Death Grip and wireless mode. - HTC Sensation

So, I've been afflicted with the death grip issue at home something fierce. If I hold the phone in landscape mode as if I were to type with my thumbs, the wifi cuts out. It doesn't seem to matter how close I am to the wifi router or if I turn on Wi-Fi best performance. At home, the network is configured to use 802.11g for compatibility with some older devices.
At work, I run an 802.11n network (I'm the IT Director). While I've got much better access points and better line of sight, I have similar sorts of distances. With 802.11n the death grip issue seems less significant. The network never drops out completely (I lose maybe a bar) although network *traffic* seems to stall to a degree. This is true even if I go into other rooms where I don't have great line of sight.
I'm still doing some surreptitious testing (since I have work to do, too) but I thought I'd ask the rest of you if you're having seriously issues with the death grip, what mode is your wifi in? 802.11g or 802.11n?

I really haven't had this problem, when I hold it in landscape it goes down 1 bar but comes right back,I'm starting to think its device related ,just like the HD2 some of them had wi-fi issues and it was just the hardware couldn't do nothing about it but exchange the device

I used to have this issue until I changed the wifi performance to maximum and out a gel skin case on. Now mine doesn't even drop a bar from 2 rooms away.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

How do you set the WiFi to maximum?
Thanks in advance

adamtheluck said:
How do you set the WiFi to maximum?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Menu/settings/wireless settings/wifi settings/menu/advanced settings/set wifI on maximum performance.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

jrwingate6 said:
Menu/settings/wireless settings/wifi settings/menu/advanced settings/set wifI on maximum performance.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you

I would notice the signal go down when I held it in landscape but it never dropped completely but last night I got the real effect of it. I was streaming a movie from my computer and viewing it on my sensation using splash top (only about 15-20 feet away from the roiter) Everytime I held the sensation and touched the "death grip" spot my video would stutter.. Tried setting the wifi to max performance and I have the tmo gel case on.
I guess one difference between this and the Iphone antenna-gate is that if HTC does consider it a problem and does fix it, they only have to replace the back cover and not the whole phone
I heard someone said foil on the outside helps out the issue, but it looks really ugly. Wonder if we can come up with a fix that can be done on the inside of the cover. Maybe attach more wiring to the connections or something..
Wonder if those cheap cell phone singal booster on the inside cover would help out at all.. hey if foil did then maybe one of the will shrugs

I just have to say I don't think this "death grip" is a hardware issue .... I think it is a software issue. I had a g2 and flashed cyanogen ... Worst WiFi reception ever. Went for a more stock based Rom and bingo! Also I noticed if you turn off mobile networks from the task bar and turn on WiFi, you will have superb WiFi...
On the sensation of course. Lol
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
Menu/settings/wireless settings/wifi settings/menu/advanced settings/set wifI on maximum performance.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave you a thanks for this

jrwingate6 said:
Menu/settings/wireless settings/wifi settings/menu/advanced settings/set wifI on maximum performance.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip!

Trying to Figure out the Wifi-Death Grip Issue
Something Odd happened to me, i wanted to share with the rest of the comments here because i have not been impressed with my Sensation's performance so far. I have had the normal low volume and the erratic sense speeds along with what Phil showed when trying to use the carousel, but nothing was more annoying as with the wifi issue. I got it five feet from my router and i have two routers and one is open and one has PS2K. I tried it with and without the cover and behold i lost my signal when i held it in landscape or put it lying flat. I decided i needed to go to a T-mobile and complain about it, but while i was waiting to be attended, i went ahead and started playing with the sensation they had on display. To my surprise i could not duplicate the issue at all, I checked their version and went to the advanced setting under wifi and it was no put on maximum performance. I pulled out mine and as you could imagine, i could not duplicate the issue anymore. I was puzzled because although i lost some bars, it remained connected and i did not lose the signal completely or as easily when i was at home. I decided not to look like a fool and when across the street to a Best-Buy, and logged onto their open network and had no issue again i tried to put the death grip on it, put it in landscape or lay it flat on it's back and although i was looking some bars, i could not duplicate what was going on at my house. I went back home and reset my routers and the issue is still there. So from what i can tell, i think we may need to find out if this issue is with some routers only or with the encryption used.
FYI: I have a N1, IPad2, HD2, MY3G and don't have any wifi or death grip issues with any one of them so i am seriously leaning to a software issue.
Whatever, the issue i can see Why Phil and a lot others do not see this issue and i can understand why a lot of us are experiencing the issue. Hope something is found out soon.
Routers i use:
DLink (DIR 601) Open network
Ambit WPA2-PSK
(i have tried changing channels and updating firmware on both routers)

Related

wlan connectivity in landscape

hi,
i finally got my Desire S today. Overall its a very nice phone but on amazon feedbacks is the Wlan issue known. I tested myself and i have it too.
The issue is that Wlan connectivity goes down to 0 if you turn your phone into landscape mode and hold it with two hands. Wlan antenna is hided behind the upper plastic cover so you block the signal with your left hand.
i think its a con for that phone when youre using landscape mode and Wlan often.
Funky
Funky_ said:
hi,
i finally got my Desire S today. Overall its a very nice phone but on amazon feedbacks is the Wlan issue known. I tested myself and i have it too.
The issue is that Wlan connectivity goes down to 0 if you turn your phone into landscape mode and hold it with two hands. Wlan antenna is hided behind the upper plastic cover so you block the signal with your left hand.
i think its a con for that phone when youre using landscape mode and Wlan often.
Funky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extract from tech radar review of this phone
Read more: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/ph...sire-s-930920/review?artc_pg=15#ixzz1IvaxDXhN
We disliked
Let's start with the Wi-Fi attenuation issue. It's just a bit too easy to trigger accidentally. We first noticed it because we were logging into a web server, typing our password in landscape mode, and suddenly we couldn't connect anymore.
It's a bit like the iPhone 4's issue in that if you've got a really strong signal, it'll reduce it, but probably not all the way if you're just holding the phone casually, or have it placed gently on your leg.
However, if you have a medium or weak Wi-Fi signal, you'll be down to nothing in the space of a few seconds.
Beyond that problem, there's no other major flaw with the Desire S. It's just lots of little scuffs spoiling the polish.
I
Can anyone confirm whether the Wi-Fi reception is made better or worse with the Desire S inside a case?
yes, the wifi signal issue is really annoying.
Just so you guys know, I think this is a software issue because my Desire HD running a Desire S ROM has this same issue where it didn't before.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Well, I now have a Desire S, with a Case Mate "Barely There" case, and the Wi-Fi attenuation seems less of a problem.
I can make the Wi-Fi signal reduce a little, but I have to really grab the camera-end of the phone with the palm behind it. Just holding and typing normally in landscape doesn't affect the signal enough to cause a probem.
I'm away from a wireless router at the moment, so I can't do a direct A/B comparison.
gtg465x said:
Just so you guys know, I think this is a software issue because my Desire HD running a Desire S ROM has this same issue where it didn't before.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats great! at least we know it isnt a hardware pfoblem... but it doesnt make toi much sense though!
HTC programmed the WiFi to disconnect when the signal drops below -88 dB. I guess they thought a connection weaker than that threshold would drain the battery quicker than they would like, but they were clearly a little aggressive. Anyways, I lowered the disconnect threshold to -108 dB and my phone is holding on to my WiFi connection really well now.
Fixing the issue (experienced devs only):
Add the line "rssi_offset=-20" to /system/etc/calibration. It fixes wifi stability, but it throws off the signal indicator display, so now we need to fix that.
After setting that line in /system/etc/calibration, you need to decompile and edit some smali in framework.jar. There are seven RSSI values in /framework/classout/android/net/wifi/WifiManager.smali that need to be edited. Two defines in the beginning of the file (MIN_RSSI and MAX_RSSI) and five more in the calculateSignalLevel function. They need to be adjusted by the same amount you set in the calibration file.
I have no issue in Landscape mode with the Desire S
Distance 2 Meters and sending Power 100 % from Vodafone Easy Box 602 !
gtg465x said:
HTC programmed the WiFi to disconnect when the signal drops below -88 dB. I guess they thought a connection weaker than that threshold would drain the battery quicker than they would like, but they were clearly a little aggressive. Anyways, I lowered the disconnect threshold to -108 dB and my phone is holding on to my WiFi connection really well now.
Fixing the issue (experienced devs only):
Add the line "rssi_offset=-20" to /system/etc/calibration. It fixes wifi stability, but it throws off the signal indicator display, so now we need to fix that.
After setting that line in /system/etc/calibration, you need to decompile and edit some smali in framework.jar. There are seven RSSI values in /framework/classout/android/net/wifi/WifiManager.smali that need to be edited. Two defines in the beginning of the file (MIN_RSSI and MAX_RSSI) and five more in the calculateSignalLevel function. They need to be adjusted by the same amount you set in the calibration file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you elaborate please? can you explain the improvement in wifi reception......how much does it increase in landscape mode? also do you think this problem can be removed by htc by releasing a software fix?
nehasharma said:
can you elaborate please? can you explain the improvement in wifi reception......how much does it increase in landscape mode? also do you think this problem can be removed by htc by releasing a software fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I just did elaborate. It doesn't improve reception, it just tells the phone to hold on to weaker connections instead of dropping them too quickly. If I fixed the problem on the Desire HD, I'm sure HTC can manage a fix lol.
It does happen on mine but it just lost one bar. I'm very near to the router.
No issue for me
Using WIFI on my desire s in landscape mode makes no diffrence on mines at all even if i cover up the antenna.
I have a silver desire s from Tmobile.
gtg465x said:
Add the line "rssi_offset=-20" to /system/etc/calibration. It fixes wifi stability, but it throws off the signal indicator display, so now we need to fix that.
After setting that line in /system/etc/calibration, you need to decompile and edit some smali in framework.jar. There are seven RSSI values in /framework/classout/android/net/wifi/WifiManager.smali that need to be edited. Two defines in the beginning of the file (MIN_RSSI and MAX_RSSI) and five more in the calculateSignalLevel function. They need to be adjusted by the same amount you set in the calibration file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if i make only step 1 (without touching framework.jar), wifi will be fixed and only signal indicator will show wrong signal strenght?
deadwilder said:
so if i make only step 1 (without touching framework.jar), wifi will be fixed and only signal indicator will show wrong signal strenght?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct
10char
easy fix?
Not sure if this has already been mentioned but there's a stock setting that can enable Desire S to hold Wi Fi connection a lot better. Go to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Wi-Fi settings. Click menu button and choose Advanced. Second section from the top is "Best Wi-Fi performance" - tick it. That's it. It really made the difference for me. Dropped Wi Fi signal was a frequent thing with my Desire S but ever since I've ticked this option (~1 week ago) I haven't had such problem at all.
rubbish said:
Not sure if this has already been mentioned but there's a stock setting that can enable Desire S to hold Wi Fi connection a lot better. Go to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Wi-Fi settings. Click menu button and choose Advanced. Second section from the top is "Best Wi-Fi performance" - tick it. That's it. It really made the difference for me. Dropped Wi Fi signal was a frequent thing with my Desire S but ever since I've ticked this option (~1 week ago) I haven't had such problem at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like stock setting for the hack mentioned earlier. I'll try when I get home, ty.
I tried this Advanced setting - it made no material difference to the ability of the DS to hold the wifi signal. I don't think any software will fix this design flaw.
Have swapped the DS for an Incredible S, no wifi problems at all
Edward Lowy said:
I tried this Advanced setting - it made no material difference to the ability of the DS to hold the wifi signal. I don't think any software will fix this design flaw.
Have swapped the DS for an Incredible S, no wifi problems at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely a software problem and enabling best wifi performance in settings does not have the same effect as the fix I posted. How do I know? We are running Desire S ROMs on the Desire HD and have this same problem with wifi dropping. For those who have the problem, enabling best wifi performance typically does not help them much. After applying my fix, all is well.
Is it reported to HTC already?

Possible deathgrip issue?

Ive noticed that 4g signal strength drops drastically when holding the phone normally in portrait mode.
Are u guys experiencing the same issue?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
xdmds said:
Ive noticed that 4g signal strength drops drastically when holding the phone normally in portrait mode.
Are u guys experiencing the same issue?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I hold the phone by the top half with my hand cupped over the top, I can get it to lose reception. I doubt that will ever be an issue though.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
If my hand covers the bottom of the phone (which is always when I hold it in portrait mode), then my signal drops significantly. Is this normal for this phone or is it an isolated defect?
I don't have any issues with that myself
I think you're on your own on this one OP.
xdmds said:
If my hand covers the bottom of the phone (which is always when I hold it in portrait mode), then my signal drops significantly. Is this normal for this phone or is it an isolated defect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I reported this a while back. I also noticed that my Speck case which tightly holds the phone case seemed to cause signal problems...I've since removed the Speck.
xdmds said:
Ive noticed that 4g signal strength drops drastically when holding the phone normally in portrait mode.
Are u guys experiencing the same issue?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i notice it sometimes. ive experienced that with some of my other devices. it only occurs here and there. havent had a dropped call one*knock on wood* and im expecting a case in the mail so that will solve the issue anyway.
This happens on many small phones where antennas are near the housing , depending where you hold it you'll affect the antenna's reception. For xeample, On the EVO if you hold the top half the 4G reception decreases, and the bottom half the wifi and cdma decreases
All of you, please research antenna attenuation.
This will happen in all phones where the antenna is near the surface. Signal does not travel through your hand as easy as it does air.
The iphone issue was more pronounced because the exterior antenna. Also, one could ground out the antenna completely by bridging the sections.
That is a deathgrip issue. Just a decrease in signal strength is an attenuation norm.
Although signal does seem to drops data speeds on this phone are faster than my mt4g even when my g2x shows lower signal so i guess its not rly a problem
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
xdmds said:
If my hand covers the bottom of the phone (which is always when I hold it in portrait mode), then my signal drops significantly. Is this normal for this phone or is it an isolated defect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens to me too. Especially in poor signal area. I would drop 3G/4G signal all together, and go to 2G.
+1 to this, I've noticed when I stick my phone in my boxer briefs that the reception does indeed drop down to nil
thank god for wifi calling though
For my phone I have 4G icon on screen and no bars, I can get call in my house finally.
It never ceases to amaze me how no matter what, there seems to always be some people that go out of their way to find something wrong with their phone. I really don't get it. Some people are probably better of with a Razr....
mysterioustko said:
It never ceases to amaze me how no matter what, there seems to always be some people that go out of their way to find something wrong with their phone. I really don't get it. Some people are probably better of with a Razr....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just thinking, **** add another thing to the issues list even though its not a problem... If theres a thread others will believe it.... So now everyone trolling this thread thinks theres a death grip issue when there is not..
mysterioustko said:
It never ceases to amaze me how no matter what, there seems to always be some people that go out of their way to find something wrong with their phone. I really don't get it. Some people are probably better of with a Razr....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL !!!
update: I went to exchange my phone yesterday and it turns out that phone was just defective.
this new phone I have (although we went through like 3 and they all had backlight bleed) does not have signal drop when I hold it.
I believe the antenna is indeed on the bottom of the device. If you remove the back plate you'll see a sticker on the bottom of the phone. Try covering that sticker completely and you'll see your signal drop.
According to some people, after removing that sticker, they attained a slightly better and consistent signal.
Since removing it, I've noticed a much faster, better amd consistent connection, WAY better now. Hard to believe a silly sticker could cause so much trouble hahahaha
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
I had removed the sticker last night and I got 1 more bar and my dl/up speeds improved. Was getting Max 1.5 - 2 dl and 500 up now I get up to 10 megs down and 3 up in my house.
Sent from my G2X using XDA Premium App

Cheap fix for WiFi Death Grip in Landscape

Go into your WiFi settings and hit the menu key. It will bring up an advanced settings menu. There is a box that you need to check. It's called "Best WiFi Performance". Once I checked this box, my WiFi signal stayed strong when holding it in Landscape. I tested this 2 rooms away from my router. I haven't noticed a decrease in battery performance either.
Nice, works well.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
This might have helped... maybe. I said in the main thread about deathgrip I saw no change but maybe I was wrong. If it does help, it doesn't help a ton for me. This is easy for me to test at work where our wifi is not the greatest and it's easy to lose a signal. I still lose all bars with true deathgrip (which I would never use) but lose 1 or 2 bars while using it in my normal landscape mode. Pretty much the same thing I saw before turning on the boost but maybe I drop two bars less now. Too iffy for me to tell.
Wonder what the added power drain is by using this.
I'm wondering if an invisibleshield for the HTC Sensation will fix this problem, because I remember it did so with the iPhone 4. Hrmmm. Any thoughts?
this method doesnt seem to help my device at all... man, im sooo bummed about this issue....
digiholic said:
This might have helped... maybe. I said in the main thread about deathgrip I saw no change but maybe I was wrong. If it does help, it doesn't help a ton for me. This is easy for me to test at work where our wifi is not the greatest and it's easy to lose a signal. I still lose all bars with true deathgrip (which I would never use) but lose 1 or 2 bars while using it in my normal landscape mode. Pretty much the same thing I saw before turning on the boost but maybe I drop two bars less now. Too iffy for me to tell.
Wonder what the added power drain is by using this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u notice any changes in battery life after using the boost?
Hitting walmart for a replacement. I thought I could handle the issue but I can't and its unacceptable. And this time, I'm checking for EVERY possible bug that has been found before I exchange it. Only bummer is that I put a screen protector on the sensation I have now. I have to use the last screen protector now
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Jackasaur said:
I'm wondering if an invisibleshield for the HTC Sensation will fix this problem, because I remember it did so with the iPhone 4. Hrmmm. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with the iphone 4 was that your finger would bridge the gap between the 2 antenna and ground it, thus reducing the signal.
The problem with the sensation is your hand is blocking the antenna, so adding a case/cover may actually block even more signal.
This only helps a tiny bit.
I've tried this option, not to fix the "death grip", but to improve overall WiFi performance, and it seemed to drain my battery quicker than normal. Also didn't seem to really help.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Doesn't help. I still lose 1-2 bars in landscape. Oh, and you can also try putting alu foil between the contacts of the cover and the phone (that didn't work for me either, but it did for someone else)
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
My WiFi is absolutely terrible. I have a case on, and if I put my sensation face up on my wooden table, the wifi will die. If I put my hand anywhere near the upper-back, such as in landscape mode, the WiFi dies. This is with Wifi on best performance and when I normal get 2-3 bars of service.
Also, my wifi constantly cuts out even if I leave it in a position that should have signal. For example, in the 2 minutes I took to write this post, I turned wifi on and placed the phone face down on the table. This should be the best way to keep the signal. One minute later, I checked the phone, and the wifi was dead. This basically makes wifi calling absolutely useless.
I'm really beginning to get pissed of because of this. This isn't a death grip issue. This is just a plain utterly crappy wifi signal issue.
thanks for this, it did help a bit.
Bsketball said:
My WiFi is absolutely terrible. I have a case on, and if I put my sensation face up on my wooden table, the wifi will die. If I put my hand anywhere near the upper-back, such as in landscape mode, the WiFi dies. This is with Wifi on best performance and when I normal get 2-3 bars of service.
Also, my wifi constantly cuts out even if I leave it in a position that should have signal. For example, in the 2 minutes I took to write this post, I turned wifi on and placed the phone face down on the table. This should be the best way to keep the signal. One minute later, I checked the phone, and the wifi was dead. This basically makes wifi calling absolutely useless.
I'm really beginning to get pissed of because of this. This isn't a death grip issue. This is just a plain utterly crappy wifi signal issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a new back cover from HTC (they give one for free under the warranty), but don't mention the WiFi problems. Just tell them it's loose or something. Here's the number.
888-617-1113
aNYthing24 said:
Get a new back cover from HTC (they give one for free under the warranty), but don't mention the WiFi problems. Just tell them it's loose or something. Here's the number.
888-617-1113
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would the back cover certainly solve my issues?
Bsketball said:
Would the back cover certainly solve my issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might. Worth a shot. Its free so what can it hurt.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
scmurphy13 said:
I've tried this option, not to fix the "death grip", but to improve overall WiFi performance, and it seemed to drain my battery quicker than normal. Also didn't seem to really help.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
If you use an app like wifi analyzer and you toggle the option you can see what it's doing is sending more power to the wifi antenna/chip. Your signal is stronger with it on but it definitely makes the battery drain faster, it did for me so I leave it turned off.
It even says in the option that it will decrease battery life. Can't get clearer than that.
Sent from my thumbs to your eyes using a Sensation 4G
Especially after the update this option actually cause a huge battery drain and it doesn't improve performance much.
jrwingate6 said:
It might. Worth a shot. Its free so what can it hurt.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, have a new battery cover coming in. Let's hope this one works better. Does the battery cover really have much of an effect on signals though? I don't see how it could without a redesign...
Bsketball said:
Alright, have a new battery cover coming in. Let's hope this one works better. Does the battery cover really have much of an effect on signals though? I don't see how it could without a redesign...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know but there has to be something going on if my new Sensation doesn't have the problem but my other 3 did.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

Does every HTC Sensation have the death grip issue?

Before I exchange my phone again, I was wondering if there is 100% confirmation of this issue. I use my phone with WiFi in landscape mode, so this problem is really bothering me.
If you not having the issue, why worry about others?
I am having the issue. I apologize if I wasn't clear, but I had said that "this problem is really bothering me" as in it is literally bothering me.
No i don't have this issue. Can't even make it happen. If that's couse of the signal strength i have on the wifi's i use it on, who knows. But it's never been a issue here!
Can't say I've found it an issue but I don't use my phone in landscape for anything
Death Grip.
Hi OP, Ive had this problem when browsing in landscape, a certain grip can knock WiFi signal strength right down or if its already low completely kill it. Another thread on here advised
Settings - Wireless and Networks - Wireless Settings - Advanced - Tick Best WiFi Performance.
This seems to have made a significant improvement and TBH I havent noticed a change in battery life.
Hope that helps.
(Never had the problem WRT 3G/4G)
Third Sensation also has death grip issues, performance setting doesn't seem to help substantially. Bummer. I guess I'll just have to find an new handling position when reading.
no problems here, works fine
Symbi said:
no problems here, works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using it in landscape mode and gripping the left side (near the HTC logo) with your left hand? Also, you must be a reasonable distance away from your router. If you are within 8 feet, the drop isn't noticeable.
When I first got the phone I was staying in a hotel. WiFi dropped constantly if I held the phone in my "normal" grip. Now I'm at home and I'm unable to kill it, no matter how I hold it.
Yeah I have the problem too when I use it in landscape mode sometimes it'll be so bad I'll be put on 4g thinking if I should replace it I also have the lock screen issue is there really sensations out there with absolutely no death grip?
Got my Sensation yesterday. Just tried the death grip test and can't make it drop below 4 bars no matter how I hold it. This is with "Best wifi performance" unchecked. Wifi Analyzer does show a drop in signal strength of about 20dB, but I never lose connectivity. Played a YouTube HQ video and it never stutters in landscape, with both hands wrapped around the phone. Based on the signal drop it's very likely that in a low signal location holding it certain ways would cause connectivity loss. But that's very likely true of any phone.
So, being conservative I'd say at least some Sensations with some routers do not have the problem.
Hi. I've heard that there may be a difference in the models. Some have 3 pins connecting to the back cover/antenna and some have only 2 pins connecting to the cover. If people could post if they're having problems and how many pins they have under their back covers there could be a link?
i just purchased my phone last Saturday, and i am already on my second phone. they both exhibit this "death grip" issue, and the problem is very apparent--enough to render the wifi useless for me.
it does seem to be based on the wireless AP though. i do not experience an issue at work, nor at certain public wifi points. however, my cheesy home wireless AP seems to have a problem, and i suspect most hotel wireless APs will as well. since i travel for work, this is a problem.
i was informed by a T-Mobile employee that this is a known issue with the first generation of these phones. phones manufactured after June 1st are supposed to have resolved the problem. i am currently waiting for their shipment of these new phones to arrive so that i can get a replacement to see if it truly does resolve the problem.
When I throw my gorilla grip on my sensation (just below the point of annihilation) I have no signal issues. No change.
Maybe only certain sets have the issue, because I haven't faced it at all. I browsed the web using WiFi and had no issues. I have issues with the signal, but that is more due to my service provider and where I work. Otherwise, no dropped calls and surely no deathgrip.
My Phone has the. Issue. When I hold it with a death grip, I can see my wifi bars going down. I don't know how it affects the practical use and the internet speed.
Mo0oSaH said:
My Phone has the. Issue. When I hold it with a death grip, I can see my wifi bars going down. I don't know how it affects the practical use and the internet speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be 'signal attenuation' rather than 'death grip'.
I don't have any signal attenuation on my Sensation. It does not matter how I hold the phone. My phone is dated 6/6/11.
Sent from either my N1, NS, or Sensation4G....
My first Sensation had the best screen but the worst connection with the death grip. My second handset has the worst screen but the best connection with death grip. Much like ALL android phones, you always have to compromise with some feature/defect.

Ok, for those without the DEATH GRIP WIFI ISSUE. PLEASE POST

a video. Im not calling yall liars, but ive had 3, and all have the issue so I just dont see how others dont. Unless its the routers, and yours is way better than mine cause mines junk, but never had issues on other phones.
Anyways, please post a video showing in another room from your router, covering the top landscape style and take a video showing the bars. I dont care if they drop some, Those that say it dont vanish can I please see a video. I JUST DONT GET IT.
Thanks, p.s. I got my 4th sensation on the Way. I want this phone but dont want the wifi issue cause i use wifi 90%of the time.
smashpunks said:
a video. Im not calling yall liars, but ive had 3, and all have the issue so I just dont see how others dont. Unless its the routers, and yours is way better than mine cause mines junk, but never had issues on other phones.
Anyways, please post a video showing in another room from your router, covering the top landscape style and take a video showing the bars. I dont care if they drop some, Those that say it dont vanish can I please see a video. I JUST DONT GET IT.
Thanks, p.s. I got my 4th sensation on the Way. I want this phone but dont want the wifi issue cause i use wifi 90%of the time.
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Click to collapse
Don't have another video camera, so you'll just have to trust me, or trust the videos that are posted on YouTube that show it working. I'm in another room, landscape, hands wrapped around the phone every which way, the wifi connection never drops. I don't have a case on the phone. Using Wifi Analyzer I do get about a 20-25dB drop in signal, but it's still plenty strong enough to stay connected and not drop data.
It's more likely something about differences in routers than the phone. Maybe signal strength, or g versus n, or the specific channels being used. Not saying there are no bad phones, but if you try 4 phones and they all do it then it's probably related to something about the router.
I've not got a video but I don't hold my phone when using it in landscape (I rarely use landscape at all tbh). I put it on my lap so don't have the issue
please please post a video someone. This is my only issue. If its my router and I need a N ill buy one, but I need a video of someone going to the router, then watching them walk to the end of the house in the room and do it. If it does not kill your wifi I will be sold and figure out why mine is..
Do you have a N router?
Is it just G?
This is serious and Ive only seen videos of them effected and experienced the same.
Ok so I took my case off and had to wrap my hand completely over the top end of the phone to show a difference, but it did drop two bars ,now since ill never hold my phone in that manner this will never be a problem for me , so I would say that the case makes a diff and its definately there , I really don't like holding it in landscape mode ever , i rarely do
For ref, I have a G router (a rebranded Thomson)
EddyOS said:
For ref, I have a G router (a rebranded Thomson)
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Click to collapse
but you said you dont hold your phone in landscape. I for one play online FPS games in landscape and need it.
Can you test in landscape? since you dont go in landscape? or did you already and have no issue?
please post a video. If yours is fine there are good ones and ill find it. If not im trading back for my g2x today because that
so far Im getting. I have no wifi issue cause I never cover it?
well if you do hold your phone in landscape and have no issues, then please post a video. In portrait im golden, but when I landscape it completely depletes.
Here's a video that shows signal drop but no disconnect when the wifi signal is strong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j64GKuuczoE
This is just what mine looks like. Drop in signal, no disconnect.
Notice the other low signal wifi's in this vid do drop away. The same guy also posted a video showing a total drop in connection if the wifi signal is relatively low at it's peak. So, at least part of the reported problems could be due to a relatively low max signal.
If you don't have Wifi Analyzer get it and post a vid so we can see what's going on.
I will make you a video the second I get off work at 4pm. I will show the router on video, then walk up stairs, hold the phone in landscape and show that none of my bars disappear. Do I get anything in return or do I just prove I'm not a liar? I am really not trying to knock anyone here but I find it odd that we can all buy top of the line phones but still use shifty routers. A goog router will make your life a lot better for a fraction of the cost for your phone. I suggest everyone get into the year 2011 and atleast by a N router, if not a dual band N router.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
samnada said:
Here's a video that shows signal drop but no disconnect when the wifi signal is strong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j64GKuuczoE
This is just what mine looks like. Drop in signal, no disconnect.
Notice the other low signal wifi's in this vid do drop away. The same guy also posted a video showing a total drop in connection if the wifi signal is relatively low at it's peak. So, at least part of the reported problems could be due to a relatively low max signal.
If you don't have Wifi Analyzer get it and post a vid so we can see what's going on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok that. WEll, hes next to the router, so thats why the wifi dont die, but I garuntee that if he goes in another room it will die. WE need to see where his router is before we judge if his connection never drops. I bet hes in the same room.
WIfi analyzer vs my vibrant is amazing. Vibrant perfect barely loses db. Now the sensation loses 20 no problem. So in a room with wifi it will be connected, but in a room with less signal, you will cover the signal and kill it. It shouldnt be like that.
smashpunks said:
Ok that. WEll, hes next to the router, so thats why the wifi dont die, but I garuntee that if he goes in another room it will die. WE need to see where his router is before we judge if his connection never drops. I bet hes in the same room.
WIfi analyzer vs my vibrant is amazing. Vibrant perfect barely loses db. Now the sensation loses 20 no problem. So in a room with wifi it will be connected, but in a room with less signal, you will cover the signal and kill it. It shouldnt be like that.
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Click to collapse
You've identified why people are reporting different experiences, which is exactly what I said. If the signal is strong then the connection won't drop. If it's weak enough at max then it will drop.
The loss of about 20-25dB by holding the phone certain ways is known, and isn't likely to vary much be getting your 4th or 5th Sensation. You could try holding it differently, or maybe some types of cases (with or without PT ) may help. Or you can get a router with a stronger signal.
Whether or when HTC will do anything to fix or improve the issue remains to be seen.
samnada said:
You've identified why people are reporting different experiences, which is exactly what I said. If the signal is strong then the connection won't drop. If it's weak enough at max then it will drop.
The loss of about 20-25dB by holding the phone certain ways is known, and isn't likely to vary much be getting your 4th or 5th Sensation. You could try holding it differently, or maybe some types of cases (with or without PT ) may help. Or you can get a router with a stronger signal.
Whether or when HTC will do anything to fix or improve the issue remains to be seen.
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Click to collapse
Maybe Ill try a stronger router. Im going to try a few locations with wifi, if it perfoms bad, Bye Bye. My other phones pick up wifi outside buildings.
Your right, if i hold it in portrait its strong, but I shouldnt need to do that. Ever.
smashpunks said:
Maybe Ill try a stronger router. Im going to try a few locations with wifi, if it perfoms bad, Bye Bye. My other phones pick up wifi outside buildings.
Your right, if i hold it in portrait its strong, but I shouldnt need to do that. Ever.
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Click to collapse
Your right, you shouldn't need to hold it differently to hold a WiFi signal. Do you still want me to make a video showing that non of my bars drop while on a different floor from my router.
I actually get a stronger WiFi signal on my Sensation than I do on my G2X.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
jrwingate6 said:
Your right, you shouldn't need to hold it differently to hold a WiFi signal. Do you still want me to make a video showing that non of my bars drop while on a different floor from my router.
I actually get a stronger WiFi signal on my Sensation than I do on my G2X.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, I would love that... Cause if so I just need a stronget router even though my other phones work fine sitting on them..
I live in a small apartment and I have a good router (bought it like a month ago) even when I'm standing directly in front of it, the signal will drop (I watch the meter in wifi analyzer drop) If I'm in another room it drops even more. I have my phone set for max wifi performance too. One night I really noticed it while streaming a video from my computer via splashtop. Every time I held it a certain way the video would actually stutter. I wonder if the people experiencing it have some kind of grounding problem with the phone. It's not a huge issue for me because it never fully drops and when I hold it in landscape mode I just make sure My hand doesnt cover all three anntena holes on the back. It seems when your hand is in contact and covers all 3 that it drops. I should be getting another sensation on friday. I hope 1. the wifi drop isnt as bad 2. That I get the better sharp screen
graffixnyc said:
I live in a small apartment and I have a good router (bought it like a month ago) even when I'm standing directly in front of it, the signal will drop (I watch the meter in wifi analyzer drop) If I'm in another room it drops even more. I have my phone set for max wifi performance too. One night I really noticed it while streaming a video from my computer via splashtop. Every time I held it a certain way the video would actually stutter. I wonder if the people experiencing it have some kind of grounding problem with the phone. It's not a huge issue for me because it never fully drops and when I hold it in landscape mode I just make sure My hand doesnt cover all three anntena holes on the back. It seems when your hand is in contact and covers all 3 that it drops. I should be getting another sensation on friday. I hope 1. the wifi drop isnt as bad 2. That I get the better sharp screen
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Click to collapse
I have one coming soon as well. Ordered today. Will see how it goes. I just don't think I should have to get a new router when my others phones work great.. I'd say grounding causeof if I put tp between my phone and case I can't get it to drop... Move the 2 layers of pt and it goes away.
Sounds like you should just ditch the Sensation; some feedback from my experience; I have the Rubberized case on mine and at work with the case I get about 1-2 bars of WIFI; without I get almost full.
Turning it landscape also kills the connection with case and drops to 1 bar without case so thats pretty ****ty although I don't use my phone landscape or really play games on it but for people who do I could imagine that sucking pretty hard.
Was gonna do a vid but I don't think it's really necessary. If you have a strong signal (ie sitting next to the router) your likely not going to notice anything at all; if your on a medium signal it's likely you will lose bars or total connection.
Not really sure what video proof is going to do for you however as it really doesn't matter what others are experiencing in this case outside of their verbal explanation.
I have to agree, this issue is annoying. In my house I have 2 MT4G's a Thunderbolt and the Sensation. None of them drop wifi signal like the sensation does.. I don't use a case and sitting 3 feet from the router I'm ok, even turning around facing away from the router at 3 feet I'm ok but it does drop a couple of bars. In other rooms I have full bars but if I cover or hold in landscape as has been shown I loose all or down to 1 bar and most of the time it will disconnect.
Not sure what type of router mine is as it is from AT&T UVERSE.
Here is my video 3 rooms away from my router I drop a little but no disconnect.
-McMex
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

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