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Cell data reception (anecdotal)

I had a longer, more detailed post, then accidentally refreshed the page... :good:
Bottom line was my S6 has reverted to 3G a few times over the weekend in places where it shouldn't. I've owned all the VoLTE devices on Verizon so far, and none of them did this. Data is also very slow at times. It could be a fluke - maybe VZW was tweaking some stuff locally over the weekend. But it feels eerily similar to when LTE was first introduced back in 2011 and so many of those early LTE devices had problems managing LTE and 3G.
That combined with the, so far, completely inconsistent battery life with cell standby issues has me a bit concerned. I love this phone overall - it feels like the total package. I hope this (and battery) isn't its one glaring weakness.
I'm just curious what other Verizon users' experience has been so far.

Same here
jntdroid said:
I had a longer, more detailed post, then accidentally refreshed the page... :good:
Bottom line was my S6 has reverted to 3G a few times over the weekend in places where it shouldn't. I've owned all the VoLTE devices on Verizon so far, and none of them did this. Data is also very slow at times. It could be a fluke - maybe VZW was tweaking some stuff locally over the weekend. But it feels eerily similar to when LTE was first introduced back in 2011 and so many of those early LTE devices had problems managing LTE and 3G.
That combined with the, so far, completely inconsistent battery life with cell standby issues has me a bit concerned. I love this phone overall - it feels like the total package. I hope this (and battery) isn't its one glaring weakness.
I'm just curious what other Verizon users' experience has been so far.
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Click to collapse
I noticed the same thing a few times on my VZW S6 Edge. A web page would load super slow or it would be on 3g, when my note 4 never had this issue. Part of it could be the fact that Samsung went from using qualcomm chips for the radios to in house chips. Qualcomm has been making and updating radio chips for practically every Mfgs phones for years. I'm thinking samsung just doesnt have the experience that Qualcomm does. Hopefully its just a matter of a firmware update.

Drhoot said:
I noticed the same thing a few times on my VZW S6 Edge. A web page would load super slow or it would be on 3g, when my note 4 never had this issue. Part of it could be the fact that Samsung went from using qualcomm chips for the radios to in house chips. Qualcomm has been making and updating radio chips for practically every Mfgs phones for years. I'm thinking samsung just doesnt have the experience that Qualcomm does. Hopefully its just a matter of a firmware update.
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The VZW and SPRINT versions actually have QCOM modem chips as opposed to their own Shannon modem. The Antenna configuration and other parts are completely different from other phones or previous Samsung phones.
my 2 cents

equake said:
The VZW and SPRINT versions actually have QCOM modem chips as opposed to their own Shannon modem. The Antenna configuration and other parts are completely different from other phones or previous Samsung phones.
my 2 cents
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Ahh, thanks for clarifying. I read that they used their own chips instead of QCOM. Guess the CDMA variants are different. I assumed that could be part of the problem.

Drhoot said:
Ahh, thanks for clarifying. I read that they used their own chips instead of QCOM. Guess the CDMA variants are different. I assumed that could be part of the problem.
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Every model is somewhat different. My S4 gets decent LTE reception while my wife's S5 switches to 3G in the same place. It's also the the S/W on the phone. The Lollipop update on the phones have been lowering the connection quality in my opinion. The S5 had better reception when on 4.4.x
my 2 cents

I also noticed this. At home, I have fair LTE connectivity usually around -105 to -115dBm, and on my previous G3 I always remained connected to LTE. Now on the S6, I have similar signal levels but it often drops to 3G or even 1x.

geoff5093 said:
I also noticed this. At home, I have fair LTE connectivity usually around -105 to -115dBm, and on my previous G3 I always remained connected to LTE. Now on the S6, I have similar signal levels but it often drops to 3G or even 1x.
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Click to collapse
Yes, this exactly. My signal level is "normal", but it's switching to 3G. That makes me think it's a software tweak, which is good I guess. But I still hate the similar feeling to 2011...

jntdroid said:
I had a longer, more detailed post, then accidentally refreshed the page... :good:
Bottom line was my S6 has reverted to 3G a few times over the weekend in places where it shouldn't. I've owned all the VoLTE devices on Verizon so far, and none of them did this. Data is also very slow at times. It could be a fluke - maybe VZW was tweaking some stuff locally over the weekend. But it feels eerily similar to when LTE was first introduced back in 2011 and so many of those early LTE devices had problems managing LTE and 3G.
That combined with the, so far, completely inconsistent battery life with cell standby issues has me a bit concerned. I love this phone overall - it feels like the total package. I hope this (and battery) isn't its one glaring weakness.
I'm just curious what other Verizon users' experience has been so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same experience. Areas that were very strong 4G LTE on both my S4, S5 and even an iPhone 6 are switching to 3G. This is very disheartening to me and hope very much so its a software tweak and not because of a larger hardware issue.

lilsalmon said:
I am having the same experience. Areas that were very strong 4G LTE on both my S4, S5 and even an iPhone 6 are switching to 3G. This is very disheartening to me and hope very much so its a software tweak and not because of a larger hardware issue.
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Click to collapse
I know in the past, the hand-off to 3G too "early" was typically software related... but if the radio is weak (which I'm not convinced is the issue), software tweaks might only go so far.

Mine goes from LTE to 1x. Don't even see 3G. Lol

So just now I'm driving home and talking with my wife like I do every day of the week through the exact same area. On previous devices the LTE signal was weaker through this area (normally 2 bars depending on the phone), but I've never had any problems. Today, with the S6, my wife kept complaining that I was cutting out a lot. I looked down and had that first little dot of a bar and that's it. Within a minute or so the call completely dropped. I'm always frustrated with Verizon's handling of VoLTE, but this doesn't help the case for the S6 either.

droidiac13 said:
Mine goes from LTE to 1x. Don't even see 3G. Lol
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I assume that's not normal behavior?

jntdroid said:
I assume that's not normal behavior?
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't think so, but who knows.

I to have noticed my S6 on 3G a lot, I have dropped about 4 calls today to..That is not normal, together with the poor battery life I'm thinking this sucker is probably going back.

sprke said:
I to have noticed my S6 on 3G a lot, I have dropped about 4 calls today to..That is not normal, together with the poor battery life I'm getting this sucker is probably going back.
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Click to collapse
So frustrating b/c it's such a great device otherwise. I'm still hopeful, though...

jntdroid said:
So frustrating b/c it's such a great device otherwise. I'm still hopeful, though...
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Click to collapse
Love the size, feel and screen. Another thing that happens is it will power off overnight while charging... How's that going to work if I depend on it for alarms?

Again this morning... dropped to 3G twice - once on my way to work (dropped call) and for about 15 minutes in my office. Both places that, historically, have never had any issues (edit: though they are places where LTE isn't the strongest - but never have I dropped to 3G). It's only a problem about 10% of the time, but it's a frustrating 10%, and a 10% I haven't had to deal with in a LONG time.

I have a friend who works for Samsung mobile US. From what he is telling me they are aware of the issue and are already planning a software release. It's noted in the bug fixes as "Radio Attenuation" It's already with Verizon for testing and approval, but doesn't have a firm release date because we all know how Verizon is with software releases.
He actually said this is due to the shorting testing period with vzw this launch.
So here is hoping this is resolved via a software update and not a longer standing hardware issue.

Quick question, is the S6 single antenna?
I'm guessing the S6 Edge is like the other Edge. Screen takes away an antenna.

This is disgusting from my point of view. From the exact same spot I generally pull between 18Mbs to 20Mbs... religiously for over a year on an S5 OR S4.
Why in the he'll is it so hard to get a phone right? They did everything else right with this phone and launch and now we have take. 2 generations steps backwards with the radios.

[Q] - [POLL] Is Your Galaxy S6 Switching to 3G Too Often, 1X Signal or Lousy 4G?

This is not meant to be scientific, however I am trying to get a gauge if this is a larger issue that what some have posted. I have a new Galaxy S6 that I activated on launch day. My previous 2 phones are and S4 and S5 most recently. I am fairly savvy in knowing my network strength locally and places I frequent. Since switching to the S6 from my S5 I have been on 3G in know very good 4G areas alot of the time. Not only that but I have seen the dreaded 1X more times in the last few days in areas I have had religiously great 4G coverage on for years. I have dropped 3 calls of which I havent done in probably 4 years as well. I have done tests with an S4 and S5 right next to my new S6 where I can pull 15-20Mbs on either of those two phones where my new S6 gets between 0.5Mbs and 1.5Mbs.
I have checked the signal strength between the two sitting right along side each other S5 (111DBs) - S6 (98DBs) I personally have no idea the order of magnitude between 1-10 DBs if that would make that much of a dramatic difference, but real world testing there is either something wrong with my specific unit or hoping its not extremely widespread. There is a thread in general that we have been posting to but the change has been so dramatic if it was more widespread i would think alot more folks would be posting. So in order to find out if this is specific to myself and a few others in that thread or more widespread hardware/software issue I am throwing up a poll. Please take a few seconds and vote.

i work in my basement in a major city area and all my previous phones would get 3 bars of LTE in my office here. my S6 Edge gets occasional 1 bar of LTE mixed with 1X very often.
i am connected to wifi here and it hasnt affected my using it for work but have noticed this and prefer it worked at least as well as my older devices.
i am generally not a "numbers" watcher on things like this or battery and more of a "as long as it works as i need it" user but i noticed the 1X because i am not use to seeing it.
also i should add that i noticed under battery that #1 for me is always "Cell Standby" and i have to assume they are related?

fletch33 said:
i work in my basement in a major city area and all my previous phones would get 3 bars of LTE in my office here. my S6 Edge gets occasional 1 bar of LTE mixed with 1X very often.
i am connected to wifi here and it hasnt affected my using it for work but have noticed this and prefer it worked at least as well as my older devices.
i am generally not a "numbers" watcher on things like this or battery and more of a "as long as it works as i need it" user but i noticed the 1X because i am not use to seeing it.
also i should add that i noticed under battery that #1 for me is always "Cell Standby" and i have to assume they are related?
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Click to collapse
So far every time a Verizon user has had Cell Standby at the top, it's been with wifi on. After your next full charge, leave wifi turned off completely for awhile and see if Cell Standby shows up at the top again.
What makes this a major problem is the fact that Verizon's VoLTE is fully dependent on a decent LTE signal.

jntdroid said:
So far every time a Verizon user has had Cell Standby at the top, it's been with wifi on. After your next full charge, leave wifi turned off completely for awhile and see if Cell Standby shows up at the top again.
What makes this a major problem is the fact that Verizon's VoLTE is fully dependent on a decent LTE signal.
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i have read that as well and i guess i could do that but i really need Wifi on when my office signal is so often on 1X

Yes testing it today, it is very bad. Getting about 1Mbps when not using Wi-Fi.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Premium HD app

Our new S6 is doing this same thing. Jumps from a strong 4G signal to 1X with no signal the second you make a call. :crying:
Is there a fix for this besides returning the phone?

Enable advanced calling on your account and on your phone. Also switch from Global to LTE/CDMA
Sent from my LG-VS985 using Tapatalk

bkuhl said:
Enable advanced calling on your account and on your phone. Also switch from Global to LTE/CDMA
Sent from my LG-VS985 using Tapatalk
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OK, But than I loose my Caller ID / Name / Number. I need the caller ID.

Then buy the Caller ID feature. Your phone is switching to 1X when making a phone call because the S6 doesn't support voice and data simultaneously unless you have Advanced Calling on and enabled and are in LTE coverage area. The S6 only has a dual band modem.
Sent from my LG-VS985 using Tapatalk

HD Voice feature needs to be turned on, but don't!
Hey guys I've talked about this in different forums and sites, I'll copy and paste it here and hopefully it will help you understand why you can't place calls using the 4G LTE without having the Advance calling feature turned on under the Verizon network.
"Verizon is aware of the HD voice/video feature being the culprit of the dropped calls, they are blaming Samsung for not pushing an update to correct the problem. Meanwhile Samsung has said that the feature is a Verizon software. I was told by their tech support that it has been reported that there's a 50% dropped call increase using the galaxy S6 while having the HD voice/video feature on, this was 2 weeks ago. The agent said they have a search tool like Google search, this is internal and that's where he found this information.
You can not make calls and surf the web without the HD voice/video feature on, but turning this feature off will STOP THE DROPPED calls. Verizon's software side for galaxy S6 does not allow you to make calls on the 4G LTE network when the HD voice/video feature off, instead is shows 1x.
I have been in touch with Verizon wireless tech support for the last 3 weeks now, this past week Verizon has been sending me texts to update me on the progress of my ticket. I've had Samsung tech support in conference call with Verizon tech support; during this call that lasted more than 3 hours Verizon admitted that it wasn't a Samsung problem but Verizon's. As soon as the tech from Samsung hanged up the call because we were told that I would have to call their engineering department to further assist us. Before the Samsung tech agent hung up the call we had asked if I could make calls using the 4G LTE and was told to hold up while he researched this question. As soon as the Samsung tech agent left the conference call the Verizon tech answered no, and proceeded to make a complete 360 on answers he gave prior to the Samsung agent leaving the call, saying that the problem was not a Verizon but Samsung problem, even though moments before he said that it wasn't a Samsung problem to me and the Samsung tech support agent but Verizon's. I was also advised by the Verizon tech agent that if I wanted to, I could JAIL BRAKE my Galaxy S6 and download a software to disable the HD voice/video feature without losing the 4G LTE but that it probably still won't work properly. I told this agent that I've never jail broken a device and don't plan on because this is clearly a Verizon feature not working properly.
Not even 5 minutes after ending the call with Verizon's tech support, a supervisor from Verizon called me to tell me again that this is a Samsung issue not Verizon, he said that Samsung needs to push a SW version update to fix the problem with the HD voice calls dropping. He asked what I wanted, I said to get the Galaxy S5 and return this phone, but that I was told by 2 different stores (Rockville Centre NY, and Merrick NY both in Long Island) that if I wanted to return this phone or exchange for a different one I would be charged a 40% restocking fee even though I was within my 14 days. I was told by the tech before the supervisor called that it was at each store's discretion whether they charged you a restocking fee or not. I was told to consider this mater resolved by the supervisor, that they will get in touch with the store so I can return the phone and if in fact there are any fees I would be refunded in some sort of credit; but all I've received all of last week is text messages letting me know they are still working on my ticket."

ok i know this will sound crazy BUT i cracked the screen on my S6 Edge and got sent a new replacement (after deductible) and i swear in the same basement office i was using my original release day S6 my reception is much better.
i cant say if i just needed to do a reset on the original or what may be at play here but i can say with certainty that using the new one all day today i have not seen a single 1X or even gone below 2 bars where my original was often on 1X sitting in the same chair and location. no doubt its better but cant say why for sure except i am using a new device.
sidenote - the screen on my 1st one had much whiter whites and this new one has a slight more of a yellowish tint to it but this is not an area i am over concerned about and just something i noticed right away and then held them side by side before i shipped the cracked original back

fletch33 said:
ok i know this will sound crazy BUT i cracked the screen on my S6 Edge and got sent a new replacement (after deductible) and i swear in the same basement office i was using my original release day S6 my reception is much better.
i cant say if i just needed to do a reset on the original or what may be at play here but i can say with certainty that using the new one all day today i have not seen a single 1X or even gone below 2 bars where my original was often on 1X sitting in the same chair and location. no doubt its better but cant say why for sure except i am using a new device.
sidenote - the screen on my 1st one had much whiter whites and this new one has a slight more of a yellowish tint to it but this is not an area i am over concerned about and just something i noticed right away and then held them side by side before i shipped the cracked original back
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Interesting. Unfortunately I've had three S6's and all behaved similarly with weaker LTE signal and more frequent drops to 3G.
Also, the screen thing is the one thing that bugs me about amoled, and qhd amoled at that. On my third device and all three have had some variation of the pink hue, and while quite subtle, once you see it you can't unsee it.

jntdroid said:
Interesting. Unfortunately I've had three S6's and all behaved similarly with weaker LTE signal and more frequent drops to 3G.
Also, the screen thing is the one thing that bugs me about amoled, and qhd amoled at that. On my third device and all three have had some variation of the pink hue, and while quite subtle, once you see it you can't unsee it.
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Click to collapse
Don't know if people are still watching this thread but my signal is awful! I have an international variant here in Alaska SM-G920I... The firmware is from February! Did an update fix your issues with poor signal?

fletch33 said:
i work in my basement in a major city area and all my previous phones would get 3 bars of LTE in my office here. my S6 Edge gets occasional 1 bar of LTE mixed with 1X very often.
i am connected to wifi here and it hasnt affected my using it for work but have noticed this and prefer it worked at least as well as my older devices.
i am generally not a "numbers" watcher on things like this or battery and more of a "as long as it works as i need it" user but i noticed the 1X because i am not use to seeing it.
also i should add that i noticed under battery that #1 for me is always "Cell Standby" and i have to assume they are related?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same situation here. Work in the basement at my house in a major area; down here I get 3G or 1X. Upstairs i'm getting 3G or 1bar LTE and it flips a lot. Battery seems to drain like crazy when this is happening, and I'm on WiFi the entire time. I had a total of 2.2 hours SOT yesterday and was at 14% when I plugged it back in. Cell standby was around 35% at that time.

I've noticed lately my S6 keeps locking onto 3G only even though the BRV T1114 running my home internet stays on LTE without issue. I had to ODIN my S6 cuz I messed it up then like a bonehead applied the OF1 update without thinking now I can't root it. If I could, would it be a good idea to lock it to band 13 all the time? That's what the T1114 Router uses and stays connected all the time. Sigh.....
I've noticed that if I leave it sitting on the table/bed for a while, it locks to LTE then when I start using it again after a minute or so it goes back to 3G only. Damn.

I saw 1x quite frequent with an s6 and a black screen that only recovery booting would get me powered on. Before and after rooting. But I unrooted and return and exchanged it and now all is well no more 1x or black screen issue knock on wood
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app

My Samsung rep at work said its due to the S6 only having one antenna vs. the S5 having two antennae(s).

DeathAngel66669 said:
My Samsung rep at work said its due to the S6 only having one antenna vs. the S5 having two antennae(s).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That technically shouldn't matter because one was dedicated to voice only, but who knows at this point... I'm kinda tired of Verizon's inability, 4 years after the fact, to handle the LTE/3G handoff and "hold onto" issues.

T-Mobile Gear S2 4G Share your experience.....

Hi Guys...
Just got my Gear S2 4G. from one of the nearby T-mobile Store.
I am just loving it.
best thing we can receive calls..
also we can see whats app notification and reply them.....
loving my Gear S2.... :laugh:
:good:

How are liking the extra bulk in th rear of the watch?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app

I just received mine last night but sadly I have to return it today. Mine won't connect to tmobile network I went through troubleshooting with both tmobile and Samsung but still no result. I get full bars but says no service and can only make emergency calls when not connected via Bluetooth. I love the watch and otherwise it works great when connected to Bluetooth.
I am currently trying to find a store with another one in Stock to swap mine out because I got the last one at my tmobile and no other local stores have them.
As for the bulk on the back of the watch I just came from a moto 360 so I was surprised at the bulk when I first put it on but have since got used to it. I'll deal with it a little bulkier for a speaker to make calls and play music and also for 4g connectivity.
Anyone else having activation issues? Seems with a quick Google search I'm not the only one with the issue
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Shipped
Mine shipped today! I currently have a Gear 2 so hoping there won't be much of a learning curve

Everyone is having problems with the network the esim isn't letting it conect to the network call and they will prorate the cost

ocjelf said:
Everyone is having problems with the network the esim isn't letting it conect to the network call and they will prorate the cost
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just picked one up at my local store. As stated above they are having trouble connecting the S2 4G to the network. It works great on BT using the mobile phone to place and take calls. Did a couple calls in my car with it and the speaker was loud enough to hear over road noise.
The T-Mobile Manager got on the line with support and a service ticket is opened up on my watch as well as many more over the stand alone network problem.

On Android central forums a tmo employee said it would be couple days until they get the fix

Got my S2 in the mail today. Won't connect to Tmobile network either

ocjelf said:
On Android central forums a tmo employee said it would be couple days until they get the fix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they opened up my support ticket at the T-Mobile store they told me it might take up to 72 hours (3 days) before it was resolved.

Yea hopefully sooner I'm gear s less ( in repair) and the gear s2 isn't working on 3g so Im without a stand alone watch atm

I could call 611 until they associated the eSIM with my line, and now it's emergency calls only. Talked to T-Mobile and they say they're going to manually provision it and it'll take between 2 and 48 hours. We'll see.
Maybe a better question is is there anyone with an S2 active on T-Mobile right now.

Lucent said:
I could call 611 until they associated the eSIM with my line, and now it's emergency calls only. Talked to T-Mobile and they say they're going to manually provision it and it'll take between 2 and 48 hours. We'll see.
Maybe a better question is is there anyone with an S2 active on T-Mobile right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the answer is "No"
The launch is a disaster....... the problem is not the network failure but its the loss of all the technical department to even understand it. You can't fix something without knowing whats wrong with it
---------- Post added at 09:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 AM ----------
raman21raman said:
Hi Guys...
Just got my Gear S2 4G. from one of the nearby T-mobile Store.
I am just loving it.
best thing we can receive calls..
also we can see whats app notification and reply them.....
loving my Gear S2.... :laugh:
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be the only Gear S2 user with a network connection
Have you tried making a phone call (without bluetooth)
I am connected to the network now and can only use data, no calls though

Let's trade!
So I have a silver S2 sport comes with a spare white band, so I'd like to trade straight up my spare white band with someone who has a spare black band. Any takers?

I'm online now with T-Mobile. Everything is fully functional.

Lucent said:
I'm online now with T-Mobile. Everything is fully functional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah me too thanks for making me check.

Lotusmaster said:
So I have a silver S2 sport comes with a spare white band, so I'd like to trade straight up my spare white band with someone who has a spare black band. Any takers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bear in mind, the spare band is smaller (the Gear S2 band is marked "S" or "L" at the clip ends). Unless you have a small frame, you probably want to swap with someone not using the main band because they need a smaller band (like me).
If you'd like to swap your "S" band for a black "L" band, feel free to PM me.
---------- Post added at 06:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 AM ----------
If I turn off bluetooth, I have to set mobile networks to "always on" (from the default "auto on/off") to make calls and connect to data in stand-alone mode.
I figured this out based on an androidcentral forum post:
What finally worked for me was settings>Connections>mobile networks and I changed it from "auto on/off" to "always on" and it worked almost instantly.

mine came yesterday, and they sent me the wrong color!
Hopefully, it wont be a nightmare getting the replacement watch activated when it comes today
Its not encouraging to see these network issues right out of the box, but setting the watch to "always on" seems like a decent option until they get a fix out..
Did any of you change your watch phone number to something else instead the one they gave you, or do they give you one similar to your cell phone number right out of the box?
If you change it to "always on", does it only ring when someone calls the watch phone number, or will it work when your cell phone is called as well?

Lotusmaster said:
So I have a silver S2 sport comes with a spare white band, so I'd like to trade straight up my spare white band with someone who has a spare black band. Any takers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in

My T-Mobile S2 is now up and operating on the network. They opened my support ticket yesterday afternoon, and this morning it was working. I can do everything (Call/answer/text/use web apps) when I am in stand alone mode (Phone off). Under connections I have my network set to auto on/off. Call forwarding works great.
I had an original Gear S, so they gave me the same number I was using on that. The store reps were great, but initially both they and myself were looking to where I would insert the nano-sim from my old gear. Finally figured out that it was e-Sim only.
Initial battery results are OK, From a full charge at 6:55am until now (1:50pm) I have used 34% battery (remaining 66%). That works out to just under 5% drain per hour. I have NFC, Wifi, and tilt to wake are off, network set to auto (I have walk away from my phone a couple times and the watch has gone into stand alone mode), I am also running screen always on with a Clocki face that has large hands, number, and day/date showing in ambient mode. I get about a 3% per hour drain on my Moto 360 2015 using always on with a detailed ambient face.
So, the S2 battery seems good for first day use, should only get better over the next few days with a few more charge cycles (at least that is what I have seen on several other smartwatches I own).

Bladder61 said:
My T-Mobile S2 is now up and operating on the network. They opened my support ticket yesterday afternoon, and this morning it was working. I can do everything (Call/answer/text/use web apps) when I am in stand alone mode (Phone off). Under connections I have my network set to auto on/off. Call forwarding works great.
I had an original Gear S, so they gave me the same number I was using on that. The store reps were great, but initially both they and myself were looking to where I would insert the nano-sim from my old gear. Finally figured out that it was e-Sim only.
Initial battery results are OK, From a full charge at 6:55am until now (1:50pm) I have used 34% battery (remaining 66%). That works out to just under 5% drain per hour. I have NFC, Wifi, and tilt to wake are off, network set to auto (I have walk away from my phone a couple times and the watch has gone into stand alone mode), I am also running screen always on with a Clocki face that has large hands, number, and day/date showing in ambient mode. I get about a 3% per hour drain on my Moto 360 2015 using always on with a detailed ambient face.
So, the S2 battery seems good for first day use, should only get better over the next few days with a few more charge cycles (at least that is what I have seen on several other smartwatches I own).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to call in to get a different watch phone number?
After you initially pair the watch to the phone, is it a good idea to turn off the phone completely and test whether stand alone mode works properly, or should you leave them both on and talking to each other for awhile?
I've had many smart watches, but never one with a stand alone dialing function, so I apoligize for the n00b questions..

LG Urbane 21 LTE Released Once More 4/1/2016

Its not been highly publicised to my opinion but the LG Urbane that was recalled last year was released April 1st. I have the old one and returned it and now have the latest release. The watch looks the same. I can't really find much on the specs to see if they changed the processor or anything else. They have addressed some of the issues with the first gen. This is my unboxing video I will have a impressions coming this weekend,
https://youtu.be/EhQA4SdAcDQ
Known Issues:
No Headset support for calls - FIXED
No streaming audio via LTE - Not Fixed
OK Google without the tether to phone or wifi - This is working now. I have been having connectivity issues and now have a different watch. Updated 4/3
Maps without the phone - Partial fix. You can bring up the maps and see your location but no navigation
ATT Number SYNC - Fixed and work really well
Can use GPS for running standalone with Google FIT and Endomodo - FIXED (does not work with run keeper) Updated 4/3
Most if not all watchfaces from Watchmaker work like a charm.
Things that have improved are charging speeds are crazy fast. I am still testing this area as well as battery consumption.
Battery on standby seems to be improved. I had the watch on all night on my wrist, cell active on the watch and wifi. in 8 hours it consumed 4% battery
Let me know what else you recall would not work and I will try to check it out. I am on AT&T
Tip: AT&T was giving $100 dollar credit due to recall. Some have had success taking the LG Urbane 2 orignal back and traded it for the new one and got $100 credit. Sadly that was not my case.
Audio playback doesn't seem to be on par with Samsung S2. The LG Urbane is not as loud and sounds somewhat tiny.
---------------------------- VIDEO UPDATE 4/7/2016 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All, I recorded this video with my impressions of what is fixed and what's not. It's a long video but it covers most of my experience with the watch. I hope it will help you make an educated buying decision.
https://youtu.be/VvzQfAQTzIA

ebpman said:
Its not been highly publicised to my opinion but the LG Urbane that was recalled last year was released April 1st. I have the old one and returned it and now have the latest release. The watch looks the same. I can't really find much on the specs to see if they changed the processor or anything else. They have addressed some of the issues with the first gen. This is my unboxing video I will have a impressions coming this weekend,
https://youtu.be/EhQA4SdAcDQ
Known Issues:
No Headset support for calls - FIXED
No streaming audio via LTE - Not Fixed
OK Google without the tether to phone or wifi - Not Fixed
Maps without the phone - Partial fix. You can bring up the maps and see your location but no navigation
ATT Number SYNC - Fixed and work really well
Can use GPS for running standalone with Google FIT - FIXED (does not work with run keeper)
Things that have improved are charging speeds are crazy fast. I am still testing this area as well as battery consumption.
Battery on standby seems to be improved. I had the watch on all night on my wrist, cell active on the watch and wifi. in 8 hours it consumed 4% battery
Let me know what else you recall would not work and I will try to check it out. I am on ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any way for you to test NumberSync in an area that has less than LTE service? The reason I ask is they are limiting that feature to phones that they label as HDvoice capable, which leaves me with a Nexus 6 unable to use it.

adfurgerson said:
Is there any way for you to test NumberSync in an area that has less than LTE service? The reason I ask is they are limiting that feature to phones that they label as HDvoice capable, which leaves me with a Nexus 6 unable to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I heard that unfortunately I don't have a non hd phone at this time.

ebpman said:
Yeah, I heard that unfortunately I don't have a non hd phone at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, not actually what I was asking. From what I understand HDvoice needs LTE to work , in my area there are plenty of towers that are still HSPA+. I'm just trying to figure out if HDvoice is actually required for NumberSync to work, or if AT&T is using that as a means to force the purchase of a new phone. So my question is whether it works on a network other than LTE, as for the non HD phone you wouldn't be able to NumberSync to it as that is the issue I'm facing.

adfurgerson said:
Thanks, not actually what I was asking. From what I understand HDvoice needs LTE to work , in my area there are plenty of towers that are still HSPA+. I'm just trying to figure out if HDvoice is actually required for NumberSync to work, or if AT&T is using that as a means to force the purchase of a new phone. So my question is whether it works on a network other than LTE, as for the non HD phone you wouldn't be able to NumberSync to it as that is the issue I'm facing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry can't tell. I can say that I will not be using Number sync going forward if performance stays where I see it now. Google voice is a better option, battery life seems to tank with numbersync on. I have been using the watch as a stand alone device. Not paired with my primary phone. I have it paired to my tablet. It doesn't last a full day with numbersync on.

ebpman said:
Sorry can't tell. I can say that I will not be using Number sync going forward if performance stays where I see it now. Google voice is a better option, battery life seems to tank with numbersync on. I have been using the watch as a stand alone device. Not paired with my primary phone. I have it paired to my tablet. It doesn't last a full day with numbersync on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the Sony SmartWatch 2 so I wasn't in a rush to jump into Android Wear, then waited quite a while till this watch was rereleased only to find I can't use the main function properly. As a work around I have forwarded unanswered calls to my watch and left forwarding to voicemail if on another call with phone. Just downloaded an app that lets regular apps be pushed to watch over Bluetooth and am going to test apps for spoofing phone numbers to see if it can make outgoing calls from watch appear as if call came from my phones number. I'll have to look into Google voice, thanks again for the info.

@ebpman my idea to spoof my phones number with an app on the watch isn't practical as all the apps I have found are paid service. If you get time and are feeling generous could you give a quick rundown of how a Google number workaround ring both devices. Also what do you think would happen if you set the Google number to ring your phone and at the same time forwarded your phone's calls to your Google number? Phoneception?

adfurgerson said:
Is there any way for you to test NumberSync in an area that has less than LTE service? The reason I ask is they are limiting that feature to phones that they label as HDvoice capable, which leaves me with a Nexus 6 unable to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had numbersync working on my gear S2 with an unlocked Sony phone, but I had to have a customer service rep change my imei online to an HD voice phone. It worked perfectly fine until I bought a different phone and my imei changed online, and I no longer have the old imei I gave to CS.
But I can verify the HD voice limitation is a way for them to force you to own one of their phones. I had full functionality when I had it tricked into working.
Numbersync did use a large amount of battery.

runningwarrior08 said:
I had numbersync working on my gear S2 with an unlocked Sony phone, but I had to have a customer service rep change my imei online to an HD voice phone. It worked perfectly fine until I bought a different phone and my imei changed online, and I no longer have the old imei I gave to CS.
But I can verify the HD voice limitation is a way for them to force you to own one of their phones. I had full functionality when I had it tricked into working.
Numbersync did use a large amount of battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that confirmed my suspicions. Now I have about a week to decide whether to keep this watch or return it.

I'm curious to know how the new watch would work with a T-Mobile phone. Any ideas?

Here is an example of the impact of number sync even with the feature turned off on the watch. See the attached battery image. I have the watch as a standalone solution. I have number sync enabled but off on the watch. As you can see the battery drain is unacceptable. By end of my work day 6 pm I had to put the watch to charge since the battery dropped to 4%. Today the experience has been much different. I removed the function off the watch. So the watch had not record of Number Sync pairing. The watch was unplugged all night from 11 to 5 am. It remained at 100%. I wear the watch at night since I use it for its silent alarm. I am currently at 83% after 1 hr run.

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to keep bluetooth enabled for calls while numbersync is on so I can still answer and receive calls from my phones bluetooth through the watch when in range. It seems that feature disables when numbersync is active.

I also had the first release and now the second release of the LG Urbane 2. I have been having significant issues with number sync (messaging only). I only receive intermittent messages. I have done extensive troubleshooting and have also been to advanced tech support (At&t). They finally told me the "Network" was having number sync issues for messaging with the LG Urbane 2 watch and they expect a 30-60 day resolution window. This problem persists even when connected via bluetooth. At&t advised that messages do not sync via blue tooth when number sync is active, it will always use number sync. So anyway, has anyone heard of this issue or did they just tell me that to get me off the phone and get me to hold onto it past the 14 days?

I had huge issues as well. Mine are all fixed. They had to do some changes on their side. Unfortunately, I don't have details outside of a vague comment about profiles needed to be updated. I did not get LTE for days now it's 90% there. Number sync will kill your battery. It would not last even a day on or even when it's disabled,.

All, I updated my opening comments with a video of what I have learned to date. Check it out. If you have experienced something different please let me know

ebpman said:
All, I updated my opening comments with a video of what I have learned to date. Check it out. If you have experienced something different please let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome videos @ebpman! I didn't think it was too long at all. It's too bad stand alone music streaming isn't possible yet with the 2nd edition but hopefully it will be soon. That's the only feature I'm really looking forward to.
For battery life, I guess our experiences differ. I haven't had one AW watch that has lasted more than 2 days on a single charge so I think in comparison the 2nd edition watch is comparable to or better than most AW watches out there in regards to battery. With my watch tethered and always on display off, I can get a little over 2 full days. I haven't used my watch in stand alone for a full day but on the days I work out or hike (which is normally 2-3 hrs of untethered time) with GPS and cellular, I can estimate that I could have made it the whole day with some battery left over. I mean your experience might be different because you probably have experience with a ton of wearables and how you use your watch.
Maybe one day I will try to go through a day or two untethered and see how battery life is. I just don't see myself actually doing that in a real life scenario for me.
Please keep the videos coming! I'm getting ready to get a Gear S2 3G for my mom and I watched all of your videos on that. I'm jealous that she will already have music streaming ready to go on the watch. haha

Anyone try this with an iphone. If so does it work well: Notifications such as imessages, text, emails, phone calls through numbersync. I have a gear s2 3g for att, that I need to sell, since I sold my S7 edge. The gear s2 doesn't work with iphone, and I'm hoping this one does. I have the apple watch, but not the biggest fan of it.

Hi
Can you use cellular data on this watch to remotely connect with the phone when not paired with Bluetooth mean not in range?
This is the case with gear S. You can carry only the watch and get all text and messages from the phone to the watch using data.
Does this watch function the same way?
Thanks

gpx said:
Hi
Can you use cellular data on this watch to remotely connect with the phone when not paired with Bluetooth mean not in range?
This is the case with gear S. You can carry only the watch and get all text and messages from the phone to the watch using data.
Does this watch function the same way?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can leave the phone at home and still receive notifications/texts when paired through cell data.

I bought the LTE 2 the other day. The hardware and screen anre fantastic, although it is let down by the software IMHO. The launcher is poor, and the whole experience feels like it isn't quite ready yet and needs a few more iterations to be mature. It's basically a stand alone phone so why can't i have native email, or headset use? It's still set up as a partner to a phone, which is a shame. Can't get WhatsApp without the phone, nor working Google maps, which is irritating as the hardware doesn't need the phone really. Runkeeper doesn't work without a phone, which really takes away the benefit. May as well get a cheaper device which is a true partner to a phone and doesn't require a separate LTE montlhy line.
But i love the look of it and I hope they update the software soon.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 08:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:41 PM ----------
Great video by the way. I'm going to try just cellular, and switch off wifi and Bluetooth to see if battery is better . it usually is on my phone...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA-Developers mobile app

Download speeds SUCK! What gives?

Anyone else having an issues with downloading updates for apps over network/cellular connection?
When I do it, it is painfully slow and in a side by side comparison with my Note 10 plus it gets smoked (5G vs 4G). The Note 10+ will have already downloaded the app, installed it and opened it while the A71 5G is still at 10% downloading.
The only way I can get the download speeds to increase is to turn on the WiFi and it definitely speeds up but still not as fast as the 4G on the Note 10+.
I also tried switch my network band from 5G to 4G but still having the same issue.
Am I missing something? Is the joke on me?
**edit**
On the line with T-Mobile support and they have me testing my download/upload speed with Internet Speed Test via Google. So far my results have been pretty consistent:
0.52 Mbps download
0.52 Mbps upload

quick update:
On the phone with Tmo tech support this morning. They're telling me that ALL A71 5G phones are experiencing this. That the ball was dropped on it. They are expecting the firmware update to fix the issue. The rub is if I want to return this phone today is my last day (14 days) or I can wait to see if the firmware update works. Double sucks because I traded in my Note 8 for this because the Tmo promo. T-Mobile tech support is well aware of this issue.
Currently basebands ending in TSV are getting the firmware update. I have TEL and they did not know when that was being pushed out.
If you are wanting to run the same speed test that I was instructed to run, on your A71 5G, go here and follow the instructions:
https://support.google.com/websearc...t&visit_id=637324165013460751-1430605442&rd=1
If it is like mine, you will get vastly different results compared to Speedtest by Ookla: www.speedtest.net
Side note: While talking to Tmo tech support they're also having issues with the Note 4 losing LTE abilities, just in case you know anyone using them still.

rosedog said:
quick update:
On the phone with Tmo tech support this morning. They're telling me that ALL A71 5G phones are experiencing this. That the ball was dropped on it. They are expecting the firmware update to fix the issue. The rub is if I want to return this phone today is my last day (14 days) or I can wait to see if the firmware update works. Double sucks because I traded in my Note 8 for this because the Tmo promo. T-Mobile tech support is well aware of this issue.
Currently basebands ending in TSV are getting the firmware update. I have TEL and they did not know when that was being pushed out.
If you are wanting to run the same speed test that I was instructed to run, on your A71 5G, go here and follow the instructions:
If it is like mine, you will get vastly different results compared to Speedtest by Ookla:
Side note: While talking to Tmo tech support they're also having issues with the Note 4 losing LTE abilities, just in case you know anyone using them still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Rosedog,
thanks for sharing this info. I just received my tmo A71 5G yesterday and while it shows full five bar reception and 5G connections, the data does not work at all for me. Disabling the 5G connection and the phone connects to 4G just fine. Re-enabling 5G and mobile data no longer works again.
I have contacted Tmo customer service and they also had a tech try a bunch of things, update my SIM card, check the tower my phone is pinging, I even factory defaulted my phone to no avail. They have escalated this to one of their "engineers" and I should get a call back on Monday.
Unfortunately, this being a fairly new phone, not much information that I could find but there was a support thread on TMO, I can't share the URL because I don't have any posts on XDA. lol =x
but the thread is titled: Samsung A71 5G Network Issues

rosedog said:
quick update:
On the phone with Tmo tech support this morning. They're telling me that ALL A71 5G phones are experiencing this. That the ball was dropped on it. They are expecting the firmware update to fix the issue. The rub is if I want to return this phone today is my last day (14 days) or I can wait to see if the firmware update works. Double sucks because I traded in my Note 8 for this because the Tmo promo. T-Mobile tech support is well aware of this issue.
Currently basebands ending in TSV are getting the firmware update. I have TEL and they did not know when that was being pushed out.
If you are wanting to run the same speed test that I was instructed to run, on your A71 5G, go here and follow the instructions:
https://support.google.com/websearc...t&visit_id=637324165013460751-1430605442&rd=1
If it is like mine, you will get vastly different results compared to Speedtest by Ookla: www.speedtest.net
Side note: While talking to Tmo tech support they're also having issues with the Note 4 losing LTE abilities, just in case you know anyone using them still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the TEL firmware on T-Mobile and I've been getting far better speeds than you on my A71 5G. Right now the tower I'm on is a bit congested, but I ran the speedtest you linked and it showed 5.76 Mbps download / 11.5 Mbps upload. (phone shows a 5G connection)
About a week ago, I was in Washington Square Park in NYC (also on 5G) and was stunned to get 674 Mbps down: https://imgur.com/54xDrOT

jumpah said:
Hi Rosedog,
thanks for sharing this info. I just received my tmo A71 5G yesterday and while it shows full five bar reception and 5G connections, the data does not work at all for me. Disabling the 5G connection and the phone connects to 4G just fine. Re-enabling 5G and mobile data no longer works again.
I have contacted Tmo customer service and they also had a tech try a bunch of things, update my SIM card, check the tower my phone is pinging, I even factory defaulted my phone to no avail. They have escalated this to one of their "engineers" and I should get a call back on Monday.
Unfortunately, this being a fairly new phone, not much information that I could find but there was a support thread on TMO, I can't share the URL because I don't have any posts on XDA. lol =x
but the thread is titled: Samsung A71 5G Network Issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Jumpah,
It sucks simply put. As I said earlier this morning T-Mobile is well aware of this. The rep told me that they cannot believe how the ball was dropped on this phone. They have been getting alot of complaints about it and I went through the same hoops except for the factory reset. We're stuck with a paper weight at the moment. It pisses me off because this was my intro to 5G before I made the jump to the Samsung Note 20 Ultra. I wanted to see the badass speeds when this opened up.
andrewNY said:
I have the TEL firmware on T-Mobile and I've been getting far better speeds than you on my A71 5G. Right now the tower I'm on is a bit congested, but I ran the speedtest you linked and it showed 5.76 Mbps download / 11.5 Mbps upload. (phone shows a 5G connection)
About a week ago, I was in Washington Square Park in NYC (also on 5G) and was stunned to get 674 Mbps down: https://imgur.com/54xDrOT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah your download speed on your current test is slower than my Note 10+ but definitely faster than my A71 5G. I would love to get first speed though.
**edit**
 @andrewNY after looking at your picture, that speed test looks like it was run using Ookla . I don't even bother looking at their speeds any longer. If I run their test I get 46.88 Mbps download right now. That is a difference of 9,015%, yours is 11,701%

Im On The latest ATG9 updated baseband so i assume i wont have this issue, my speed down seems fine my up seems a little low though but as long as my down is that fast im cool with it.
P.S.=Mine Was TEL when i got it.
SideNote =my update for ATG9 came in last night at midnight.

Mine has consistently gotten 25Mbps-30Mbps on "5G".
But I assumed TMo was pulling the same smoke and mirrors they usually do and park the 5G symbol on the display even when it isn't technically 5G.
They did the same during the transition from 3G to 4G and then from 4G to LTE.
I'll have to check it against my wife's Note 10.
On Wifi I show speeds off the scale on speedtest.net in excess of 100Mbps.
As this was one of the first 5G phones, and despite all the hype, TMo will still be rolling out 5G infrastructure for at least another 12mo, I wasn't expecting much except in major cities like NYC, LA, ATL, DAL, etc.
---------- Post added at 01:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:31 PM ----------
Just verified using my wife's Note 10 that we both are getting identical speeds on multiple tests.
My A71 5G shows a "5G" connection on the display.
Her Note 10 shows 4G LTE on the display.
TMo's coverage map claims I should have 5G coverage here.

Here in SC speeds have been up to par. 2nd 5g phone. Am getting better speeds on my a71 then my v60..

rosedog said:
@andrewNY after looking at your picture, that speed test looks like it was run using Ookla . I don't even bother looking at their speeds any longer. If I run their test I get 46.88 Mbps download right now. That is a difference of 9,015%, yours is 11,701%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Ookla speed test I posted was run at a different time and location to the Google speed test I quoted, so it can't really be compared there. I actually ran another Ookla test at the same time and got roughly the exact same speeds as what Google was showing me though.
BTW: I got a OTA firmware update today to the latest firmware; maybe check your device and see if T-Mobile made the update available to you, and if it helps.

Mine is T-Mobile-labeled on the box, while my service is with Sprint.
My wife has the same device.
I don't have a strong 5G signal at home, and it usually comes in
between 5Mb/s and 20Mb/s when testing with Ookla.
It fluctuates quite a lot.
The 5G indicator reliably comes and goes, with signal strength indicator
acting accordingly. Simple LTE-only signal is always high, with 5G
coming in at a lower strength while at home.
At my workplace, it's a different show entirely.
I've gotten as fast as 273 Mb/s on a strong 5G signal,
which is over 5-times the rate I pay for on a cable modem at home.
My home and workplace are less than seven miles apart.
4G LTE signals can get me as much as 25 Mb/s at home,
but it, too, fluctuates a lot. Voice calls are a colossal improvement, however,
with audio quality reported as excellent on both ends.
5G is definitely for real, while the implementation is far from being
fully deployed yet. We'll need to give it time before the newer 5G
is deployed across the current infrastructure.

andrewNY said:
The Ookla speed test I posted was run at a different time and location to the Google speed test I quoted, so it can't really be compared there. I actually ran another Ookla test at the same time and got roughly the exact same speeds as what Google was showing me though.
BTW: I got a OTA firmware update today to the latest firmware; maybe check your device and see if T-Mobile made the update available to you, and if it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saw your reply when you made it, just haven't had time to respond. I got the firmware update but that was not the fix, although I did get it fixed.
Last Friday being my last day to turn it in, I went to the store to turn it in. I explained everything to the associate (store manager) and while he was pulling up my account I started playing with the demo A71 (same base band) and it was getting fantastic speeds, mine was still getting 0.5 Mbps. The manager thought that it might be the sim card so he tried his in my phone and the speeds were drastically better. He got me a new sim and inserted it and the speeds were like his moments earlier. Getting the sim card exposed the real problem. It in fact was not the sim card but the service the associate had put my phone onto. Now my Note 10+ did not work
When I got the phone I had asked if there was a way I could have two phones ring at the same time when one phone number is called. I explained that I did not want to be sim swapping all the time from my daily driver (Note 10+) to my play/trial 5G phone (A71 5G). They told me digits could do that and it was only $10 a month. Sounded great to me... Technically it worked, both phones would ring, I could go to websites and it seemed to be as I was told. Unfortunately when the associate sold me the digits line he did not look at what type of account I have. I have an old account that has been grandfathered in (from 2010) and its a TAX EXCLUDED (TE) account vs. the newer kind of TAX INCLUDED (TI). Digits for a TE account gets you data and phone for $10 but NOT high speed data! That is only available for TI accounts and that cost $20/$25 a month. The only way I could get this to work was to do it the old fashion way of adding an additional line but that is $30 a month. So through ineptitude I was sold a plan that was not intended to do the things I was told it could do. We had to call into customer service (611) to see if they could do anything to help fix the issue at hand, like get me the high speed digits line. The system would not allow but what they did do was get me a new line that mimics my main line (all the bells and whistles) for $15 a month for my troubles. I took it and it works. I do not digits any longer but I did enjoy the fact that both devices could ring at the same time.
As for running the speed test, Ookla still gives me higher speeds on paper but only by 10 Mbps now.
What a stupid ordeal that took way too much time to figure out.

rosedog said:
Saw your reply when you made it, just haven't had time to respond. I got the firmware update but that was not the fix, although I did get it fixed.
Last Friday being my last day to turn it in, I went to the store to turn it in. I explained everything to the associate (store manager) and while he was pulling up my account I started playing with the demo A71 (same base band) and it was getting fantastic speeds, mine was still getting 0.5 Mbps. The manager thought that it might be the sim card so he tried his in my phone and the speeds were drastically better. He got me a new sim and inserted it and the speeds were like his moments earlier. Getting the sim card exposed the real problem. It in fact was not the sim card but the service the associate had put my phone onto. Now my Note 10+ did not work
When I got the phone I had asked if there was a way I could have two phones ring at the same time when one phone number is called. I explained that I did not want to be sim swapping all the time from my daily driver (Note 10+) to my play/trial 5G phone (A71 5G). They told me digits could do that and it was only $10 a month. Sounded great to me... Technically it worked, both phones would ring, I could go to websites and it seemed to be as I was told. Unfortunately when the associate sold me the digits line he did not look at what type of account I have. I have an old account that has been grandfathered in (from 2010) and its a TAX EXCLUDED (TE) account vs. the newer kind of TAX INCLUDED (TI). Digits for a TE account gets you data and phone for $10 but NOT high speed data! That is only available for TI accounts and that cost $20/$25 a month. The only way I could get this to work was to do it the old fashion way of adding an additional line but that is $30 a month. So through ineptitude I was sold a plan that was not intended to do the things I was told it could do. We had to call into customer service (611) to see if they could do anything to help fix the issue at hand, like get me the high speed digits line. The system would not allow but what they did do was get me a new line that mimics my main line (all the bells and whistles) for $15 a month for my troubles. I took it and it works. I do not digits any longer but I did enjoy the fact that both devices could ring at the same time.
As for running the speed test, Ookla still gives me higher speeds on paper but only by 10 Mbps now.
What a stupid ordeal that took way too much time to figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's pretty crazy, but I'm glad you figured it out, and also that there isn't a critical issue with the A71 5G and speeds!

andrewNY said:
Wow, that's pretty crazy, but I'm glad you figured it out, and also that there isn't a critical issue with the A71 5G and speeds!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say I spent 8+ hours trying to get this fixed between tech support and in store support. Nobody thought to look at the account type before hand.

So I had this issue on At&t, couldn't for the life of me figure out why my cell speeds were so bad. At&t variant defaults apn to ATT ENHANCED.
I decided to use the same Apn for my LG V40 apn: NXTGENPHONE
The speeds are night and day, and 5G still works on NXTGENPHONE
On 5g default apn 47mbps on NXTGEN 255mbps
I tested switching between apns for 4 hours (I was at the beach)
At home default 4mbps and NXTGEN 20mbps.
If your on AT&T try the NXTGENPHONE apn

I can confirm speedtest.net reached download speeds in excess of 175Mbps in Atlanta, GA on 5G with 4-bar signal. That was both indoors, and outside, repeated in multiple locations.
As before, even though TMo's coverage map claims my home is a 5G area, I only get LTE speeds of about 25Mbps there.

SkedAddled said:
Mine is T-Mobile-labeled on the box, while my service is with Sprint.
My wife has the same device.
I don't have a strong 5G signal at home, and it usually comes in
between 5Mb/s and 20Mb/s when testing with Ookla.
It fluctuates quite a lot.
The 5G indicator reliably comes and goes, with signal strength indicator
acting accordingly. Simple LTE-only signal is always high, with 5G
coming in at a lower strength while at home.
At my workplace, it's a different show entirely.
I've gotten as fast as 273 Mb/s on a strong 5G signal,
which is over 5-times the rate I pay for on a cable modem at home.
My home and workplace are less than seven miles apart.
4G LTE signals can get me as much as 25 Mb/s at home,
but it, too, fluctuates a lot. Voice calls are a colossal improvement, however,
with audio quality reported as excellent on both ends.
5G is definitely for real, while the implementation is far from being
fully deployed yet. We'll need to give it time before the newer 5G
is deployed across the current infrastructure.
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Click to collapse
Just adding my experience so far- I've been to several places around my home where i get 5 bars of "5G". Running any speed test on 5G is usually 20 mbits/sec slower than if I configure the network to 4G. It's so consistent that I don't bother to turn on the 5G network, as it will underperform.

steven.rn said:
Just adding my experience so far- I've been to several places around my home where i get 5 bars of "5G". Running any speed test on 5G is usually 20 mbits/sec slower than if I configure the network to 4G. It's so consistent that I don't bother to turn on the 5G network, as it will underperform.
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I consistently get variable 5G results: At home, not so good. At work: VERY good.
I haven't tried setting to 4G-only yet, as VOLTE seems to be what enables 5G on my device.
Keep in mind also, that signal-strength bars are not neccessarily an indication of 4G or 5G signals.
My experience has shown that indicated signal-strength only applies to voice as on Sprint,
while 4G and 5G data throughput is typically lower-performance.

SkedAddled said:
I consistently get variable 5G results: At home, not so good. At work: VERY good.
I haven't tried setting to 4G-only yet, as VOLTE seems to be what enables 5G on my device.
Keep in mind also, that signal-strength bars are not neccessarily an indication of 4G or 5G signals.
My experience has shown that indicated signal-strength only applies to voice as on Sprint,
while 4G and 5G data throughput is typically lower-performance.
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Click to collapse
Much appreciated comment, bud, that would explain some things.
Still, it seems odd that when I enable 5G, even if the phone is actually getting 4g, it's still slower. Dunno if that's because the phone is still looking for 5g while it's downloading a test in 4G or what.... either way, I didn't really expect 5G to amount to much in Northeast ohio yet.
Cheers!
StevenRN

steven.rn said:
Much appreciated comment, bud, that would explain some things.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I've found that signal-strength indicator doesn't necessarily represent data-throughout rate,
or what one might expect if it shows a 'full' signal. I've seen tests fluctuate considerably
during the test itself when stationary.
I just did an Ookla speed test from home on 5G.
It wavered from around 6 or 7Mb/s to over 52Mb/s during the short time it took,
rising and falling repeatedly. When I'm at work, the throughput just continues to climb
during the test time until it tops out at whatever it can get: no fluctuation;
it just keeps increasing. It's topped-out at various maximums, but it ALWAYS just climbs to a max.
I had some sound-quality issues on 4G, in not being able to make out clear voice before,
while this new device is excellent, on both ends of a call.
steven.rn said:
Still, it seems odd that when I enable 5G, even if the phone is actually getting 4g, it's still slower. Dunno if that's because the phone is still looking for 5g while it's downloading a test in 4G or what.... either way, I didn't really expect 5G to amount to much in Northeast ohio yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably some bandwidth is being used, like you suspect, leeching some of it
away from your results.
My old HTC EVO 4G LTE went into a major battery drain when reliable data signals
weren't available, and I discovered that Airplane Mode would put a halt to that, lending
some credence to your suspicions. My takeaway has been that if the device is looking for a radio signal
it cannot find, it ramps-up the process, leading to processor use and battery drain, as well as
potential bandwidth usage due to signal-seeking.
As for deployment of 5G, you'd be surprised:
I live much closer to the population center of Grand Rapids, MI, than I do to my workplace
of a semi-rural community of Byron Center. The "Built-up-ness" of the immediate area
around my home has increased tremendously within the 8 or so years I've lived where I am,
while Byron Center remains much the same. Yet Byron Center has received the infrastructure
updates that my more population-centric home base has not, going back to 4G LTE.
There's just no figuring out when/why/how any given provider will roll out updates
to infrastructure, but it shows that some happen within very surprising places.

I have just got off phone with sprint. They refreshed my phone and I am getting better download speeds. They also said there upgrading my tower to 5G should be done in 5 to 7 days. Really don't know what the refreshing does.