[Richard Meyer]

Having trouble with Smart Compass App. Both the Smart Compass lite version as well as the paid version is jerky and inconsistent in identifying north. I just picked this phone up a few days ago so I’m trying to find out if there is a problem with the Smart Compass app…or my sensors in the phone while there is still time to return the phone for a new replacement.

[garublador]

Have you calibrated the magnetometer in the phone? Do other compass apps work?

[Richard Meyer]

I did calibrate the magnetometer...a few times. I also found another compass that worked better. I'm mostly interested in finding out if this is common to the s4 or if I have a unique problem with my phone while I can still replace it for a new one. I understand after 14 day period that I first purchased the phone...I can still replace the phone with my insurance...but I will get a refurbished one rather than new in the box like I can get now.

[garublador]

I just tried it on my phone and Smart Compass is noticeably more jumpy than the app just called "Compass" when held face up. If you use it like you would a camera it isn't jumpy. My guess is that you'll see it act like even if you get a new phone. It's probably worth asking people with different phones about the app. It could either be an issue with the software in general or some issue with the way the software interacts with the sensors in the S4. Because other apps work just fine it doesn't seem like a hardware problem with the phone.