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Help Purchased New LG Spectrum. Battery life concerns. Need your help.
- Thread starter NewSpectrum
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- lg spectrum
Yeah, that design wasn't available from Fancy widgets. Thanks anyway.
By the way, I just finally added Popcorn Kernal v2.0. So happy with my phone now. Although I was tempted earlier today to almost pre-order the HTC One X when I went to an AT&T store to check it out. Such a nice-looking phone with gorgeous graphics. But that would set me back $150 & money is tight right now. Besides thanks to this forum, my LG Spectrum is a beast.
NewSpectrum
Newbie
Here's the problems I've been having with my LG Spectrum.
First of all, the LG Messenger or Keyboard or whatever the app is, sometimes sends me two of the same text, or worse, breaks the text into 2 or 3 messages and sends them in the wrong order. And always, always always, if it does that, it sends the FINAL WORD of the initial text either first or last - as it's own message. It's really been pissing me off.
Then there's the fact that the LG Keyboard typically crashes ONCE per day or more, and I have to go change my keyboard settings to swype and then back to LG keyboard, or I can't text. I've also had the interface freeze and glitch up during these incidents and one incident yesterday where the home button was flashing but not responding during a glitch.
Overall, it feels like a cheaply programmed and buggy interface.
Then there's the camera app, which you can't turn the shutter sound off (my old flip phone had this option!) I'm annoyed that the best solution is to go BUY an app just to use the hardware on my phone. Let's be honest, that sucks.
Lastly, I can confirm that the call quality is definitely worse than our old Flip Phones. My dad's friends have been telling him that they cannot hear him when he leaves messages etc and I've had a few similar encounters.
All these things are really disappointing for a phone that's retail value is supposedly $599 or $199 with a 2 year contract.
I guess the fact that these issues bother me means I would have been better suited for an Iphone.
First of all, the LG Messenger or Keyboard or whatever the app is, sometimes sends me two of the same text, or worse, breaks the text into 2 or 3 messages and sends them in the wrong order. And always, always always, if it does that, it sends the FINAL WORD of the initial text either first or last - as it's own message. It's really been pissing me off.
Then there's the fact that the LG Keyboard typically crashes ONCE per day or more, and I have to go change my keyboard settings to swype and then back to LG keyboard, or I can't text. I've also had the interface freeze and glitch up during these incidents and one incident yesterday where the home button was flashing but not responding during a glitch.
Overall, it feels like a cheaply programmed and buggy interface.
Then there's the camera app, which you can't turn the shutter sound off (my old flip phone had this option!) I'm annoyed that the best solution is to go BUY an app just to use the hardware on my phone. Let's be honest, that sucks.
Lastly, I can confirm that the call quality is definitely worse than our old Flip Phones. My dad's friends have been telling him that they cannot hear him when he leaves messages etc and I've had a few similar encounters.
All these things are really disappointing for a phone that's retail value is supposedly $599 or $199 with a 2 year contract.
I guess the fact that these issues bother me means I would have been better suited for an Iphone.
Looks like Beautiful Widgets
Sounds like you have a faulty phone, try getting it replaced.
As far as the camera app you don't have to BUY one, camera ICS is free and lets you turn the shutter off.
I prefer Swype but I have the Beta version (comes with Broken Out ROM), so I've never used the LG keyboard. If the entire interface is freezing there's a problem.
You could try a factory reset but it sounds like you need to get it replaced. We have 2 and don't have any problems with call quality.
I recall getting a couple duplicate texts when using the stock messaging app, but not since I switched to GO SMS Pro, has a lot more functionality and is FREE...
I think very few people actually use the stock apps, that's one of the big advantages of Android over iPhones, the ability to customize and personalize.
MrB206
Android Expert
I don't think it is. I've got bw and haven't seen a skin like that. There's a few other apps that look similar, though, like sense clock.
TheBigKahuna
Well-Known Member
Your phone is faulty. I would get double texts from exactly two people in my contacts list, while I had Handcent SMS installed. I uninstalled it and the problem went away. My biggest complaint is call quality....just about every call I make, has an "I can't hear or understand you" from the person I'm talking to. My wife says the voice quality coming from my Spectrum is terrible. I've never heard it, but based on complaints, I believe them.
MrB206
Android Expert
Let's root cause this... Did you wipe data (on the app), cache, dalvik and fix permissions os the app? Double texts are caused by sender or receiver connection. It used to be a huge problem with handset and others as android was updated, but the apps weren't. If you're receiving doubles, try wiping data on the rom and start over (make a nand if you want to restore).
+1 for Camera ICS and Go SMS Pro.
I actually use Go Launcher, Go dialer, Go contacts, Go Locker, Go Keyboard, Go SMS, Go Weather, and Go Power with extreme success and I am very satisfied with all those apps. But, like Nokoko said, you can customize anyway you want so it fits your needs and likes.
IMUcarmen
Android Expert
Get a replacement phone.
I just want to let you know none of these problems exist in a properly working spectrum. I run my own furniture business and I'm always talking ot customers on the phone about orders and have never once had someone tell me they couldn't understand what I was saying. Nor have i ever had issues understanding someone. My cousin also has a spectrum and we talk on the phone with each and neither of us have issues with call quality.
Also if you are having trouble with the stock apps then try out third party apps from the market. And you don't have to buy them all.
For sms I recommend GO SMS and it's free
for camera I recommend pro capture which is free but has a pro version that is 99 cent right now. 75percent off
Keyboard you cant beat swype. And if you actually start using the swiping option you'll get better and faster at typing. Just takes a couple weeks to really get used to it. I can't even imagine having to type with my thumbs now. Swiping is so much easier.
But you also have about 20 other keyboard options so search around for other options. GO keyboard is very good. So is touch pal.
but it you are getting lock ups and poor call quality then return the phone. you have 14 days from the time you buy it to return it for a new one. And you have a 1 year manufactures warranty which allows you to replace it if anything is wrong with the phone.
Also make sure you have the volume turned one notch below the max because the speaker gets slightly distorted if turned to max.
TheBigKahuna
Well-Known Member
Camera 360 is a fun and free camera app that also lets you silence and fake shutter sounds.
I don't get the Swype keyboard. Tried it, and promptly deleted the app.
I don't get the Swype keyboard. Tried it, and promptly deleted the app.
IMUcarmen
Android Expert
you just have to give it time. Like with anything it takes practice, but once you get the hang of it it's really nice. I've only been doing it for a few weeks and already it feels normal to me. Using my thumbs feel awkward and slow.
TheBigKahuna
Well-Known Member
I type like a chimp anyhow, so thumbs seems normal.
finndo77
Android Expert
The middle finger seems to give the best results for Swype. Although I had no problems when it was only beta and not available otherwise. I now often have to correct 2-4 words in every sentence, unless I Swype with my middle finger, then it is closer to 1 word every 3 sentences.
I followed Mr. B's recommendation and changed my Spectrum's Governor to conservative. I also have Go Power installed and I really like the app. Very simple to use and to switch between profiles to save battery life. It is free and you can get it here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.gowidget.gopowermaster
Below is a sample were I got 19 hours. I will say I was using the phone moderately during that time. For about six hours of the 19, I was sleeping...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.gowidget.gopowermaster
Below is a sample were I got 19 hours. I will say I was using the phone moderately during that time. For about six hours of the 19, I was sleeping...
Brandonson112
Well-Known Member
Someone got one here and wrote up a review if i can find the thread i will link, but he said he managed to get 4 days from the Mugen battery.
TheBigKahuna
Well-Known Member
I'll be glad to try the 4000mah battery myself once the price gets reasonable. But at around $90, I'll be forced to wait. I already have a big battery, got it for about $15....I just need an extended back door to fit over it. The Spectrum battery/door combo will drop to under $40 eventually. Still tempted to pick up a stock OEM door and use a heat gun on it!
stef7
Android Expert
Long story short - lost my previous Spectrum to the Road Gods. Flew off the hood of my car (accidently left it there) and it went airborne at highway speeds, to tumble and tumble and tumble on the highway, to get smashed by the cars behind me.
Bought another off eBay because I had no insurance.
Immediately the unit when I powered it on started downloading updates. It's at 2.3.6 and the battery is holding very strong compared to the other. I am not rooted on this one, and have not frozen anything, have not manipulated the CPU scheduler, nor am I running Juice Defender.
Just a better battery / phone? Or did the update improve the unit's runtime?
Anyone else experiencing better runtime post update?
Bought another off eBay because I had no insurance.
Immediately the unit when I powered it on started downloading updates. It's at 2.3.6 and the battery is holding very strong compared to the other. I am not rooted on this one, and have not frozen anything, have not manipulated the CPU scheduler, nor am I running Juice Defender.
Just a better battery / phone? Or did the update improve the unit's runtime?
Anyone else experiencing better runtime post update?
liteon163
Well-Known Member
I've noticed that the Spectrum seems to have widely variable battery usage, according to users on this and other forums. Initially I thought it was due to poor hardware quality control. The more I think of it, though, isn't it more likely that poor battery quality control is to blame?
But then again, people aren't always able to solve their problems with a simple battery swap. Maybe it's a combination of many factors...
But then again, people aren't always able to solve their problems with a simple battery swap. Maybe it's a combination of many factors...
finndo77
Android Expert
Not sure if it is the battery, I know this was with less than normal usage, but I almost broke 55 hours on a charge this weekend.
Including titanium scheduled backups
I was at 37% right before I took those screen shots, but my phone random rebooted twice in 5 minutes and when done it was down to 7%. If it had not restarted the charge should have lasted until 11pm when phone weaver would have put it in airplane mode for the night. That would have lasted until 8am or so this morning, putting it right at 56 hours with about 10% left.
Running my EvenLess Eclipse 0.2 and Blitz kernel Rom. (waiting on word from Nitro to see if I can post it and mirror his Rom on my site)
Phone weaver is set to shut off all communication devices at 11pm until 7am, screen off in 30 seconds, and kill network data.
I don't use wifi, and leave 4G on all the time. (I get a good 4G signal in my home) I was home almost every minute of the weekend, as I was oncall this weekend.
Stock battery.
Including titanium scheduled backups
I was at 37% right before I took those screen shots, but my phone random rebooted twice in 5 minutes and when done it was down to 7%. If it had not restarted the charge should have lasted until 11pm when phone weaver would have put it in airplane mode for the night. That would have lasted until 8am or so this morning, putting it right at 56 hours with about 10% left.
Running my EvenLess Eclipse 0.2 and Blitz kernel Rom. (waiting on word from Nitro to see if I can post it and mirror his Rom on my site)
Phone weaver is set to shut off all communication devices at 11pm until 7am, screen off in 30 seconds, and kill network data.
I don't use wifi, and leave 4G on all the time. (I get a good 4G signal in my home) I was home almost every minute of the weekend, as I was oncall this weekend.
Stock battery.
TheBigKahuna
Well-Known Member
If I use mine for calls, texts, emails, and occasional web browsing, the battery goes all day no problems. Standby isn't an issue. But if I play ANY game, the battery is clobbered in no time. One part of this is, I have my screen brightness turned down very low. This seems to help, but on a couple of games, the game seems to override my brightness setting, and the screen is fully lit!
OxyCotton4489
Lurker
When my phone is plugged into the charger, if I receive a text the screen will light up, but it will never time out without me having to manually press the power button. I've tried adjusting the display settings but that only applies to when its off the charger. the problem with this is that I will plug my phone in before bed. if I receive a text while asleep and do not wake to turn the screen off, it will stay on all night and my battery not only won't charge, it is in the red by the morning while it is still plugged in. it also makes the phone hot to the touch. does anyone know how to change this setting?