Hi all! First post in the Alpha section... Got my Alpha the other day. And i love all about it. But there is one thing thats gets me wondering. It's the reception. All my previous phones got good reception at home.. i get 1-2 bars. So my question is. Does anybody experience this issue? I have experienced SMS delays and chipped calls.
Location : Sweden
Provider : Telenor
Look at actual signal strength in dBm. Bars are arbitrary and vary from phone to phone.
phositadc said:
Look at actual signal strength in dBm. Bars are arbitrary and vary from phone to phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i have.. it's lite around -110 .. My Z2 had around -70 to -80 in the same region..
pattsy said:
Yeah, i have.. it's lite around -110 .. My Z2 had around -70 to -80 in the same region..
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Click to collapse
Ah ok. That's a bit concerning... Huge difference.
phositadc said:
Ah ok. That's a bit concerning... Huge difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could just be a faulty device... I'll try replacing my sim first. If that's the issue.
If that's not working. I'll have it replaced.
Edit: Had my sim replaced. Still experiencing bad reception. It goes as low as -105dbm... where my z2 had around -70 (same network, same location)... that's bad. Any ideas what I can do to solve this?
Yeah keep me updated - my Alpha also seems to have noticeably weaker reception than my iPhone on 4G (800mhz band).
Hoping its a modem firmware/software power output thing and not a hardware thing.
Same here, looks like the reception is 1-2 bars worse than other phones.
But I have no experience of delayed SMS or failed calls and the speeds on internet is very good.
Location: Sweden
Provider: Telia
seem like Iphone 4s signal problem with metal frame blocking antena-reciver,hmmm
Signal problems
Hi, I'm on my second Alpha and first sim, I have an alternative sim yet to try but have chated on Twitter with another user who found no improvement with a new sim and changed phones completely. I'm with three. My signal goes completely when I'm sitting with other three users whose phones work fine. I think it's a phone fault and am considering sending it back now.
Hi guys,
I noticed something interesting with my Alpha:
As you, I have a poor signal strength. But when calling someone then the signal bar jump to full force instantly!
Could it be a link with BIG little technology?
KiDimel said:
Hi guys,
I noticed something interesting with my Alpha:
As you, I have a poor signal strength. But when calling someone then the signal bar jump to full force instantly!
Could it be a link with BIG little technology?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for those who have the same problem, I deactivated the 4G. Then the signal strength is better. I made the test: 2 bars with 4G enabled in network settings, full signal when 3G only.
As a possible future Alpha owner, question.
Are you on a USA Network with the Qualcomm Alpha ?
Or in Europe on Exynos Octacore ?
robertkoa said:
As a possible future Alpha owner, question.
Are you on a USA Network with the Qualcomm Alpha ?
Or in Europe on Exynos Octacore ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a european Exynos one
The alpha is my second LTE able phone. Both showed a completely different signal bar reading when using LTE (and checking in lecture, how Signal strength is meassured for GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/LTE it shows, that LTE uses a completely revised scheme to calculate the signal strength)
I haven't made any speed measurements yet, but my feeling is:
(4G) With LTE, even without any highlighted bar i can use internet, webpages load fast, other lookups work.
(3G,3.5G) With H/H+ , and at least 1 bar highlighted, internet works
(2.5G) Edge and at least 1 to two bars, internet is available... three bars are better for it to be worthwhile
(2G) G only - forget it. I'll need 4 bars to surf the web, and i must wait. Chat works if i'm lucky and got at least 1-2 bars.
Apart from that: the signal bars in 2G and 3G show the strength of the signal - but aren't any measure of the quality of the signal. They show anything that sends on the frequency/timeslot of the 2G/3G signal you're receiving. If you've got heavy interferences, you'll get full bars but it all is static.
(Like - in a disco, you've got loud music, and people speaking very loudly to you - that would be full bars, but not the best place to speak to each other....)
I don't understand exactly what the value used by 4G exactly means, but it sounds like it only represents the LTE cell you do want to receive - so it should be more accurate and cutting out the noise somehow
I think you're right ! This is my feeling too. In 4G calls are always perfect for me even with one bar.
In settings we can also have a more accurate highlight on to the signal strength in Db.
Guys this alpha is full of mysteriousness !
I think samsung did it ON purpose.. ! Save battery??
I have weaker signal too.. on iphone 5 is full and i had on my former Honor 6 full as hell..
But I dont konw IF samsung wants to save power by this .. I think it has no much influence as iphone 5 nor Honor 6 had full signal and battery never got down fast.. when I had Honor 6 100% at night it was 98 % in morning..
Another thing with aplha ,when i leave phone in sleep half hour or longer , th emobile network stops and wont come up...
I have to restart phone or turn airplane on ad off.. then H+ or 4G appears..
I have the issue with mobile data too, it seems to also do it when it has been on WiFi for a while and you change to mobile data.
no service
Hey guys,
I have a very bad reception with my Samsung Galaxy Alpha when i'm in the subway in Paris. To be honnest I have no service, no sms, no calls, and for sure no internet...
I can see people using their smartphones inside the subway without problems.
I had an iPhone 4 during 3 years, and didn't have any problem with it when I was in the subway.
I'm using the same phone carrier "Bouygues Telecom"
So what's wrong with this Galaxy Alpha ?
MaskedMarauder said:
I have the issue with mobile data too, it seems to also do it when it has been on WiFi for a while and you change to mobile data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it disables data carrier APN and it won't turn it auto i went it that settings and had to tap that circle manually to get green .. think it is bug .. need sorting out updating software..
---------- Post added at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------
safnyght2 said:
Hey guys,
I have a very bad reception with my Samsung Galaxy Alpha when i'm in the subway in Paris. To be honnest I have no service, no sms, no calls, and for sure no internet...
I can see people using their smartphones inside the subway without problems.
I had an iPhone 4 during 3 years, and didn't have any problem with it when I was in the subway.
I'm using the same phone carrier "Bouygues Telecom"
So what's wrong with this Galaxy Alpha ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks lik eit might be a software problem .. we need to contact samsung bout it or complain on their site.. but guys all of us we must complain not just one person cos they wont sort it out..
Hey people,
I'm also having connection issues:
When I boot the phone it's working is at should: Switching between 4G/3G/EDGE etc. After a while the connection sort of times out. I can only make emergency calls. It works flawlessly for up to a day, or it can only work for like 5 minutes.
Rebooting the device fixes this temporarily. My service provider (Hi in NL) has already sent me a new simcard which doesn't help. They are now saying I should send it over for repair.
Btw: When i leave it in CDMA only, the problem takes much longer to arise (like a couple of days).
I can see that people who have posted in this thread are having the same issues. I'm wondering if this is firmware or hardware related, as I want avoid sending over my phone. If it IS a firmware bug, sending it over for repair obviously isn't going to fix this.
I have sent an e-mail to Samsung BeNeLux. Like Simona Simmy says, we should all write to Samsung
Related
Ever since I've transferred to AT&T I've had laggy data issues. I finally rooted/flashed to AOKP, and while trying to address the issues of no APNs appearing or saving and no signal status in the status bar, I've come to find both AT&T and T-Mobile as Available Networks under some network setting. Am I chasing ghosts here, or is there something actually up?
EDIT: So I really need help troubleshooting the issue. I'll logcat, dump, or whatever necessary. I've been in many cities/areas and this problem persists: if I haven't used data or the phone hasn't been backgrounding traffic, it'll take anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds before a connection is made when I try to access an internet-related function on my phone (even though 3G/H is displayed in the status bar). Out of shear frustration (this has been happening since I got the phone, under stock ROMs and now under AOKP), I tried messing with *#*#info#*#*. I changed WCDMA-preferred to WCDMA-only -- no improvement. Oddly, I also tried GSM-only. Well, great improvement! Even though I only have E, there is absolutely no latency in waiting for a connection -- so pages and other data end up loading faster on Edge than 3G !
I have absolutely no idea why my phone takes forever to make a connection. Under 3G, I see only but a few upstream network activity blips (even under full bars) for as much as 30 seconds, before there is any downstream activity (and when it comes, it comes). Can anyone help???
P.S.: I'm going to try using a friend's SIM later for comparison.
joebobjoe said:
Ever since I've transferred to AT&T I've had laggy data issues. I finally rooted/flashed to AOKP, and while trying to address the issues of no APNs appearing or saving and no signal status in the status bar, I've come to find both AT&T and T-Mobile as Available Networks under some network setting. Am I chasing ghosts here, or is there something actually up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they both share the 1900MHz band I believe.
Red5 said:
Because they both share the 1900MHz band I believe.
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Click to collapse
I'd like to know if it shows up for anyone else?
joebobjoe said:
I'd like to know if it shows up for anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On AOKP it does for me too. Just ignore it.
Red5 said:
On AOKP it does for me too. Just ignore it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An aside: does your phone stay on 3G and switch to H only under moderate network traffic?
joebobjoe said:
An aside: does your phone stay on 3G and switch to H only under moderate network traffic?
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Click to collapse
The phone displays 3G because thats what it is... then when data is being processed, it shows H because its using the "what AT&T calls 4G but its really HSPA" side of the network. For just standby time with no data, its going to show 3G because HSDPA is traffic, not standby.
Red5 said:
The phone displays 3G because thats what it is... then when data is being processed, it shows H because its using the "what AT&T calls 4G but its really HSPA" side of the network. For just standby time with no data, its going to show 3G because HSDPA is traffic, not standby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's strange. I'm used to phones displaying what network-level they are capable of. So why would it not just display H for HSPA+ when HSPA+ service is available, instead of only displaying under traffic.
I'm going to go ahead an edit this thread to help troubleshoot what I think to be the main issue.
After some trials I see that the network indicator switches back and forth between 3G and H a few tines before making the connection and transmitting data. Hmmm...
Basically, "4G" will eat your battery alive so the phone idles at 3G and jumps to H+ only when you use data. If you were on a "stock" ATT rom it would always read H+, but this is technically false since when its idle the phone sits in 3G. CM9 and AOKP accurately display it which is why you see the switch.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
I have a HTC Amaze for a phone and the Galaxy S2 is my media player. Sometimes, when I don't feel like carrying around two devices, I put my T-Mobile SIM in the galaxy and use it as my phone. I must say, Edge is not as slow as I remember it being. Maybe speed is contingent on network traffic. If thats the case, instead of using crowded "faux G" networks, I may defer to Edge to save battery life and get good dl/ul rates.
My phone does the same thing. I noticed it sometime ago. When idle 3g. Internet I get H+. This is with both Shostock2 and Phone Bricker. I was curious to know too but just blew it off because it really doesnt make any difference to me as long as Im getting decent speeds. Im not even with ATT anymore. Went with Straight Talk. Which uses ATT towers. Cant beat the price!!
They don't have the correct apns, but that symbol problem is because the phone doesn't use hspa+ passively, only actively. It causes some lag when downloading, but it is faster fit large data. But your problem is due to a supposed imei range with bad modems. Rehash stick, fix the triangle, and return it.
Sent from my GT-I777 using xda premium
My phone - I have ICS - S-OFF Amaze with Energy ROM and I had tried to apply blas0id tweaks.
The problem - In certain areas I don't have phone signal for a few minutes, then suddenly it will show 4 bars for a few minutes. In general the signal seems fickle.
Before ICS upgrade, when I had GB, I always had 4 bars in the same places. I *think* I had good signal with ICS before I did blat0id tweaks, but I am not certain of that. (ICS and the tweaks were within a few days)
My wife's Iphone still has excellent signal in those places. Tmobile Mytouch also has excellent signal in the same places. So something has changed on my amaze and not the cell towers.
What I have done so far -
1. went back to stock ICS by flashing the img file. That did not improve the signal. So then got back to energy
2. Tried another ROM - speedrom. No improvement in signal
3. Tried few apps like fresh network. They did not help
Please help me
What can/should I do? I love my amaze, but if I dont get consistent signal, I will have to replace it
Are there any tweaks that I can try?
How about the custom kernels that have been made for ICS recently, would those help?
Is there a way to increase the power to look for and catch on better signal? I can trade battery life for better signal
Thanks
I have same issue but with WiFi only. I never had GB I hope there is a work around
Sent from my Dark Unicorn Resurrected v.2.5 using xda premium
Found a workaround
This was dumb luck, but when I was trying to play around the app opensignal, it wanted me to set 2G for some of its functionality, since that functionality does not work over 3g. So I went to setup and set Network mode to "GSM Only" from "GSM/WCDMA Auto"
And walla! right after that my signal jumped from 1 bar to 4 bars and has stayed there. I went back to WCDMA and signal dropped, so now I change the network mode only when I need 4G. Its a pain, but at least, the signal is good when I need it.
So with that information, can someone help how I can tweak something to get my 4G and also good signal?
Thanks
try updating the radio if you have done so, even though you are going to have to go through the process of locking the device again and unlocking the bootloader again, that would be an idea to try, we still dont know what changes R2 radio update has done but its deff worth a shot
kenneth11414 said:
try updating the radio if you have done so, even though you are going to have to go through the process of locking the device again and unlocking the bootloader again, that would be an idea to try, we still dont know what changes R2 radio update has done but its deff worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to kno also but let kno what radio u flash from the ruu
kenneth11414 said:
try updating the radio if you have done so, even though you are going to have to go through the process of locking the device again and unlocking the bootloader again, that would be an idea to try, we still dont know what changes R2 radio update has done but its deff worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked the version of my software and I think I already have R2
Build number
2.14.531.3_R2 CL373265 release-keys
So not sure if that would change anything
I have always had this problem as well sometimes I have 4 bars of signal then it drops to the X as in no signal,can't make calls or sends texts until it picks up again, happens totally random don't think it has to do anything with tmobile coverage since I live in the center of Miami. Also most of the time I have 2 bars of signal in most places, I believe it's faulty hardware
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2
kenneth11414 said:
try updating the radio if you have done so, even though you are going to have to go through the process of locking the device again and unlocking the bootloader again, that would be an idea to try, we still dont know what changes R2 radio update has done but its deff worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Krazex2005 said:
I have always had this problem as well sometimes I have 4 bars of signal then it drops to the X as in no signal,can't make calls or sends texts until it picks up again, happens totally random don't think it has to do anything with tmobile coverage since I live in the center of Miami. Also most of the time I have 2 bars of signal in most places, I believe it's faulty hardware
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Krazex .. did you try to set your network mode and see if that helps your signal stick around longer and get better signal? That is working well for me.
I've tried setting my network to GSA and my data speed dropped to 2G.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
soundping said:
I've tried setting my network to GSA and my data speed dropped to 2G.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, that's what this setting is supposed to do, but it increased the quality of my phone signal, that is what I am trying to make better/consistent. Because even after all the bells and whistles, calling someone/receiving the calls is the primary purpose of the phone for me and if that doesn't work, the phone doesn't work for me
GSM = 2G
WCDMA = 3G/4G
Get a new SIM card.
My amaze won't get 4g in my house whatsoever, only switches to 2g when it feels like it.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda app-developers app
hasoon2000 said:
GSM = 2G
WCDMA = 3G/4G
Get a new SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A new sim card is a good idea.. so is removing the back cover and cleaning off the contacts with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol. Taking something and SLIGHTLY bending out each of the gold contacts so they make better contact with the case, making sure there is no debris.
Another thing to look into- there is a TON of hacks for cellphone signal that can be done in build.prop.. playing with those settings is probably a good idea.
The last idea- the signal is actually NOT different. The number of bars it shows you is now just more ACCURATE. You still lose signal in ONLY the exact places you would have before.. but now when your phone would show you as having 1 or 2 bars(on gingerbread) right before you lose all signal, on ICS it shows you as having NO bars because you truly have almost lost the signal. It is VERY accurate, now that I am in an area with bad signal.. I have actually flashed gingerbread again and things did NOT get better, there was just fewer bars that weren't as accurate. But I lost signal in the same spots, and would lost 4g in the same exact spots..
hasoon2000 said:
GSM = 2G
WCDMA = 3G/4G
Get a new SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RZJZA80 said:
My amaze won't get 4g in my house whatsoever, only switches to 2g when it feels like it.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, OP here. This question/workaround is not about getting 4G. I am getting 4G just fine. Its about the phone signal (the bars). My amaze does not get good phone signal in some areas and when I set the network mode to GSM only (2G), phone signal strength and stability increases. and now I want to figure out how I can keep the setting to 4G and get a good phone signal
Silentbtdeadly said:
A new sim card is a good idea.. so is removing the back cover and cleaning off the contacts with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol. Taking something and SLIGHTLY bending out each of the gold contacts so they make better contact with the case, making sure there is no debris.
Another thing to look into- there is a TON of hacks for cellphone signal that can be done in build.prop.. playing with those settings is probably a good idea.
The last idea- the signal is actually NOT different. The number of bars it shows you is now just more ACCURATE. You still lose signal in ONLY the exact places you would have before.. but now when your phone would show you as having 1 or 2 bars(on gingerbread) right before you lose all signal, on ICS it shows you as having NO bars because you truly have almost lost the signal. It is VERY accurate, now that I am in an area with bad signal.. I have actually flashed gingerbread again and things did NOT get better, there was just fewer bars that weren't as accurate. But I lost signal in the same spots, and would lost 4g in the same exact spots..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi SBD, thanks for coming in. I will look into build.prop (ro.ril properties I think) I will also clean any dust inside the phone, may be that will help. The sim card was new when I got my amaze .. but no harm in trying. So I will ask for a new sim card too.
However, in my case, I have a different experience. This is what I did in a weak signal spot.
Have 4G on. I get 0 signal. Can't make a call
go to 2G at the same spot, I get 2-3 bars. I can make a call
I used opensignal app to check signal strength in both cases. with 4G it showed 0. With 2G it showed 42%
Another test. On my route to drop kids off for their day camp, I was on a call (with 4G on) and dropped the call twice (bad reception areas) while going. I switched it to 2G and while coming back did not drop the call.
Before I found this workaround .. people called me and complained that it directly went to voicemail and I never got the call. (no signal). Since I found the workaround, I haven't heard that from anyone.
So I am convinced that there are some real issues in catching the signal with 4G on that get resolved in "2G only" mode. (may be it has to do with the kind of cell towers we have in our area and nothing to do with the phone)
will update if I find more
tnkrer said:
Hi SBD, thanks for coming in. I will look into build.prop (ro.ril properties I think) I will also clean any dust inside the phone, may be that will help.
However, in my case, I have a different experience. This is what I did in a weak signal spot.
Have 4G on. I get 0 signal. Can't make a call
go to 2G at the same spot, I get 2-3 bars. I can make a call
I used opensignal app to check signal strength in both cases. with 4G it showed 0. With 2G it showed 42%
Another test. On my route to drop kids off for their day camp, I was on a call (with 4G on) and dropped the call twice (bad reception areas) while going. I switched it to 2G and while coming back did not drop the call.
Before I found this workaround .. people called me and complained that it directly went to voicemail and I never got the call. (no signal). Since I found the workaround, I haven't heard that from anyone.
So I am convinced that there are some real issues in catching the signal with 4G on that get resolved in "2G only" mode. (may be it has to do with the kind of cell towers we have in our area and nothing to do with the phone)
will update if I find more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it should be lines that have ro.ril that youd eant to change.. and fortunately one of those that you can add(it isn't included by default) will do exactly what you need, default to 2g signal when 4g is too weak. I actually need the same thing, in Jacksonville we have great signal.. except in this new place I moved into. It drains my battery by trying to stay with 4g.. but I don't have time before work to find it.
Look for a tthread by "master&slave" titled something like "super build.prop tweaks" in the vibrant forums, I THINK they had that line.. otherwise google around for something like "build.prop signal tweak" as if it isisn't in that thread, there's a really good one on some other forum.
Also, I remember there being some app that requires root that allows you to toggle between GSM preferred and 2g only.. it changes it at system level, and I don't think it was on the play store, I think it was on Xda.
But yea, I understand your dilemma, and until we get an alternative radio to flash(which I don't forsee), that is the kind of workarounds you need. If you find a reasonable solution make sure to post as it will help me too!
Sent from my nook color until my broke college students azz can afford the new nexus 7 tablet.. if my post from my nook color helped you, you COULD consider a donation..
Found that thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1151608
and a few others
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1227269
http://androinica.com/2009/12/hack-for-rooted-phones-promises-faster-2g3g-speeds/
http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/9781-buildprop-roril-meanings/
I will try to figure out what these different ril properties control and which one to modify .. will report after my experimentation. I haven't found a good comprehensive explanation of all those properties yet.
Glad I'm not the only one...
hasoon2000 said:
GSM = 2G
WCDMA = 3G/4G
Get a new SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had this problem ever since I got my phone in October (right after launch). Updating to ICS didn't help. i've been planning to root and try another ROM, but so far have been skittish as this is my only phone. hasoon, you say it's the SIM card? I am trying the switch to GSM only to see if it makes a difference. My problem is at home - I have terrible service and I live on a mountain with cell phone towers everywhere. My daughter's AT&T and my old AT&T Nokia E71x had excellent service there. I'll let you know if this helps. Maybe a trip to my local t-Mobile store is in order.
It's not the sim card. I noticed on google a lot of people have this problem with htc phones. It's just a bad radio.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
soundping said:
It's not the sim card. I noticed on google a lot of people have this problem with htc phones. It's just a bad radio.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We know. If you wanna help read my post number 16 or try some of the links he posted in 17.. we just need a decent workaround.
Have you noticed your G6SE is dropping calls and has overall poor reception?
I've had mine for four days now and have dropped many calls and lost signal where my previous phone managed to easily retain the network and never dropped calls.
Also I noticed when connected to my car's bluetooth, the signal display never shows full strength where again my previous phone always did. The GS6E only ever shows 80%
20150424_222933-1 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
when looking at my signal history in gsam, it also never goes above 80% which ties up with what my car's display.
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-15-33.png by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
Now i've made a comparison between my M8 and the GS6E and this clearly shows the GS6E is less sensitive to cell reception and this equates to the dropped calls.
The M8 can achieve -69 dBm at one one one point
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-52-42 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
and the GS6E a lower -81dBm
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-56-54 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
Ok, so the GS6E is not as good as others at cell reception. Is this a hardware limitation? or could new radios help this?
What is your experience of this?
There are various reports cropping up now about this
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/08/samsung_galaxy_s6/
https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/204525
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s6/516324-poor-sprint-lte-reception.html
mwatson said:
Have you noticed your G6SE is dropping calls and has overall poor reception?
I've had mine for four days now and have dropped many calls and lost signal where my previous phone managed to easily retain the network and never dropped calls.
Also I noticed when connected to my car's bluetooth, the signal display never shows full strength where again my previous phone always did. The GS6E only ever shows 80%
20150424_222933-1 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
when looking at my signal history in gsam, it also never goes above 80% which ties up with what my car's display.
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-15-33.png by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
Now i've made a comparison between my M8 and the GS6E and this clearly shows the GS6E is less sensitive to cell reception and this equates to the dropped calls.
The M8 can achieve -69 dBm at one one one point
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-52-42 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
and the GS6E a lower -81dBm
Screenshot_2015-04-24-22-56-54 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
Ok, so the GS6E is not as good as others at cell reception. Is this a hardware limitation? or could new radios help this?
What is your experience of this?
There are various reports cropping up now about this
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/08/samsung_galaxy_s6/
https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/204525
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s6/516324-poor-sprint-lte-reception.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Veedubs unite!
What country and carrier are you on?
I'm in the US and on sprint and drop calls like crazy with my gs6e. Never had this issue with 10 years on sprint. I've noticed that I seem to drop calls more frequently while travelling on 9 at high rates of speed. It seems to be a tower handoff issue. I don't have the issue whilenjoying stationary.
I'm on tmo (US) and no issues. Honestly I've not read a lot of complaints about cell reception or at least no more than usual on any device. Regardless of that why I chimed in was really to say that my first phone was defective. The issues I had (horrid batt despite trying every fix mentioned here and all across the internet, fingerprint scanner was about 50%, again tried every possible fix I was able to scour up. New device and the fingerprint scanner immedietly worked perfectly and my battery life was fixed without me doing a thing. Keep in mind that by fixed battery I mean I get about 4 hours screen up time which isn't good but about what I would expect for a small battery in a bloated device.
Long story short, consider exchanging it. The lack of reports that speak of bad cell reception imply you may have a lemon to me.
Did you click on any of the links I posted in my original post? There are more too, but i thought that was enough.
5harkology said:
Veedubs unite!
What country and carrier are you on?
I'm in the US and on sprint and drop calls like crazy with my gs6e. Never had this issue with 10 years on sprint. I've noticed that I seem to drop calls more frequently while travelling on 9 at high rates of speed. It seems to be a tower handoff issue. I don't have the issue whilenjoying stationary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah love the VeeDub!
I'm in the Uk on the 3 network...
Here is my wife's 2013 Moto G next to my 2015 GS6E. She is also on 3. As you can see the Moto G performs much better than the GS6E. Moto G on the right obvs. It was also £500 cheaper!
DSC_0647 by markcaigerwatson, on Flickr
Definitely some poor signal reception on Galaxy S6 Edge. Mine has poor signal reception as well. Bought mine unlocked in Hong Kong model 9250.
If I tell one of the people in HK about this they will give me the same old lame answer that no one has complained about thus issue yet.:silly:
Poor reception on China Unicom in China, poor reception on CHT in Taiwan and poor reception on CSL in Hong Kong. Last but not least is Wifi reception is literally horrible unless you sit or stand right next to Wifi router!
Yep I'm having the same issue with my S6 Edge to. At first I thought it was my network (Three UK) but after doing some research, I'm reading the issue is more widespread, internationally 2. Calls keep dropping when I'm on a call and I'm getting a bad reception in places where my S5 didn't. Really not happy about this. I hope this issue can be fixed with an update.
Experiencing the same issue. I put my S6 edge, old S4 and iPhone 4 + 5s side by side and they all have max signal while my Edge had just 1 bar.
I've been researching and somehow got to the Sprint forums where they were also reporting the same problems. I saw there that you could try switching to CDMA only. Tried it and while it did improve the signal, it prevented me from using LTE which I'm not really willing to compromise.
mwatson said:
Yeah love the VeeDub!
Here is my wife's 2013 Moto G next to my 2015 GS6E. She is also on 3. As you can see the Moto G performs much better than the GS6E. Moto G on the right obvs. It was also £500 cheaper!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the same problem here in Oz. btw what app is that showing the signal strength?
-ivar
Samsung really needs to get this fixed ASAP as this could ruin the Samsung Galaxy Brand.
ivaho said:
Got the same problem here in Oz. btw what app is that showing the signal strength?
-ivar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is called Network Signal Info.. Free from Google Play.
This is in México City full LTE with my Note 4 , but the EDGE has This really poor reception.
The Phone is faulty or is the same case as others report on signal issues?
Same here for me on EE in the UK, switch to 2g/3g and signal is fine, set it back to 2g/3g/4g and 1 bar
Not sure what the problem is with this Galaxy S6 Edge but the 4G LTE reception is poor and download speeds are slow.
Same for me. I m in France near strasbourg with operator orange. It works fine with iphone but not with my galaxy s6 edge! !! With the same sim card of course!
Sent from my SM-G925F using XDA Free mobile app
I have not been able to connect to LTE since I got the edge a month ago. I'm currently on OE3 if this helps. Could this be a hardware issue?
I have received a few updates on my Galaxy S6 Edge but until now the wifi reception along with 3G and 4G reception suck. Even when reception is great or average the download speeds suck and are about half of what they are on my iPhone 6. Was expecting better results out of this phone but I guess not. My guess is that they either intentionally turned down the power provided for cell reception and wifi reception for longer battery life or their antennas on this smartphone really suck. Definitely a problem that Samsung needs to look into.
Mine is also struggling with connecting to stuff. 4g is spotty, calls drop and break up, wifi is shockingly bad, even in the next room to the router. 1 bar or no service on EE UK in a good signal area.
Going to call Samsung tomorrow and if they have no solution, it is definitely going back.
I am going to get rid of this Galaxy S6 Edge when the new Motorola comes out. The reception for both wifi and cell signal are beyond horrible on this phone. Battery life is quite poor as well. Try making a call using speakerphone if you have to talk while driving and see how many people tell you that you sound horrible. Samsung should learn a thing or two from Motorola,Apple and Blackberry when making phones for phone calls.
Samsung dropped the ball with this phone in two areas: Battery and Reception.
I am moving to a new phone as soon as I can sell this.
Had my x1 for a couple of days now and lots to like about it however I have noticed that it seems to have a very weak phone signal reception.
I am on three in the UK and in the normal areas I travel I have never noticed an issue on my other phones with it struggling to hold on to signal bars.
Anyone else have this?
Signal bars mean absolutely nothing. Many oem even show full bars even when there is actually no signal.
Better install cellmapper app that will exactly show and record the signal where you travel.
Also, do you have 3uk volte working?(calls over 4g network)
Well all I can say is that I live less than a mile from the nearest mast and would nearly always have full signal bars on other phones yet on this phone it drops on and off 1 bar.
I will download the app you mentioned and see what that shows
I've had this problem with numerous Sony phones over the years, always poor signal compared to Sammy's, Pixel's and iPhones that I've had. Same issue with the X1 I have now, always on WiFi calling and no signal, my Pixel 3 XL would be happily sitting on 4G.
andybg40 said:
I've had this problem with numerous Sony phones over the years, always poor signal compared to Sammy's, Pixel's and iPhones that I've had. Same issue with the X1 I have now, always on WiFi calling and no signal, my Pixel 3 XL would be happily sitting on 4G.
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Click to collapse
Glad it's not just me then.
I do remember having this issue on a previous Sony phone also but can remember the model now. It's been a long time since I had a Sony but thought this one was going to tick every box which it almost does apart from having reliable signal reception which is really should be a must!
Is there anyway they can improve this with software of are we stuck with it due to hardware issues?
I'm in my 14 days returns periods at the moment and like everything about this phone apart from what it should do first and foremost
I am having the same problem, I'm on EE and my LTE keeps dropping from 4 bar's to 1 bar then nothing which causes me to lose data connection. It then jumps to 4 bar's again and then repeats this over and over. This is happening at home where I always have full reception. I have tested my sim in 5 different phones all have full reception and don't lose connection only my Xperia 1 does! Any help would be appreciated.
Same problem for me. I switched my SIM from Galaxy S8 to X1. S8 has 4 to 5 bars while X1 struggles with getting one bar at home.
Ffs... The bars mean nothing. Sony phones take into consideration RSRQ(signal quality) and SINR(s noise) values of the signal. Other oem don't. The actual signal power RSRP (do not confuse it with bars) is same or better on Sony.
Xperia 1 has most advanced modem and antenna setup of any 4g phone. 4x4 mimo even on low bands (first to have it).
3uk and ee are special in the sense that they need phone to support volte to get access to their low band spectrum(band 20).
So make sure you have volte aka 4g calling enabled and check with apps like Netmonster or Cellmapper the band and RSRP of the signal. Then compare it with other phones at the same place.
VeixES said:
Ffs... The bars mean nothing. Sony phones take into consideration RSRQ(signal quality) and SINR(s noise) values of the signal. Other oem don't. The actual signal power RSRP (do not confuse it with bars) is same or better on Sony.
Xperia 1 has most advanced modem and antenna setup of any 4g phone. 4x4 mimo even on low bands (first to have it).
3uk and ee are special in the sense that they need phone to support volte to get access to their low band spectrum(band 20).
So make sure you have volte aka 4g calling enabled and check with apps like Netmonster or Cellmapper the band and RSRP of the signal. Then compare it with other phones at the same place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's as simple as that why is it not enabled on this phone already?
I think what you seem to be over looking is the fact that I and others here have said that yes the bars are lower than other phones and flutter slot but also to the point where they drop completely and give no reception at all. A situation not faced on other phones.
Can you explain how we enable this missing band so that the phone can provide a more reliable/stable reception
Does your phone have 3uk volte(4g calling) enabled? Phone should stay in 4g during call. If not then you are out of luck.
ee users can install EE firmware to get Volte working if it's not already . newflasher on xda helps to change firmware.
And please compare signals with abovementioned apps.
hpsauce37 said:
Glad it's not just me then.
I do remember having this issue on a previous Sony phone also but can remember the model now. It's been a long time since I had a Sony but thought this one was going to tick every box which it almost does apart from having reliable signal reception which is really should be a must!
Is there anyway they can improve this with software of are we stuck with it due to hardware issues?
I'm in my 14 days returns periods at the moment and like everything about this phone apart from what it should do first and foremost
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're having signal drops / dropped phone calls etc... I get it. But Sony is historically notorious for showing lower signals than others on those bars. However, as stated, the bars are pretty meaningless. I've owned many Sony's, and while the bars are lower (sometimes all empty), I still have signal in all the places I should. YMMV.
VeixES said:
Does your phone have 3uk volte(4g calling) enabled? Phone should stay in 4g during call. If not then you are out of luck.
ee users can install EE firmware to get Volte working if it's not already . newflasher on xda helps to change firmware.
And please compare signals with abovementioned apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't honestly know. My phone was purchased sim free from carphone warehouse and I use it on 3 network. The phone just set itself up. How would I check this? Is it something listed under network settings?
It's so frustrating as I'm really loving a lot about this phone but just want it to be comparable at least with my other phones I've used with call reception
those who are having signal problem, are you using EE network?
I saw lots of people with EE reporting this issue on official sony forum.
Got mine yesterday from Vodafone and signal is perfect !
XSIIS said:
those who are having signal problem, are you using EE network?
I saw lots of people with EE reporting this issue on official sony forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
I also have only 1 bar... Orange.
If you are EE UK user, then you need EE firmware on your Xperia 1 to get best network compatibility(Volte and low band support because of it).
3UK users probably need also 3UK firmware but that does not seem to exist yet.
This weirdness of low band access is specific to two UK operators. Everywhere else the device is fully capable of best 4g experience.
Wait Next update
Enviado desde mi G8141 mediante Tapatalk
So for those of us on three network but purchased the phone sim free are stuck with the problem as three do not sell this handset themselves so unlikely to release any firmware for it.
That does not look good for me so I think I will need to return within my 14 days.
Shame.
There's definitely a network connectivity issue with the XP1 right now though. This seems to affect only XP1's on the EE network, which were *not* bought from EE direct, i.e. ones with stock firmware. (e.g. mine!)
The symptoms are that periodically, first the 4G symbol disappears, then the signal goes to zero and you've lost the internet. Then it reconnects back onto 4G again. Sometimes this repeats 3 or 4 times in succession. The whole thing takes from 5 seconds to maybe 30 seconds depending on how many re-tries.
You can go for maybe an our or so without a problem, or sometimes it happens like every 10 minutes.
And here's the key part: this happens wherever you are, even on a full strength signal. As far as I can make out, this affects ALL XP1s with stock firmware on EE. EE say it's a Sony problem. Sony say it's a network issue. So we are all stuck.
Does anyone know of a suitable network logging app, which will log 4G disconnects and signal loss, so we can provide evidence to EE and Sony?
More info here:
https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-1/Issue-with-network-dropping/td-p/1376332/highlight/false
(My phone is fine with a Vodafone sim. There's something specific to the phone firmware/config - timers, buffer sizes, packet sizes - whatever - and the EE network. But right now, on EE, it's unusable.)
Been noticing that my signal drops more than normal at home and at work since swithching to the xperia, Used to have both a Note10+5g which would get consitant 5g at full signal, and the same for my Oneplus 9Pro, But with the xperia ill get 1-2bars 5g in the same room if it hasnt dropped to 4G at 2 bar or 3G. Mobile network EE
{Moderator Announcement: Thread title edited due to language. - Oswald Boelcke, Moderator}
Just switched from OP10 Pro to Sony and I noticed this same thing. With my OP10 Pro I usually got very good signal, but with Xperia the signal is very poor.
Me as well, especially on WiFi. My router supports only WiFi 4 and I get poor signal if not directly next to the router.
bobstar3233 said:
Been noticing that my signal drops more than normal at home and at work since swithching to the xperia, Used to have both a Note10+5g which would get consitant 5g at full signal, and the same for my Oneplus 9Pro, But with the xperia ill get 1-2bars 5g in the same room if it hasnt dropped to 4G at 2 bar or 3G. Mobile network EE
{Moderator Announcement: Thread title edited due to language. - Oswald Boelcke, Moderator}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched from Nothing Phone 1 to Sony and I noticed this same thing. With my NP1 I usually had a very excellent signal,
Okay glad it's not just me, but I wonder why it's like that now
Phew, I am not alone. Mine works poorly with Wifi 6. Any ideas to fix?
I've noticed this also, and the Bluetooth connection (with Sony's WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM3) is also very weak.
ov_darkness said:
I've noticed this also, and the Bluetooth connection (with Sony's WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM3) is also very weak.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed this bluetooth issue only when screen is Off? How about you?
I'm also switching from xperia 1 to 1 IV and bought a metal frame case for the phone with a lower signal, the signal has dropped even more I don't use a case anymore
Unfortunately, the GPS signal is weak a lot of times and stops navigating.
XmlNode said:
Unfortunately, the GPS signal is weak a lot of times and stops navigating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this signal issue be fixed with an upgrade?
I do hope that Sony will fix these soon.
Signals should not be an issue in 2022. However, be aware that the GPS is only a single-band one, despite some specs around the net.
bobstar3233 said:
Been noticing that my signal drops more than normal at home and at work since swithching to the xperia, Used to have both a Note10+5g which would get consitant 5g at full signal, and the same for my Oneplus 9Pro, But with the xperia ill get 1-2bars 5g in the same room if it hasnt dropped to 4G at 2 bar or 3G. Mobile network EE
{Moderator Announcement: Thread title edited due to language. - Oswald Boelcke, Moderator}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just realized the solution.
Please install voWIFI app via play store, disable DSDS, and you are done!
If you totally missed your Antenna, be sure that u are using the first sim slot for your sim card
afshineb said:
Hi, I just realized the solution.
Please install voWIFI app via play store, disable DSDS, and you are done!
If you totally missed your Antenna, be sure that u are using the first sim slot for your sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll see if this does anything, initally it looks like it did nothing but it's too early to tell as it could just be where I am right now
Skaterkemal said:
I'm also switching from xperia 1 to 1 IV and bought a metal frame case for the phone with a lower signal, the signal has dropped even more I don't use a case anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. It looks so nice with metal case. Call quality not that great also
Metal cases do degrade network signal very much. be it of any kind, GPS, carrier signals, Bluetooth and WI FI.
Sony uses its signal scale in quality, the rest of the companies in power.
I didn't get a 1 IV until the Android 13 release, upgrading from a 5 III. I also use a work iPhone 11 regularly. I'm in the US and my phones are all US market models, and I live in a large metropolitan area. Both of my phones are in carbon fiber cases with metal in them. Here are my observations, which seem to be more positive than what is posted here.
Wifi: My home network is Wifi 6, and the signal on the 1 IV is usually weaker than the iPhone 11. But, it's only by 1 or 2 dbm, per the data from my router. However, if you run a speedtest on both phones, the Xperia 1IV always gives a higher Mbps reading than the iPhone.
BT: I have WF-1000XM3 and M4s and both work fine on both phones. I can get further away from the phone with either headphones from the iPhone than the Xperia, but the Xperia works fine if it's sitting next to me or in my pocket. No issues with connecting to other devices like speakers or car stereos.
Cellular: My 1 IV is on T-Mobile, while my iPhone is on Verizon, so hard to compare there. However, my wife has an iPhone 14 Pro Max on T-Mobile, and in spot comparisons, my Xperia gets better reception and faster data connectivity. When I'm on 5G, my Xperia regularly gets over 1Gbps download speeds, even without full bars on the signal meter.
I am from Croatia and I have very poor 3G signal, 2G, 4G and 5G signals are OK so in my home there is no 3G signal at all and I am not available because my network doesnt have VoLTE. I am on 64.1.A.0.882 firmware. Before I would have signal problems but restart would fix that. Now, after restart nothing is fixed. Till now I reset my phone 2 times and it was on service repair because of fingerprint sensor. 2 days ago everything was OK. I don't know what is going on. Is there any fix? Could this be Google Play System problem? Because yesterday I got another Google Play System update of 9 MB for March and around that time this problem started and I don't see any fix.
I manage to solve problem. I call this code in the phone *#*#4636#*#* and it opens Testing. In there I went to
Phone info --> three dots --> Select radio band --> Automatic
and after that everything start to work. I don't know what radio band was set before because I couldn't read that. I gess that every time when problem happens I'll have to do this.