Database Users

[Q] Poor signal strength

Has anyone else notice poor signal strength on their epic? I've had mine for a couple of weeks, and I get network errors on occasion in my house when browsing the web or the market. I was in a Sears store yesterday, trying to look up some product reviews, and the browser was very slow, or wouldn't load a page at all. Outside of the store in my truck, everything worked fine again. I don't remember my TP2 having signal issues so often.
I'm going to compare it to my friends Evo when he comes over this weekend. If it's any better, I'm going to exchange my phone for an Evo. Anyone here used both and noticed a difference in signal?

Happens to my buddies evo as well
But being stores thats normal im my experience with sprint but verizon comes in strong though. All that concrete and metal stifling signal
sent from my epic 4g with no 4g

Strangely enough I work at sears. I am lucky to get any signal at all in that bomb shelter of a store. I had the same problem with my palm pre and my buddy gets no signal on his hero.
Losing signal in your house is not good though. I'd try toggling airplane mode for 10 seconds to see If that helps.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Thanks for the replies. Maybe it was just the construction of the store, it is two stories as well. I bet it cuts down on the employees slacking off on the job. I used to frequently use my TP2 in stores to check prices and reviews, so hopefully that was a one time thing.
It does seem to be working better at home today, so maybe there was a problem with the tower.

Verizon tier 2 support admitted...

...to me that the samsungs have their antennas placed in such a way that it is very prone to signal issues.
This comes after they swapped me out 3 times in my first month of service to try to get me a working data connection. My wifes droid 2 doesn't have the same problems and data is great. So they told me today that they are sending me a new droid x because the signal is a known issue.
I have mixed feelings about this cause I love the Fascinate. However not having data a connection really isn't an option. The x is still a sweet phone. If they know the antennas are poorly placed then I would doubt a software update is going to fix the issue.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Isn't the antennae in the bottom half of the device? I feel like I read that in the manual.

It seems to me that after the OTA update, that my reception went way up!
ptfdmedic said:
...to me that the samsungs have their antennas placed in such a way that it is very prone to signal issues.
This comes after they swapped me out 3 times in my first month of service to try to get me a working data connection. My wifes droid 2 doesn't have the same problems and data is great. So they told me today that they are sending me a new droid x because the signal is a known issue.
I have mixed feelings about this cause I love the Fascinate. However not having data a connection really isn't an option. The x is still a sweet phone. If they know the antennas are poorly placed then I would doubt a software update is going to fix the issue.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

The impression I got was that it wad a hardware defect. To get a better idea of signal strength go to settings,about phone,status and look at the signal strength number. It should be -86 to -92 according to the techs. Once you get -93 the signal isn't good data at all. I sit around -106 most of the time while my sides droid 2 is around -86 most of the time. Is ashame because these phones are really nice. They can tweak reception maybe with a software update but they can't fix a bad design. I wonder if this is why Verizon isn't pushing this phone like the other carriers are. I don't remember having this issue with my Epic prior to switching.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

The signal reporting could probably easily be fixed with a software update. I sit outside with full bars and a great signal, and that screen will show me the same values as when I'm inside with next to no signal. I wouldn't trust it to determine if there is a problem or not, but that is just me.
Also, when you have so many phones that are already good, and a few more on the way, how do you decide which one's to "push" to the public? I'd also guess that they'll wait until it gets updated to Froyo before pushing it more as I think it's the only phone they have still without it.

They cram the droid x down everyones throats even though it is inferior to the fascinate. Why would they push a phone with so many known issues? I was simply suggesting that this may be a reason why you don't see verizon advertising the crap out of the fascinate.
As far as the signal goes I don't believe it is reporting wrong. It will take me almost a minute some times to connect a call after hitting send because there is no signal. I have a .01 mb/sec download spead on my fascinate cause the signal isn't strong enough for a more reliable connection.
I'm not the first to have this problem and my whole point was the tier 2 tech guy told me that antennas are a known issue and its a design issue on the samsung. I was simply sharing my experience thats all. I know a lot of people are in the same boat as me and at least there are options to switch models. They know its a problem and were quite willing to get me out of the fascinate. I never asked them for anything but help to get it working. They told me of they give me another fascinate i will have the same problem because its a design issue.
They could tweak the radio with an update but if it is a hardware issue it will never get fixed. Samsung doesn't have a good reputation for fixing these problems even the
easier software issues like GPS never gets fixed.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Good for you, I'm getting tired of my fascinate too.i like my phone but the signal sucks, no gps when you need it, and I can't be farther then 20 feet from my wifi or I won't get signal o yeah and a ton of late txt's that i get from people like a day later.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I always think that it is counterproductive to start a thread to complain about a device without including what market they live in. Also taking into consideration that it does not look like [OP] has been happy with any of the devices he has had since the beginning of September. I myself have not seen any issues with reception but if you look to the left you can see I'm in a major market. GPS does not annoy me. I might use it twice a week and I open gmaps put the phone on the dash and pick it up a minute later with a lock rain or shine. I've done some traveling and have not noticed any difference in signal from my past devices. And I would gather that if a true poll were to be done about peoples satisfaction with the fascinate it would reveal similar results below.
Worst phone ever. 1%
Don't like it. 4%
Love it. 95%
I wish you luck in your quest.
good day.

I got a speed test result of 2Mbps down and 200Kbps down, both with -96dBm listed as the signal strength. Maybe the cellular antennae isn't designed as great as other devices, but you can't tell me that I should have an order of magnitude difference in bandwidth when the signal strength reading is the same (within the resolution that the software can measure) without there being a software issue.

Wow. Ok. Well I'm in the Cleveland market not that it matters as its hardware related. Yes I'm complaining because I really like this phone but it doesn't work as as its supposed to. If you read the forums the galaxy s phone have lots of problems from gps, signal to slider and image retention. It a shame because these are really nice phones, probably the best ones out right now.
I'm not on a quest for a perfect phone. I had issues with the Epic as many others have had as well. I left Sprint because I am the father to 3 Autistic kids. We spend alot of time at the Cleveland clinic and for some reason Sprint doesn't cover there very well.
I left Sprint and moved to Verizon for the better network but with the Fascinate I have been unable to tap into the network. We communicate with our customers and our kids doctors via email so the data connection. So yeah I complain when something that I am paying good money for doesn't work. I don't have money to throw away and verizon is more expensive then sprint. I was impressed with verizons customer service and am grateful they are helping me solve this problem because in real life I have much bigger things to worry about. I just wanted to share what I was told. I'm not looking for problems with this phone but I do need more then. 01 mb per sec on the 3g side.
Rob
www.lostandtired.com (my families story)
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I get you. This is an amzing phone but one marred with problems some of which could be fixed on the software side others that can't. But a great phone none the less.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Maybe your right. My frame of reference was my wifes droid 2 network performance. There is a significant difference between the reported reception of the 2 devices . That also translates to the download speed as well. As far as the signal numbers go that is just what Verizon tech told me. But in all honesty now that you mention it you mention it didn't the iphone 4 have a reception reporting issue that was fixed by an update. I'm basing my issues on real world performance though and not just the numbers. The numbers just seem to coincide with my data connection issues. Verizon said it was my phone and not the service in my area but you may be correct with the signal reporting. Thanks for pointing that out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

ptfdmedic said:
Wow. Ok. Well I'm in the Cleveland market not that it matters as its hardware related. Yes I'm complaining because I really like this phone but it doesn't work as as its supposed to. If you read the forums the galaxy s phone have lots of problems from gps, signal to slider and image retention. It a shame because these are really nice phones, probably the best ones out right now.
I'm not on a quest for a perfect phone. I had issues with the Epic as many others have had as well. I left Sprint because I am the father to 3 Autistic kids. We spend alot of time at the Cleveland clinic and for some reason Sprint doesn't cover there very well.
I left Sprint and moved to Verizon for the better network but with the Fascinate I have been unable to tap into the network. We communicate with our customers and our kids doctors via email so the data connection. So yeah I complain when something that I am paying good money for doesn't work. I don't have money to throw away and verizon is more expensive then sprint. I was impressed with verizons customer service and am grateful they are helping me solve this problem because in real life I have much bigger things to worry about. I just wanted to share what I was told. I'm not looking for problems with this phone but I do need more then. 01 mb per sec on the 3g side.
Rob
www.lostandtired.com (my families story)
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a post about fixing slow 3G speeds, I have doubled mine playing around with it. I moved to Verizon because T-Mo didn't have good service at my new residence, and I was dropping calls. Also only edge. I would have little or no signal for the hour drive from and to Savannah, and dead zones in some of the busiest parts of the city.
I was very reluctant to jump carriers because I had an N1, and absolutely loved it. When I made the decision, I did a significant amount of research, and waited a month to grab a fascinate on release.
I haven't seen a single instant of no service, or for that matter, a 3G connection. Even in the rural boonies I have at least your reported data speeds, and about two bars on signal. Sitting in the middle of a five floor concrete and stone courthouse which is notorious for killing connection, I pull down .78 average and a -92 dbm.
So then, in complete agreement with the above posters, unless you know something about the phone hardware from a very well founded technical standpoint that has escaped the rest of us who are having no such issues, then perhaps you should consider some other possibilities. maybe you just got a bad device?
Or.
Perhaps you are actually a Droid X Ninja, working for Motorola to dissuade the ignorant from buying a better device....
hmmmmm....
In all seriousness though, I would take it Verizon and see about a swap. Your area should have a sufficient infrastructure to have a decent experience.

Daswolven said:
There's a post about fixing slow 3G speeds, I have doubled mine playing around with it. I moved to Verizon because T-Mo didn't have good service at my new residence, and I was dropping calls. Also only edge. I would have little or no signal for the hour drive from and to Savannah, and dead zones in some of the busiest parts of the city.
I was very reluctant to jump carriers because I had an N1, and absolutely loved it. When I made the decision, I did a significant amount of research, and waited a month to grab a fascinate on release.
I haven't seen a single instant of no service, or for that matter, a 3G connection. Even in the rural boonies I have at least your reported data speeds, and about two bars on signal. Sitting in the middle of a five floor concrete and stone courthouse which is notorious for killing connection, I pull down .78 average and a -92 dbm.
So then, in complete agreement with the above posters, unless you know something about the phone hardware from a very well founded technical standpoint that has escaped the rest of us who are having no such issues, then perhaps you should consider some other possibilities. maybe you just got a bad device?
Or.
Perhaps you are actually a Droid X Ninja, working for Motorola to dissuade the ignorant from buying a better device....
hmmmmm....
In all seriousness though, I would take it Verizon and see about a swap. Your area should have a sufficient infrastructure to have a decent experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. The problem is I have been swapped out 3 times and I promise I'm not a droid x ninja I live in Canton Ohio very close to the pro football hall of fame. So you are right about the infrastructure. I honestly don't know what the problem is but it is only happening on the fascinate and not the droid 2 that my wife uses. All 3 of the phones have had the same reception issues. Maybe there is a bug in the code for reporting signal strengh as been suggested. I did try the 3g fix and pushed the file to the correct place but it didn't appear to make a difference one way or the other. People have had mixed success with that.
Get yours works great and that's awesome but for me I can't pull anything better then -96dBm and usually sit right around -106dBm. Verizon keeps telling me its the phone and gives me a new one and it performs the same way.
My intention was not to cause an a problem but to share what I had been told with others who are experiencing the same problems. Not everyone seems to be having the issue but there are issues. I had image retention on my Epic but not on the fascinate. However, there are many people having the retention with the fascinate as well. Just cause I haven't had it doesnt mean its not a problem for others. I really hope this is a software issue but I was told it wasn't. I was just trying to help others with the same problem by sharing what verizon told me. I'm glad your phone works well for you and honestly I'm envious because I wish mine did. Aside from my Palm Pre this is the best phone I have had. I just can't get it to work. The x should arrive soon and I see if there is a difference in performance regarding the network. My guess is that it will work better but part of me is really hoping that it has issues as well so verizon will put in a trouble ticket. They say my area is not having any problems and so they haven't put in a trouble ticket. I truly hope its a network issue or something else that can be fixed.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Motorola is known for having the best signal strength/connectivity in their phones/devices compared to other manufacturers. I personally haven't had an issue yet, but I'm getting similar download speeds to my old TP2, which is my comparison and there were places that signal and internet were terrible, and they are just slightly better with my Fascinate now, so I'm content with what I have.

Glad it is working well for you. The other thing that occured to me today was maybe my wifes phone is reporting the signal incorrectly and there is actually a problem in my area that just hasnt been reported. I had just assumed the Droid 2 was working better cause the numbers were better and it seem to connect calls faster and data was more stable.

It could just be a combination of things. Poor antennae placement in the Fascinate would lead to slightly worse signal strength and translate to lower data rates. A software error could make it seem like the problem is worse than it really is. I think the highest signal that anyone has seen reported on the Fascinate is -86dBm (or close to that). Compared to a Motorola device which has what may be one of the best systems for signal, and a similar software error may make it so that it appears that the signal strength difference is much greater than it really is. To go along with all of that, signal strength and data speeds are so dependent upon the environment and a ton of other factors that could make either go up or down from one minute/hour/day to the next.

Thanks. Makes sense.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I to have been experiencing signal issues. This is a distinct signal difference between my Droid 1 and the Fascinate. While the signal received seems to be similar I have call quality issues on the Fascinate I have never had on the Droid. I to will end up returning this phone because of the issues unless Verizon can find a way to fix it.
The Fascinate is a great phone but poor signal is not an excuse for Verizon.
No, I'm not saying my market because it doesn't matter. The fact that there is an issue is the reason for this thread. If you happen to live in an area that has perfect signal every where you go then goody for you.

Having not owned another droid phone, i have experienced just the opposite as some of the posters here. I came from a TP and had problems talking on the phone in my house. The Fascinate has no problems inside the house or any other area i travel in. Where i work has spotty coverage as best but as soon as i step out the door i have signal, whereas with the TP i had to walk across the street to a vacant lot to get signal.

[Q] Reception/Connection issues severe/widespread?

Hi G2 users. I'm torn about buying this phone. I've played with it at the store and love the keyboard, speed, looks, and build quality. However, I've seen comments in this forum and others and in some reviews that the G2 has difficulty getting/maintaining a signal. (I've seen similar reports for the desire z). Though, it does seem like these reports were more common in October than in November. Was the issue addressed (by updates or replacement hardware?) or did users just get used to the issue and decide to focus on the phone's strengths? Or, was the issue never that widespread to begin with?
No matter how great the features of the G2 are, I don't think I could put up with the frustration of not being able to depend on it working when I needed it to. So, what's your experience been? (Interested in everyone's experiences, but would especially love to hear any comments from anyone in the New York City area.)
Also, as I'm new to T-Mobile, I'm curious if building penetration at such high frequencies is an issue I should be concerned about. I know Sprint's Wi-Max is using even higher frequencies, but I've read some very daunting tales about it's lack of building penetration.
Thanks very much for your help.

My experience has been meh. WiFi calling has made my experience better than I could ever have hoped for though.
Any signal issues are probably t-mobile's fault IMO.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 running Cyanogenmod.

I have a TP2 and a G2.. the TP2 has better reception than the G2.. the G2 slips a bit from the TP2.. with my TP2 inside my house, i will always have 4 bars (max).. with my G2, it'll switch between 3 & 4 bars.
also, it seems like data connection hangs randomly at times (data icon (H) stays lit tho).. not sure why this happens.. i don't have random data hang ups with my TP2.

My G2 has had absolutely worthless internet lately. I am getting quite pissed off that I'm spending the money on a data plan, I understand it sucks in my house, but when I am out around town I still barely get a signal. I'm literally getting speeds like 15kbps.

theratdude64 said:
My G2 has had absolutely worthless internet lately. I am getting quite pissed off that I'm spending the money on a data plan, I understand it sucks in my house, but when I am out around town I still barely get a signal. I'm literally getting speeds like 15kbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u must be away from a HSPA+ tower.. i pull in 8mbps with my G2.

It used to do about 3500 down was my best... now it's WORTHLESS. I can barely even check a website for a phone number all over town where it used to work.

theratdude64 said:
It used to do about 3500 down was my best... now it's WORTHLESS. I can barely even check a website for a phone number all over town where it used to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
must be your towers.. they might be temporarily down, or your being throttled until your next billing cycle.

I just switched from a Nexus One, which can't hold a single worth crap. My G2 hasn't switched to EDGE at all and I get great speeds on HSPA+. Granted, T-Mobile has my area fully covered for HSPA+. I haven't taken it up into the mountains, yet, with it being winter here in Utah.

I'm in Brooklyn, so the reception is good outside, but once I get home, where I have only about 1 or 2 bars with edge and 3G, it will drop the signal sometimes. Sometimes even while texting, it will drop the signal, and will have to wait until the phone gains reception to send the message.

In Light of NS4G Signal Problems - Advice Wanted

Hey guys, I'm wondering what actions Sprint or Google will take if the radio problems on the Nexus S 4G end up being hardware problems or NOT fixable via OTA update. Will there be a recall of the device? Hardware replacements? Will it be covered under Samsung's manufacturer warranty?
In other words, I'm just wondering if I should return/exchange it before I might be stuck with a device with faulty hardware.

My ns4g works just fine id exchange it of I were you.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

Had same problems, took it back waiting on evo 3d. I've never had good luck with Samsung phones.

Mine works great also. Take yours back. Bye.

I'm really happy for you that you're not experiencing any problems on your devices, but the fact remains that a lot of people are. My 3g speeds are slower and 4G coverage seems to be a lot harder to connect to than it did on my EVO. (Granted, I don't have the EVO to compare it to anymore) My signal over time is around -86 or -90 dbm and sometimes drops down (or above?) 100 or so. I've also noticed that the signal bars sometimes drop to 0 and/or I lose 3G and return to 1X.
Anyway, back to the main point, I just want to know how Samsung/Sprint/Google will handle returns or warranty replacements if it's not fixable via OTA update

Im sure a new update will include a radio to handle the -dm spectrum and data. Sprint is not known for the fastest internet out there so that is something to consider. If you are within your 30 days take it back. If not, go thru the proper channels and be polite. You will get it replaced or something will be done. If your phone is unusable, they cant make you keep it. Verizon has good 3g, but then again, i live on the outskirts of a major city. All about provider and location. Have you had missed calls or dropped calls? I think the reception is no worse than any other. It is just displayed differently.
Uncle Jimmy says hello

Switching carriers isn't really an option. My family pays for my plan and we've been with Sprint for 11 years or so. Honestly, I'm pretty happy with Sprint. I'm just on the fence about this phone. If anything, I'll go for the EVO3D and be happy with that. I had a good time on my EVO. I'm sure it won't be problem free with a hardware version 1, but there's a few things I like about the 3D more than the Nexus and vice versa.
Anyway, thanks for the response

I simply contact via chat on their page. They had me update the profile then update the PRL - during which the reset my connection on their end. I was instructed that after an hour I should see improvement with signal. Sure enough it seems to be working fine now. So give that a shot. Also the agent I chatted with instantly went to solving the issue without the need for me to describe in any detail of the signal issue. It was like he new how to resolve the issue. So maybe sprint has updated their profiles and PRL which resolves the issue. But from the chat he was particular about me following the steps to update from his prompts like he was performing action on his end.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

Do you by chance have the transcript from the webchat? I'm kinda curious to see it (Not that I don't believe you)
Oh, also... I exchanged my 2nd Nexus for a new one today because of a weird issue that the phone would lock up/freeze with a really dark, greenish tint and only showing part of the screen (Not sure if it was the screen or the whole system) and I'd have to battery pull to get it back.
Anyway... while I was there the Best Buy manager(?) said I wouldn't be able to exchange it for the Evo3D if I decided I didn't like the Nexus? But doesn't exchanging renew the 30 days?

gmap516 said:
Do you by chance have the transcript from the webchat? I'm kinda curious to see it (Not that I don't believe you)
Oh, also... I exchanged my 2nd Nexus for a new one today because of a weird issue that the phone would lock up/freeze with a really dark, greenish tint and only showing part of the screen (Not sure if it was the screen or the whole system) and I'd have to battery pull to get it back.
Anyway... while I was there the Best Buy manager(?) said I wouldn't be able to exchange it for the Evo3D if I decided I didn't like the Nexus? But doesn't exchanging renew the 30 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not renew the 30 days.

But can I return it, buy a phone off contract, and regain my upgrade?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

This is a topic I love discussing. I can tell you from my nexus experience it does in fact get worse service than the EVO. It seems the same as what I got on the epic though. I live in a basement apartment so reception is something I am very aware of at home. I even exchanged my first nexus at the direction of sprint. While in best buy I sat my nexus next to the reps evo, his had full bars, -76 dBm, mine had 0-1 bar and dBm was -9x. He activated the new nexus and it was exactly the same. There is a reception issue with the nexus, the same reception issue ALL samsung galaxy phones have. I had a fascinate for a short time, got rid of it cus it got crappy reception. Same with the vibrant I had. Blame it on what you want, its a fact. With that being said, I think it is being blown out of proportion. I have noticed that most people complaining about the reception are coming from the EVO.

gmap516 said:
But can I return it, buy a phone off contract, and regain my upgrade?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you can do that. If the reception is THAT bad I would. Im sure there will some sort of update to address the issue, I seriously doubt it will help that much though.

I want to point out one thing that should be kept in mind for anyone coming from the Evo:
The HTC software on the Evo was programmed to overstate the connection strength in terms of bars, and was not even capable of displaying switches to 1x.
AOSP-based icons in the display area seem to be overall much more accurate. I remember there were lots of people on the Evo who would get upset after flashing CyanogenMod because they were "only getting 1x all of a sudden!" when in reality they were always only getting 1x, HTC just displayed the 3G icon anyway no matter what the connection type was. Same for the bars: pretty much any working signal would get you 3+ bars.
I am not saying there is no possibility of legitimate signal issues with the NS4G (I wouldn't know first-hand, I switched to T-Mobile), but the above should be considered when evaluating vague reports of "I only get one bar and my Evo got 4 bars and i only get 1x and my Evo got 3g!!!!"
Also, for the last 4 months Sprint has been doing major, major work on their network. Speeds and connections varied wildly. Ultimately that was why I switched to T-Mobile; the constant dips in speed were just too much for me, even though I know Sprint's network will be better for it in the long run. So there is also the distinct possibility that any poor signal people might see is due to nothing more than network fluctuations.
The really get this ironed out, we would need to see multiple people in multiple locations testing both speed and signal strength using multiple methods, on both an Evo and a NS4G, side by side, over and over, and see the Evo (or any other Sprint phone) continuously demonstrating a clearly superior connection.
At that point I think we'd all pretty much concede that there is a major problem with the NS4G. Short of that, it's really just speculation.

matt2053 said:
I want to point out one thing that should be kept in mind for anyone coming from the Evo:
The HTC software on the Evo was programmed to overstate the connection strength in terms of bars, and was not even capable of displaying switches to 1x.
AOSP-based icons in the display area seem to be overall much more accurate. I remember there were lots of people on the Evo who would get upset after flashing CyanogenMod because they were "only getting 1x all of a sudden!" when in reality they were always only getting 1x, HTC just displayed the 3G icon anyway no matter what the connection type was. Same for the bars: pretty much any working signal would get you 3+ bars.
I am not saying there is no possibility of legitimate signal issues with the NS4G (I wouldn't know first-hand, I switched to T-Mobile), but the above should be considered when evaluating vague reports of "I only get one bar and my Evo got 4 bars and i only get 1x and my Evo got 3g!!!!"
Also, for the last 4 months Sprint has been doing major, major work on their network. Speeds and connections varied wildly. Ultimately that was why I switched to T-Mobile; the constant dips in speed were just too much for me, even though I know Sprint's network will be better for it in the long run. So there is also the distinct possibility that any poor signal people might see is due to nothing more than network fluctuations.
The really get this ironed out, we would need to see multiple people in multiple locations testing both speed and signal strength using multiple methods, on both an Evo and a NS4G, side by side, over and over, and see the Evo (or any other Sprint phone) continuously demonstrating a clearly superior connection.
At that point I think we'd all pretty much concede that there is a major problem with the NS4G. Short of that, it's really just speculation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good points. My argument is Ive had the EVO and NS4G in the same house, the EVO worked 100% in here, mms, web all of it. I cant make a call or send a text with my NS4G without the airave I had to buy when I got the NS4G. But, the same applied to my epic. It got terrible service in here also.
Lets just hope the update Ive seen mentioned will address signal and not free tethering

mikeyinid said:
Very good points. My argument is Ive had the EVO and NS4G in the same house, the EVO worked 100% in here, mms, web all of it. I cant make a call or send a text with my NS4G without the airave I had to buy when I got the NS4G. But, the same applied to my epic. It got terrible service in here also.
Lets just hope the update Ive seen mentioned will address signal and not free tethering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't wish to invalidate your experience; I definitely believe you. But because there could be so many, many factors involved it is not really enough for ME to conclude that there is a fundamental flaw with the NS4G. But if a few people were able to perform the tests I mentioned, that might convince me (and maybe some folks at Google, too)!

matt2053 said:
I don't wish to invalidate your experience; I definitely believe you. But because there could be so many, many factors involved it is not really enough for ME to conclude that there is a fundamental flaw with the NS4G. But if a few people were able to perform the tests I mentioned, that might convince me (and maybe some folks at Google, too)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not saying there is anything wrong with the NS4G. Im saying its samsung phones in general...

It's not a problem on the i9020.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

There was an android central, engadget, or phandroid article doing multiple tests in multiple locations between an Epic and a NS4G. The Epic displayed huge differences in data speed. Do a search on those sites and you'll find the article eventually.
I also remember a thread on the Google forums with hundreds of people in various locations performing tests.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

gmap516 said:
There was an android central, engadget, or phandroid article doing multiple tests in multiple locations between an Epic and a NS4G. The Epic displayed huge differences in data speed. Do a search on those sites and you'll find the article eventually.
I also remember a thread on the Google forums with hundreds of people in various locations performing tests.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that Engadget article. They said they couldn't narrow down a signal problem to the NS4G.
They got faster WiMax speed on the Epic, but that has nothing to do with phone signal, which is what is at question.

Data Speeds slow? Its not sprint... its the phone.

So one day I was browsing around on craigslist and I saw a new condition Moto Photon for $250.00 ( I know, Its not the galaxy s 2) but hey its was a good price and its a nice world phone. Anyways, I couldn't believe how much faster my data speeds were!
Previously, I was getting around 200-300 kbps with the latest SRF on my Epic. I am now getting 500-700 kbps in the same location with the Photon. Its a fantastic device. The antennae on the phone is really top shelf, areas I would get 1 or maybe 2 bars with the Epic I get 3-4 with the Photon. In areas I couldn't even get data, I am watching netflix with not buffering. I really forgot you could stream Netflix and YouTube on 3g because with my old epic.... you just couldn't. Anyways I am not hating. I love the Epic. I will miss the the everyone in here. Trust me, there isn't much developing going on in the photon forums yet but I am sure things will pick up in time.
Overall I am really happy with the Photon. Just wanted to share my experience with everyone. Thanks for all the support and help along the way. Having the Epic and the support in the forums have really helped broaden my understanding of Android and the entire rooting process.
Thanks Again,
Justin

After having read some early reviews it did seem to have great antenna/reception. How is moto in terms of providing source to developers? I suppose its too early to tell how fast they release updates as well?

dunno if I buy this argument, though I do have my doubts about the Epic. I'm inclined to think Sprint has plenty to do with the problem.
I drove all over Manhattan today and whenever I was stopped in traffic - which basically every 2 minutes - I'd run speed tests for both 3G and 4G. Suffice it to say that from about Times Square up through Morningside Heights, the service is (with a few exceptions) dreadful. When you get a bit south, speeds are much better. Both my wife and I (she's on a Nexus S 4G) were able to get about 6Mbps on 4G down near the Holland Tunnel. Up where we live, it's a total crapshoot. Every so often it's ok, most of the time it's garbage. 3G is on par with dial-up where we live. A colossal waste of time.
Oh, and just for a little extra chuckle, consider this: at the moment we're in upstate NY, about 75 miles north of the city. Just ran a speed test and 3G is faster here than in most of Manhattan.

Yeah I am getting pretty consistent 5-7Mbps download speeds on 4G in SoCal. I don't have any complaints here
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Moto is releasing updates for the stock rom almost every other day it seems. As of now there is no source code available to Dev's. I am not sure if/when that will happen. Right now we are just getting Pseudo Roms and themes. I haven't come across any noticeable bugs yet. Although Unlocking the Boot loader breaks 4g. In my case that is a non issue because we don't have 4g in most of Riverside County.

JohnCorleone said:
Yeah I am getting pretty consistent 5-7Mbps download speeds on 4G in SoCal. I don't have any complaints here
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SoCal? Where? I've been all over San Diego (almost to Mexico) and I can't find anything.
Or did you mean Central California...you know, LA and all that NORTH of San Diego?

dead78 said:
dunno if I buy this argument, though I do have my doubts about the Epic. I'm inclined to think Sprint has plenty to do with the problem.
I drove all over Manhattan today and whenever I was stopped in traffic - which basically every 2 minutes - I'd run speed tests for both 3G and 4G. Suffice it to say that from about Times Square up through Morningside Heights, the service is (with a few exceptions) dreadful. When you get a bit south, speeds are much better. Both my wife and I (she's on a Nexus S 4G) were able to get about 6Mbps on 4G down near the Holland Tunnel. Up where we live, it's a total crapshoot. Every so often it's ok, most of the time it's garbage. 3G is on par with dial-up where we live. A colossal waste of time.
Oh, and just for a little extra chuckle, consider this: at the moment we're in upstate NY, about 75 miles north of the city. Just ran a speed test and 3G is faster here than in most of Manhattan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a non 4g area so I am not really concerned with 4g speeds. My focus is 3g. I reside in a rural area of Riverside County in Southern California. I would get atrociously slow, spotty data. Getting the Photon made a huge difference. In the same location I would rarely ever hit 400 and frequently run between 200-300 kpbs I am getting 500-700 consistently. I'm just sharing my experience for others to draw on. Granted your location may keep this from applying to you specifically. But one of the things that drew me to the Photon in the first place was the well regarded hardware specifically the radio in the device.
Also Networks are different all over the place. The user load in Manhattan is presumably higher then a rural area of So-Cal. As well as the obvious building obstructions. When I was in Manhattan about 6 months ago I enjoyed my 4g speeds on my Epic which ranged anywhere from 4Mbps-7Mbps. Granted most of what I was using the phone for was uploading videos and looking for places to eat ;-) Sure its not as fast as WiMax can get but what do you need it faster for on your phone anyway? Video Streaming, Music Streaming all worked nearly instantaneous for me.
Again just my 2 cents I am not claiming to be a sprint messiah or anything. My first android device got faster data speeds too (HTC Hero). It was a big deal for me when I got my epic and noticed the data speeds were much more choppy and slow. In case this is a big issue for other Epic users getting ready to jump ship I wanted to share my experience with the Moto Photon 4g. Not to mention the Hardware is pretty sweet and its a world phone.

othan1 said:
SoCal? Where? I've been all over San Diego (almost to Mexico) and I can't find anything.
Or did you mean Central California...you know, LA and all that NORTH of San Diego?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.. well you know San Diego isn't a major city. kidding of course. I am right in between Orange and LA counties in Uptown Whittier. I have bull bar 4G inside my apartment and basically I have one small dead spot about a half mile away but it's rock solid everywhere else. I heard there's a small pocket in San Diego but I haven't heard of it working for anybody down there though.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Its not the phone I just pulled 1100kb down with 2 bars. I also just had my modem wiped and re programmed
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Test Date: Sep 23, 2011 6:19:26 pm
Connection Type: Unknown
Server: Minnesota City, MN
Download: 12.03 Mbps
Upload: 1.64 Mbps
Ping: 159 ms
External IP: 184.225.237.43
Internal IP: 184.225.237.43
Latitude: 38.74700
Longitude: -90.65400
A detailed image for this result can be found here:
http://www.speedtest.net/android/86974782.png
just sayin...

watermoore said:
So one day I was browsing around on craigslist and I saw a new condition Moto Photon for $250.00 ( I know, Its not the galaxy s 2) but hey its was a good price and its a nice world phone. Anyways, I couldn't believe how much faster my data speeds were!
Previously, I was getting around 200-300 kbps with the latest SRF on my Epic. I am now getting 500-700 kbps in the same location with the Photon. Its a fantastic device. The antennae on the phone is really top shelf, areas I would get 1 or maybe 2 bars with the Epic I get 3-4 with the Photon. In areas I couldn't even get data, I am watching netflix with not buffering. I really forgot you could stream Netflix and YouTube on 3g because with my old epic.... you just couldn't. Anyways I am not hating. I love the Epic. I will miss the the everyone in here. Trust me, there isn't much developing going on in the photon forums yet but I am sure things will pick up in time.
Overall I am really happy with the Photon. Just wanted to share my experience with everyone. Thanks for all the support and help along the way. Having the Epic and the support in the forums have really helped broaden my understanding of Android and the entire rooting process.
Thanks Again,
Justin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When roaming my epic is super fast occasionally it's also fast on sprint's network. I think the 1900mhz antenna in this phone may not be so great. While roaming on 800mhz I get 1100k+ all the time.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

JohnCorleone said:
Lol.. well you know San Diego isn't a major city. kidding of course. I am right in between Orange and LA counties in Uptown Whittier. I have bull bar 4G inside my apartment and basically I have one small dead spot about a half mile away but it's rock solid everywhere else. I heard there's a small pocket in San Diego but I haven't heard of it working for anybody down there though.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
San Diego has so many hills, not sure if they want to invest in wimax there at this moment

It's not the phone! It's SPRINT! For the last time I have talked to Sprint and they have had outages throughout different areas, mine included. My and my girlfriend, my kids and my ex all have Sprint and all have different phones. Epic, EVO, EVO 3D and Moto Photon. All were great then they ALL sucked. Issues in my area are fixed now and I have no data issues any longer and neither does my gf, kids or ex. None of us did anything to our phones to make the signal better. So for the last time, IT's SPRINT.... not the phone.

MikeyLee said:
It's not the phone! It's SPRINT! For the last time I have talked to Sprint and they have had outages throughout different areas, mine included. My and my girlfriend, my kids and my ex all have Sprint and all have different phones. Epic, EVO, EVO 3D and Moto Photon. All were great then they ALL sucked. Issues in my area are fixed now and I have no data issues any longer and neither does my gf, kids or ex. None of us did anything to our phones to make the signal better. So for the last time, IT's SPRINT.... not the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AGREED! Sprint service in my area was great a year ago and now it's slowly gone downhill. EVO 4G; Epic 4G; Epic 4G Touch; It doesn't matter which phone I use, Sprint's 3G performance is TERRIBLE.

Um, actually it's both. The Epic, (and the nexus too) have mediocre signal reception. Couple that with low signal strength and you get really slow data. If Sprint's coverage were better the weak reception wouldn't be as big an issue. If the phone were more sensitive it could deal with the lower signal strength better.

i have the eh07 modem and ecop5 rom and my 4g sucks..it hardly connects not sure whats the issue

I know for sure its the phone. nothing posted higher 3g speeds than my old HTC HERO.
I was around 2.5mb/s peaking and 1.8+ normal rate.
Now when I got the evo, the speeds were down. Epic the speeds were down. Photon speeds were down. Epic 4g Touch the speeds were up at 1.8
So my experience for fastest as follows:
Hero: fastest 3g @2.5mbs
Photon: fastest 4g upload @1919mbs
EpTouch: fastest 4g download @15.179mbs

poit said:
Um, actually it's both. The Epic, (and the nexus too) have mediocre signal reception. Couple that with low signal strength and you get really slow data. If Sprint's coverage were better the weak reception wouldn't be as big an issue. If the phone were more sensitive it could deal with the lower signal strength better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the phones! Again until about a month and a half ago my phone used to scream and now it sucks! I never had reception problems ever. Sprint has done something (at least in my area) to slow down data service. It's obvious.

Sprint certainly had outages in various areas. Common sense would say check Sprint Forums or do a simple Google search.
Phones certainly can have an effect on your speeds but not as much as a Tower.

Having both phones side by side its Sprint and not the phone....
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium