Compass accuracy

[uh1]

The XA1 does have a compass/magnet sensor. I can read the data with sensor apps.

But in normal apps as Google Maps or Skysafari the direction is very in accurate and not stable at all. I've calibrated the compass as it is stated but this doesn't help.

In the first place I thought the sensor is defect. So I brought back the XA1 to the shop and got a new one. But same behaviour !

Note: Each XA1 was updated to the newest software (Android and Apps).

Question:

- Is there anything missing in the firmware/software of the XA1 ?

- Will there be an update or a fix soon ?

Best Regards

[DigitalAmoeba]

Given that this compass poor and low accuracy in Google Maps issue has persisted on my Sony Xperia XA1 Dual SIM even after the update from Android v7 to v8 (and later XA2 has now come out) it appears that it's unlikely that we're going to get a fix for this issue

While generally the XA1 has been a great phone with really quite good battery, and an impressive camera for it's price point, my experience with Sony Xperia hardware has been marred in driving (somewhat) and walking (definately) modes by not having a working compass (despite the phone having the physical hardware) + the intermittent issue where the phone can stop recieving all data at times when it gets confused and BlueTooth is active (the workaround is not to leave Bluetooth turned on all the time, or at least toggle BlueTooth off then on again when this issue happens - Not sure if still an issue on Android v8 or not)

[mfc101]

I bought 3 XA1s for my family -- two standard and one Ultra.  On all three the compass is close to useless -- sometimes will calibrate, usually will not, and at all times unstable.

Entirely unlike my Z3 -- which is stable and reliable and always matches a 'real' compass, even though it lives in a pouch which has a magnetic closure.   In short, this seems like a design or manufacturing fault.

[DigitalAmoeba]

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@mfc101 wrote:

I bought 3 XA1s for my family -- two standard and one Ultra.  On all three the compass is close to useless -- sometimes will calibrate, usually will not, and at all times unstable.

Entirely unlike my Z3 -- which is stable and reliable and always matches a 'real' compass, even though it lives in a pouch which has a magnetic closure.   In short, this seems like a design or manufacturing fault.

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Thanks at least confirming our suspicion that there is a general, model specific, fault with the compass on Sony Xperia ™ XA1 models 😐

A real shame given otherwise almost flawless hardware (although keeping Bluetooth on long term can cut off WiFi & Mobile data sometimes) and makes the XA1 unsuitable for walking navigation directions.