5 IV compass issue, 90-120 degrees off and won't calibrate beyond low in Google maps

[Pernas]

Hi!

Just a quick checkup if I can get a confirmation that this is an hardware issue with the design of the 5 IV compass since my new fully updated and factory restored 5 IV can't get a proper compass reading (often 90-120 degrees off). Compass calibration within Google maps still shows low regardless of attempts being made.

This is at a place where both an iPhone 14 and a Galaxy S23 works perfect with the compass.

/Per

[EMS_MO72]

Hey @Pernas 

Check if there is a compass test on the support app on the phone, if you found it, run the test and check what will be the result

Try also to check the performance of the compass on Google maps, while you're on safe mode, and check if it will make any difference 

[Pernas]

Thanks, unfortunately no compass test in the support app. Tried safe mode too without any difference. 

To be honest, I read in advance that others were experiencing compass issues with the 5 IV even as we speak but since I was lucky with a really good price I decided to give it a try anyway. The compass in itself wasn’t a deal breaker. 

However, some mentions that the compass test might have been removed from the support app just because of this and if that’s the case it’s ugly…tbc

[EMS_MO72]

I didn't come across many complaints about the compass

But you can try the instructions here to resolve the issue if it's a bug with the software: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/mobile-phones-tablets-mobile-phones/xperia-5-iv-128gb/art...

[Pernas]

Ok, already done this. Wouldn't have written here otherwise and from what I've read (and experienced) it's not easy to calibrate the compass from "low" to at least "medium" accuracy within Google maps with the 5 IV. Also, the "GPS Test" suggests a calibration for the compass and marks it as "Unreliable". Only on this phone(!). Magnetic field present >400uT - again only for this phone. If you Google it I'm not alone...no case attached either. Phones in the same room (or place outside) manages this perfectly.

If someone with a 5 IV could show me a screenshot of a working calibrated compass within Google maps I would happily accept that this could be a sample variation and not a wide spread issue.

[Pernas]

Also, to further illustrate the issue with the 5 IV compass compared to an old Samsung Galaxy S5(!) with a picture;

(Both recently calibrated)

[Pernas]

Hi again,

Below I've now provided new screenshots of this issue from another location compared to another phone (the SGS23) and the 5 IV to the right,

I would appreciate these (Phyphox app) screenshots from another users with the 5 IV

Anyone?

/Per

[Pernas]

I'm amazed while pursuing this issue via different channels that I can't get a straight response on what to do. Either my device is a lemon and can easily be fixed or replaced or it's a (known) fault which is due to a mistake in this model. If the latter I guess I won't get any confirmation nor denial per se. Apart from that at least one other user should be able to confirm the compass function on their device so I can move on in the right direction.

[Piscie]

Hello @Pernas have you tried a third party compass app to compare the performance? Also, have you tried a software repair via the Xperia Companion app?

[Pernas]

Yes, apart from Google maps I've tried GPS Test (chartcross), GPStest and phyphox and they all show the same behaviour.

(Some of them have screenshots of the results earlier in this thread.)

All these apps behave well on other phones at the same location (s). Regarding the software repair I'm not yet ready to try another full reset procedure since I just recently did a full factory reset to no avail.