Poor reception - Touch Dual, MDA Touch Plus ROM Development

Does anyone else experience a decrease in signal reception in their DUAL? I have a Nokia N95 8gb and I get a strong signal (5 bars) compared to 2 bars on the DUAL.
KS

As long as you can speak clear, I dont think there would be a problem. Probably the N95 shows full signal in areas where HTC can show 2bars but still take the full signal
The best way to test is by making a call in poor reception areas on both the devices and see which one works better or the same.
Regards,
Carty..

signal
i had that alot and i bought a signal booster from ebay which has made a diffrence it gives me two strong bars where befour i had one which came and went. they are only 2.00 and stick under the battery hope this may help.i am with orange and also have an n95 which has a good strong signal at home.

Goto>Settings>phone>band> then change from Auto to GSM in network type. It might help. soft reset.

naser404 said:
Goto>Settings>phone>band> then change from Auto to GSM in network type. It might help. soft reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, that helped me when i saw that on another thread. if you're not using the higher speed internet, it's a good tip
shame the "auto" is biased to faster data networks - i'd like to have it search for a more applicable signal only when you need a data connection

Related

[Q] Losing signal through call

I am losing a signal half way through a conversation and i get cut off ,i have checked it a few times today by calling mates when the phone strength is 2-3 bars ,after a few minutes i get cut off and the phone has lost signal .
Any help with this please ?
I have looked at radio codes and flashing roms but unsure as to what they mean or do ,i am on O2 and the signal is ok where i live and worked ok on my last phone SE k800i ,just seems as though the hd2 is constantly losing the signal and trying to find it but them comes up with 2-3 bars
I am new to all this stuff so please explain it to an idiot in simple terms
If you are having signal issues, flashing a new radio could do a lot of good. The radio ROM is the software that controls how your phone connects to the various network signals. You may have to experiment with several different radios before you find one that works well in your area. Read THIS thread for more information on it.
Another possibility is if you are only experiencing signal problems during calls, it may be that you are holding the phone in a way which degrades the reception of your antenna. Some users have reported that holding the phone tightly at the bottom (where the antenna is located) causes a slow loss of signal. If this is the case, try gripping your phone nearer to the camera at the top.
Cheers for the link ,will have a read through
+1 faelock. if you hold the phone with the bottom pressed flat into your palm it can make a difference of as much as 2-3 bars.
Does anyone know if these make a difference ,as i have trouble with signal around the house but full signal while outside
http://www.chargerstore.co.uk/Froogle/samsung-dvf-mobile-sig.html
jasext said:
Does anyone know if these make a difference ,as i have trouble with signal around the house but full signal while outside
http://www.chargerstore.co.uk/Froogle/samsung-dvf-mobile-sig.html
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Click to collapse
I've seen those sold for years, but I really don't know if the boost signal. I used 1 once that came with a combo thing I bought on ebay, but didn't have signal problems to begin with.
You could look for signal repeaters that can be purchased that boost signal in the house. Over here in the usa, I know that sprint and at&t have them and you can get them free if you complain about signal strength in your house.
Those "signal boosters" are about as effective as kinoki foot pads and ionic bracelets. I had the same problem when I frist bought my phone. No signal or 1 bar in my bedroom but walk outside the door and I got 2-3 bars. After flashing a new radio I now have full bars everywhere in my house; so that would be my suggestion. If you're nervous about flashing and would rather go with a signal booster than check out THESE ones that apparently work.
Thanks for the reply guys
Faelok said:
Those "signal boosters" are about as effective as kinoki foot pads and ionic bracelets. I had the same problem when I frist bought my phone. No signal or 1 bar in my bedroom but walk outside the door and I got 2-3 bars. After flashing a new radio I now have full bars everywhere in my house; so that would be my suggestion. If you're nervous about flashing and would rather go with a signal booster than check out THESE ones that apparently work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not nervous about flashing a radio just a bit unsure as there seem to be so many to chose from ,are there any specific ones i should be looking at ?
Checked the prices on the signal boosters you mentioned and over here in the uk they are a lot more expensive than in the usa
jasext said:
Thanks for the reply guys
Not nervous about flashing a radio just a bit unsure as there seem to be so many to chose from ,are there any specific ones i should be looking at ?
Checked the prices on the signal boosters you mentioned and over here in the uk they are a lot more expensive than in the usa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the best way is to just test them out. What works for me, might not work for you. Since you have the Euro HD2, I'm pretty sure you can use any of the radios out, .50 and .51 radios.

[Q] 3G Reception Thread

How is your 3G reception on the Vibrant? I just purchased a Vibrant as a replacement for my aging and bluetooth handicapped G1 and I am disappointed with the 3G reception.
T-Mobile's coverage in my area is moderate, and the G1 has been able to hold on to a 3G signal in most locations. Typically, at home the G1 will hold on to 2-3 bars of 3G, and at work I am lucky to get 1 -- usually camps out on 2G with 4 or 5 bars.
The Vibrant pretty much always shows 0 bars of 3G while indoors, and may even flop back to 2G. It is fairly consistently on 2G in my home at 2 bars and at work I can only get 1 bar of 2G with this phone and spend the majority of the time with no signal at all.
I sat down and did some comparison between the Vibrant and the G1 and have found the following:
1. *#*#4636#*#* menu shows significantly worse signal levels on the Vibrant than on the G1, often times showing 0db and 0asu in the same location I am seeing -89db to -101db 3G on the G1.
2. The service menu on the Vibrant indicates a signal level which on 3G is fairly consistently 8db better than the one shown on the info menu. Interestingly, 2G signal levels as shown on the service menu seem fairly spot on with those shown from the info menu in Android.
3. The service menu 3G signal levels on the Vibrant seem consistent with those that I see on the G1 with a variation of perhaps only a couple of decibels.
That said, it seems interesting that battery usage on the Vibrant seems to indicate nearly 60% of its time with no service under cell standby when I get 0% in the same location with the G1. I am wondering if the time being recorded here is in fact the time spent with 0 bars being displayed even if the phone does, in fact, have a signal.
It is apparent that there is at least a software issue with the display here, as has been concluded in prior threads. However, ignoring the bar display I am wondering what others feel of the signal coverage with their Vibrant versus their old phone?
Does anyone have any experience with any of Samsung's other phone offerings? Do you think Samsung will post a radio update for this phone or possibly release one along with the GPS Fix/Froyo update in September?
I work in a position which requires me to be on-call a certain times during the year, and I can't really afford to have a phone that camps out at 60% no signal. I am really looking for reasons to keep this phone, as I like it otherwise, but practically, I need a phone that is going to receive phone calls. Any objective indications anyone can give that Samsung will continue to support this device may help sway my decision to keep it. My 14 days will be up on Thursday, so I need to make a final decision about keeping this phone before then.
Also, do any developers think that modifying the handling of the signal display in Android will cause a change in the amount of time the phone spends acquiring signal between 3G and 2G, or is this something that is purely handled within the radio firmware? If this is changeable, is this something that can be included in a future custom rom?
No coverage issues with mine.matches my mt3g in pretty much every location.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I made a call in the BOONDOCKS of NC, in an old river mill with 22 inch brick walls... NOBODY else was able to place a call other than me (all the big networks and nice phones).
I have pretty crappy 3g service here in new rochelle when at home the phone keeps fluctuating between 0-4 bars for 3G and the data speeds very inconsistent. Sometimes it even falls back to EDGE! This is pretty lame, i called t-mobile about it and they said there nothing they can do! If i am unhappy i should return the phone.
I live in NYC...
That is really all I have to say.
3-5 up speeds
constant 3g connection
The bars on the phone are funky though they look like there are none but you can still make calls. Its just the software is off just like the battery percentage.
Rishikesh said:
I have pretty crappy 3g service here in new rochelle when at home the phone keeps fluctuating between 0-4 bars for 3G and the data speeds very inconsistent. Sometimes it even falls back to EDGE! This is pretty lame, i called t-mobile about it and they said there nothing they can do! If i am unhappy i should return the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're at home why aren't you on WiFi?
Seriously it's the most puzzling thing ever. 3G or not, I wouldn't be using it at home. Are you trying to replace your ISP with your phone or something?
You should do a search. Are you aware of the fact that -0dBm is impossible? The bars are off on this phone and the G1 is mediocre overall. It can hold on to a 3G signal for longer because your hand isn't blocking the antenna but the antenna itself is truly mediocre in fringe areas. Move your hand away from the bottom hump on the Vibrant. A lot of questions you're asking.. you're answering yourself.
I am not all too impressed with 3G coverage here at my home, but I mostly blame the network at my location and not necessarily the phone. TMO has spotty coverage near my house....period, and I live less than a mile from the tower. I have a Blackberry 9700 and it has similar issues with 3G. I've called and complained and they give me the usual "you're green on the map...return the phone....blah blah". I was closer to downtown Dallas yesterday and the phone had full bars and never got higher than -80dbm. Speedtest app showed about 3mbps downloads on average. I wouldn't say it was stellar but it's nothing like at home either. Only thing is my phone never automatically drops from 3G to E unless I am making calls. Once again the Blackberry 9700 does the same thing.
However, I am not completely convinced the phone isn't to blame either. I had a week with the new Motorola XT720, aka AWS Motoroi/Milestone that Magenta is/was rumored (who knows?) to get, and if Moto hadn't skimped on the CPU/RAM/screen/app memory of that phone I would have kept it instead of this Vibrant. That phone seemed to get much better 3G signal and HSPA was excellent compared to the Vibrant. I'm lucky if the Vibrant gets HSPA here at all. Overall network performance just seemed faster. It was quite obvious when I powered up the Vibrant the first time that 3G coverage is going to be an issue at my home with this phone.
FWIW my wife has an iPhone 3G which gets great 3G coverage here at the house on ATT. So I borrowed her SIM to test after I unlocked the Vibrant and it didn't make much difference. It did get 3G which I didn't think was technically possible until I saw that this phone has 1900 3G support as well as AWS. I do think the bars and definitely the battery indicators are not accurate whatsoever. I use Battery Indicator Pro and it's definitely obvious Samsung needs a software re-work.
Just because you live within 1 mile of a tower doesn't mean it's 3G or that there isn't something in the way of it's signal and your house.. I live within 1 mile of a tower and it's not 3G. It's supposed to get 3G soon.
heygrl said:
If you're at home why aren't you on WiFi?
Seriously it's the most puzzling thing ever. 3G or not, I wouldn't be using it at home. Are you trying to replace your ISP with your phone or something?
You should do a search. Are you aware of the fact that -0dBm is impossible? The bars are off on this phone and the G1 is mediocre overall. It can hold on to a 3G signal for longer because your hand isn't blocking the antenna but the antenna itself is truly mediocre in fringe areas. Move your hand away from the bottom hump on the Vibrant. A lot of questions you're asking.. you're answering yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I don't have WiFi in my house?
Maybe I would love to reduce my monthly expenditures by the $60 I throw away to Comcast?
I am well aware of the fact that -0dbm is impossible. This is simply what the phone is displaying. I also agree that the G1's reception is mediocre, but this phone seems worse than the G1. Blocking the antenna with my hand doesn't seem to make much difference on either the Vibrant or the G1.
I asked for objective answers to my questions which basically boil down to the following:
1. Do you think Samsung will provide support for the software on this phone (including the radio) over the long term ie. do you think there will be upgrades in this department?
2. Do you think this is something custom rom developers can address purely via modifying the OS?
Thanks for your snarky comments, but if you haven't got any objective input into the situation maybe this thread is not for you.
equid0x said:
Maybe I don't have WiFi in my house?
Maybe I would love to reduce my monthly expenditures by the $60 I throw away to Comcast?
I am well aware of the fact that -0dbm is impossible. This is simply what the phone is displaying. I also agree that the G1's reception is mediocre, but this phone seems worse than the G1. Blocking the antenna with my hand doesn't seem to make much difference on either the Vibrant or the G1.
I asked for objective answers to my questions which basically boil down to the following:
1. Do you think Samsung will provide support for the software on this phone (including the radio) over the long term ie. do you think there will be upgrades in this department?
2. Do you think this is something custom rom developers can address purely via modifying the OS?
Thanks for your snarky comments, but if you haven't got any objective input into the situation maybe this thread is not for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're asking questions that we can't answer. Do we work at Samsung? No. Would stock Android fix this? Maybe.
It seems worse than the G1 because based on your comments the bars are having an affect on what you deem to be "worse". I've had tons of T-Mobile phones including the G1 and the Vibrant is not considerably worse than any. INFACT it will hold on to a 3G signal for longer than most. My CLIQ displayed 3 bars as -105dBm. Accurate? NO.
has been able to hold on to a 3G signal in most locations. Typically, at home the G1 will hold on to 2-3 bars of 3G, and at work I am lucky to get 1 -- usually camps out on 2G with 4 or 5 bars.
The Vibrant pretty much always shows 0 bars of 3G while indoors,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the antenna on the G1? If you're telling me you're putting your hand over it and not having any disconcernable change you're not doing it right
If you don't have WiFi at your house you need to get some.
heygrl said:
You're asking questions that we can't answer. Do we work at Samsung? No.
It seems worse than the G1 because based on your comments the bars are having an affect on what you deem to be "worse". I've had tons of T-Mobile phones including the G1 and the Vibrant is not considerably worse than any. INFACT it will hold on to a 3G signal for longer than most. My CLIQ displayed 3 bars as -105dBm. Accurate? NO.
Where is the antenna on the G1? If you're telling me you're putting your hand over it and not having much of a change at all you're lying or not doing it right.
If you don't have WiFi at your house you need to get some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that nobody here is working for Samsung but there are plenty of people here who have developed for Android, and the question I am posing is if this is something that can be addressed in a custom rom.
I think my original post makes it clear that there is obviously a software issue with bar display, but I am wondering if this software issue is also causing the Android OS to force a switch to 2G in an instance where the G1 with a properly functioning display would keep 3G. ie, the phone is switching to 2G early because it thinks it only has -111dbm when it in fact still has -103dbm. I am not clear on whether this functionality is performed within the OS itself or purely within the radio firmware.
My hands are rather large, so holding the G1 basically covers the entire rear of the phone. The antenna is near the top of the phone whereas the antenna on the Vibrant seems to be on the bottom. Though holding both phones in various positions seems to have little effect on the received signal strength so far as I can tell.
The time spent without signal in cell standby I believe to be erroneous. I think it is tallying up that time any time there are zero bars, even if the phone still has a signal. This makes it very difficult to objectively compare the 2 phones. If the OS is in fact driving the switch from 3G to 2G this may explain my poor access in fringe areas as the phone will be constantly flapping between the two. If the functions that drive this behavior are within the AOSP source this could easily be something we can fix in a custom rom even without Samsung's help, even if a radio update would be ideal.
heygrl said:
Where is the antenna on the G1? If you're telling me you're putting your hand over it and not having any disconcernable change you're not doing it right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can wrap my hand around the phone (Vibrant), either top, center or bottom and I do not see any change in either reception, call quality, network throughput or number of bars.
heygrl said:
If you don't have WiFi at your house you need to get some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is perfectly understandable that if he has good reception with a G1, an older phone, he expects at least a similar level or reception with a newer, higher end phone. WiFi would be considered a workaround.
I just received my Vibrant on Monday and it's sadly replacing my amazing Nexus One. I've noticed that the Vibrant antenna is AWFUL. Where I received 4-5 bars on the N1, I'm getting 1-3 bars now and it even goes down to Edge once every few hours.
Like the OP, I've been monitoring the db levels and they're frequently around -95 through -107. While my calls don't actually drop, the quality does get worse. I'm also getting many 3G connection errors when trying to browser or download apps from the Market. It's quite disappointing. The phone is made of plastic as well, so I'd imagine that the antenna reception should be better.
Being that there are only 2 pages on this particular thread, does this mean it's a fluke and others' phones are ok?
allen099 said:
I just received my Vibrant on Monday and it's sadly replacing my amazing Nexus One. I've noticed that the Vibrant antenna is AWFUL. Where I received 4-5 bars on the N1, I'm getting 1-3 bars now and it even goes down to Edge once every few hours.
Like the OP, I've been monitoring the db levels and they're frequently around -95 through -107. While my calls don't actually drop, the quality does get worse. I'm also getting many 3G connection errors when trying to browser or download apps from the Market. It's quite disappointing. The phone is made of plastic as well, so I'd imagine that the antenna reception should be better.
Being that there are only 2 pages on this particular thread, does this mean it's a fluke and others' phones are ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4-5 bars on a phone with a 4 bar scale?
Stop looking at -dBm on the Vibrant, it's not accurate.
If you don't want the phone to switch to EDGE lock it on 3G.
heygrl said:
4-5 bars on a phone with a 4 bar scale?
Stop looking at -dBm on the Vibrant, it's not accurate.
If you don't want the phone to switch to EDGE lock it on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you lock it on 3G?
javacody said:
How do you lock it on 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me (copy/paste and remove spaces in http):
h t t p://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7438987&postcount=7
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7438987&postcount=7
Thanks. 3G is spotty at best in the Des Moines Area, so I'll leave well enough alone.
So, in follow up to this, I had downloaded and installed RF signal tracker from the market and went driving around until I found a tower. It seems that via Android OS the best signal strength received was -81dbm and that was sitting right next to the tower. The phone stayed locked at -81dbm for a few miles down the road so I suspect this is peak signal on this phone which should really be something like -65dbm. I think this pretty much confirms that there is indeed a software issue with the signal display.
I also took some time looking at Android code and found that the bars are driven on GSM/UMTS by asu as follows:
if (asu <= 2 || asu == 99) iconLevel = 0;
else if (asu >= 12) iconLevel = 4;
else if (asu >= 8) iconLevel = 3;
else if (asu >= 5) iconLevel = 2;
else iconLevel = 1;
So figuring up the dbm values from these, I went ahead and created a new asu scale which is adjusted -8dbm from "normal" since this seems to be the worst case of the mismatch between the phone firmware and what Android is reporting and applied that within the market app Real Signal to try and get an apples to apples comparison of signal bars between this phone and the old G1. Unfortunately, the degree if miscalibration means we can't set a negative ASU so we don't get any meaningful display on Real Signal until we hit the 3rd bar. In doing this if I go to a moderate overage area I am seeing the bars I would expect.
After my little drive with RF Signal Tracker its actually pretty clear that discrepancy is really more like -15dbm, which adjusting the figures should mean that this phone in reality gets slightly better reception than the old G1.
It seems we should be able to workaround this in a custom ROM by doing one of the following:
1. Modify getGsmSignalStrength() to add the -15dbm to the returned signal strength value(hackish).
2. Modify the vendor RIL to compensate for the -15dbm offset when on UMTS. (Probably the proper solution).
I'm not clear on whether the vendor RIL code gets posted to AOSP...
equid0x said:
How is your 3G reception on the Vibrant? I just purchased a Vibrant as a replacement for my aging and bluetooth handicapped G1 and I am disappointed with the 3G reception.
T-Mobile's coverage in my area is moderate, and the G1 has been able to hold on to a 3G signal in most locations. Typically, at home the G1 will hold on to 2-3 bars of 3G, and at work I am lucky to get 1 -- usually camps out on 2G with 4 or 5 bars.
The Vibrant pretty much always shows 0 bars of 3G while indoors, and may even flop back to 2G. It is fairly consistently on 2G in my home at 2 bars and at work I can only get 1 bar of 2G with this phone and spend the majority of the time with no signal at all.
I sat down and did some comparison between the Vibrant and the G1 and have found the following:
1. *#*#4636#*#* menu shows significantly worse signal levels on the Vibrant than on the G1, often times showing 0db and 0asu in the same location I am seeing -89db to -101db 3G on the G1.
2. The service menu on the Vibrant indicates a signal level which on 3G is fairly consistently 8db better than the one shown on the info menu. Interestingly, 2G signal levels as shown on the service menu seem fairly spot on with those shown from the info menu in Android.
3. The service menu 3G signal levels on the Vibrant seem consistent with those that I see on the G1 with a variation of perhaps only a couple of decibels.
That said, it seems interesting that battery usage on the Vibrant seems to indicate nearly 60% of its time with no service under cell standby when I get 0% in the same location with the G1. I am wondering if the time being recorded here is in fact the time spent with 0 bars being displayed even if the phone does, in fact, have a signal.
It is apparent that there is at least a software issue with the display here, as has been concluded in prior threads. However, ignoring the bar display I am wondering what others feel of the signal coverage with their Vibrant versus their old phone?
Does anyone have any experience with any of Samsung's other phone offerings? Do you think Samsung will post a radio update for this phone or possibly release one along with the GPS Fix/Froyo update in September?
I work in a position which requires me to be on-call a certain times during the year, and I can't really afford to have a phone that camps out at 60% no signal. I am really looking for reasons to keep this phone, as I like it otherwise, but practically, I need a phone that is going to receive phone calls. Any objective indications anyone can give that Samsung will continue to support this device may help sway my decision to keep it. My 14 days will be up on Thursday, so I need to make a final decision about keeping this phone before then.
Also, do any developers think that modifying the handling of the signal display in Android will cause a change in the amount of time the phone spends acquiring signal between 3G and 2G, or is this something that is purely handled within the radio firmware? If this is changeable, is this something that can be included in a future custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done any detailed tests but I can state that in real world use, I am not happy with my Vibrant's reception. My G1 was very noticeably better at getting and holding 3G and Edge connections in the same locations where my new Vibrant won't.
Next to a tower on GSM(GSM/GPRS/EDGE) you should see -51dBm at the most with Android. W-CDMA is different because they really don't use -dBm to determine signal quality. They use power/noise.

Bad reception

Hi all! First post in the Alpha section... Got my Alpha the other day. And i love all about it. But there is one thing thats gets me wondering. It's the reception. All my previous phones got good reception at home.. i get 1-2 bars. So my question is. Does anybody experience this issue? I have experienced SMS delays and chipped calls.
Location : Sweden
Provider : Telenor
Look at actual signal strength in dBm. Bars are arbitrary and vary from phone to phone.
phositadc said:
Look at actual signal strength in dBm. Bars are arbitrary and vary from phone to phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i have.. it's lite around -110 .. My Z2 had around -70 to -80 in the same region..
pattsy said:
Yeah, i have.. it's lite around -110 .. My Z2 had around -70 to -80 in the same region..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok. That's a bit concerning... Huge difference.
phositadc said:
Ah ok. That's a bit concerning... Huge difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could just be a faulty device... I'll try replacing my sim first. If that's the issue.
If that's not working. I'll have it replaced.
Edit: Had my sim replaced. Still experiencing bad reception. It goes as low as -105dbm... where my z2 had around -70 (same network, same location)... that's bad. Any ideas what I can do to solve this?
Yeah keep me updated - my Alpha also seems to have noticeably weaker reception than my iPhone on 4G (800mhz band).
Hoping its a modem firmware/software power output thing and not a hardware thing.
Same here, looks like the reception is 1-2 bars worse than other phones.
But I have no experience of delayed SMS or failed calls and the speeds on internet is very good.
Location: Sweden
Provider: Telia
seem like Iphone 4s signal problem with metal frame blocking antena-reciver,hmmm
Signal problems
Hi, I'm on my second Alpha and first sim, I have an alternative sim yet to try but have chated on Twitter with another user who found no improvement with a new sim and changed phones completely. I'm with three. My signal goes completely when I'm sitting with other three users whose phones work fine. I think it's a phone fault and am considering sending it back now.
Hi guys,
I noticed something interesting with my Alpha:
As you, I have a poor signal strength. But when calling someone then the signal bar jump to full force instantly!
Could it be a link with BIG little technology?
KiDimel said:
Hi guys,
I noticed something interesting with my Alpha:
As you, I have a poor signal strength. But when calling someone then the signal bar jump to full force instantly!
Could it be a link with BIG little technology?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for those who have the same problem, I deactivated the 4G. Then the signal strength is better. I made the test: 2 bars with 4G enabled in network settings, full signal when 3G only.
As a possible future Alpha owner, question.
Are you on a USA Network with the Qualcomm Alpha ?
Or in Europe on Exynos Octacore ?
robertkoa said:
As a possible future Alpha owner, question.
Are you on a USA Network with the Qualcomm Alpha ?
Or in Europe on Exynos Octacore ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a european Exynos one
The alpha is my second LTE able phone. Both showed a completely different signal bar reading when using LTE (and checking in lecture, how Signal strength is meassured for GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/LTE it shows, that LTE uses a completely revised scheme to calculate the signal strength)
I haven't made any speed measurements yet, but my feeling is:
(4G) With LTE, even without any highlighted bar i can use internet, webpages load fast, other lookups work.
(3G,3.5G) With H/H+ , and at least 1 bar highlighted, internet works
(2.5G) Edge and at least 1 to two bars, internet is available... three bars are better for it to be worthwhile
(2G) G only - forget it. I'll need 4 bars to surf the web, and i must wait. Chat works if i'm lucky and got at least 1-2 bars.
Apart from that: the signal bars in 2G and 3G show the strength of the signal - but aren't any measure of the quality of the signal. They show anything that sends on the frequency/timeslot of the 2G/3G signal you're receiving. If you've got heavy interferences, you'll get full bars but it all is static.
(Like - in a disco, you've got loud music, and people speaking very loudly to you - that would be full bars, but not the best place to speak to each other....)
I don't understand exactly what the value used by 4G exactly means, but it sounds like it only represents the LTE cell you do want to receive - so it should be more accurate and cutting out the noise somehow
I think you're right ! This is my feeling too. In 4G calls are always perfect for me even with one bar.
In settings we can also have a more accurate highlight on to the signal strength in Db.
Guys this alpha is full of mysteriousness !
I think samsung did it ON purpose.. ! Save battery??
I have weaker signal too.. on iphone 5 is full and i had on my former Honor 6 full as hell..
But I dont konw IF samsung wants to save power by this .. I think it has no much influence as iphone 5 nor Honor 6 had full signal and battery never got down fast.. when I had Honor 6 100% at night it was 98 % in morning..
Another thing with aplha ,when i leave phone in sleep half hour or longer , th emobile network stops and wont come up...
I have to restart phone or turn airplane on ad off.. then H+ or 4G appears..
I have the issue with mobile data too, it seems to also do it when it has been on WiFi for a while and you change to mobile data.
no service
Hey guys,
I have a very bad reception with my Samsung Galaxy Alpha when i'm in the subway in Paris. To be honnest I have no service, no sms, no calls, and for sure no internet...
I can see people using their smartphones inside the subway without problems.
I had an iPhone 4 during 3 years, and didn't have any problem with it when I was in the subway.
I'm using the same phone carrier "Bouygues Telecom"
So what's wrong with this Galaxy Alpha ?
MaskedMarauder said:
I have the issue with mobile data too, it seems to also do it when it has been on WiFi for a while and you change to mobile data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it disables data carrier APN and it won't turn it auto i went it that settings and had to tap that circle manually to get green .. think it is bug .. need sorting out updating software..
---------- Post added at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------
safnyght2 said:
Hey guys,
I have a very bad reception with my Samsung Galaxy Alpha when i'm in the subway in Paris. To be honnest I have no service, no sms, no calls, and for sure no internet...
I can see people using their smartphones inside the subway without problems.
I had an iPhone 4 during 3 years, and didn't have any problem with it when I was in the subway.
I'm using the same phone carrier "Bouygues Telecom"
So what's wrong with this Galaxy Alpha ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks lik eit might be a software problem .. we need to contact samsung bout it or complain on their site.. but guys all of us we must complain not just one person cos they wont sort it out..
Hey people,
I'm also having connection issues:
When I boot the phone it's working is at should: Switching between 4G/3G/EDGE etc. After a while the connection sort of times out. I can only make emergency calls. It works flawlessly for up to a day, or it can only work for like 5 minutes.
Rebooting the device fixes this temporarily. My service provider (Hi in NL) has already sent me a new simcard which doesn't help. They are now saying I should send it over for repair.
Btw: When i leave it in CDMA only, the problem takes much longer to arise (like a couple of days).
I can see that people who have posted in this thread are having the same issues. I'm wondering if this is firmware or hardware related, as I want avoid sending over my phone. If it IS a firmware bug, sending it over for repair obviously isn't going to fix this.
I have sent an e-mail to Samsung BeNeLux. Like Simona Simmy says, we should all write to Samsung

Signal strength questions.

Hello everyone.
I have my Z5C set to LTE(Preffered)/WCDMA/GMS.
I have very mixed signal strength when on this mode, but when I switch to GSM only, my signal is full. Does is work in such a way that when I drop LTE, I switch to GSM with a higher signal strenght? (I'm in a small town, I get about 11Mbps down / 13 up)
Greets
Artanis02 said:
Hello everyone.
I have my Z5C set to LTE(Preffered)/WCDMA/GMS.
I have very mixed signal strength when on this mode, but when I switch to GSM only, my signal is full. Does is work in such a way that when I drop LTE, I switch to GSM with a higher signal strenght? (I'm in a small town, I get about 11Mbps down / 13 up)
Greets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way Sony display there signal strength is weird.I can swap my sim between my backup device and the z5c and the actual db is not far off but visual bars are usually one bar lower. I don't think I've ever seen it full signal actually..
I've noticed the same thing. I think it may just be that your LTE signal just isn't as good as your GSM signal. I keep mine set for WCDMA preferred for my best signal, figuring it is plenty fast enough and best for battery life.
bigdfmartin said:
I've noticed the same thing. I think it may just be that your LTE signal just isn't as good as your GSM signal. I keep mine set for WCDMA preferred for my best signal, figuring it is plenty fast enough and best for battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... good point. I think I'll go with that too.
Thanks a lot

poor signal reception?

Had my x1 for a couple of days now and lots to like about it however I have noticed that it seems to have a very weak phone signal reception.
I am on three in the UK and in the normal areas I travel I have never noticed an issue on my other phones with it struggling to hold on to signal bars.
Anyone else have this?
Signal bars mean absolutely nothing. Many oem even show full bars even when there is actually no signal.
Better install cellmapper app that will exactly show and record the signal where you travel.
Also, do you have 3uk volte working?(calls over 4g network)
Well all I can say is that I live less than a mile from the nearest mast and would nearly always have full signal bars on other phones yet on this phone it drops on and off 1 bar.
I will download the app you mentioned and see what that shows
I've had this problem with numerous Sony phones over the years, always poor signal compared to Sammy's, Pixel's and iPhones that I've had. Same issue with the X1 I have now, always on WiFi calling and no signal, my Pixel 3 XL would be happily sitting on 4G.
andybg40 said:
I've had this problem with numerous Sony phones over the years, always poor signal compared to Sammy's, Pixel's and iPhones that I've had. Same issue with the X1 I have now, always on WiFi calling and no signal, my Pixel 3 XL would be happily sitting on 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it's not just me then.
I do remember having this issue on a previous Sony phone also but can remember the model now. It's been a long time since I had a Sony but thought this one was going to tick every box which it almost does apart from having reliable signal reception which is really should be a must!
Is there anyway they can improve this with software of are we stuck with it due to hardware issues?
I'm in my 14 days returns periods at the moment and like everything about this phone apart from what it should do first and foremost
I am having the same problem, I'm on EE and my LTE keeps dropping from 4 bar's to 1 bar then nothing which causes me to lose data connection. It then jumps to 4 bar's again and then repeats this over and over. This is happening at home where I always have full reception. I have tested my sim in 5 different phones all have full reception and don't lose connection only my Xperia 1 does! Any help would be appreciated.
Same problem for me. I switched my SIM from Galaxy S8 to X1. S8 has 4 to 5 bars while X1 struggles with getting one bar at home.
Ffs... The bars mean nothing. Sony phones take into consideration RSRQ(signal quality) and SINR(s noise) values of the signal. Other oem don't. The actual signal power RSRP (do not confuse it with bars) is same or better on Sony.
Xperia 1 has most advanced modem and antenna setup of any 4g phone. 4x4 mimo even on low bands (first to have it).
3uk and ee are special in the sense that they need phone to support volte to get access to their low band spectrum(band 20).
So make sure you have volte aka 4g calling enabled and check with apps like Netmonster or Cellmapper the band and RSRP of the signal. Then compare it with other phones at the same place.
VeixES said:
Ffs... The bars mean nothing. Sony phones take into consideration RSRQ(signal quality) and SINR(s noise) values of the signal. Other oem don't. The actual signal power RSRP (do not confuse it with bars) is same or better on Sony.
Xperia 1 has most advanced modem and antenna setup of any 4g phone. 4x4 mimo even on low bands (first to have it).
3uk and ee are special in the sense that they need phone to support volte to get access to their low band spectrum(band 20).
So make sure you have volte aka 4g calling enabled and check with apps like Netmonster or Cellmapper the band and RSRP of the signal. Then compare it with other phones at the same place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's as simple as that why is it not enabled on this phone already?
I think what you seem to be over looking is the fact that I and others here have said that yes the bars are lower than other phones and flutter slot but also to the point where they drop completely and give no reception at all. A situation not faced on other phones.
Can you explain how we enable this missing band so that the phone can provide a more reliable/stable reception
Does your phone have 3uk volte(4g calling) enabled? Phone should stay in 4g during call. If not then you are out of luck.
ee users can install EE firmware to get Volte working if it's not already . newflasher on xda helps to change firmware.
And please compare signals with abovementioned apps.
hpsauce37 said:
Glad it's not just me then.
I do remember having this issue on a previous Sony phone also but can remember the model now. It's been a long time since I had a Sony but thought this one was going to tick every box which it almost does apart from having reliable signal reception which is really should be a must!
Is there anyway they can improve this with software of are we stuck with it due to hardware issues?
I'm in my 14 days returns periods at the moment and like everything about this phone apart from what it should do first and foremost
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're having signal drops / dropped phone calls etc... I get it. But Sony is historically notorious for showing lower signals than others on those bars. However, as stated, the bars are pretty meaningless. I've owned many Sony's, and while the bars are lower (sometimes all empty), I still have signal in all the places I should. YMMV.
VeixES said:
Does your phone have 3uk volte(4g calling) enabled? Phone should stay in 4g during call. If not then you are out of luck.
ee users can install EE firmware to get Volte working if it's not already . newflasher on xda helps to change firmware.
And please compare signals with abovementioned apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't honestly know. My phone was purchased sim free from carphone warehouse and I use it on 3 network. The phone just set itself up. How would I check this? Is it something listed under network settings?
It's so frustrating as I'm really loving a lot about this phone but just want it to be comparable at least with my other phones I've used with call reception
those who are having signal problem, are you using EE network?
I saw lots of people with EE reporting this issue on official sony forum.
Got mine yesterday from Vodafone and signal is perfect !
XSIIS said:
those who are having signal problem, are you using EE network?
I saw lots of people with EE reporting this issue on official sony forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
I also have only 1 bar... Orange.
If you are EE UK user, then you need EE firmware on your Xperia 1 to get best network compatibility(Volte and low band support because of it).
3UK users probably need also 3UK firmware but that does not seem to exist yet.
This weirdness of low band access is specific to two UK operators. Everywhere else the device is fully capable of best 4g experience.
Wait Next update
Enviado desde mi G8141 mediante Tapatalk
So for those of us on three network but purchased the phone sim free are stuck with the problem as three do not sell this handset themselves so unlikely to release any firmware for it.
That does not look good for me so I think I will need to return within my 14 days.
Shame.
There's definitely a network connectivity issue with the XP1 right now though. This seems to affect only XP1's on the EE network, which were *not* bought from EE direct, i.e. ones with stock firmware. (e.g. mine!)
The symptoms are that periodically, first the 4G symbol disappears, then the signal goes to zero and you've lost the internet. Then it reconnects back onto 4G again. Sometimes this repeats 3 or 4 times in succession. The whole thing takes from 5 seconds to maybe 30 seconds depending on how many re-tries.
You can go for maybe an our or so without a problem, or sometimes it happens like every 10 minutes.
And here's the key part: this happens wherever you are, even on a full strength signal. As far as I can make out, this affects ALL XP1s with stock firmware on EE. EE say it's a Sony problem. Sony say it's a network issue. So we are all stuck.
Does anyone know of a suitable network logging app, which will log 4G disconnects and signal loss, so we can provide evidence to EE and Sony?
More info here:
https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-1/Issue-with-network-dropping/td-p/1376332/highlight/false
(My phone is fine with a Vodafone sim. There's something specific to the phone firmware/config - timers, buffer sizes, packet sizes - whatever - and the EE network. But right now, on EE, it's unusable.)

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