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I've had my MDA in the US for a couple of weeks now. During the first week the reception was great, but now is terrible. In at least two specific places where I used to get good reception, I now get no service at all.
Hard boot has not helped.
I suspect the problem started after I plugged in an external antenna. For those who have seen the inside, is there anything I might have knocked loose?
I'm not afraid to open it up, but there might be a tradeoff in getting warranty service afterward. Mostly likely, I will open it up, void whatever warranty there is, and find nothing to fix anyway . . .
I am a long-time XDAI/AT&T user. Switched to T-Mobile about the same time as getting the XDAII. But initially, after switching, I sat in a meeting and surfed the internet with good coverage. A week later, in the same place, no service. There is a marked decrease in signal strength in every other location, also. Much too consistent to be a problem with the provider (I think).
I'm having the same exact problem. Does anyone know what might cause this? how it can be fixed?
Poor Reception
I seem to be having a poor reception issue, too, though I'm not sure what reception I should be getting from my XDA II -- I've only had it for a week or two, and can only compare its phone performance against an XDA 1. In that comparison, the XDA 1 received much better than the XDA II. Can anyone tell me if something is going on?
Thanks!
maybe it's because xda1 have an antenna ?
my exp is that they are the same receptionwise
and both of them are the same as my old motorola cellphone
Bad Reception after plugging in external antenna
had the same problem after plugging in a radio shack antenna. It was so bad I was ready to buy the new Ipaq thinking I could use the quad band for AT&T in the USA.
THe bad reception lasted about two months, thenone day it just "snapped" out of it. I have had great reception now for over a month, and have used an external antenna without a problem. plugging it in and out no longer effects the reception when it is unplugged. A hardware switch that did not reset? No idea, just reporting m experience.
Steve
Could it be because of your provider? Mine has almost no reception here at work but that's how it was eversince I started working here. Even with my Nokia, my XDA II still have one or two bar the most here at work. But when I'm at home, I get full reception.
But Cingular has always had bad coverage around my work area, Verizon on the other hand has good coverage.
...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.
If the stupid "unstable" internet connection thing were to get fixed, I think I would finally have a perfect phone. And please don't say it's my router or that it works fine for you.... The wifi thing is a problem, and this is my second Note 3, and they both do the exact same thing. Everything else works fine with my router setup (FIOS), so to suggest that something needs changed there doesn't make any sense.
So, simply, does the OTA fix the WiFi connectivity problem?
toddnbrown said:
If the stupid "unstable" internet connection thing were to get fixed, I think I would finally have a perfect phone. And please don't say it's my router or that it works fine for you.... The wifi thing is a problem, and this is my second Note 3, and they both do the exact same thing. Everything else works fine with my router setup (FIOS), so to suggest that something needs changed there doesn't make any sense.
So, simply, does the OTA fix the WiFi connectivity problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't answer that unfortunately. I used to have the same problem at work (they used DLink access points which have problems with Samsung). They just replaced them all with HP hardware and I haven't had the error at all any more.
What I can say is that everything radio seems better for me with this update. I get 2 more bars for cellular reception as well as much better bluetooth clarity.
mistertek said:
I can't answer that unfortunately. I used to have the same problem at work (they used DLink access points which have problems with Samsung). They just replaced them all with HP hardware and I haven't had the error at all any more.
What I can say is that everything radio seems better for me with this update. I get 2 more bars for cellular reception as well as much better bluetooth clarity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Service bars are just a visual thing. You have to check the actual reception numbers to see if your cellular reception has improved at all. I have been using my D-Link router with my Note 3 (as well as my previous S3) and the WiFi connection is rock solid. Maybe some of the networking equipment you had at work was older, but Samsung phones and D-Link equipment can connect without issue.
pkd600 said:
Service bars are just a visual thing. You have to check the actual reception numbers to see if your cellular reception has improved at all. I have been using my D-Link router with my Note 3 (as well as my previous S3) and the WiFi connection is rock solid. Maybe some of the networking equipment you had at work was older, but Samsung phones and D-Link equipment can connect without issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware that the bars can be played with by the carrier.
I used to lose my call twice on the way to work every day. Today I drove all the way without garble or a dropped call. I think the bars are real this time. I haven't checked the actual DB signal strength before so I don't have a good comparison.
mistertek said:
I'm aware that the bars can be played with by the carrier.
I used to lose my call twice on the way to work every day. Today I drove all the way without garble or a dropped call. I think the bars are real this time. I haven't checked the actual DB signal strength before so I don't have a good comparison.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not me, mine dropped the call this morning going through a dead spot
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
toddnbrown said:
If the stupid "unstable" internet connection thing were to get fixed, I think I would finally have a perfect phone. And please don't say it's my router or that it works fine for you.... The wifi thing is a problem, and this is my second Note 3, and they both do the exact same thing. Everything else works fine with my router setup (FIOS), so to suggest that something needs changed there doesn't make any sense.
So, simply, does the OTA fix the WiFi connectivity problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will not tell you that it's your router, because I don't think it is. However, I will tell you that I think it must have something to do with the software/hardware interface or there is something conflicting in the phone, because I did not have the "unstable" wifi issue on MJ7 at all, and after the update to MJE, I get the error every now and then.
Just my experience.
DELETED
mwebb34 said:
Im having the exact same problem, and so are many many other people. Its starting to piss me off im paying full price for this damn phone and it should have anything that doesnt work rite. Verizon should give us people that on the verizon edge an option onstead of the same bull**** answer that they always give us.....
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fortunately for me, I do have the unlimited data, so I always have the option to just use the LTE signal. If I didn't, I would have had to return the phone or my bill would be through the roof. Everything else works fine with my home WiFi, but the Note 3 gives me the "your internet connection is unstable" message, regardless of my proximity to the router i.e. sitting right next to it!! At this point, with there being 2 or 3 "updates" since the phone was released, I have to say it's looking like a hardware problem. Otherwise where's the fix? BTW this is my 2nd Note 3 as I returned the first one thinking I got a lemon. The new one does the exact same thing. Wifi is a pretty basic function of a phone. If they can't get that right, I may have to think twice before I buy Samsung again. Do they not do any testing?
toddnbrown said:
Fortunately for me, I do have the unlimited data, so I always have the option to just use the LTE signal. If I didn't, I would have had to return the phone or my bill would be through the roof. Everything else works fine with my home WiFi, but the Note 3 gives me the "your internet connection is unstable" message, regardless of my proximity to the router i.e. sitting right next to it!! At this point, with there being 2 or 3 "updates" since the phone was released, I have to say it's looking like a hardware problem. Otherwise where's the fix? BTW this is my 2nd Note 3 as I returned the first one thinking I got a lemon. The new one does the exact same thing. Wifi is a pretty basic function of a phone. If they can't get that right, I may have to think twice before I buy Samsung again. Do they not do any testing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked VZW tech the same question "Don't you people test the device before it gets sold”? Like you sir this makes my 2nd note 3 I bought my first one on the edge program around the first week of NOV of this year. Do you have talk signal bars when your WiFi drops or have you noticed? What I've noticed is that when I lose signal "talk"not "WiFi", then my WiFi drops. I talked to VZW tech yesterday and they said Samsung is aware of the WiFi problem and that Samsung is working on a patch that will fix this problem. I hope Samsung fixes this problem soon because if it doesn't get fixed I will never buy another Samsung device, I'll go back to Nexus.
Retail N3
I found that when we're offshore and I don't have signal mine doesn't give the notice...As soon as I get service again it gives the notice. Our wifi onboard is extremely slow but it doesn't say anything when it's the only option
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
This instability function is faulty and should be disabled.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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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.