Why does my new Samsung Galaxy S4 have such bad camera lag?

[AC Question]

I got a new Samsung Galaxy S4 just yesterday and I couldn't help but notice how laggy the camera is. When I open the camera and look around with the phone, it's very laggy and stuttery. It doesn't flow smoothly. Imagine trying to play Battlefield 4 on a really old computer, that's what it feels like. I have the latest android version 4.4.2 and I haven't modified my phone in any way yet.

I've been looking all over but I can't find an answer, please help.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Try booting into Safe Mode, which temporarily disables all 3rd party apps. Steps at the bottom of this article: http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-5744

If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, then something you installed is causing the problem. You may have to uninstall apps one by one until the problem disappears. If the problem persists in Safe Mode, then it's more likely to be a hardware or firmware problem.

 

[BadAstronaut1]

Thanks for the reply, it does persist in safe mode. I just find it very odd how the camera on the back of the phone runs as smooth as butter and takes great pictures but as soon as I switch to the front facing camera it isn't smooth and lags. It isn't HORRIBLE lag but it's quite noticeable. What should I do next?

 

[B. Diddy]

You could try a factory reset, but if something in the firmware is messed up, a factory reset might not fix it either. In that case, try reflashing the stock firmware: http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...w-flash-stock-rom-via-odin-new-interface.html. Find the proper firmware here: Firmwares - SamMobile

 

[BadAstronaut1]

I just have another question before I do that. Could it be the fact that I'm in a room with poor lighting? I noticed that when I was in my living room with plenty of light it went away. Could that be it?

 

[B. Diddy]

That's true to a certain extent. The lower the light, the choppier the viewfinder will be. How dim was it? If you know anyone else with an S4, you could do a side-by-side comparison.

 

[BadAstronaut1]

I don't think it was very dim however I can be wrong. I'll compare with a friend, we should be seeing each other this friday and he has the exact same phone as I have. Thanks for the help!