Before the 4.3 update, my wifi connection at home on my Galaxy S4 was flawless. After the update I began experiencing erratic connectivity problems. After researching this online I came across one suggestion that recommended checking my router to see if it was broadcasting on dual channels...the standard 2.4ghz and the 5ghz. If it was broadcasting on both, try turning off the 5ghz channel and be sure to lock on at 2.4ghz. It solved my problem.
All this speaks to a larger problem. The S4 is so overly "feature rich" that there's no way for Samsung, or Verizon, to properly modify Android OS updates so as to ensure these type of problems won't occur. Hence, conflicts aren't uncovered until the update is released into users hands.
I've turned off all the bells and whistles that are hyped as attractive features on this phone, including: Motions & Gestures; Smart Screen; Air View; Voice Control: Hands Free Mode: Smart Pause; Smart Scroll; and numerous other features. I've also turned off all the pre-loaded bloatware and junkware that has been stuffed on to this phone.
As a result, the phone runs more smoothly and I get greater battery life. Mind you, the screen scroll still stutters, apps take longer to load than you would expect, and even dialing a number on the phone dialer requires pacing, else a number gets skipped. The point is there comes a point when more = less, which is why my next phone will most certainly be a Nexus.
