I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
ddog511 said:
I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No 32GB option, so I stuck with my S4. Hopefully the S5 prime has a 32GB version.
I had also been considering the HTC One M8, but from what I've been reading, the radios in that device are worse than the samsung ones. I wonder if this is beginning to be a trend... Of course, there's also the draw of S-Off and root on that device. Ultimately, it comes down to this - my S3 had absolutely no signal where 3 of my buddies' iPhones had signal as did my brother's Moto X. It was very frustrating, so I want to make sure that my next phone has better signal.
ddog511 said:
I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my S5 and I'm dropping calls where I never did with my S3. VZW thinks it could be a device issue and are waiting for my word to ship me a new replacement. I'll keep testing today and update this thread and also if I end up replacing it after receiving a new one.
I've noticed a great improvement in regards to signal on the gs5. It even seems to be a tad better than my Note 3 as far as keeping lte. I'm in a rural area too by the way.
trehouse said:
I just got my S5 and I'm dropping calls where I never did with my S3. VZW thinks it could be a device issue and are waiting for my word to ship me a new replacement. I'll keep testing today and update this thread and also if I end up replacing it after receiving a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Definitely give an update if you can.
I noticed no difference in signal strength between my S3 and S5, both are great. Although the S5 does get access to the much faster AWS LTE.
ddog511 said:
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't speak to the S3 --> S5 changes, but I went from an S4 --> S5 and noticed HUGE signal improvements, including WiFi
I went to the S5 from a Note 2. The S5 seems to have slightly better signal and seems to hold onto lower signal longer before switching to CDMA. That's the best part; the S5 switches between radios much quicker than the Note 2 did. When I lost LTE on the Note 2, it would take over a minute usually to switch to CDMA and even longer when it felt like switching back to LTE. When the S5 switches, it's usually functional within two or so seconds. Love it.
s3 to s5
ddog511 said:
I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from an S3 to an S5 and have noticed the signal is much better on the S5, but that is not always the case. I had the S3 since it came out and never had issues with 4G at work or other places when the signal was good. The S5 seems to have issues connecting with 4G at the same places I have used the S3 where I never had issues before (e.g. work and other frequented places). So far it only seems to affect text and data. When I do have issues, I am able to receive text messages, but not send text messages. Also, data does not work at all. I have to change the network on my S5 to CDMA to get it work. When I arrive to work, I have to change it to CDMA and when I leave work I change back to 4G. Using the automatic network mode setting does not help either since it stays on the 4G setting. I have had the same issues at other places, but I don't visit those places daily. I called Sprint and they couldn't anything for me.
sz1980 said:
I went from an S3 to an S5 and have noticed the signal is much better on the S5, but that is not always the case. I had the S3 since it came out and never had issues with 4G at work or other places when the signal was good. The S5 seems to have issues connecting with 4G at the same places I have used the S3 where I never had issues before (e.g. work and other frequented places). So far it only seems to affect text and data. When I do have issues, I am able to receive text messages, but not send text messages. Also, data does not work at all. I have to change the network on my S5 to CDMA to get it work. When I arrive to work, I have to change it to CDMA and when I leave work I change back to 4G. Using the automatic network mode setting does not help either since it stays on the 4G setting. I have had the same issues at other places, but I don't visit those places daily. I called Sprint and they couldn't anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very helpful, thank you. I wonder though, if the Sprint radios are different from the Verizon ones as far as signal strength and quality... It would be interesting to find out whether the Verizon version has the same issues where 4g connected just fine with the S3, but has issues on the S5 as you had experienced.
sz1980 said:
I went from an S3 to an S5 and have noticed the signal is much better on the S5, but that is not always the case. I had the S3 since it came out and never had issues with 4G at work or other places when the signal was good. The S5 seems to have issues connecting with 4G at the same places I have used the S3 where I never had issues before (e.g. work and other frequented places). So far it only seems to affect text and data. When I do have issues, I am able to receive text messages, but not send text messages. Also, data does not work at all. I have to change the network on my S5 to CDMA to get it work. When I arrive to work, I have to change it to CDMA and when I leave work I change back to 4G. Using the automatic network mode setting does not help either since it stays on the 4G setting. I have had the same issues at other places, but I don't visit those places daily. I called Sprint and they couldn't anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ddog511 said:
This is very helpful, thank you. I wonder though, if the Sprint radios are different from the Verizon ones as far as signal strength and quality... It would be interesting to find out whether the Verizon version has the same issues where 4g connected just fine with the S3, but has issues on the S5 as you had experienced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a Verizon user and have not experienced any of those issues that sz1980 has. I get reliable data and text in the places where my S3 did. I do also notice better reception in fringe/weak areas, such as at work where I get terrible reception. With the S3 I never could make a phone call, and text sending was hit or miss. With the S5 I can actually make a phone call, and text sending has been quite reliable.
Maybe your phone is simply defective sz1980. Have you tried exchanging it?
BeefJerky9 said:
I'm a Verizon user and have not experienced any of those issues that sz1980 has. I get reliable data and text in the places where my S3 did. I do also notice better reception in fringe/weak areas, such as at work where I get terrible reception. With the S3 I never could make a phone call, and text sending was hit or miss. With the S5 I can actually make a phone call, and text sending has been quite reliable.
Maybe your phone is simply defective sz1980. Have you tried exchanging it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not because I don't think it's defective. If it were sporadic I would, but as soon as I am close to my desk at work, the issue starts. It appears I have signal, but as soon as I attempt a call, send a text, or use data the LTE symbol greys out. Again, it consistently happens at my desk where the S3 always worked.
sz1980 said:
I have not because I don't think it's defective. If it were sporadic I would, but as soon as I am close to my desk at work, the issue starts. It appears I have signal, but as soon as I attempt a call, send a text, or use data the LTE symbol greys out. Again, it consistently happens at my desk where the S3 always worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sure sounds defective to me; besides, what's the harm in doing an exchange? At least this way you'd be able to rule out the hardware as the issue. That said, it sounds like you don't want to do that, so it seems you just want to complain and not actually get the problem fixed.
ddog511 said:
I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My previous phone wasn't a Samsung, so I am not answering your question, but much of my work requires me to be in rural - even remote areas. My Verizon S5 is frequently the only phone in the room with a connection. I also used to have shaky connections at home (on Verizon). I now have a solid connection for both data and calls and have no dropped calls. I LOVE this phone!
Does not answer your question but
ddog511 said:
I know that there is this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713214 but they don't seem to answer the question based on an S3, so I'm curious for those of you that swtiched from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal everywhere you use it?
the reason for my question is this: I'm looking to upgrade from the S3, but I want a phone that I'm going to get a better signal with. I like Samsung, but am up to considering other android phones if one is specifically better with signal than the S5.
So, again, coming from the S3 to the S5, did you notice any better signal for calls/text/data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to use iPhones so I don't go back with android to the S3 but recently have owned and used iPhone 5, LG G2, HTC One M8, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S5 developers edition and Moto Maxx Developers edition and hands down the Droid Maxx has the best reception. Note that all have been on Verizon so it may be different on different carriers (droid is Verizon only). Recently drove with my son from VA to CA. Son used the LG and I the Maxx. Maxx had better reception from coast to coast. Of course a lot of places neither one of us had any reception.
That said the S5 is good and I am enjoying my new Dev edition S5.
Related
I recently purchased a used Samsung Vibrant. Returning it is not an option at this point. Suffice to say, its not stolen, I've paid my idiot tax, and now I want to move on and try to make someting of the money I 've already wasted. If I had to do it over again, I'd buy a new one.
Basically, the phone unable to show enough signal strength to make a phone call or data connection. Now and then it may show one bar, most of the time no bars or a blue circle/slash icon. AFAIK, even without a SIM the phone should still connect for 911 service. After checking the phone and reading this forum I can verify the phone is running the stock firmware, is not currently rooted or unlocked. As I see it have the following options;
1. Attempt some of the firmware options I find available in this forum. I'm fairly experienced with flashing HTC phones, especially the Touch Cruise, with various radios and Android builds. There seem to be many choices, I'm not sure which to start with but prefer stability over bleeding edge.
2. Contact Samsung support for possible repair, either warranty or at cost. If this is a know simple issue and would cost around $100 or so I'd considering it worth it.
3. Take it to T-mobile and see if I missed something obvious.
4. Slap my self on the back of the head for a bone-head choice, and use my repair money toward a mytouch. At least its Android.
Any helpful suggestions?
Thanks,
Nomedias
New JI6 OTA fixes signal problems
Also avoid palming the phone in left hand on a weak signal, covering the bottom left corner your signal strength drops.. Ive personally only seen this effects data not voice
demo23019 said:
New JI6 OTA fixes signal problems
Also avoid palming the phone in left hand on a weak signal, covering the bottom left corner your signal strength drops.. Ive personally only seen this effects data not voice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the directions at forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732458 to update to JI6 update. The problem is still there. FYI, the only 512.pit I can find is the one included with the stock ROM. Is that good or is there a more recent one I couldn't find mention of?
you dont need to update pit file. its the same that you already have
demo23019 said:
you dont need to update pit file. its the same that you already have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that makes sense.
An update on the issue. I changed the screen timeout to 10 minutes, then set it down. After a couple minutes it might get 2-3 bars (-95 to -105 dBm), but the moment I pick it up it drops to nothing. And no I'm not using a deathgrip, and other phones I have get a solid signal, also on T-mobile. I'm thinking I gonna contact Samsung tomorrow and see what repair options I have, if any.
Thanks for the assist.
Nomedias said:
Thanks, that makes sense.
An update on the issue. I changed the screen timeout to 10 minutes, then set it down. After a couple minutes it might get 2-3 bars (-95 to -105 dBm), but the moment I pick it up it drops to nothing. And no I'm not using a deathgrip, and other phones I have get a solid signal, also on T-mobile. I'm thinking I gonna contact Samsung tomorrow and see what repair options I have, if any.
Thanks for the assist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't have to be death grip it happens just by covering the bottom left side...like i said in my OP just palming in left hand can cause this.
This only happens when you're on a weak signal.
I have this problem even on JI6 you have to hold phone certain way so you're not blocking antenna with hand.
This happens to me at home but noticed when i get real strong signal on the road or at girlfriends house it doesn't happen
I'm pretty sure nothing is wrong with your phone i think its just a design flaw on the vibrant
BTW here is an old post i made few weeks back before understanding what was actually going on
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=791058
EDIT
hey if you do find a solution with Samsung over the phone could you give me a heads up/PM on what they had you do?
demo23019 said:
......
This only happens when you're on a weak signal.
......
hey if you do find a solution with Samsung over the phone could you give me a heads up/PM on what they had you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that also follows. FYI, I get a strong signal with other phones at my location using my SIM, even on unlocked AT&T phones. However the Vibrant never gets better than -95 dBm.
I've already sent an email to Samsung support. I'll post an update once that is resolved.
Nomedias
Nomedias said:
Yeah, that also follows. FYI, I get a strong signal with other phones at my location using my SIM, even on unlocked AT&T phones. However the Vibrant never gets better than -95 dBm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you my nexus and diamond never had this problem.
What i was getting at is the vibrant antenna is **** or just a bad designed flaw.
and requires "stronger" signal
Anyways from my understanding there still isn't a real solution for this... but i know JI6 helps
but now battery drains faster because of the new JI6 modem
demo23019 said:
I agree with you my nexus and diamond never had this problem.
What i was getting at is the vibrant antenna is **** or just a bad designed flaw.
and requires "stronger" signal
Anyways from my understanding there still isn't a real solution for this... but i know JI6 helps
but now battery drains faster because of the new JI6 modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about? The Nexus One and ESPECIALLY the Diamond has typical HTC garbage cell reception. My Vibrant has excellent reception, better than the new G2 with it's antenna at the top (don't cover it, you'll switch over to EDGE) If there is something wrong with yours you should get that checked out!
heygrl said:
What are you talking about? The Nexus One and ESPECIALLY the Diamond has typical HTC garbage cell reception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea ok what ever you say
heygrl said:
If there is something wrong with yours you should get that checked out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing wrong with mine, like i said before ...
This happens to me at home but noticed when i get real strong signal on the road or at girlfriends house it doesn't happen
its a known issue with vibrant phones..even yours
Just not as noticeable the closer you're to cell towers
demo23019 said:
Yea ok what ever you say
There is nothing wrong with mine, its a known issue with vibrant phones..even yours
Just not as noticeable the closer you're to cell towers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know this because?
1) No, I am NOT near any cell towers
2) Took my Vibrant out to the interstate, had EXCELLENT reception - better than my other T-Mobile phones.
3) Like I said, next to the G2 the Vibrant reports a far better signal
4) if it's not reporting anything higher than -95dBm you have a serious problem. That's probably why it was for sale. Lots of people like unloading junk. It's still under warranty, get a new one from T-Mobile.
this is my 2nd phone not for that reason but old one did same, my friends does same when tested in same spots..ect my phone is fine
considering im in a spotty 3g area even states this on tmobile site on map..
Im talking about about data here not voice...i drop to Edge 3-4 bars when i cover the bottom left i dont lose signal completed. I think there is miss communication between us
=
demo23019 said:
this is my 2nd phone not for that reason but old one did same, my friends does same when tested in same spots..ect my phone is fine
considering im in a spotty 3g area even states this on tmobile site on map..
Im talking about about data here not voice...i drop to Edge 3-4 bars when i cover the bottom left i dont lose signal completed. I think there is miss communication between us
=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what does spotty 3G coverage have to do with the phone?
OMG forget it
UPDATE...
Called Samsung support today. The phone is still under warranty, so they issued an RMA number and sent me a UPS label via email. I'll ship it to them and as long as it isn't due to physical damage, it will be covered at no cost to me.
As expected I had to go through the usual steps such as making sure I had a good signal where I was on another phone. Once it was clear it was either a hardware issue or a problem with the software I can't resolve, they had no problem with an RMA. FYI, I was up front about it being purchased from another T-mobile customer, but this did not appear to be an issue.
This is my first time dealing with Samsung support, and all things considered I'm feeling very positive right now. I deal with tech support lines alot in my job and so far I'm happy. Will update when I get the phone back.
Nomedias
I really want to buy this phone... But when I google around, I find tons of forum threads like this and youtube videos like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsEnYzEjjwM
Not too encouraging....
heygrl, you seem to be the only one here who is extremely happy with your reception, so it's hard for me to take your word for it!
Is there any natural way to hold this phone without making the signal drop? The bigger problem for me is that I'm on Wind Mobile, which does not have an EDGE network. So if I lose 3G, I lose my signal alltogether.
I could buy a Motorola XT720... But the screen is just incomparable to the Vibrant
Faruk88 said:
I really want to buy this phone... But when I google around, I find tons of forum threads like this and youtube videos like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsEnYzEjjwM
Not too encouraging....
heygrl, you seem to be the only one here who is extremely happy with your reception, so it's hard for me to take your word for it!
Is there any natural way to hold this phone without making the signal drop? The bigger problem for me is that I'm on Wind Mobile, which does not have an EDGE network. So if I lose 3G, I lose my signal alltogether.
I could buy a Motorola XT720... But the screen is just incomparable to the Vibrant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read the poll 6 people suggested that the OP try a different firmware. Listed in the JI6 bug fixes
http://ars.samsung.com/customer/usa...ID=2&PROD_SUB_ID=557&PROD_ID=560&AT_ID=341559
Radio: 3G antenna bar patch
SNS Sync: The interval value for synchronizing has been changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering the fact that this thread has low replies after the JI6 firmware has dropped and the fact that it sounds like a problem with this particular device, This thread proves much of nothing. The only people that have problems are the ones that complain.
Believe me, I'd be happy to buy this phone if I knew for sure that reception wouldn't be a problem... But seriously, 3g antenna bar patch? That's so Apple-esque. It does nothing to fix the underlying issue that people are having, which is a 20dBm drop in signal when holding the phone at the bottom.
Edit: 30dBm in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYzI2j3A78E (-81dBm to -111dBm)
It seems hard to believe that Samsung could have let something like this slip...
Faruk88 said:
Believe me, I'd be happy to buy this phone if I knew for sure that reception wouldn't be a problem... But seriously, 3g antenna bar patch? That's so Apple-esque. It does nothing to fix the underlying issue that people are having, which is a 20dBm drop in signal when holding the phone at the bottom.
Edit: 30dBm in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYzI2j3A78E (-81dBm to -111dBm)
It seems hard to believe that Samsung could have let something like this slip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem was with the bars. It reflected a much poorer level of service. It's hard to tell someone that has no idea how the signal is measured why their service isn't gone or bad because you have "0 bars". The Vibrant only went to -81dBm and that was obviously wrong because the Android system should reflect -dBm up until -51. -0dBm is an amazing signal, which we'll never see on any phone. It would often bounce between -111dBm and -0dBm when it showed no bars of coverage. I don't know how many more times I have to explain this.
The bars WE'RE wrong. People took this to mean that their reception was bad when in reality there was nothing wrong with it. You can't explain this to everyone because they won't understand it or care. You could go into Samsung's service menu to see actual -dBm reception because the bars we're broken and so was the Android readout.
Yes I'm an engineer so I know that 0dBm is a gain of 1 and therefore an amazing signal. However, Android just displays 0dBm when it loses service, NOT when it has a perfect signal (obviously this is technically incorrect, but this is what they chose for whatever reason).
And why was it wrong that the Vibrant in the video started off at -81dBm? That's a pretty reasonable value to have indoors.
But even if it should have started off at -51dBm instead of -81dBm, it doesn't matter because that can easily be fixed with a software patch. What CAN'T be fixed with a software patch is the 20-30dBm DROP in signal when the phone is held. So instead of my phone dropping from -81dBm to -111dBm, it will drop from -51dBm to -81dBm. Are you telling me that's supposed to be a good "fix"?
What's more concerning of course, is in low signal environments, where you can lose service alltogether. Sometimes I pull my Samsung phone out of my pocket and it shows "No Service" for a few seconds, until it gets connected to the network again. (what I'm trying to say is that it loses service in my pocket)
If I don't hear anything more convincing, I'm probably gonna go ahead and order a cheap MyTouch Slide... Way inferior to this phone, but at least it's nearly half the price and I can be confident about my reception.
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
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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.
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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
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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)!
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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
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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.
Hey everyone. I don't know if this has been discussed already but I did search the crap out of google only to find, we'll, not much really...
The topic title says it all.. I am having major issues with terrible data reception resulting in unsent SMS and straight to voicemail calls. It is getting really annoying. I have tried everything.. Changed SIM card, Odin back to 4.3 stock, flashed random modems in hope they work...
The really annoying part is that it gets great reception in so local areas.. I went to the BELL store to whine about the problem and the darnn phone was getting 4 bars. Made me look like a fool.
My wife has an s3 with bell and while I get missed calls she gets great reception so it can't be the ISP ..
Is anyone else about to go nuts? Is anyone looking at possible tweaks around this? Thanks
obtuce said:
Hey everyone. I don't know if this has been discussed already but I did search the crap out of google only to find, we'll, not much really...
The topic title says it all.. I am having major issues with terrible data reception resulting in unsent SMS and straight to voicemail calls. It is getting really annoying. I have tried everything.. Changed SIM card, Odin back to 4.3 stock, flashed random modems in hope they work...
The really annoying part is that it gets great reception in so local areas.. I went to the BELL store to whine about the problem and the darnn phone was getting 4 bars. Made me look like a fool.
My wife has an s3 with bell and while I get missed calls she gets great reception so it can't be the ISP ..
Is anyone else about to go nuts? Is anyone looking at possible tweaks around this? Thanks
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Click to collapse
IMHO Bell sucks.
Canadian providers just suck.
nicholaschum said:
IMHO Bell sucks.
Canadian providers just suck.
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Thanks for your insight lol..
obtuce said:
Thanks for your insight lol..
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No seriously.
I have a Canadian Note 3, on Rogers. Occasionally I get only 3G, no signal, and little LTE.
Only in the most crowded places is there good signal, like downtown Toronto.
nicholaschum said:
No seriously.
I have a Canadian Note 3, on Rogers. Occasionally I get only 3G, no signal, and little LTE.
Only in the most crowded places is there good signal, like downtown Toronto.
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I agree my man.. But as i stated, my wife on her S3 gets great signal where i do not... So i think the problem is beyond Rogers/Bell ..
obtuce said:
I agree my man.. But as i stated, my wife on her S3 gets great signal where i do not... So i think the problem is beyond Rogers/Bell ..
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Try updating to the latest 4.4.2 firmware and hope for the best.
nicholaschum said:
Try updating to the latest 4.4.2 firmware and hope for the best.
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Click to collapse
up to date alreay man. i am gonna revert back to stock again and keep it stock for a while to see if it's an issue with custom roms.
in the mean time, am i the only one with bad reception issues?
obtuce said:
up to date alreay man. i am gonna revert back to stock again and keep it stock for a while to see if it's an issue with custom roms.
in the mean time, am i the only one with bad reception issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I also have terrible reception problems on mine. I'm in the US (T-Mobile). This phone has the worst reception and I basically don't get any bars in most buildings I go into (where I used to have full bars on my galaxy s2). For data, I only see "E" all the time and rarely see 4G, again in places where I used to always have excellent reception with my old galaxy S2.
Waiting to see if anyone has a tip or a fix for this. I can't return the phone because I bought it second hand. :crying:
I know this has been talked about a little before but I don't see no real good answers.
I had an S3 a while ago and sold it because the signal was pretty bad in certain areas where other phones had no issues. My Mot Razr Maxx and LG G2 worked way better than the S3.
Now I am looking at the S5 to maybe buy but I am concerned about having that same issue where the phone is useless because you can't send text or make calls.
And I am not going to go through this flashing a new radio because someone thinks it works better. I did that too many times with the S3 and it really never did help at all.
So does this S5 still got the same old Samsung radio issues
It seems better than the S3 for me. The real test for me is going to the next city over and seeing if it loses all signal. It's literally 2 or 3 miles from my house and the reception just craps out.
I would like to hear what you report back...
I have an S5 and my wife has an S3, both on Verizon. IMHO, my S5 has far better reception than her S3.
Her S3 also has GPS issues even out in the open away from buildings, while my S5 will show my exact location even in a downtown environments.
JohnKuczek said:
I have an S5 and my wife has an S3, both on Verizon. IMHO, my S5 has far better reception than her S3.
Her S3 also has GPS issues even out in the open away from buildings, while my S5 will show my exact location even in a downtown environments.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reports. I just remembering the S3 loved the development and the phone, But getting good service on it was something else.
I am using my LG G2 right now and it works pretty good rooted and on a custom rom. I also still have my Mot Razr Maxx HD
I am thinking of going to the 10GB everything plan (Maybe) and getting the wife and I both S5's... The only thing holding me back is I am still on no contract and on the Unlimited Data Plan. Very Hard Choice to leave that.
I could do what I always been doing and just go buy an S5 new from ebay.
I have not signed new contract with Verizon in Years... Scary to me just thinking about it. I think the last time I did was when they came out with 4G and I got the HTC TBolt... LOL Showing my age now.
I used to have an S3 and now have the S5. At work in my office, I got zero reception on my S3 and had to plug it in or it would be dead by the end of the day because it was constantly searching for a signal. When I left for the day I would suddenly get voicemails and notifications because I finally got a signal again. With the S5, I actually get a weak signal in my office, so I receive notifications, texts, and can actually receive phone calls every once in a while. So I'd say from my experience the signal on the S5 is much improved over the S3.
Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get my AT&T S4 running 4.4.2, to switch from using 4G, to using 3G? 4G signal at my house sucks. Text messages are not going through, and calls often drop or won't go through at all. And the signal is always at 1 single bar or no bars. And for some reason, in their infinite wisdom, when they came out with 4.4.2 they did away with the ability to easily manually switch to 3G.
Is there some app, or some easy way I can do this? My old 3G Samsung Captivate had great reception at my house.
Bump. Nobody knows? Well perhaps I should be asking about a custom ROM instead then. Which custom ROM is the best these days? I don't want to lose much of the stock look, I'm pretty happy with the way android looks from the factory. But I'm open to something new I guess. Anyone got any screenshots? I don't even know of any of the names of the good ROMs. I seems to remember something about cybermod or cynagen or something, but its been a long time.
bennylava said:
Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get my AT&T S4 running 4.4.2, to switch from using 4G, to using 3G? 4G signal at my house sucks. Text messages are not going through, and calls often drop or won't go through at all. And the signal is always at 1 single bar or no bars. And for some reason, in their infinite wisdom, when they came out with 4.4.2 they did away with the ability to easily manually switch to 3G.
Is there some app, or some easy way I can do this? My old 3G Samsung Captivate had great reception at my house.
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Click to collapse
Hi ,
there are few apps that do that , i like this one works great
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voidvapps.intelli3g&hl=en
bennylava said:
Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get my AT&T S4 running 4.4.2, to switch from using 4G, to using 3G? 4G signal at my house sucks. Text messages are not going through, and calls often drop or won't go through at all. And the signal is always at 1 single bar or no bars. And for some reason, in their infinite wisdom, when they came out with 4.4.2 they did away with the ability to easily manually switch to 3G.
Is there some app, or some easy way I can do this? My old 3G Samsung Captivate had great reception at my house.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how different the AT&T S4 is from the International 4G LTE in terms of software but if you're using the stock rom there's an option in Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks then Network mode to WCDMA/GSM only. This option is still present on 4.4.2 on my GT-I9505. Is that option missing on your AT&T S4?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hazerm said:
I'm not sure how different the AT&T S4 is from the International 4G LTE in terms of software but if you're using the stock rom there's an option in Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks then Network mode to WCDMA/GSM only. This option is still present on 4.4.2 on my GT-I9505. Is that option missing on your AT&T S4?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Yeah its gone. There are a few greyed out things that you can't do but none of them seem related to what I I'm trying to do. I don't think I like kitkat. Its not just the ATT stuff, its also that they messed around with a lot of the basic functionality and screwed it up. For example, instead of just making it an option in the settings when you're texting, they made the blunder of assigning font enlargement to the side buttons. When it used to be the volume. Now every time I accidentally hit that button, it starts changing the dang text size. There are a lot of little changes for the worse, throughout the OS. I shouldn't have upgraded.
bennylava said:
Yeah its gone.
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Both my M919 (Tmobile S4) running 4.4.4 and i9505 (International S4) running 4.4.2 have those choices. You bought the wrong brand of S4... ATT sucks, they lock everything thinking everyone is like an iphone user...
I have to use them, the other's coverage area sucks. Maybe I could switch to sprint... don't know if they're any better. For some odd reason when I rebooted the phone I gained back 3 bars, and it started working again. I blame kitkat! So far that version has proven that its a pretty big screw up, so it wouldn't surprise me.
bennylava said:
I have to use them, the other's coverage area sucks. Maybe I could switch to sprint... don't know if they're any better. For some odd reason when I rebooted the phone I gained back 3 bars, and it started working again. I blame kitkat! So far that version has proven that its a pretty big screw up, so it wouldn't surprise me.
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I agree, sometimes we are forced to use whatever is available to us... ATT's signal is good in my area compared to Tmobile, but I hate using ATT's phones because of their locked bootloaders. I use a Tmobile S4 which I bought from amazon, with Straight talk sim card which runs on ATT network.
If ATT don't lock their phones, it would be easy for me to just buy from them and use their network. I think ATT looses sales on us people who are members here in this forum and other sites. but maybe we are a minority and ATT doesn't care.
Oh just wait a while. Tmobile will finally get big, and their coverage area will start to suck less. It will become acceptable, and right about that time, they'll be bought out by ATT. Anyone else see this pattern? Time to invoke monopoly laws and bust up a few carriers if you ask me.