Android: Controlled TextInput Issue on Some Androids

[Noitidart]

• I have reviewed the documentation
• I have searched existing issues
• I am using the latest React Native version

All my tests are done on a real device.

On some Android's, the controlled TextInput is not being controlled correctly and causes all kinds of problems. For demo I simplified it down to <TextInput value="Hello" />, and now typing in this box you will see weird characters show momentarily.

Here are some bigger issues caused by this root issue:

• On autocomplete - new characters are introduced - Android autocomplete bug HandlebarLabs/code-and-coffee#15 (comment) (gif included)
• After ".clear" - and then tyep another character - old value comes back - Android autocomplete bug HandlebarLabs/code-and-coffee#15 (comment) (gif included)
• Another - I dont have a gif of yet, I use redux-form, when I have enableReinitialize:true and keepDirtyOnReinitialize: true. On first re-initialization, the field is getting changed even if it is dirty - only on first re-initialization, future re-initializations have no problem interestingly.

This has been impacting me in all RN versions (I think I started RN with something in the 50s). I have two Android devices. This bug happens to me only on one of them.

Environment

Environment:
OS: Windows 10
Node: 8.4.0
Yarn: 0.19.1
npm: 6.0.0
Watchman: Not Found
Xcode: N/A
Android Studio: Version 2.3.0.0 AI-162.3764568

Packages: (wanted => installed)
react: 16.3.1 => 16.3.1
react-native: 0.55.3 => 0.55.3

Steps to Reproduce

1. Render <TextInput value="Hello" />
2. Type in it, you will see flashes of bad text (characters you did not just push)

Here is a snack - https://snack.expo.io/@noitsnack/controlled-textinput-issue-on-some-androids

Expected Behavior

Only the character I just typed should flash. Flash because native side gets new character and then syncs with js, which is controlled value. (ideally we have no flash, but this is understandable, and this is not the goal of this issue)

Actual Behavior

Here is a gif, we see my original text gets "duplicated" on second character press.

[thymikee]

Just to chime in, I can reproduce this behavior on RN 0.55.3, LG G2, Android 5.0.1 (stock).

[Noitidart]

Thank you very much @thymikee - are you able to reproduce the externally linked snacks too for the more complex examples?

[thymikee]

@Noitidart yep, exact the same bahvior as on attached gifs

[Noitidart]

Thank you very much for the note on reproduction. I was having a hard time finding others, but after having this bug for a couple months I was sure of it so posted here.

[stale]

Hey there, it looks like there has been no activity on this issue recently. Has the issue been fixed, or does it still require the community's attention? This issue may be closed if no further activity occurs. You may also label this issue as "For Discussion" or "Good first issue" and I will leave it open. Thank you for your contributions.

[Noitidart]

"For Discussion"

This hasn't been fixed, it's a major issue that still needs discussion to figure out which devices are causing this. And then troubleshooting on those devices.