After doing this step it appears to focus just under 1-2 seconds.
I had this problem too... it started after I found the protective film and removed it.
Finally fixed it by resetting picture size in the options to 1:1
Finally fixed it by resetting picture size in the options to 1:1
Hello and welcome to Android Central!
This is something that I wouldn't have known about had I not watch one of the many YT Videos on the SGN.IV that addressed the protective film on the camera's lens. Glad I found out ahead of time.
Enjoy!
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