Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central
What you need to know
- A number of Galaxy S20 owners are reporting issues locking on to a GPS signal in Google Maps and other similar apps.
- The issue appears to be limited to the Snapdragon 865-powered variants of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and S20 Ultra.
- Samsung hasn't issued any statement regarding the issue yet.
Samsung's Galaxy S20 series phones are currently among the most impressive flagship Android smartphones money can buy. However, they aren't without issues of their own. Soon after its launch, several reviewers found that the 108MP primary camera on the Galaxy S20 Ultra was plagued with auto focus issues. Since the issue was only software related, it was fixed with a software update.
Now, a number of Galaxy S20 series users are reporting (via XDA Developers) issues locking on to GPS in navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze. The issue has been reported by users on Twitter, Reddit, as well as Samsung's Community forums. While some Galaxy S20 units simply fail to get a lock, other units reportedly take up to 15 minutes to lock on to a GPS signal.
There is no permanent fix available currently, although some users claim turning off 5G fixes the issue temporarily. It remains unclear if it is a hardware problem, since some users claim replacement units also suffer from the same issue. Interestingly, the issue only appears to affect the Snapdragon variants of the Galaxy S20 phones. The Exynos variants of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra have no issues locking on to a GPS signal.
Samsung hasn't issued any statement regarding the issue yet, although it is possible that the company will be rolling out a software update to fix the issue very soon.
Get More Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ & S20 Ultra
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Five things we want to see from Google's folding Pixel
It's looking more and more likely that Google will soon be releasing its own foldable phone, akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2. But what exactly might that entail? We have a few ideas.
Review: Revisiting the LG Wing, 4 months on
LG's swivel-display phone is a fun science experiment that falls short of being a compelling overall product.
Every PS5 video game delay in 2021: Upcoming release dates
The beginning of 2020 already saw several high profile games delayed throughout the year, and that trend has continued into 2021. As we get further into the new year, expect a lot more game delays.
Keep your Galaxy S20 Ultra's display pristine with these screen protectors
Samsung pulled out all the stops for the Galaxy S20 Ultra, but even the fanciest of smartphones can be ruined by a single scratch or crack. Be smart and keep it safe with a screen protector.