Internet Speed Annoyance - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I just got a Samsung Galaxy S3 on the One Plan with Three and love it-apart from one big annoyance. My colleague has exactly the same plan but with an HTC One S. both handsets supplied by 3 and network locked/branded.
His handset (at exactly the same location/same time) consistently shows 50% faster on speedtest than mine. We have swapped sims and I can confirm the result is exactly the same on both handsets regardless of sim-so it is definitely handset related.
I also own a dongle that is supposed to be capable up to 21meg but it gives the same results as my handset.
One last thing. I previously had the Galaxy S2 and the results were exactly as now. I wrongly assumed that the hardware upgrade might resolve but to no avail. Seems HTC is better in this respect!
I can't see any further tweaks I can play with in the standard settings so perhaps someone can help. I love this phone but am frustrated that a supposedly lower spec HTC outperforms in one area anyway. Thanks in advance

Have you verified that both of your APN settings match on the phones?

Related

[Q] galaxy s 4g vs hd2

In terms of development for these two devices which phone would be better to have? Right now I have and HD2 running the Typhoon CM7 of 2.3.5 by tytung. It's rooted, flashed, I recently got it unlocked, and it's running great. Overall I'm very satisfied with it.
The other day I saw a post on craigslist for someone who was interested in trading a galaxy s 4g for an hd2 straight up. It got me thinking about a few reasons why it might be something I would consider. First and probably most importantly the galaxy is 4g enabled on the t-mobile hspa+ network and can theoretically download at speeds of 21 mbps. While the hd2 maxes at 7.2 mbps on the hspa network. whether or not I would actually experience a much faster connection on the galaxy isn't exactly sure since much of that depends on t-mobile's cell towers.
Next on my list is that the hd2 does not have a dedicated lock screen button since it is not a native android device. I have attempted to fiddle with settings on my ROM to modify the end button's behavior to only function as a lock screen button but have been unsuccessful. This only bothers me when I'm on a phone call with earbuds in and I have to wait for the phone lock the screen by itself before I can put it in my pocket and not worry about it ending my call or doing any other funky stuff while the screen is unlocked.
The galaxy s 4g also has a much nicer super amoled screen than the hd2 although it is smaller it adds a cosmetic appeal to the device. Along with the cosmetic appeal the galaxy has a much larger battery at over 1600 mah while the hd2 is only around 1230 i think.
Despite all the great things about the galaxy s 4g I don't know if these minor details are truly enough reason to give up the hd2. The hd2 also has an entire gig of ROM and slightly more RAM than the galaxy.
Lastly I just saw some of the new development on the hd2 done by dorimanx that has allowed his hd2 to post quadrant standard scores of 3000....
So my ultimate question is if you had to choose between the hd2 or the galaxy s 4g for a phone that you would be using for atleast another year or more which one would you prefer based on some of my observations as well as any of your own?
Thanks for your time
if i could atleast get some votes on the poll i'd appreciate it

Sprint/OG EVO 4G to ATT/ATT Note

Hello all!
I've been reading through this forum and wanted to ask you all a few questions.
First, let me start by saying I have been to a local ATT store and played with the Note. I found it to be a perfect fit in my hand. The screen size and resolution is flat out amazing. I also looked at the specs and found them to be on par with most devices these days. However, I have read that the processor in the ATT version is a Snapdragon with an okay GPU chip...any thoughts? The internal storage is 16GB and up to 32GB external (although in this forum, I have seen it as high as 64GB)...good to go as well. No default notification indicator...boo, but not a deal breaker and an app can fix that. I also have read that the camera is okay, but can be tweaked to make it better.
Next, I am not new to tweaking my devices...actually, I love too! I read, read, read everything and usually don't have any problems. I am definitely a power/advanced user and do much more then text and check email. I use devices to fullest extent as possible.
I am not asking you all to tell me to buy this device or switch networks, but instead I'm asking you all for real world answers. So here are my questions.
1. Looking through the forums, I saw about 3 solid custom ROMs and several stock rooted ROMs. My question is, do you all have a solid base for development? I also saw that there is no AOSP CM7 ROM for this device either...is that correct? With ICS expected on this device soon, will there be development (the international version has ICS already I believe)? I'm rocking the OG HTC EVO 4G and development is rock solid...even with the device about to turn 2yrs old (6/4/12)...so development is a huge deal for me.
2. Okay, Sprint doesn't have the best network and 4G/WiMax is a total joke. When I was at the local ATT store, I ran several speed tests on the display Note (using ATT's LTE) and was floored by the down/up speeds! My question is how is battery life with it connected to LTE all the time AND using the crap out of it. I ask this, because with my EVO, I very rarely use 4G/WiMax. We can turn it on/off at will thru settings or a widget. Also, I always connect to my WiFi at home. It looks like on the Note via a custom ROM, turning LTE on/off is controlled through the build.prop...is this correct? I keep chargers around, but just curious.
3. I don't use this feature that often, but it's always good to have...tethering. With my EVO, most if not all custom ROMs have the ability to tether (USB or wireless) baked in. So what are the options with the Note? I have never paid for this feature and don't intend to either.
4. I haven't peeked into the theme section yet, but I'm sure there are themes for this device...right?
Edit- Late addition question...kernels. I use OC/UV/SBC kernels on my EVO...so what is the current state of kernels with this device?
Before I end this dissertation, I want to say this forum seems to be more mature...always a good thing. Also, I have several device choices to consider, but I am strongly considering getting away from CDMA carriers and join the rest of the world on GSM...not TMo, been there done that. I'm on the fence with getting this device or waiting for the HTC One X version or the GNex coming to ATT and Sprint (if I decide to stay). I'm just doing some research to make a very good decision.
Oh and thanks for posting the price from Fryers...$199 is much better than $299 !
Thanks in advance to all that answer and Android rocks!!
I owned the Evo 4G before moving to the Evo 3D and after that the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon.
If the size of the screen is not that attractive enough for you to sway you from the One X or the Galaxy Nexus then I would advise you wait for the Galaxy S3. The S3 (rumors of course) is shaping out to be superior to any of those devices.
As for your actual first question, yes the ATT and the International version of the Note have two different processors. At the time, Samsung's Exynos cpu in the Int Note did not have a LTE chip compatible with our LTE spectrum here in the states. So they switched to the Snapdragon chip for ATT. Yes the snapdragon performs less than the Int counterpart but chances are you will see no difference in real world use.
1. Development for this phone is still in its early stages. Coming from the EVO I can tell you development like that is the exception, not the rule. There are tons of the phones and only the most popular phones get the same attention. The phone came out a little over a month ago.
Also this phone will never be at the same level of popularity as some of the other ATT phones (S2 for example). CM9 is being worked on now for the Note. Maybe we might have a taste of it a month or so.
2. ATT has a better network compared to Sprint. HSPA+ is more than enough to beat Sprint's 3G and WiMax to the floor. One of the advantages is the fact you can talk on the phone while surfing the web or look up directions ect. Battery life is actually superior in respect to CDMA LTE devices. Since all radios are on the same chip you save battery life. You can turn off LTE when not in a LTE area but there are no noticeable impacts on battery life.
3. If you would like to use tethering all you have to do is freeze and apk (tethering manager I believe) and that's it. You can tether as you please.
4. There are a couple of themes for the different roms that exist. Also themes are proportional to the number of roms. Keep in mind themes are different for Samsung phones. There are no themes in apk form. All themes must be flashed.
Huge thanks for taking the time to respond. I played with the Note again today and I was able to one hand text and navigate around with ease. I'm sure I will end up switching to ATT for a GSM device. I was at Best Buy and they would not honor Fry's price...I plan to check with a local ATT store next.
I plan on buying a new device after 5/3 (my contract with Sprint ends), so I plan on watching for the S3 as well. If anyone else wants to chime in, please feel free. Again, thanks for your well written response!
How do you turn off LTE?

WIFI Problems / Warranty Replacement?

I know that a lot of Galaxy S3 owners have been having problems with their WIFI acting funny. My question is... Out of all the people who have this wifi "bug", how many of you have exchanged it for a warranty replacement? I would like to know if getting a brand new phone solved the issue. I'm wondering if this might have something to do with the first big shipment being rushed to make the release date. Curious to know if phones made most recently still have this problem. I bought mine the first day it was released on T- Mobile on June 21. If somehow newer GS3 's don't have this problem, I might have to exchange mine.
T-Mobile Pebble Blue Galaxy S3
Samsung sent me a replacement Sprint Galaxy S3 on an executive level after I went all the way to level 3 tech support with no cure. They asked for my phone for troubleshooting and sent me a replacement next day air.
The replacement is having the same issue. My Galaxy S3's cannot connect to wireless N 5GHz (with or without security, all channels and frequencies tried as well) but the EVO 4G LTE I returned to get the Galaxy S3 saw it and connected perfectly.
To answer the original question, the new phone did not fix my issue.
I don't know if this has to do with the problem you were having, but personally my wifi problem on both the international version and verizon version (i have both) involved it dropping my wifi singnal because of the automatic shut off settings.
If you go to the phone app and dial #*0011#
it takes you to servicemode
Then hit menu button and select "WIFI"
Turn off the wifi power save mode
Your wifi network will reconnect.
I do not know how much this adversely effects battery life. It also sucks because you have to do this each time you restart the phone.
I believe many of the wifi issues have to do with that mode and hopefully it is fixed in an update.

Signal speculation

Hope it has improved signal over the S3 and no dreaded Message Not Sent when I in full 3g/4g coverage..
I'm hoping the global radio in the Note 2 is outstanding... as this maybe my next phone.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
Its Samsung so I'm sure the signal will still be lacking compared to moto and HTC. I hope they figured it out as this looks like an awesome phone. Going to wait and see how it ends up before buying.
It probably won't be as good as a Moto phone, however, it may be similar to HTC phones and other Samsung phones. And for anyone saying HTC has a much better signal than Samsung, I've had 3 Samsung phones now, and I have had service places that a DInc2 showed service but couldn't do anything, and have also had reported signal as good as other HTC phones in the same location. I would imagine that the service on the Note 2 would be similar to the SGS3 on VZW.
Agreed hope its improved over the S3
imnuts said:
It probably won't be as good as a Moto phone, however, it may be similar to HTC phones and other Samsung phones. And for anyone saying HTC has a much better signal than Samsung, I've had 3 Samsung phones now, and I have had service places that a DInc2 showed service but couldn't do anything, and have also had reported signal as good as other HTC phones in the same location. I would imagine that the service on the Note 2 would be similar to the SGS3 on VZW.
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Click to collapse
You're all over the note 2 forums imnuts! Does this mean you will be picking one up? :thumbup:
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
magneticzero said:
Hope it has improved signal over the S3 and no dreaded Message Not Sent when I in full 3g/4g coverage..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had a problem with by reception at all. I usually always have full bars on 4g if not 3 bars
Tap'n
techgov8 said:
I've never had a problem with by reception at all. I usually always have full bars on 4g if not 3 bars
Tap'n
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I've been incredibly surprised by the good reception I've had with the S3. It's not quite up to Motorola standards, but it's pretty close to HTC and much better than any other Samsung phone I've had on Verizon. My only complaint has been that it tends to stick with 3G in weak 4G areas more than my recent devices from Motorola and HTC. But I'm guessing that was done on purpose in an attempt to avoid drops when switching back and forth.
I'm always hoping for an improvement, but if the reception is as good as the reception on the S3 has been for me, I'll be happy.
mypantsaretorn said:
You're all over the note 2 forums imnuts! Does this mean you will be picking one up? :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have three stipulations, but it pretty much all hinges on one, and that is the phone must be unlocked. Without that, I don't really care about to much else.
imnuts said:
I have three stipulations, but it pretty much all hinges on one, and that is the phone must be unlocked. Without that, I don't really care about to much else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All other Verizon LTE devices with global capabilities have been unlocked for GSM use, as well as for LTE use (although Verizon's LTE bands aren't widely used). I'd expect the Note 2 will be the same.
Anyone knows of a review or reviews comparing Samsung radio receiver sensitivity?
I had never found one, it seems like reviews are written by by newbie reviewers with master degree in English, Communication, or Comp-sci. None of them ever worked with front end radio receivers even just for once in their whole life and completely ignorant of them.
This is a huge problem that I have with my GSIII, I get terrible reception, I'm currently living in the country and my friends with the RAZR Maxx get 4g while I can barely hold onto 3g and going into the basement is absolutely zero service. It's terrible. I had better reception with my Galaxy Nexus than I do with the GSIII. I wish something could be done.
AndrewH05 said:
This is a huge problem that I have with my GSIII, I get terrible reception, I'm currently living in the country and my friends with the RAZR Maxx get 4g while I can barely hold onto 3g and going into the basement is absolutely zero service. It's terrible. I had better reception with my Galaxy Nexus than I do with the GSIII. I wish something could be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you have a defective unit as I haven't heard of anyone that got worse reception with the SGS3 than they did with the Galaxy Nexus.
imnuts said:
Sounds like you have a defective unit as I haven't heard of anyone that got worse reception with the SGS3 than they did with the Galaxy Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I bought the phone from a friend, he bought it and decided he preferred Motorola phones, so I got it cheap. Not sure if Samsung would still honor the warranty or not? And yes, I got way better signal with the Nexus in generally every place I frequently go, much more consistent. That's my ultimate worry about the Note II, if it's just like the GSIII then I'm not sure I want it.
AndrewH05 said:
Unfortunately, I bought the phone from a friend, he bought it and decided he preferred Motorola phones, so I got it cheap. Not sure if Samsung would still honor the warranty or not? And yes, I got way better signal with the Nexus in generally every place I frequently go, much more consistent. That's my ultimate worry about the Note II, if it's just like the GSIII then I'm not sure I want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you think your friend sold it cheap..ha ha jk. Sounds like a defective one. Or you may need a new SIM card. Sg3 signal is much better than gnex. Good luck
AndrewH05 said:
Unfortunately, I bought the phone from a friend, he bought it and decided he preferred Motorola phones, so I got it cheap. Not sure if Samsung would still honor the warranty or not? And yes, I got way better signal with the Nexus in generally every place I frequently go, much more consistent. That's my ultimate worry about the Note II, if it's just like the GSIII then I'm not sure I want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also wanted the new Samsung note mainly for the screensize and I also noted the problems you encountered which is very common with Samsung phones.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4686/samsung-galaxy-s-2-international-review-the-best-redefined/11
"In addition, Samsung makes the mistake of going with a signal bar visualization with very compressed dynamic range. Since the whole iPhone 4 debacle, I’ve seen something of a trend towards a strict linear scale (which makes more sense), but SGS2 definitely doesn’t go that route. It’s not a huge deal however, just something to be aware of. I’m willing to overlook that issue considering that getting the real story on connectivity is no harder than dialing *#0011# and looking at the real number."
The quoted note above meant the the reviewer had little experience with signal processing and didn't know typical "compressed dynamic range" signal processing usage.
In the last 30+ years "compressed dynamic range" signal processing is use to bring actual usable dynamic range above spurious background noise for processing. ie, typical hacks avoiding the problematic spurious background noise instead of fixing unwanted spurious background noise problems causing lack of sufficient signal sensitivity.

Network Signal İssues

I checked many forums on web and see a lot of people complaining about bad reception,call drops etc. on Galaxy s6 Edge
Also here there is 2 topic opened by members .I wrote one of them but no one gave me even a clue
My network signal really sucks, especially while on wcdma/3g mod. So one of post on web says Samsung had changed their anttenna system thats why.Some of says its about modem part.
Most of post wroten about in May and June so whats happened to this issue.How did you solve? Or what is the problem is it software or hardware related.
Thanks
I have a new 925F on T-Mobile in the US and I have also noticed this issue. Signal strength is much worse than on my prior device (HTC One M7). I have been toying with flashing the T-Mobile modem on my device and seeing what happens, but am afraid of what might happen...don't need a shiny new brick. I have tried several different ROMs, including the one from the T-Mobile sub-forum that is no longer being supported with the same results.
Anyone have any ideas, or know what would happen if I flashed the 925T modem on my 925F device?
like i said there is to possiblty causing this issue. Samsungs new antenna system or hardware problem.People were complaining about it a few months ago and ı am curious what happened their device or they used to live with it?
Have to say have the same experience... I actually carry an iphone 6 (for business reasons) as well - same network (AT&T), and without exception:
- the iphone has better reception in the same location (more bars, faster internet, more reliable internet)
- the iphone connects faster when the plane lands (and I fly alot)
- the iphone keeps reception in places where the S6 loses it
Frustrating, as I'm the opposite of an iphone fanboy, and using the phones next to each other shows me Samsung needs to do more work in this area!
The only reliable solution to SLIGHTLY improve things is to restart the phone a LOT
I have had to switch to 2g/3g only because my S6 edge has little or no signal on 4g and it uses about 3% per hour of battery on standby. I also have an iPhone 6 and both are on the same network(EE in the UK) and I never see anything under half bars on 4g but most of the time it is full bars. I have had the phone replaced and had two sim swaps but it is still no better.
The camera on the S6 is fantastic but the rest of the phone is a lagging stuttering piece of sh!t. I sold my Note 4 and Moto X 2014 a few weeks ago in preparation for the Note 5 but it is not sold in Europe. On the bright side the S6 is better than the G4 I tried for a few weeks.
today i went to service to ask replace the device, explained my issues after one hour they told me the problem solved by flashing new firmware i am sure the problem persist because i had newest firmware and flashed it before.So we have to live with it i guess its not a problem for them .
i have noticed that only Edge users complaining about it and not sure but i guess i read antenna is short on Edge.

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