[Q] Serious signal strength issues on Stock TouchWiz - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Picked up my SGS3 on Friday after my Bionic finally keeled over in a few fairly critical ways. This was always my planned upgrade, got lucky on a Sam's Club special for 96 cents. Phone is so new it squeaks, as is the SIM. I first noticed that calls were dropping out some in certain spots at my house and near my work. I then realized I had zero 4G signal in the house, and didn't seem to be able to get any in my yard. My Bionic was always able to pull 1-2 bars, with only occasional drops to 3G in a couple of spots in the house. 3G was giving me max bars at all times.
Grabbed a handy app - Advanced Signal Status - that gives me detailed readouts on signal strength. I installed it on my (now inactive) Bionic, and where my GS3 is getting about -95dB for voice and -107dB for EVDO data, my Bionic is getting -90dB voice and -45dB EVDO data. Even my old HTC Droid Incredible 2, with one of the worst antenna designs ever, is sitting about -95 voice and -80 data. I even tried it on my wife's LG Spectrum 2. No valid data reading for 3G/EVDO because she's got a consistent 2-3 bars of 4G everywhere in the house. Same thing with work, everyone with a Samsung product on Verizon (no SGS3s unfortunately, but a couple of Note 2s) are getting a couple of bars of 4G, and my Bionic used to do the same.
I've tried flashing back from MF1 to MB1 firmware/tz/modem AIO packages, swapped from Global to LTE/CDMA, battery reseat, SIM reseat, and I'm contemplating doing a rain dance to see if that will bring the signal up to something decent, because nothing else is working. I called Verizon, got past front-line support, started throwing numbers at Tier 2, and they escalated to the network team to rule out a "network problem in my area". Given that NOBODY ELSE is seeing this craptastic signal, I doubt it's that.
I've done a couple of searches but haven't come up with anything worth mentioning yet, either here or on the net in general. I'm still within my grace period and I may be able to bypass having to go back to the Sam's Club I bought it at if VZ wants me changing the phone out, but I want as much time as I can get to test a second one if I need it, before giving up and going with a Razr HD or something. If anyone can suggest something that I might be missing that I can try, I'd appreciate it.

Take off the back of your S3, take out the battery, and tighten the screw's on the phone. This is usually the case for bad GPS and signal issues.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

I am in the same boat. But mine will be 2 bars then it crashes to no service. Can't even send texts! I am lucky to have a call for 1-2 min before it drops. They sent me a new sim and as I suspected it didn't fix anything so now I get to waste more time calling them tomorrow. I will literally have signal, unlock the phone, type a message, hit send then get the "No mobiles signal found". Wtf lol
I tried tightening my screws. They weren't lose and it didn't help. Lol
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

My first s3 had signal issues like what you are experiencing. I had to go through two weeks of stupid waiting for Verizon to test the local network before they agreed it was a problem with the phone. Sent it back and got my replacement. Replacement worked fine.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Have to turn off mobile data 2-3 times a day

I have had internet connectivity issues that get cleared up immediatley after i disable mobile data and then re-enable.
It happens when i am in a solid 4g area sitting in the same place surfing the web and my data will just die. and it comes back right up after i disable and re-enable my mobile data.
it also happens when im on the bus going back and forth between 3g and 4g.
is this a normal droid charge issue?
seems like it craps out after about 10 min of surfing every time i remember it happening.
i had this happen when i was stock, after i rooted stock, and now on tweek 2.0
Had that issue yesterday on 4G, and it cleared up the same evening. Occasionally will lose data connectivity on 4G, even with it's still showing the connection. It's not very frequent or consistent, and it seems to have gotten better over time. There is definitely some flakiness on the radios on the Charge. A friend was sitting right next to me on his Spectrum yesterday and wasn't having any issues. I think it's likely related to Verizon network, but I think some phones are more sensitive to it than others.
Yeah, happens to me too. I had to disable/re-enable data at least twice today. :/
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
This happened to me the first couple of days I had the phone. I went to Verizon and they swapped the SIM. Worked fine after then.
re
JihadSquad said:
This happened to me the first couple of days I had the phone. I went to Verizon and they swapped the SIM. Worked fine after then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.. i did have a few sim issues when i got the phone a week ago, after loading a rom the phone said there was no sim inserted or there was a sim error cant remember which.
maybe swap the sim tomorrow to see if that helps.
sounds like it might be a charge radio issue... i am getting what ever killer phone comes out in a few months anyway. Galaxy s3? HTC one X ? Galaxy Journal ?
Motorola hd ?
re
So i got a new sim..
Nothing has changed.
I have netflix and live in a great 4g area and still have to toggle off data 2-3 times a morning on my bus trip into seattle.
It seems like the radio has a hard time figuring out wtf to do once it comes in and out of 4g. I can be sitting at in traffic for 5 min with no signal and flipping the data on and then off... BAM 4g is back.
This makes for annoying netflix / IT Crowd, viewing.
I am glad that i got this phone as a temp solution cheap from craigslist. Motorola Droid fighter or Galaxy S3 will be putting this lump of mediocre electronics to rest in the next month or so.
What radio is installed on your phone? To find this out go to settings/about phone. The baseband version would be your radio. If it says i510.06V.FP1, that means you are on the most up to date radio. I had similar issues before I updated to FP1 but since then, the 3 or 4G has been very quick to connect and stays reliable all day.
One of my buds works for Vzw and he told me that the 4g network is great when it works. In some places vzw is activating 4g network before the network is ready to be deployed. They are doing this because competition has more 4g coverage.
One solution is to set your phone to 3g only and accept reliable slow sppeds or deal with crappy 4g. Eventually vzw will get it right. Wjen though, is anybody's guess.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA

data issues

My gf's tb has been getting terrible data service since accepting the ota a few weeks ago. Her phone is rooted but runs a stock rom. Anyone else having this issue?
If you are s off and the radio from the previous version was better you could flash the radios from it and see if that helps.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
I've been having problems for the last week or so. I'm dropping my connection a lot and even when I'm showing a steady 4G signal, things are moving a lot slower than I'm used to. I've seen people with other Verizon phones complaining too so I'm not sure it has anything to do with the recent update.
I was having issues like that the other day. I had to put my phone in airplane mode and take it back out just to get my phone to load webpages. The next day everything was fine again.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Same problem. I'll be fine for a while then I'll lose data connection completely, get it back, drop a few seconds later and this keeps going on for a while. For me, Google Maps has been something that drops my data connection after I launch. I eventually have to put airplane mode on/off for the connection to stabilize.
I've noticed these issues more frequently lately with various users in this forum. I myself have noticed data issues as well. Could it be a Verizon issue? If so many of us are having similar issues. I'm running eternity r248, great Rom but occasionally have these data drops. I'm in a good 4G coverage area.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
I'm running Thundershed 1.6 and the most recent leaked radios. As far as I can tell there is an issue on Verizons end. For the past 4 days I've had a strong connection to a 4G tower but data doesn't work at all until i switch to 3G.
While troubleshooting this I flashed a new ROM, radios, kernels, hard/soft resets, battery pulls, reseat SIM card, everything. Nothing seemed to work so I'm convinced we just have to wait for Verizon to fix things.
-Nex
Since about a week ago my LTE data has been frequently dropping in and out in previously known good areas and it will not transition to 3G. Fed up I decided to go into ##778# and change eHRPD to EVDO. Has been stable so far but more time will tell.
Update: It's still dropping in and out. Trying OpenMobile leak radio since I had good experience with it in the past.
There's ongoing data issues on Verizon's end, particularly on and near the east coast. Apparently, they're trying some different authentication settings that are resulting in mobile data automatically unchecking itself in settings, data drops, weak signal, and inconsistent signal. Hopefully Verizon will get it together soon.
Sent from my highly tweaked and customized Thunderbolt 4g!
I reported my issues to tech support the other day and finally managed to get it bumped up to the next level today.
The tech knew nothing about any network problems and when he did a search for customers filing similar complaints in my area (Metro-Detroit), he found nothing unusual that would lead him to believe that there was a widespread issue.
He is convinced that there's either a problem with my sim card or the phones radio. He mentioned that they have been having a lot of problems with sim cards failing and said that in his experiences, they have a life expectancy of around 6 months before they start acting up.
He is sending me a new sim card and replacement phone via Fed Ex so that I can test out both of his theories.
I called yesterday to talk about my data issues and the tech is sending me another bolt and Sim card with no questions asked
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA
Have you tried to use a special tee shirts antenna shirt that is made for our phone.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
My replacement phone arrived so I popped in my SIM and fired it up. Same exact problems with data drops.
Still waiting for the SIM to show up, it was shipped separately.
Interesting... Sounds like a bad SIM but that seems strange to me.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
bond32 said:
Interesting... Sounds like a bad SIM but that seems strange to me.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to think that it's as simple as replacing the SIM card but I have a feeling it's a network thing.
jmz768 said:
I'd like to think that it's as simple as replacing the SIM card but I have a feeling it's a network thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most likely is. Been fighting with data issues for three weeks. 4g is completely useless lately because of the connection problems. And since they dropped a bunch of 3g towers around here, 3g signal just sucks. Lucky to be able to open a web page a couple times a day downtown in my city.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Sadly, I was right. Swapped out SIM cards today and within minutes, was having the same problems.
What's most annoying is that this appears to only be an isolated problem in certain areas and with certain users. If it was widespread, Verizon would certainly know about it and be on top of things. I'm not even sure that anybody at any level knows that some of us are having these problems with data drops.
Disregard. It appears to be network issue all along.
I have the same horrible data dropping issue all the time. I live in Minnesota, if that helps. I bought this phone used on ebay and I don't think Verizon will send me a replacement, right?
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app
I recently had data drops with the latest radio. When I switched to the 605.9 radios that stopped. That may not work for everyone though.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Verizon GS3 4g Connection Issues

Have any Verizon Wireless Galaxy S 3 users (besides myself) noticed the following symptoms:
1) Phone doesn't connect to 4g LTE until approximately 15 minutes later (even in an excellant 4g coverage area)
2) Phone connects to 4g LTE then disconnects approximately 15 minutes later and drops to 3g (even in excellent 4g coverage area).
3) Phone shows 4g LTE connection, but no data can be transmitted/received (tested with speedtest and a google search in the browser). This one is particularly bad, as there is currently no way I am aware of to turn off the 4g radio)
I've spoken with VZW technical support and they want me to replace the phone to see if things get better. I'm not quite sure it's a hardware problem.
mybook4 said:
Have any Verizon Wireless Galaxy S 3 users (besides myself) noticed the following symptoms:
1) Phone doesn't connect to 4g LTE until approximately 15 minutes later (even in an excellant 4g coverage area)
2) Phone connects to 4g LTE then disconnects approximately 15 minutes later and drops to 3g (even in excellent 4g coverage area).
3) Phone shows 4g LTE connection, but no data can be transmitted/received (tested with speedtest and a google search in the browser). This one is particularly bad, as there is currently no way I am aware of to turn off the 4g radio)
I've spoken with VZW technical support and they want me to replace the phone to see if things get better. I'm not quite sure it's a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this sounds ridiculous to do with brand new phone but here is the truth. They factory flash those bad boys using octopuss strand array cables with one machine and sometimes they receive a bad flash from the factory. Try the following steps
1. Go to options>settings>mobile and wireless networks>mobile networks>toggle mobile network on and off. (is it acting better?) No? then..
2. Factory data reset the phone. (is it acting better now?) No? then..
3. Using odin reflash the stock ROM (is it acting bettery now?) No? then take it back.... your phone is officially broken.
mybook4 said:
Have any Verizon Wireless Galaxy S 3 users (besides myself) noticed the following symptoms:
1) Phone doesn't connect to 4g LTE until approximately 15 minutes later (even in an excellant 4g coverage area)
2) Phone connects to 4g LTE then disconnects approximately 15 minutes later and drops to 3g (even in excellent 4g coverage area).
3) Phone shows 4g LTE connection, but no data can be transmitted/received (tested with speedtest and a google search in the browser). This one is particularly bad, as there is currently no way I am aware of to turn off the 4g radio)
I've spoken with VZW technical support and they want me to replace the phone to see if things get better. I'm not quite sure it's a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should search before posting, maybe someone else is having problems. maybe theres info that could help you.....
das7982 said:
I know this sounds ridiculous to do with brand new phone but here is the truth. They factory flash those bad boys using octopuss strand array cables with one machine and sometimes they receive a bad flash from the factory. Try the following steps
1. Go to options>settings>mobile and wireless networks>mobile networks>toggle mobile network on and off. (is it acting better?) No? then..
2. Factory data reset the phone. (is it acting better now?) No? then..
3. Using odin reflash the stock ROM (is it acting bettery now?) No? then take it back.... your phone is officially broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the tips. I searched prior to posting.There has been another post after mine with someone talking about similar issues.
Tried number 1 and 2. No dice.
I'm hesitant with 3 (although I've flashed/odined many times in the fascinate). Will refreshing stock up the flash counter? I may just swap out the phone in store. This would at least give me an account history showing issues.
When I have new info, I'll reply.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
i posted well before your thread, but in short......theres an update being pushed that addresses 4g issues
Very cool. Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
tillithz said:
i posted well before your thread, but in short......theres an update being pushed that addresses 4g issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope this update doesn't effect the kexec work that is already underway
Verizon LTE is fast but...
It sucks at connecting and at staying connected. My HTC Thunderbolt did this, my Droid Bionic does this, and my co-workers Razr does this. LTE is fast when it actually works properly.
I'm not able conenct to 3g or 4g. Without Wifi I'm getting no data services.
As promised, I have an update. I went to the VZW store and they swapped out my SIM card. No change. The same issues I described in the OP were encountered.
I've performed the following testing to help determine if my specific phone had an issue or whether it was just the LTE service in the area. This isn't the most extensive or scientific test, just a quick and dirty test.
The procedure was as follows:
-Compare phone signal strength in Settings -> About Device -> Status (within phones approximately 5 feet of each other)
-Compare speed test results using the SpeedTest.net app
My office:
1 person in my office also has a vzw galaxy s III. We are running the same stock system.img (I535VRALF2).
- On average, his signal strength was -88dbm, mine was -84dbm. Definitely within normal range for a decent LTE signal.
- His speed test results were similar to mine (within 10% for each direction)
1 person in my office has a Droid Razr (non MAXX) running ICS (important as ICS measures signal strength differently than GB).
- On average, his signal strenth was -95dbm, mine was -91dbm.
- His speed test results were very different than mine:
GSIII - 66ms ping, 8.5MBit down, 12.2MBit up
Razr - 61ms ping, 18.9MBit down, 9.1MBit up
A friend's house:
My friend also has a vzw galaxy s III. We are running the same stock system.img (I535VRALF2).
- On average, his signal strength was -104dbm, mine was also -104dbm. A fairly poor LTE signal.
- Our speed test results were similar (approx 4MBit down, upload was intermittent (would sometimes stall out) approx 0.5Mbit up)
VZW lists 4g coverage as "Verizon LTE (non-extended)" in both areas.
Conclusion:
The difference I encountered between my GSIII and the Razr was alarming, but again, this wasn't the most scientific test (and anyone familiar with the speed test app will tell you that it's usually best to run it several times (unfortunately, I was pressed for time). Just wanted to get an idea of encountered differences.
I can second what tillithz heard about an update being released to address the 4g connection issues. I heard the info from a VZW store employee (so take that with a grain of salt).
I'll be keeping my eyes open for details on the rumored update (and wether or not it breaks our current root/CWM/custom boot.img flashing abilities).
das7982 said:
I know this sounds ridiculous to do with brand new phone but here is the truth. They factory flash those bad boys using octopuss strand array cables with one machine and sometimes they receive a bad flash from the factory. Try the following steps
1. Go to options>settings>mobile and wireless networks>mobile networks>toggle mobile network on and off. (is it acting better?) No? then..
2. Factory data reset the phone. (is it acting better now?) No? then..
3. Using odin reflash the stock ROM (is it acting bettery now?) No? then take it back.... your phone is officially broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like a tard aadmitting this but I can't figure out how to do/find step one
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Sounds like the issues I had with 5 (not exaggerating) GNexs before I gave up on the phone. It was a hardware issue. Hopefully Samsung didn't let this issue slip to the GSIII
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
Guys I seriously think it's a Verizon issue. I don't know one person with an VZW LTE device that doesn't have problems connecting.
I had a Korean GNex that never dropped 4G. I had 5 Chinese models that never held a signal at all (non-data included) for over ten minutes. For once I don't think it was Verizon.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
Same issues
I have not done anything to my phone. It is still stock. While using Google Maps, it has managed to reboot 3 times on me. It has also managed to lose service two times while using Google Maps before rebooting with the "Searching for GPS" message. The night before I could NOT send SMS/MMS messages. Had to resort to Google Voice. Any thoughts would be great. I don't believe I have been holding it incorrectly as I have a BT headset. I'm randomly getting searching for services also. I don't think it's VZW with my Rezound, I would never lose WIFI, 4G, or calling service. Just wondering if anyone else is having this problem?
I am coming from the Incredible so I have never tried 4G at my house before but 3G has always been strong. I picked up my S3 last night and only 3G will connect. According to Verizon coverage maps I am solidly in a 4G area. Not sure what's going on.
Piss-off Verizon!
So I am having the same issue on mine and my wife's phone. Both pre-ordered in June and received on the 9th.
I stream music in my car while I drive to and from work an hour away. This is extremely annoying as I have to constantly fiddle with my phone to get the data connection back while I'm driving to get my music back.
I called Verizon twice and had the SIM swapped out on mine to test if it fixed it. It fixed one issue of signal strength, but not the dropping of connections. Here's my problems:
- Going from a 3G to a 4G area, signal drops out to unknown in the About Phone > Status page for about 30 seconds or more
- Sometimes it just stays at 3G and never switches
- Going from a 4G to a 3G area, signal drops out to unknown in the About Phone > Status page for about 30 seconds or more
- While it claims I have 4G, there are many times where I cannot get any data connection at all where Facebook says network connection error or speed test doesn't work at all and web pages won't load
- One issue fixed after the SIM swap was that under Settings > More Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names it is now switching from EHRPD and LTE more often. Still not perfect, but I'm assuming that it stays in EHRPD mode when in an extended 4G coverage area (not sure about this) but before it wouldn't use the LTE option no matter what
Before the SIM swap my data connection dropped out completely in the middle of a city known to have great 4G coverage and would not come back no matter what I did (airplane mode on/off, mobile data off/on, phone reboot)
Software reset didn't fix any of these issues either.
Here is what I've decided about some of the issues they are having based on my experiences driving around so much. It seems as if the phone cannot negotiate with the towers correctly. It's as if it needs to drop the 3G connection before it can negotiate a 4G connection, hence the 30 seconds of no data at all, and same for going from 4G to 3G, it seems it can't negotiate without first dropping your current connection. 3G to 1X and back has no issues.
I know this is long, but I want it detailed as much as possible. I had gotten the Bionic when it first came out and it did the same thing, where I could never get a 4G connection when it was supposed to or go back once acquired. The main difference is that my Galaxy S III has WAY better battery life than the Bionic had. So they seemed to have cured the battery drain when searching for a 4G tower. I'm still pissed at Verizon stating I'm in a 4G area and then never getting that connection at home, let alone barely getting a 1x connection. My dBm levels are usually in the -95 to -104 area when at home...I'm in a 4G area now and it's at -112 with an asu of 28 while at home it's usually 1 asu. Hope this helps someone else out. I don't know if a phone swap is going to fix these issues.
Verizon has told me that they are looking at a software update sometime in September...I'll believe it when I see it. In the mean time I have 7 more days to decide to keep the phone with no Verizon tech knowing what they are doing or able to troubleshoot their way out of a brown paper bag.
I am getting a new phone shipped out to me tomorrow. I will let you know if the same thing happens or it is Verizon.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
mybook4 said:
Have any Verizon Wireless Galaxy S 3 users (besides myself) noticed the following symptoms:
1) Phone doesn't connect to 4g LTE until approximately 15 minutes later (even in an excellant 4g coverage area)
2) Phone connects to 4g LTE then disconnects approximately 15 minutes later and drops to 3g (even in excellent 4g coverage area).
3) Phone shows 4g LTE connection, but no data can be transmitted/received (tested with speedtest and a google search in the browser). This one is particularly bad, as there is currently no way I am aware of to turn off the 4g radio)
I've spoken with VZW technical support and they want me to replace the phone to see if things get better. I'm not quite sure it's a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had symptoms comparable to these, 4G stopped working in areas where it should. It would occasionally go back to 4g, only to not actually transfer any data. My phone was fine before this, and has been fine ever since. In my case I believe flashing CM9 for a bit could have triggered my problems. I have no explanation for why my phone randomly started working properly again.
I'm doubtful that this is a hardware issue, and I am hoping future updates may address radio issues.
Just an fyi, I have talked to multiple Verizon reps and changed sim cards to get nowhere. I'm at the point where I'm about ready to return it for another phone to see if that helps.
Verizon claims this is not a well known issue or widespread. I beg to differ. If it isn't widespread, then it must be a defective unit imo. I also think I got a retarded rep, he tried to tell me updates come straight from the manufacturers and we should see an update soon after a phones release haha. I asked for examples of phone release dates and the date of the first update...He couldn't provide me with any. I then asked why the nexus got the 4.0.4 update 2 months after every other carrier and he stated, well sir we don't release the updates until they're tested. Ah, so you do control the updates!
Needless to say, I'm getting tired of this crap. I'll let you know how the replacement goes.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Those with signal issues

I was having signal issues in areas with less then 3 bars for the most part. Sometimes I would randomly lose service for a few seconds here and there. My calls where dropped or the caller would cut in and out during the conversation. If your having similar issues then your phone is most likely defective.
I just got a refurbished SGS3 from Verizon and the radio works flawless compared to my VRALF2 purchased in July. I would suggest calling Verizon and complaining if your having similar problems because my phone was defective.
Software problems
Not sure how you can conclude it was your phone. Unless you tried the new radio on your old phone before swapping. Otherwise you are comparing apples to oranges.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
No actually Hardware problem, most likely the radio itself.
xceebeex said:
Not sure how you can conclude it was your phone. Unless you tried the new radio on your old phone before swapping. Otherwise you are comparing apples to oranges.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive been around the block here at xda so i know phone software and flashing. Software wise I tried it all.
I'm glad these radio issues haven't plagued the vzw sgs3 like they have the vzw gnex. Getting my S3 tomorrow. Hoping I get a good one, but my chances are way better with this phone than doing the refurb constant receive and send back like my g/f's Gnex. She went through 3 with radio issues before we got a good one.
got556 said:
I'm glad these radio issues haven't plagued the vzw sgs3 like they have the vzw gnex. Getting my S3 tomorrow. Hoping I get a good one, but my chances are way better with this phone than doing the refurb constant receive and send back like my g/f's Gnex. She went through 3 with radio issues before we got a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing it just a quality control issue. My girlfriend has the Moto Razor which has an great radio in it and she never had signal issues. I was beginning to think that the radio in the GS3 was just terrible. After some time with this new phone its right on par with the razor as far as call quality. Her razor still has the slight edge when it comes to signal strength.
Moto will always have the edge for the forseeable future on radio quality/reception. (notwithstanding the bionic....lol (but that was software IMHO)).
My razr's always had a better signal than any Sammy phone I've had. My HTC radios have always been pretty good also. Lets face it, Samsung's radios are their weakest link IMHO.
got556 said:
Moto will always have the edge for the forseeable future on radio quality/reception. (notwithstanding the bionic....lol (but that was software IMHO)).
My razr's always had a better signal than any Sammy phone I've had. My HTC radios have always been pretty good also. Lets face it, Samsung's radios are their weakest link IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I'm new here, so first of all: Hi Guys!!!
I got some Issues with the radio, too. So I tried some different baseband versions with nearly no result
I currently use the LH1 baseband. Since some days I own 2 SIM's from 2 different Providers (Vodafone & T-Mobile).
Unfortunatly I only have an old Nokia N97 for Comparsion, but that doesnt matter atm.
What I've tried to figure out was, whats the source for this Issue - the phone, the provider or the baseband.
Well, I tried both SIM's in both devices and tried a few basebands for the SGS3, with the result that I got a little better Signal with Vodafone SIM and LH1-basband, than with the same baseband and T-Mobile SIM.
T-Mobile: about -105dBm
Vodafone: about -95dBm
The Signal-Strengh on the N97 is nearly identic with both SIM's.
So my final result is:
Baseband on the SGS3 sucks but can be changed to may get some better signal strengh specific for each provider!
Lets wait what official JB will change.
I just got my galaxy and where i live its a really hard to get signal area, but i have own the rezound , regular razr n maxx , galaxy nexus , and the lg and all get good service just tried this galaxy where i live at and lost 2 drop calls and text messages come as errors and thats in stock within. The first 30 minutes owning the phone like wtf
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
aalopez10 said:
I just got my galaxy and where i live its a really hard to get signal area, but i have own the rezound , regular razr n maxx , galaxy nexus , and the lg and all get good service just tried this galaxy where i live at and lost 2 drop calls and text messages come as errors and thats in stock within. The first 30 minutes owning the phone like wtf
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its probably a little early to tell. I had my phone for 30 days before i ruled out everything but the phone itself. But I had those exact problems with mine as well.
Things that i checked for right away.
Network/Tower issue
4G Sim card
Different modem software ( I tried all 3)
Factory Reset
Different Kernels
toy028 said:
I was having signal issues in areas with less then 3 bars for the most part. Sometimes I would randomly lose service for a few seconds here and there. My calls where dropped or the caller would cut in and out during the conversation. If your having similar issues then your phone is most likely defective.
I just got a refurbished SGS3 from Verizon and the radio works flawless compared to my VRALF2 purchased in July. I would suggest calling Verizon and complaining if your having similar problems because my phone was defective.
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I am on my forth Galaxy S3 for call and data dropping. I use my phone mostly at the same 2 locations, work and home and my data drops constantly on all 4 phones. I have had the sim replaced twice. I have 4 lines on my account one of which is a Droid Razr which was handed down to my girlfriend. I can't recall ever having a dropped call or data with that phone. We were in the Vons grocery store Sunday and we both wanted to d/l the Vons app. It took her less than a minutes on the Razr. It took me almost 19 min and the app is less than 2mb. My phone is still stock. Its a beautiful phone but I'm really starting to hate it.
Maybe I spoke too soon about radios not plaguing this phone. LOL.
Get mine today. I'll have an iphone 4s and gnex to compare dBm and asu numbers. (Scratch that....can't find that info on the iphone (g/f's phone)) (found how to do it....not messing with it while she's using it)
Right now my Gnex is at -87 dBm and 53 asu and I am in a very strong 4G area.
Yeah im having dropped call issues then the phone says lost service and then no sim card detected then new sim card detected and then it gets signal back. The messages the phone displays are not exactly what i stated but similar. I talked to some vzw rep on the phone and she said that i am on the edge of the 4g service area. And that 4g is fairly new where I live. Should that affect my calls though?
Btw i had a htc incredible 1 and it never gave me those issues...i feel as though the speakers were better on the incredible too.
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equisbox said:
Yeah im having dropped call issues then the phone says lost service and then no sim card detected then new sim card detected and then it gets signal back. The messages the phone displays are not exactly what i stated but similar. I talked to some vzw rep on the phone and she said that i am on the edge of the 4g service area. And that 4g is fairly new where I live. Should that affect my calls though?
Btw i had a htc incredible 1 and it never gave me those issues...i feel as though the speakers were better on the incredible too.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Just keep calling back. Tell them you stayed at a friends house that has great 4G service for a few days or something similar. They gave me the same excuses. What helped me is that there are two other people in the house on the same plan that have 4G phones and they haven't dropped any calls. You have to be persistent and almost demand what you want sometimes but do it as nice and respectful as possible.
well i'll post the other side of this....I had horrible signal issues, tried replacing SIM, no luck. got new phone sent out, same problem. Coming form galaxy nexus with no probs. Calls drop, drop only parts of audio then come back etc. I am in the same places I have been for the past 6 or so years and never had problems until this phone. Can't get signal in my basement or my office, neither of which haev been a problem in the past. so if a new phone fixed it for you, consider yourself lucky.
btw what is a good signal in terms of dbm? in between work/home mine stays in between -90 to -120
I have had my SGIII for a few weeks now and also notice a lack of 4G strength, and I am in NYC. I am coming from the Droid Charge. I am holding off on doing anything until the JB update, if it comes within a reasonable amount of time...i.e. within the next month or so.
Basically, ALL Saumsung radios suck.
My old Rezound has a MUCH MUCH better radio than either my G3 or my Wife's Droid Charge.
I am talking about actual use, not how many signal bars are showing etc....
jmorton10 said:
Basically, ALL Saumsung radios suck.
My old Rezound has a MUCH MUCH better radio than either my G3 or my Wife's Droid Charge.
I am talking about actual use, not how many signal bars are showing etc....
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hmmm...my issue with the Charge was not so much the 'top-end speed' of the radio, which was really good when in a good area, but rather the 'glitchiness or bugginess' when switching network areas, or with certain applications. For instance, I commute on the train to NYC every day from a dominant 3G area. When the train would switch into the 4G covered area, the radio would not automatically switch over to 4G until I would either do the airplane mode trick (which worked most of the time), or I would outright have to reboot. For the rare times it WOULD switch over automatically, the speed would be terrible until I airplaned or rebooted it as above...I am sure as hell hoping I don't have these issues with the SGIII...

ridiculous connection in past few days

I've had some data issues in the past, but the past few days have been a nightmare. I'm in NYC, so I'm not sure if it's related to the storm damage. Is anyone else having a horrible data connection?
Talked with VZW due to bad data the last few days in my area out in Cali.
We had a fairly lengthy conversation about a lot of things, including the no 4G yet in my town.
During our conversation, they did mention that their network was hit hard in NY due to the storm and that they are still trying to get everything back up.
So I would venture to say that you aren't the only one in your area with issues right now.
As for me and my complaints, somehow they managed to switch 4G on in my hometown, within 2 hours of my call.
I'd love to think my complaining was what made them switch on 4G here, but that's not at all likely, lol.
Just amazed and happy to see it finally arrive to my small town up here in the hills...
Hopefully they get things back in order for all you out that way here real soon.
It appears to be due to Hurricane Sandy. I noticed the EHRPD network not working at times when I loose LTE and get switched to 1X
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Yeah new York was hit hard. that should of been a no brainer why your data was flaky lol. I remember this past summer we got hit by a big storm and lots of areas couldn't send texts or phone calls or data was out. Took Verizon about a week total to get everything back to normal.
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It would be a no brainer if it started right after the storm. But it just started about 3 days ago... Especially when opening apps, connection drops multiple times in just a couple of seconds.
I was stuck on 3G for the past few days. Just got LTE back this morning.
I still have the froyo-GB radio. Been a solid performer, so I never changed it...
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt.
mdeblaz said:
It would be a no brainer if it started right after the storm. But it just started about 3 days ago... Especially when opening apps, connection drops multiple times in just a couple of seconds.
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What rom you using?
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Dark Jedi said:
What rom you using?
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Fully stock, never got around to rooting this phone...
The worst effect of the data drops is while typing, either with Swype, swift key, or even the stock keyboard... The data drops cause severe lag and stuttering. Making you miss words
I've been having absolutely terrible data in my area since long before the storm. I'm done with Verizon after my contract. But, I'm strongly considering paying the ETF asap and swapping the Tbolt for either an Evo LTE or a SIII on Sprint.
I'm having issues in NH as well. I've had data drops for as long as I can remember, but it seems to have gotten worse the past couple weeks.
Last night I had weird data issues that lasted about 3 hrs with it constantly switching from 4g to 3g to 1x then no signal at all. Then no 4g with 3g to no data only. After 1 am it seemed to be fixed and no more constant switches between 4g, 3g, 1x, no signal. Will continue to watch it and see if was just a fluke or a one time deal.
I know last year when my sister and mother went to NYC they had issues with data and cell signal itself. Only time they had no problems was when they was in their hotel room that was on the upper floors. I remember listening to Howard stern awhile back and he complained about Verizon service being spotty in NYC. I would say maybe its the city layout but haven't heard other major cities having issues like that.
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