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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.
Hi everyone, I've had my Vibrant since mid-December and I love it except I get VERY spotty reception in my house.
I know it's not a carrier issue, as my mom and friends have the same carrier (Wind Mobile) and they seem to have decent/good reception at my place. My reception drops consistently in my main floor and is non-existent in my basement.
I'm running TW Bionix V with KA7.
Is anyone aware of a hardware fix (similar to the GPS fix) that might be do-able and works?
Thanks
Have you tried flashing different modems to see if any of them make a difference?
You may also be experiencing bad reception due to the fact that the antenna is located at the bottom of the phone so our hands block it when we hold the phone in portrait orientation. Why Samsung chose to be it there is beyond me.
I know what u r going thrugh, my 2 brothers have vibrants aswell and for some ****ing reason my vibrant has significantly worss signal then their vibrant. I already tryed opening it and puting an external antenna but it only helps if the antenna is going straight ought of the phone, as soon as I try to close the cover it losses its usfulness.
I've tried different modems in the past.
KA7 so far has been the best, but that isn't saying too much.
I have actually just opened up my phone and located the 2 copper connectors at the bottom right (when my phone is turned back-up). I read in the Correct GPS Fix thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970) that these are the cell reception connections.
I put a small piece of rubber underneath the connection and SO far it actually seems to have improved it.
I will report back throughout the day. Typically I lose reception while walking through my house so I'll see if that happens as well.
*Sigh*
I think it may have been a placebo effect. The reception is still dropping off on my phone while in the house.
Doesn't seem like bending the copper connection does very much.
I'd just try different modems. For me, KA6 < KA7 < KA5/JL5 and KB1 has been great for download speeds.
You're holding it wrong! Hold it the correct way (at the top).
Just kidding, but yeah, try different modems. KA5 and KB1 gave me the best reception. Or maybe Tmobile has poor coverage in your area.
Why dont you use wifi calling feature at home. Then you shouldnt have a problem unless you dont have internet at home.
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
My phone have a hardware defect when i'm holding the phone on it's bottom left.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
PaiPiePia said:
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are on the same network (Wind), my mom is using a Blackberry Pearl 9100 and my friend is using a Moto XT720. Both are set to only use the WCDMA network. So it wouldn't be a problem with them on 2G.
I just find it odd, some people are reporting great reception with the phone, but my reception has been half a$$.
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
nuke777 said:
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
muchelaguito said:
I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I have noticed this also with my otterbox. Use to get 1 or 2 bars in parts of my house now i keep 3 or 4.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
rangercaptain said:
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, actually, the other way around. I have BETTER reception with the Otterbox, as weird as it may sound.
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally just load the modem into the internal sd card, then reboot into recovery and then install by "choose which to install> select it and say YES
That never has problems sometime CWM can hang it it is a hassle.
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
oka1 said:
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you happen to know where to get this patch?
I'd love to give it a try, it would definitely make my life much easier
Hi there..
I am generally very happy with my S2, which i purchased from Phones 4 U in England, and is using Vodafone sim.
I am a noob unfortunately, but i do know what Wifi is, and i know that when i am connected to my home wireless network, i can browse online (stock or dolphin browser) use the FB app, and marketplace etc all nice and smooth.
The problem appears to be when i am not connected to a Wifi network, it is usually very very slow do display data, and more often than not, it will say "unable to connect", or "there was a problem".
Also, how important is the fact that i bought in the UK? my phone says..
GT-I9100
2.3.3
I9100xxKE7 (baseband v.)
(kernel v.) 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555 [email protected] #2
Build number GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
It is a great phone apart from when i'm out and about data is rubbish! I am on a £36 a month contract.
Google maps/navigation also slow to find me. maybe cause i'm in the countryside at the start of my journey?
many thanks for any help from geniuses and sorry if this answer is well known/ already there... it's just that many questions seem to relate to korean/US/non UK versions. regards
You mentioned you are in the countryside, chances are the signal is bad it's always usually city's who have the best signal i highly doubt it's anything to do with your SGSII.
ps - i purchased my SGSII in the UK and have never had any major issues with it.
Wow, back to basics eh? Well, the speed of your mobile network depends on the coverage in your area. Generally if you're in the UK countryside, you're probably looking at GPRS, which is painfully slow.
Go to http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/personal-coverage/ enter your postcode and choose "Internet and email", if it's "Slow speed", that's where your problem lies.
It's not a problem with the Samsung Galaxy S II, or with Android, it's probably a problem with your network operator.
im on the london/kent borders, can only really get 2g in my flat but outside the signal is fine. like others have said it will be because you are in a rubbish signal area, or you have put the phone into 2g only mode. Also you cant compare your wifi speed with normal signal speed. Until we start getting 4g rolled out it will always be slower
well many thanks for quick replies. The vodafone signal map thing states that i have yeah either variable or rubbish signal. I knew this would be the case around here... just well... thought my Galaxy was some kind of nex gen super phone. Just what kind of network do Voda think they're running here man?
Cheers guys
Luckylewie said:
just well... thought my Galaxy was some kind of nex gen super phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is but it cant magic up a signal that isnt there
a ferrari could cost you £200,000 but still needs petrol to run
All,
I have a battery drain problem that only occurs in locations where I have poor signal, particularly the office building I work in every other week.
I believe my phone is constantly switching from 3G to HSPA+ to 2G and back.
Is there any way to boost the signal so it doesn't need to switch?
Or should I try to find a way to disable 3G/4G when I am at this particular location?
Or maybe there is something I have not thought of...
Suggestions?
The only way to boost the signal is to buy their (AT&T) socall signal booster (mini tower) that cost you $300.00USD.
BeenAndroidized said:
The only way to boost the signal is to buy their (AT&T) socall signal booster (mini tower) that cost you $300.00USD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it was $200. Call them up and complain. I got 2 for free
Yep, my local cor store had a bunch of refurb microcells for 50 bucks. Works great for me.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
For now my workaround is a wifi hotspot i am broadcasting from my laptop... but i have to be within 100 feet of my desk.
Warning: Created with Swype
I have only minor issues with my cell tower. Some time mms don't get sent out. Or takes about 5 sec to send out a call sometimes. My internet is a solid 12mb down and a 2mb up. So don't think its my internet.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
3G and HSPA+ don't really change much since HSPA+ is only used with high data transfers that require the multiple 3G connections.
Can you upload a screenshot of your battery graph, stats, and CPUspy?
BeenAndroidized said:
The only way to boost the signal is to buy their (AT&T) socall signal booster (mini tower) that cost you $300.00USD.
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Not the only option - Bidirectional amps don't have the numerous compatibility problems microcells have, however they're more difficult to install. At the workplace, they would have to be installed by facilities management - but corporate firewalls will probably prevent microcells from working anyway.
Also, microcells are notorious for murdering battery.
nh5 said:
I thought it was $200. Call them up and complain. I got 2 for free
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The prices vary, I don't have one and not planning to buy one either..
Entropy512 said:
Not the only option - Bidirectional amps don't have the numerous compatibility problems microcells have, however they're more difficult to install. At the workplace, they would have to be installed by facilities management - but corporate firewalls will probably prevent microcells from working anyway.
Also, microcells are notorious for murdering battery.
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That is true, it is not the only option.
Unfortunately for me, I have the worst of both worlds, I live out in the country, so I have terrible internet and crappy cell coverage, so for users like me, its not really much of an option. I do know that I am a minority, but it still is frustrating.
joshh20 said:
Unfortunately for me, I have the worst of both worlds, I live out in the country, so I have terrible internet and crappy cell coverage, so for users like me, its not really much of an option. I do know that I am a minority, but it still is frustrating.
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A Wilson amp might be your solution then.
If network switching is something you still want to pursue, Try saving the following phone number to your contact list...
*#2263#
When you type it into the dialer, choose: GSM Band/GSM All. Menu/Back/Menu/End. Restarting the phone is not required. You can always switch it back by re-dialing the number and picking Automatic. Menu/End.
Verify the settings held by *#*#info#*#* Phone Information/Network Type. Should say: GPRS.
I live on the rural edge of 3/4G and the network switching was annoying and possibly not helping my battery life. I have 3/4G disabled most of the time because I don't have a data plan anyways (I use wifi for everything). Normal battery life with several hours of calls, wifi, email, browsing, etc. on the stock 2.3.4/HK7 is 2-3 days.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-i777 using XDA Premium
Signal Booster will help
Entropy512 said:
A Wilson amp might be your solution then.
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Hi,
As mentioned by Entropy512, a signal booster may be a good solution for you.
Not only will it provide you with better signal but it will also help your phone save a lot of battery because it will only have to roam as far as the booster to get the signal source, compared to finding the closest cell tower.
For rural areas, if you are far from the cell tower, the installation of such a booster should be accompanied by an outdoors directional antenna pointed towards the cell tower and providing the highest signal gain inside your office.
Wilson boosters are among the most reliable ones, but you can also consider Cellphone-Mate or Wi-Ex, they may be a bit cheaper.
I used to have nasty 3G reception at my house and fixed it by getting a Wi-EX YX545 amp from the quantum-wireless website, they sell a bunch of boosters & antennas.
Hope this helps
If you just want to disable the connections rather than finding a way to boost the signal, try using Tasker. You can set it up so that when you reach your workplace, it will do what you want (disable data, enable airplane mode, etc). You can have the phone check for data periodically. As for voice calls, you can probably even set it to forward calls to your work phone.
As soon as you leave, the app will restore most of your settings (you probably would need to teach it how to stop forwarding calls).
If you do, does it KILL your battery life?
I am currently using HSPA+ (not sure if that's 4G or 3.5G, but whatever)
On a full charge, I eeked out 13-14 hours with heavy usage during the day, with brightness on just under half (40-45%).
I am sick of loading times on facebook and even when browsing so I'm pondering enabling LTE.
I disabled LTE on the premise that it isn't good for battery life.
Thoughts?
It definitely won't help battery, but if you have strong LTE signal in your area it's not that bad. The drain is HORRIBLE however when you are getting less than two bars (roughly -98 dB or higher).
You should still be able to manager 11-12 hours HEAVY usage, with around 3-4 hours onscreen time with LTE.
It should be noted however that if you want to maximize battery life and use LTE, stick with gb and custom kernels that can undervolt. LTE and ics is a b**ch, it KILLS my battery
just my 2c
portable charger, extra battery...
why buy a super phone, and not use all its premium features??
If There's No LTE Yet..
So in my area of Long Island LTE is not running yet (probably not until late 2012) so will I get extra battery life by switching to using only GSM/HSPA?
That's on GB
Here in Bakersfield CA we are on hspa and i get about 7.5 down no lte though but i get about 15+ hours but i cant really use my ohone at work so thats why i get good battery life lol. I havent gone to L.A. To try out lte but im pretty happy with hspa. (i was a sprint user.... Sad)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
docfreed said:
So in my area of Long Island LTE is not running yet (probably not until late 2012) so will I get extra battery life by switching to using only GSM/HSPA?
That's on GB
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Absolutely, battery life will greatly increase
wase4711 said:
portable charger, extra battery...
why buy a super phone, and not use all its premium features??
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Click to collapse
...i agree. Plus, if someone is able to use LTE then that means he or shred is already paying for it. It's kind of stupid to pay for something you dont to use.
I simply wish I could turn off LTE when not needed and just use hspa+. It def drains the battery hardcore. I use wifi when at all possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
erick161 said:
I simply wish I could turn off LTE when not needed and just use hspa+. It def drains the battery hardcore. I use wifi when at all possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
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Yeah if only it were possible...
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
SKyRocKeting727 said:
Yeah if only it were possible...
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
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Well apparently if you flash certain roms they have that capability (the switch). IMO it should be integrated into the stock build
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
I get it at work. After 12 hours my phone is down to 60-70% depending on how much I screw around at lunch. LTE isn't as bad a drain as people would have you believe. The screen will always be the selling point and the battery drain on this thing
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
If you are stock, there isn't an option on whether or not to use LTE if it's available in your area. I live in the Washington, DC suburbs, and we have a very strong LTE network. I don't have the option to not use LTE ... it's in fact my only option. I am not used to this. With Sprint, I was able to turn off my 4G WiMax and use 3G. I wish I could do so with AT&T. It doesn't matter all that much. I don't notice significant battery drain and I use WiFi whenever I'm at home or whenever it's available on the go.
fbauto1 said:
...i agree. Plus, if someone is able to use LTE then that means he or shred is already paying for it. It's kind of stupid to pay for something you dont to use.
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I live in Houston and have great LTE service, except in my house of course but I use my wifi instead. I never turn off my LTE nor do I want to, I went from an iphone with 3g to this and don't want to go back! When I purchased the phone I bought a spare battery/charger set before I left the store. Just looking at the screen, plus the LTE radio screemed battery eater. I was using Saurom with Juice Defender with a custom setup and set cpu to over/underclock and my battery life greatly increased. Now i'm back on DAGr8's alpha 2 ICS with the tablet mod and have not had enough "regular" use to see how the battery life is.
erick161 said:
Well apparently if you flash certain roms they have that capability (the switch). IMO it should be integrated into the stock build
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
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Agreed
Send from the Noteorious BIG 5.3" Bell Canada
Two things, LTE isnt a battery drain on AT&T because it isnt the same technology as used on CDMA (Verizon or Sprints' 4g network).
Cellular data however IS a battery drain when you dont have a strong signal.
If your scratching your head, here is the distinction. Lets say you dont have LTE in your area and your 3g signal is weak, THIS will drain the battery. If you DO have LTE but again the signal is weak, this will ALSO hurt your battery life.
The reason is, your phone will push more power to the antenna in order to get you enough signal to get a reasonably decent connection on the best available connection available.
LTE uses the SAME ANTENNA as the 3g antenna on GSM networks that use HSPA, THIS is 'the'e distinction between Sprint & Verizon CDMA networks which use a different antenna for their 3g and another antenna for their '4g', power has to be provided for BOTH antennas whereas GSM networks have ONE antenna.
If you are suspecting LTE is killing the battery, its either going to be a weak signal OR a rogue app (possibly using your cellular data connection). My suggestion is to start with looking at your signal strength, if it is relatively strong, you need to start looking at other potential battery drains. It isnt LTE.
Hope this helps.
Want to know more?
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/110711-what-is-lte/1
Its a massive 7 page article explaining exactly what LTE is and how it works. If you want to jump ahead to the section dealing specifically with battery life, go to page 5 (change the '1' in the link I provided above to a '5').
littlewierdo said:
Two things, LTE isnt a battery drain on AT&T because it isnt the same technology as used on CDMA (Verizon or Sprints' 4g network).
Cellular data however IS a battery drain when you dont have a strong signal.
If your scratching your head, here is the distinction. Lets say you dont have LTE in your area and your 3g signal is weak, THIS will drain the battery. If you DO have LTE but again the signal is weak, this will ALSO hurt your battery life.
The reason is, your phone will push more power to the antenna in order to get you enough signal to get a reasonably decent connection on the best available connection available.
LTE uses the SAME ANTENNA as the 3g antenna on GSM networks (currently, LTE is only available on GSM), THIS is 'the'e distinction between Sprint & Verizon CDMA networks which use a different antenna for their 3g and another antenna for their '4g', power has to be provided for BOTH antennas whereas GSM networks have ONE antenna.
If you are suspecting LTE is killing the battery, its either going to be a weak signal OR a rogue app (possibly using your cellular data connection). My suggestion is to start with looking at your signal strength, if it is relatively strong, you need to start looking at other potential battery drains. It isnt LTE.
Hope this helps.
Want to know more?
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/110711-what-is-lte/1
Its a massive 7 page article explaining exactly what LTE is and how it works. If you want to jump ahead to the section dealing specifically with battery life, go to page 5 (change the '1' in the link I provided above to a '5').
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Click to collapse
That's interesting, I've never read that before. However, if ATT uses the same antenna for 3g/4g/LTE, why does it matter what processor it uses?
ATTs HTC OneXL with the S4 supports LTE because the tegra3 does not, but if the same antenna is being used...why is this the case?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
erick161 said:
That's interesting, I've never read that before. However, if ATT uses the same antenna for 3g/4g/LTE, why does it matter what processor it uses?
ATTs HTC OneXL with the S4 supports LTE because the tegra3 does not, but if the same antenna is being used...why is this the case?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
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Click to collapse
Your statement (second paragraph) is not accurate. The S4 AND the Tegra 3 'can' use LTE (if the hardware - ie. antenna, exists). However, the Tegra 3 is not optimized for use with LTE. Right now, you will run into many issues with trying to use the Tegra 3 (primarily battery life issues and slow/sluggish performance over cellular data). It also costs more to build the Tegra 3 with this compatibility. OS updates are also a problem.
This person said it better than I could so I quote Draiko's entire post which answers your exact question (if you look at the very first post in the thread - link at the bottom, the same exact question you asked is there, this is a users response).
"The Tegras are not incompatible with LTE radios. They don't integrate the radios like the S4 does (yet) which makes a device with the Tegra 3 SoC and the separate 2G/3G/4G radios more expensive to build and maintenance (OS updates) trickier. The battery life also suffers a bit compared to an integrated solution and the main board is bigger.
nVidia bought Icera last year and they'll be integrating the Icera softmodem into future Tegras in order to better compete at the phone level (which will actually make the Tegra very versatile). They couldn't get Icera tech integrated fast enough for Tegra 3 (since the Tegra 3 was already sampling before they bought Icera).
The S4 has fewer faster CPU cores and integrated radios but a slower GPU. The Tegra 3 is a better non-phone solution which is more power efficient in a wifi-only loadout. Hardcore mobile gamers aside, most users won't notice a difference.
Bottom line: It's business, not a hardware limitation."
Source: (Post #3)
http://androidforums.com/motorola-photon-4g/531481-food-thought-quad-cores-lte.html