I picked up the nexus 6 from AT&T a couple days ago and love it but I have one issue. The compass is off by 90 to 180 degrees. If I spin it around enough it usually calibrated itself but only lasts until the next time I start maps.
I've seen a couple of comments indicating similar issues but I'm not sure if it is a hardware issue and should be replaced.
Does the compass work correctly for everyone else?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Same issue here
I have the same issue with my Nexus 6 64Gb blue, bought in Germany from Amazon.de.
Calibration helps but it decalibrates soon, and then the compass is off by 90° or 180°.
DontHaveACLue said:
I picked up the nexus 6 from AT&T a couple days ago and love it but I have one issue. The compass is off by 90 to 180 degrees. If I spin it around enough it usually calibrated itself but only lasts until the next time I start maps.
I've seen a couple of comments indicating similar issues but I'm not sure if it is a hardware issue and should be replaced.
Does the compass work correctly for everyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would NOT be a hardware issue. That is entirely software.
doitright said:
That would NOT be a hardware issue. That is entirely software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so sure it's a software issue if the sensor loses calibration no matter what?
max.shirshin said:
Why are you so sure it's a software issue if the sensor loses calibration no matter what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heres one way to calibrate a compass in android.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzQSsUsOWJc
simms22 said:
heres one way to calibrate a compass in android..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, except that in case of Nexus 6 the calibration only helps for about half an hour. It corrects the compass sensor and it starts behaving as it should, only to start showing random direction when you open Google Maps the next time. I've been testing it for several days, both inside and outside, in different places, running calibration several times a day. In no less than a couple of hours (usually even faster) it goes nuts again.
If you own a Nexus 6 as well, and do NOT have this issue, please let us know where you bought the device and which exact model it was (white or blue? memory size?)
Thank you very much in advance!
ingdir said:
Exactly, except that in case of Nexus 6 the calibration only helps for about half an hour. It corrects the compass sensor and it starts behaving as it should, only to start showing random direction when you open Google Maps the next time. I've been testing it for several days, both inside and outside, in different places, running calibration several times a day. In no less than a couple of hours (usually even faster) it goes nuts again.
If you own a Nexus 6 as well, and do NOT have this issue, please let us know where you bought the device and which exact model it was (white or blue? memory size?)
Thank you very much in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bought mine through tmobile. black(blue) 32gb version
max.shirshin said:
Why are you so sure it's a software issue if the sensor loses calibration no matter what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Calibration *IS* a software function. You feed corrections into the compass driver to compensate for the magnetic fields generated by the phone itself. If it is losing calibration, it CAN ONLY be a software issue. The data generated by the compass HARDWARE is not affected by calibration. The calibration adjustments are applied to values after they have been received from the hardware by the driver, and before being passed on to userland.
---------- Post added at 08:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 PM ----------
ingdir said:
Exactly, except that in case of Nexus 6 the calibration only helps for about half an hour. It corrects the compass sensor and it starts behaving as it should, only to start showing random direction when you open Google Maps the next time. I've been testing it for several days, both inside and outside, in different places, running calibration several times a day. In no less than a couple of hours (usually even faster) it goes nuts again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you totally certain that this is a function of losing calibration and not of needing a NEW calibration? The problem is that a compass reads magnetic fields. Nearly EVERYTHING generates magnetic fields, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING that uses electricity will generate magnetic fields. Everything with IRON in it will generate magnetic fields, typically in line with earth's magnetic field so it won't interfere (much), but if that thing with iron in it is MOVED, it will DEFINITELY interfere for quite a long time until it resets.
What the calibration does, is it tries to sort out all the competing magnetic fields in order to lock in to the true earth magnetic field. If you keep switching the compass on at different locations, then absolutely YES, it will spit out various incorrect values. In fact, if you go get yourself a regular old fashioned magnetic compass (with a needle on a pin in an oil bath) and you move it around, it WILL react to all the different things that produce a magnetic field.
Maybe try going into a forest, calibrating it, sitting around for a few hours (maybe a camp fire?), and then checking if it keeps its calibration.
doitright said:
Calibration *IS* a software function. You feed corrections into the compass driver to compensate for the magnetic fields generated by the phone itself. If it is losing calibration, it CAN ONLY be a software issue.
Are you totally certain that this is a function of losing calibration and not of needing a NEW calibration?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm not. Well, here are some possibilities to consider:
1. External magnetic fields affecting the phone in a way the compass goes nuts.
Before Nexus 6, I had Nexus 5 for 1 year and its compass worked perfectly in the same locations where Nexus 6 compass fails: same apartment, same office, same places around the city. Moreover, I don't even remember calibrating my Nexus 5, the compass just worked. Now I have Moto G as a temporary phone as I've sent my N6 back to Amazon, and Moto G compass works excellently as well -- again, no calibration required. So we have at least two devices with compasses working fine in the same environment.
2. Software bug that causes calibration data to be dropped.
I had the compass problem both on stock Lollipop and on CM. I also have a friend who did NOT have any compass issues while running exactly the same setup (first stock, then the same builds of CM) on the same Nexus 6 model. In Android, apps typically can't work with drivers on such a low level that could affect the calibration, and I don't run any special apps (except Google Maps) that do something with the compass. So it CAN be a software bug, but then it has to be very picky. Running a phone on pure CM without Google Maps for several days could be a good test as Maps is the only app that had something to do with a compass on my phone.
3. Some magnetic interference inside the device itself, or the sensor being too sensitive and/or having a hardware problem of its own.
This one seems the most likely to me, as it fits a pattern: the problem happens consistently on one device while never happening on other devices with identical configuration, several users have this problem (there are threads on reddit and other places, too) while the majority seems to be unaffected, and other devices with a compass work just fine in same locations.
Anyway, there obviously ARE devices around which can have a compass working just fine, and be it either a software or a hardware issue with Nexus 6, it's good if more people report a similar issue (or a lack thereof).
I have the same issue. I have calibrated from home and on the road in several states. I does not hold calibration.
I'm road warrior, and this is a real problem when traveling.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Related
Does anyone have a solution for phantom taps on your NC?
I'm on my 3rd Nook Color when I pick up the replacement unit this afternoon.
My general issues are phantom taps - or the NC doing things I don't want it to. So far a very poor experience when typing, turning a page in a book, or even just navigating the ui. The whole issue may be me, it happens regardless if I am plugged in or not. I keep a very clean screen so there is very to little gunk.
I do have sweaty palms on occasion but not out of the ordinary. I have other touch devices that have never given me this issue. If anything I think the screen is overly sensitive - hardware or software issue?
Nope it's not just you. Mine has a multitude of issues with the touchscreen...
Essentially I cannot use the touchscreen when the device is plugged into stock charger/cable as wherever I put my finger, a random touch appears somewhere on the x-axis near my finger.
It seems that the device does not like changes in temperature or humidity either when it is unplugged. Using my tablet while cold was impossible, and likewise while it had been warm.
I'm on my second tablet from Best Buy-- the first one had dead pixels galore (enough to make the best buy rep say "dang!"), and now this one has a bad touchscreen and hard to press power button.
However: I purchased one of these for my mother a few days before mine at Barnes and Noble, and it has no issues whatsoever... at least not yet.
I've come to the conclusion that this hardware is quite beta, but I'm willing to give them a chance since it is the best bang for the buck, even if I have to go through a couple of returns... it's honestly almost worth the time for me since a tablet is so valuable for schoolwork.
Fortunately mine does not do this. I think maybe for those that are having this issue it may be able to be fixed in a firmware update.
My EVO had extremely similar problems when it first came out with the touchscreen and not being able to use the dropdown menu while the device wasn't grounded. After a firmware update the phone was great with touch sensitivity.
my first one did this also. so far the second is doing fine, but the first didn't have any problems till the 13th day of owning it.
i'm hoping it's just an issue that can be fixed via software - maybe someone put an incorrect voltage input somewhere.
I was having the same issues. I bought a screen protector and that seemed to solve it. So far, it's been working fine.
I noticed the screen protector stabilized the touchscreen a lot. Before I seem to have a problem finding the sweet spot for a touch. Now it seems better.
However, my phantom pinky is always touching something while I am trying to navigate. As long I only get one finger near the screen, it's fine.
Mine came from B&N.
The only other issue I have is the magnetic clasp in the cover seems to throw the internal compass/magnetometer off a lot.
Awats said:
The only other issue I have is the magnetic clasp in the cover seems to throw the internal compass/magnetometer off a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering the Nook has neither I think you are okay.
khaytsus said:
Considering the Nook has neither I think you are okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then how is it managing to correctly position the screen with Google Sky? Is it just spooky smart?
Mine only has problem when screen gets dirty. Try a screen protector or use gloves.
is there really a compass in this thing? I just assumed there wasn't. if there is I'm buying another tomorrow!
Screen protector helps to solve my problem.
Are you seeing more issues right after cleaning the screen? I see issues then and I think it is because I an using some moisture on the cloth. If I just dust it lightly with a dry cloth and live with a few finger prints there seem to be less of an issue.
Awats said:
Then how is it managing to correctly position the screen with Google Sky? Is it just spooky smart?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi location services provided by Google from data collection by Street Cars or by Location Services on Android phones.
iolinux333 said:
is there really a compass in this thing? I just assumed there wasn't. if there is I'm buying another tomorrow!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....no
khaytsus said:
Wifi location services provided by Google from data collection by Street Cars or by Location Services on Android phones.
....no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well, it could be worse although I don't see how Google data can tell which direction I am facing.
Thanks dad!
Awats said:
Oh well, it could be worse although I don't see how Google data can tell which direction I am facing.
Thanks dad!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nor can your Nook Colour.. Using something like TetherGPS would have some heading information, but the NC itself without help would not.
It might show 0, dunno there. Maps for me just shows a dot, if yours is showing different, that'd be... interesting.
For S&G I tried "Compass", it of course FC's immediately like almost all apps that try to use the GPS. Enabled TetherGPS (with no server, just the client) and it ran, but of course no data, no heading, etc.
Is this occuring when the nook is plugged in? sometimes the charger can cause phatom touches with the touchscreen. Cleaning the screen and being on a stable ROM usually gets rid of that problem.
If only I weren't so stupid ...
khaytsus said:
Nor can your Nook Colour.. Using something like TetherGPS would have some heading information, but the NC itself without help would not.
It might show 0, dunno there. Maps for me just shows a dot, if yours is showing different, that'd be... interesting.
For S&G I tried "Compass", it of course FC's immediately like almost all apps that try to use the GPS. Enabled TetherGPS (with no server, just the client) and it ran, but of course no data, no heading, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! Ok, I sat down with it and played for a bit. It appears some tilt sensor is handling the up and down tilt. If you raise the screen over your head, it shows those stars and if you tilt it down, I see what is below the horizon. That is pretty consistent. But it's also "simulating" a compass inadvertently.
By that I mean that if I happen to turn it on facing north, it appears to track as you turn in a circle but it's really just me tilting it and it's rotating he view. If you do it enough it has no clue the direction it's facing.
I'm just glad I figured this out before I got lost in the Amazon.
Just got mine plugged it in and unplugged and within stew minutes phantom touches couldn't even reboot it im on cyanogen mod 7
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Nook Screen Recalibrate
You guys can try my app from the market
assid2 said:
You guys can try my app from the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, it seems to have improved the accuracy! I need to play with it more to be sure.
Anyone having issues with the compass orientation in Google Maps? I've tried numerous sensor testing apps, and apart from noticing the usual random compass confusion (which is easily fixed), I haven't noticed anything wrong with the readings but am not sure how to interpret them (magnetometer)...
It's like the compass gets stuck off-center sometimes, and the arrow seems to be confusing magnetic north*/ true north...
I've searched forums and a lot of people seem to be experiencing this but not on the Moto X. I'm still in the 14-day return window but would rather keep it as I've loaded a ton of stuff on it... any suggestions?
14 days and less than 30 minutes air time on rogers I believe
Sent on my Moto X
Yes but it would be an exchange and not a return. I don't have a Rogers account either, I bought the phone outright.
Sent from my Moto X
I have no issue with the compass, seems all good on my side
Sent on my Moto X
johnny grep said:
Anyone having issues with the compass orientation in Google Maps? I've tried numerous sensor testing apps, and apart from noticing the usual random compass confusion (which is easily fixed), I haven't noticed anything wrong with the readings but am not sure how to interpret them (magnetometer)...
It's like the compass gets stuck off-center sometimes, and the arrow seems to be confusing magnetic north*/ true north...
I've searched forums and a lot of people seem to be experiencing this but not on the Moto X. I'm still in the 14-day return window but would rather keep it as I've loaded a ton of stuff on it... any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having the same issue. Tried several different apps all seem to be off. I have the 32gb dev edition on Verizon. What was the verdict?
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I, too, have had problems with the compass on my Verizon Developer Edition moto x. Any time I launch Maps or the GPS Status & Toolbox app it takes a minute or so for the compass to begin showing the correct (or nearly correct) heading and to keep up with me when I rotate to face different directions.
I've noticed that when I zoom in or out on a map, if I twist my fingers a little while pinch or zoom, it takes the 'north up' orientation off and shows a compass pointer near the upper right corner. Touching that pointer resets the orientation as north up.
Groid said:
I've noticed that when I zoom in or out on a map, if I twist my fingers a little while pinch or zoom, it takes the 'north up' orientation off and shows a compass pointer near the upper right corner. Touching that pointer resets the orientation as north up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been all over trying to fix this issue. I'm very surprised no one has has made it a bigger issue. Frustrates the hell outta me. Im returning my moto x dev edition and already ordered another one in hopes that it may just be a defective unit, though I doubt it. On the bright side I originally bought the phone for $550. Now that I'm returning I'm saving $100 because the price went down over the new year
GrillMouster said:
I, too, have had problems with the compass on my Verizon Developer Edition moto x. Any time I launch Maps or the GPS Status & Toolbox app it takes a minute or so for the compass to begin showing the correct (or nearly correct) heading and to keep up with me when I rotate to face different directions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I am having a number of issues with Maps. I have a hair-brained theory (that is all it is at this point) that it is caused by a dedicated location service api for moto's apps bumping heads with the one Google (and other apps) use. The end result is that the GPS keeps dropping the fix and reestablishing it. When this happens I can see my location on the map jump in steps every few seconds instead of smooth movement.
Most of the time it will eventually will clear itself, other times toggling GPS or rebooting the phone is necessary.
Guess I am still waiting for my first Android phone without major issues. )c:
I have the same compass issue. Apps like GPS Status take a long time to get the compass working and then it is unreliable even after following the calibration routine. Phone Tester also takes a long time to get a stable reading on the compass and even then its unreliable. Same with other apps from the Play store - if they work at all. By unreliable I mean it does not respond correctly to the phone being rotated while flat on a table with no metal or held in my hand. But Google Sky works great and always has the correct compass heading.
I never had this issue on my previous phones (Droid Eris, HTC Incredible, Droid Razr M). I never tested the compass on my Moto X DE VZW under 4.2.2 since my phone updated immediately after activating. I wonder if it worked correctly under 4.2.2 and the flakiness is a 4.4 issue? I thought about returning my phone due to this issue but the other user with a Moto X VZW (non-DE) at work has the same issue.
I doesn't bother me aside than it doesn't work as a reliable compass while I'm not moving and that I expect the hardware/software I paid for to function properly. Would be nice if it was fixed in the future - hopefully near future!
What garbage. Motorola did good all until I told a friend taco bell was just west of here, walking distance.. He ended a half mile by i45
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
SR3TLAW said:
What garbage. Motorola did good all until I told a friend taco bell was just west of here, walking distance.. He ended a half mile by i45
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also having this issue. Was there any resolution? Still within my 14 days so I think I may return it.
FYI this problem is still greatly effecting my ability to navigate manually when using GPS to point in the correct cardinal direction of a destination
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
SR3TLAW said:
FYI this problem is still greatly effecting my ability to navigate manually when using GPS to point in the correct cardinal direction of a destination
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the same issue on Rogers XT1058. Stock ROM/Kernel. At my work, the arrow is pointing south instead of North...
On US Cellular, also have this problem. Can be very frustrating. Seems to work better if I'm out away from any kind of interference (my car, house, etc). I was testing it by comparing GPS status compass to my actual compass, if I had them too close to each other they would impact each other.
tallgrasshawk said:
On US Cellular, also have this problem. Can be very frustrating. Seems to work better if I'm out away from any kind of interference (my car, house, etc). I was testing it by comparing GPS status compass to my actual compass, if I had them too close to each other they would impact each other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive done similar tests as well with same results. Not sure whats up
I've started having this issue with my Verizon Moto X. GPS Essentials shows incorrect direction as well.
For some reason my compass seems to be poorly calibrated and when I use Google Maps the navigation works, but I sometime lose direction. In order to fix I need to rotate my phone in all different ways. But after a reboot the compass goes back to being off. Does anyone else have this issue? Is this a defect or software?
I found exactly the same issue yesterday trying to navigate around London. Google maps has been dodgy lately on my note 3, xperia z and my girlfriends HTC one s so I put it down to a bug, I might try another navigation app to see if it's the phone
BrandonPrice31 said:
For some reason my compass seems to be poorly calibrated and when I use Google Maps the navigation works, but I sometime lose direction. In order to fix I need to rotate my phone in all different ways. But after a reboot the compass goes back to being off. Does anyone else have this issue? Is this a defect or software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a case? Particularly one with metal in it such as an s-view case. If so, you have to recalibrate the compass after every reboot.
jonstatt said:
Are you using a case? Particularly one with metal in it such as an s-view case. If so, you have to recalibrate the compass after every reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is not dependant on cases etc., same here as on note3, ... : with each reboot the calibration resets. maybe this is how samsung wants it to be!
jonstatt said:
Are you using a case? Particularly one with metal in it such as an s-view case. If so, you have to recalibrate the compass after every reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the s view case hmmm
TML1504 said:
this is not dependant on cases etc., same here as on note3, ... : with each reboot the calibration resets. maybe this is how samsung wants it to be!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have same issue?
This has been an ongoing issue with Samsung Phones. This is my 3rd and and none of them have worked correctly in Maps, without navigating.
When you are just driving around (not navigating) you are using the compass....
When you are navigating, Maps is using the GPS and comparing your last point to your current point to determine your direction of travel. This causes navigating to work right and non-navigating to be wrong.
I have not found a consistent solution. Also on Google Skymap, with the AR type view, it is nearly useless for this same reason. It can't seem to sense your proper orientation due to the compass issue. (though I admit to not trying skymap on the Note 4)
Its not so much a bug, as it is Samsung and Google doing things differently.
boufa said:
This has been an ongoing issue with Samsung Phones. This is my 3rd and and none of them have worked correctly in Maps, without navigating.
When you are just driving around (not navigating) you are using the compass....
When you are navigating, Maps is using the GPS and comparing your last point to your current point to determine your direction of travel. This causes navigating to work right and non-navigating to be wrong.
I have not found a consistent solution. Also on Google Skymap, with the AR type view, it is nearly useless for this same reason. It can't seem to sense your proper orientation due to the compass issue. (though I admit to not trying skymap on the Note 4)
Its not so much a bug, as it is Samsung and Google doing things differently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have this issue with the Note 4 when using Google Maps while driving? Moving my note in all directions calibrated it but then reboot forgets.
BrandonPrice31 said:
So you have this issue with the Note 4 when using Google Maps while driving? Moving my note in all directions calibrated it but then reboot forgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont mess with the recalibration process. Its annoying and i hate it, but its not so bad that i recalibrate. I also dont reboot very often, but in the past, the recalibration doesnt stick for long even when not rebooting.
I love google maps for navigating, but it sucks for driving around. The biggest issue is that the screen turns off on its own when not navigating. Waze is great for driving around, it doesnt shut off the screen, and gives you all the traffic info you need. It also routes the voice through the phone regardless of if you are connected to the car by bluetooth. The biggest complaint with waze is that it isnt multi window compatible. On my rooted note 2 i used waze on the left of the screen for traffic issues, and maps on the right side of the screen for navigation.
the compass on my Z3c is constantly 10-15 degrees off. I've calibrated it through the service menu and also through the compass app I use and it gets it to within a few degrees of true, then a day later it's all out of whack again. I use the 4-flips calibration method (flip phone 4 times on each axis). I've also tried the figure-of-eight method but found it's less reliable.
Does anyone else have a problem with compass calibration?
Yes, I've had that problem on all my phones (Nexus One, Galaxy S2, Nexus 5, and now Z3c), I guess these are just not reliable.
Yes, I also have that problem on my Z3C.
Especially when in a car the compass seems way off.
It's just started for me, odd that it's taken about two years to become a problem.
Hey all,
I moved recently and now rely a lot on google maps (and other location apps) to go to places.
Whine the location of the device fave been spot on, I have an issue with positioning and vector... What I mean is the device reports direction with a 90-degree error. If I am on the crosswalk facing one of its directions, the phone shows me that I'm perpendicular to the crosswalk and when I move up or down the crosswalk, it shows me moving sideways... not sure how to explain it better...
If I'm in a car and moving, the dot moves correctly on the map but I'm being shown as moving sideways on that map...
After doing a Google search on the issue, it seems that other people are also having this problem.
I've tried recalibrating, using the live view to calibrate (which works for a moment and then breaks again) Also tried clearing the cache of google maps, (but other GPS apps are also affected)...
Does anyone know how to deal with this problem?
Try turning off improved accuracy or vice versa...
Clear system cache.
blackhawk said:
Try turning off improved accuracy or vice versa...
Clear system cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of this has been tried. even board replacements does not fix it...
it seems to be some kind of a software issue...
Screen rotation is set to manual or automatic? Try switching your settings.
Google Play System Update is up to date? Should at least be from 1st March 2022.
we have a crab in disguise among us... 'transformers~~ shell fish in deguise~~'
jokes aside, the GPS is known to be very unstable. I have the issue come and go... and from what I've heard it's due to signal disturbances.
You'll want to report the issue to Google if you are using Google Maps
Use common sense (or develop it) to navigate.
Constantly being led by a smartphone on the streets is a lousy and dangerous way to live.
Develop a mental picture with critical way points of where you are going and then concentrate on navigating the real world by memory. With practice it becomes 2nd nature.
If it's a complex navigation effort break it down into manageable blocks with start/end way points.
For the car a dedicated GPS is more practical and reliable, but you still need to use common sense for when it glitches... and it will.
GPS is just an aid to navigation... like a map.
Do you have a permanent magnet somewhere inside your phone case, or other source of magnetism that would confuse the on-board magnetic compass?
KingFatty said:
Do you have a permanent magnet somewhere inside your phone case, or other source of magnetism that would confuse the on-board magnetic compass?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KingFatty came up with my initial thought. Might be some magnetic interference.
I do know the exact issue you are talking about though. I knew I was facing south (I have an actual compass) but my phone said I was facing east. But I solved it with a simple recalibration. I have to recalibrate at least weekly.
You say you have had board replacements to rule out a hardware issue but if it was a software issue then surely everyone would have it? I can confirm that right now, the orientation is correct on my phone. It could be a firmware issue for your specific device but this requires the manufacturer to fix it.
That leads me to think its some kind of outside interference like a magnet in a case.
richhaynes said:
KingFatty came up with my initial thought. Might be some magnetic interference.
I do know the exact issue you are talking about though. I knew I was facing south (I have an actual compass) but my phone said I was facing east. But I solved it with a simple recalibration. I have to recalibrate at least weekly.
You say you have had board replacements to rule out a hardware issue but if it was a software issue then surely everyone would have it? I can confirm that right now, the orientation is correct on my phone. It could be a firmware issue for your specific device but this requires the manufacturer to fix it.
That leads me to think its some kind of outside interference like a magnet in a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung's don't like magnets, truth
It may be the earth's magnetic field in your location. It isn't uniform.
It's actually began a cyclical pole shift which will take hundreds of year to complete. Magnetic anomalies with become more common as the reversal draws closer. I doubt the latter could be the cause but the former could.
I think magnets may indeed be the issue. My bag's phone pocket has a magnet on its latch so it might be the thing confusing the phone. The problem is that from more than 20 different phones I had over the years, the S21 Ultra is the first one to exhibit such side effects from magnets...
I use a car mount with wireless charger, and the mount itself creates a magnetic field that confuses the phone's compass so the phone re-calibrates the compass based on the navigation driving etc. When out of the charger, the phone is still interpreting the compass as though it's in the mount with the magnetic influence, so you just need to recalibrate the compass and it will fix the issue until next time it automatically recalibrates while under the influence of a magnetic field.
That's just how compasses work, they sense existing magnetic fields, and the closer a magnet is to the phone, the stronger the field. If only there was a way to tell the phone you are putting it next to a magnetic field so it knew not to recalibrate itself at that time.