Related
Is there anyway to increase the signal strength of the Note 4?
I have to put the phone up in my upstairs window to get the Spark icon to come on. When I do that, it sometimes switches back to 3g.
I know the Galaxy S3 had an external antenna test port near the battery when you removed the back cover. I don't see any similar ports on the Note 4. BTW, I never used the test antenna port on my Galaxy S3 since I heard it could damage the internal antenna.
There seems to be some electical contacts under the cover of the Note 4. Any ideas on what they are?
I contacted Wilson Electronics and a rep there told me that they aren't allowed to boost or amplify the Spark signal. The FCC won't allow it and Sprint in clamping down on this technology because they want to stay ahead of their competitors.
http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/
I remember people using Pringle cans in the old days with their wireless routers.
Is it possible to extend the Note 4 antenna with a wire? I'm just shooting in the dark.
Thanks.
Slash
I have an issue where I will be getting LTE when the phone is sleeping and as soon as I wake it, the phone will drop to 3G. As funny as it sounds I used a plastic ruler to wake up the phone so I my hands or arms would not interfere with the signal and it still does it. This must be some kind of software thing because I used Open Signal to monitor the bands and it legitimately connects to LTE while the phone is sleeping and then switches to 3G when it comes out of sleep. So if I am ever downloading big files or uploading files I usually do it overnight where I will not bother the phone.
I get 2 bars LTE at all times and full signal 3G.
Same problem here. Drops to 3g like hot potato...nexus 5 on my other line holds on to lte b41 like it's life depended on it....
I don't have the note 4 currently (Note 2).
However, with LTE or 3G a "corner reflector" works with the Note 2.
Basically, cut out a box so you're left with only 3 "sides" in a corner, and line it with foil. (Trial and error on the size, I think 12" would be overkill but should work, although a smaller one would as well).
Then, you use a block of foam or such to prop the device somewhere within the corner and also "aim" the corner reflector towards a tower. By trial and error, you can find the best position. It's helped if there's a dialing code (like ##DEBUG# on note 2) that lets you monitor signal strength while you move things around. The trial and error can take some effort...
Wikipedia page on corner reflectors
Example of DIY corner reflector instructions for WiFi antennas
Adding the corner reflector makes the omnidirectional antenna act more like a directional antenna.
If you knew exactly where in the Note 4 the antenna(s) are and what frequency(s), you could calculate out the ideal size of the reflector and position for the device inside the reflector, but I found it easy enough to just experimentally move things around with trial and error.
I've got the same issue. What sad is my area is spark enabled so I should be able to connect to Sprint's 800 mhz (or 850 mhz?) lte network or all. Three frequencies and be on spark. But nope, I'm on crappy 3g but my Note 3will connect to lte.
My Note 4 will connect to lte but it won't hold a connection as good as the Note 3.
Thanks for the reflector info. I will attempt this tonight.
Slash.
DarkManX4lf said:
I've got the same issue. What sad is my area is spark enabled so I should be able to connect to Sprint's 800 mhz (or 850 mhz?) lte network or all. Three frequencies and be on spark. But nope, I'm on crappy 3g but my Note 3will connect to lte.
My Note 4 will connect to lte but it won't hold a connection as good as the Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got your MSL? Go into ##DATA# navigate to LTE/Band Priority and set Band 41 as 1. reboot and see if LTE will hold..
jauger said:
Got your MSL? Go into ##DATA# navigate to LTE/Band Priority and set Band 41 as 1. reboot and see if LTE will hold..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give that a shot but I'm not sure it makes sense.
DarkManX4lf said:
I'll give that a shot but I'm not sure it makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people confuse LTE with Spark, two totally different things. I see in your profile you are in NYC where Spark has rolled out. A lot of forums there's talk about the N4 having a problem switching bands, one work around is setting Band 41 to 1....
jauger said:
Most people confuse LTE with Spark, two totally different things. I see in your profile you are in NYC where Spark has rolled out. A lot of forums there's talk about the N4 having a problem switching bands, one work around is setting Band 41 to 1....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was why make the 2.5ghz band the higher priority? Why not make band 26 (800mhz)the higher priority?
Since my issue is indoors and 800mhz penetrates walls better than 2.5ghz, I figure the priority should be band 26, 25 and Last would be 41?
DarkManX4lf said:
What I meant was why make the 2.5ghz band the higher priority? Why not make band 26 (800mhz)the higher priority?
Since my issue is indoors and 800mhz penetrates walls better than 2.5ghz, I figure the priority should be band 26, 25 and Last would be 41?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thought as well, but seems to be the way to make the N4 switch bands like it should. Like I said I'm reading this in other forums so I figured it might help ya out....:good:
jauger said:
My thought as well, but seems to be the way to make the N4 switch bands like it should. Like I said I'm reading this in other forums so I figured it might help ya out....:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok cool. Thanks. I'll try out both configurations and see how it works out.
DarkManX4lf said:
What I meant was why make the 2.5ghz band the higher priority? Why not make band 26 (800mhz)the higher priority?
Since my issue is indoors and 800mhz penetrates walls better than 2.5ghz, I figure the priority should be band 26, 25 and Last would be 41?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because Band 26 has not rolled out extensively as of yet, Go to antenna search and see what is rolled out in your area.
NEXTEL LICENSE HOLDINGS 4, INC. Towers are generally listed as such (Band 25 and 26) look at the operating frequency 1900 (Band 25) 860 (Band 26) (if live)
Clearwire Spectrum Holdings Iii, Llc Towers or Sprint Spectrum LLP is Band 41, if dual radios exist in your area or if you area is completely converted.
Change Band priorities is an excellent idea, especially if you are in a Spark area.
ninoriff said:
Because Band 26 has not rolled out extensively as of yet, Go to antenna search and see what is rolled out in your area.
NEXTEL LICENSE HOLDINGS 4, INC. Towers are generally listed as such (Band 25 and 26) look at the operating frequency 1900 (Band 25) 860 (Band 26) (if live)
Clearwire Spectrum Holdings Iii, Llc Towers or Sprint Spectrum LLP is Band 41, if dual radios exist in your area or if you area is completely converted.
Change Band priorities is an excellent idea, especially if you are in a Spark area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a look at antenna search but based on Sprint, my area is Spark enabled, which I thought means all 3 bands are available. Or am I wrong?
Changing band priority does not work..I've tried it..
Check out Signal Check in the play store too, will show you what you are on.... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blueline.signalchecklite&hl=en
The network will ultimately decide where to put your device based on load balancing and bandwidth/airlink saturation. It typically goes B41,B25,B26. All that changing band priorities does is change what your phone scans for first. Once connected, it's up to the network what band you end up on.
I think something is wrong with the note 4. I am in downtown baltimore., which is supposed to have excellent SPARK coverage. I'm sitting here in my apartment and very very rarely the phone does somehow connect to LTE spark. When it is connected I get somewhere between 6mbps - 35mbps and the signal is -90 to -100 which is pretty good for LTE. As I'm flying along enjoying my 3 minutes of LTE spark, my phone just decides that LTE sucks and it should switch to the 3g signal which gives me 0.12 mbps (f***ing sprint). Then no matter what I do, how many times I do ##72786#, how many times I restart my phone, or turn mobile data on/off it still wont get LTE back..until randomly a couple hours later. Is my note 4 retarded?? The reason I don't think it's a signal issue is that I often get > 30mbps when I am connected. This has to be some software issue where the note 4 thinks that the 0.12mbps 3g signal is somehow "Stronger" than a 35mbps LTE signal.
ak2pacalypse said:
I think something is wrong with the note 4. I am in downtown baltimore., which is supposed to have excellent SPARK coverage. I'm sitting here in my apartment and very very rarely the phone does somehow connect to LTE spark. When it is connected I get somewhere between 6mbps - 35mbps and the signal is -90 to -100 which is pretty good for LTE. As I'm flying along enjoying my 3 minutes of LTE spark, my phone just decides that LTE sucks and it should switch to the 3g signal which gives me 0.12 mbps (f***ing sprint). Then no matter what I do, how many times I do ##72786#, how many times I restart my phone, or turn mobile data on/off it still wont get LTE back..until randomly a couple hours later. Is my note 4 retarded?? The reason I don't think it's a signal issue is that I often get > 30mbps when I am connected. This has to be some software issue where the note 4 thinks that the 0.12mbps 3g signal is somehow "Stronger" than a 35mbps LTE signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I'm in Chicago-land and when i get Spark I always get 1 bar and than it switches to 3g
DarkManX4lf said:
What I meant was why make the 2.5ghz band the higher priority? Why not make band 26 (800mhz)the higher priority?
Since my issue is indoors and 800mhz penetrates walls better than 2.5ghz, I figure the priority should be band 26, 25 and Last would be 41?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By default the band priority is Band 25 - 1, Band 25 - 2, and Band 41 - 3. So the phone is already set up correctly as far as priority.
Also as has been stated LTE and Spark are not the same thing. They are two seperate bands. By default the phone tries to use Spark. If it can't it then switches to LTE and if it still has issues it switches to 3G..
Noticed this on my note 4 since I got it. I will be sitting on the couch and watch as the signal goes up and down. Bars go from 1-4-1-4 as well as both LTE signal going from mid-80s to -115. I had never noticed this living closer to city. Is this a tower or capacity issue? I have already called Verizon to report the issue and they seem aware of this areas coverage being moderate, even though their map says excellent coverage lol.
Instead of creating another thread I'll ask this too. I've noticed crsditatials for apps being forgotten randomly. I thought it was switching to ultra pwr mode and back but it's not. Any one else? Apps like Pandora, mint, etc.
kgeier82 said:
Noticed this on my note 4 since I got it. I will be sitting on the couch and watch as the signal goes up and down. Bars go from 1-4-1-4 as well as both LTE signal going from mid-80s to -115. I had never noticed this living closer to city. Is this a tower or capacity issue? I have already called Verizon to report the issue and they seem aware of this areas coverage being moderate, even though their map says excellent coverage lol.
Instead of creating another thread I'll ask this too. I've noticed crsditatials for apps being forgotten randomly. I thought it was switching to ultra pwr mode and back but it's not. Any one else? Apps like Pandora, mint, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was experiencing similar fluctuations, so I downloaded lte discovery app. Turns out, usually when I had 4 or 5 bars, I was on band 13, when it dropped down to 2 to 3 bars it'd switch to band 4 aws XLTE. The higher frequency of band 4 doesn't penetrate as well as band 13, providing me with the fluctuation of bars around my house anyways. It doesn't happen as much outside.
Justinphxaz said:
I was experiencing similar fluctuations, so I downloaded lte discovery app. Turns out, usually when I had 4 or 5 bars, I was on band 13, when it dropped down to 2 to 3 bars it'd switch to band 4 aws XLTE. The higher frequency of band 4 doesn't penetrate as well as band 13, providing me with the fluctuation of bars around my house anyways. It doesn't happen as much outside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same result here. Wonder if I can limit to band 13 as band 4 signal is damn near holding indoors at -118. Kills the battery. Band 13 has around -87db
how can i make spark faster on my sprint note 4? it says i am in a spark area and i am only getting 2mbps that is ridiculous
http://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp?ECID=vanity:coverage#!/ it says my area has sprint spark and it is on the "best" coverage wise
Can't see your coverage without your zip code.
w7excursion said:
Can't see your coverage without your zip code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says best and its still slow keeps saying i am on band 26 how do i switch to band 41
Is that exactly where you're at? Input an intersection closest to your home and see what it says. Does going outside make a difference? Update your profile lately followed by a long battery pull? If none of that helps then see what sprint says. I don't have spark where I'm at, just regular lte.
w7excursion said:
Is that exactly where you're at? Input an intersection closest to your home and see what it says. Does going outside make a difference? Update your profile lately followed by a long battery pull? If none of that helps then see what sprint says. I don't have spark where I'm at, just regular lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i put an intersection and it is a spark area. the rest surrounding it is lte. i used signalcheck pro and it says i am on band 26. isnt 41 spark?
infamouzwt said:
yea i put an intersection and it is a spark area. the rest surrounding it is lte. i used signalcheck pro and it says i am on band 26. isnt 41 spark?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and i chatted with sprint and they told me this area has spark now. i think they are lying to me lol
Can't think of much except trying ##72786# and if that doesn't work call tech support and see if your SIM card was setup correctly in the system. Are you on the stock Rom? Factory reset?
infamouzwt said:
yea i put an intersection and it is a spark area. the rest surrounding it is lte. i used signalcheck pro and it says i am on band 26. isnt 41 spark?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, Spark adds bands 26 and 41 to the standard LTE band 25.
On a recent trip to Orlando/Disney World, I did some prioritizing on the bands and had success on first try. I was streaming Netflix via LTE to hotspot to roku 3 to TV- indoors. And had good coverage most of the trip. Plus downloading gigs of data.
Band 41- fast outdoors but not so penetrating for business structures
Band 26- lower frequency penetrating LTE
Band 25- not as penetrating as band 26 and also the common LTE band used by non-Spark LTE phones and towers. Potentially overcrowded.
I don't know why but Spark phones priority should be prioritized away from band 25 but currently default them as highest priority band. In theory, band 41 should be highest for outdoors, band 26 would be priority for indoors, if available and penetration hinders band 41. When higher priority bands unavailable reverting to band 25. By then you may prefer Wi-Fi to band 25. Apparently the same applies to band 26 in some locations. It's all about location and availability; home Wi-Fi would most likely be preferred over Spark but motel/resort low-valued-complimentary Wi-Fi with browser authorization/TOS may not.
Got your MSL code? Try this prioritizing below using ##3282# LTE/LTE priority. I did this rather blindly, not looking at connection speed or band utilized. I get LTE at home too. I don't think it's Spark but the settings are not interfering with LTE bands as far as I can tell.
You should at least see band 41 outside, if within range. Indoors, it may revert to band 26, if available.
samep said:
If I'm not mistaken, Spark adds bands 26 and 41 to the standard LTE band 25.
On a recent trip to Orlando/Disney World, I did some prioritizing on the bands and had success on first try. I was streaming Netflix via LTE to hotspot to roku 3 to TV- indoors. And had good coverage most of the trip. Plus downloading gigs of data.
Band 41- fast outdoors but not so penetrating for business structures
Band 26- lower frequency penetrating LTE
Band 25- not as penetrating as band 26 and also the common LTE band used by non-Spark phones and towers. overcrowded.
I don't know but Spark phones priority should be prioritized away from band 25 but use them as highest band by default. In theory, band 41 should be highest for outdoors, band 26 would be priority for indoors, as available. By then you may prefer Wi-Fi to band 25.
Got your MSL code? Try this prioritizing below using ##3282# LTE/LTE priority. I did this rather blindly, not looking at connection speed or band utilized. I get LTE at home too. I don't think it's Spark but the settings are not interfering with LTE bands as far as I can tell.
You should at least see band 41 outside, if within range. Indoors, it may revert to band 26, if available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. This is how I have it set up. I'm guessing its just the area is super slow or something.
samep said:
If I'm not mistaken, Spark adds bands 26 and 41 to the standard LTE band 25.
On a recent trip to Orlando/Disney World, I did some prioritizing on the bands and had success on first try. I was streaming Netflix via LTE to hotspot to roku 3 to TV- indoors. And had good coverage most of the trip. Plus downloading gigs of data.
Band 41- fast outdoors but not so penetrating for business structures
Band 26- lower frequency penetrating LTE
Band 25- not as penetrating as band 26 and also the common LTE band used by non-Spark LTE phones and towers. Potentially overcrowded.
I don't know why but Spark phones priority should be prioritized away from band 25 but currently default them as highest priority band. In theory, band 41 should be highest for outdoors, band 26 would be priority for indoors, if available and penetration hinders band 41. When higher priority bands unavailable reverting to band 25. By then you may prefer Wi-Fi to band 25. Apparently the same applies to band 26 in some locations. It's all about location and availability; home Wi-Fi would most likely be preferred over Spark but motel/resort low-valued-complimentary Wi-Fi with browser authorization/TOS may not.
Got your MSL code? Try this prioritizing below using ##3282# LTE/LTE priority. I did this rather blindly, not looking at connection speed or band utilized. I get LTE at home too. I don't think it's Spark but the settings are not interfering with LTE bands as far as I can tell.
You should at least see band 41 outside, if within range. Indoors, it may revert to band 26, if available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have proof changing these helps? I changed mine and forgot the screenshot how the default was setup does anyone know the default arrangement?
infamouzwt said:
yea i put an intersection and it is a spark area. the rest surrounding it is lte. i used signalcheck pro and it says i am on band 26. isnt 41 spark?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you see the band number?
xbmoyx said:
Does anyone have proof changing these helps? I changed mine and forgot the screenshot how the default was setup does anyone know the default arrangement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was vacation, my indoor 4G data was sporadic. I was getting a lot reverting to 3G or a spinning effect like a loss of sync.
There was a persistent mod I tried in KitKat that didn't seem to work; a lot of waiting to sync. The settings I posted were very stable and quickly synced in the Orlando area. Very few dead data spots and most of those were underground attractions.
I do believe band 25 was highest by default. I think I switched bands 25 and 41 but not positive. I recall looking this up because that seems to be a non spark area setting. Ideally, refreshing the PRL/Profile would set the priority bands based on location/coverage but I don't think it does. Non spark as default on a spark enabled phone isn't ideal if the spark settings have no impact on non spark areas' reception. IMO, there is no impact so the default settings are incorrect; these are ideal. But slow data is slow data. I was able to hold a steady HD stream for my Roku, indoors with it.
Issue:
Phone will not stay locked on LTE in Global or LTE/UMTS/GSM mode. When in Global or LTE/UMTS/GSM mode and LTE does connect, it's momentarily and when trying to run a speed test or open a webpage, it quickly disconnects and connects to HSDPA. If switched to LTE/CDMA signal locks in great and data speeds are great however voice services are not available. Any thoughts or advice is welcomed. Thanks ahead of time!
Facts:
Phone: VS986
Android Version: 5.1
Build: LMY47D
Soft Version: VS98611A
APN: T-Mobile Fast apn (fast.t-mobile.com)
Strong LTE area
*#*#4636#*#* Not available on LG G4
Radio Swither Not available on LG G4
Rooted
Xposed installed
Gravity Box installed (no change when using smart radio features)
G3 Tweakbox installed but module will not register with Xposed Framework (I know it was along shot)
What band LTE are you connecting to? I found that here on band 2, I will connect at first, but then it switches back to edge. Seems fine in a band 4 LTE area though.
geoff5093 said:
What band LTE are you connecting to? I found that here on band 2, I will connect at first, but then it switches back to edge. Seems fine in a band 4 LTE area though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the Raleigh NC area. According to LTE Discovery i'm using Band 4. and I also experience the same. A brief connection while in global or LTE/UMTS/GSM mode then it falls back to HSPA.
taifuller said:
I'm in the Raleigh NC area. According to LTE Discovery i'm using Band 4. and I also experience the same. A brief connection while in global or LTE/UMTS/GSM mode then it falls back to HSPA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't found LTE Discovery to report the band correctly, at least in my case. It would say I'm on band 4 on my Moto X, but when using a band 4 only device I would only get Edge, but when I go in a confirmed band 4 area it works fine. From what I've found, most 2G > LTE sites were converted to band 2 LTE. Although since you get HSPA the chances of it actually being on band 4 are higher.
I'm fairly certain this is a Band 4 area. The latest T-Mobile maps are pretty good about pointing out Band 2 areas. I've since sold the phone and acquired a iPhone 6 Plus which I'm looking to sell to replace it with an international G4 or T-Mobile G4. I was pretty impressed with that phone. If I had to rank my favorites, it's number 2. Nexus 5 is still king of the hill for me. There wasn't a better phone out when it was release for a better price.
did you ever figure this out? samething is happening to me
Unfortunately I didn't. I sold it and bought one for T-Mobile...... Which I just sold about 3 hours ago.
So I tested it out again, and in a band 2 area when I boot up my phone with a T-Mobile SIM, I get LTE for several seconds then it cuts back over to 2G.
Now that there is a new software update for the G4, I wonder if this is anymore reliable. Anyone who took the OTA update in the past few days, can you let us know if it's any better?
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Been there, done that...wanted to switch over to T-Mobile, but unfortunately, the VS986 only works with two of their three LTE bands, as you know, and it seems everywhere I went, they were using the one the phone doesn't receive (I'm in southern California, for what it's worth, but tested it on a freeway run up the I-5 to the central part of the state - only got 4G-LTE in a few places). Wound up going back to Verizon
I'm getting the exact same results in Burlington, VT (T-Mobile band 2 market). I first have to manually select T-Mobile (defaults to roaming on AT&T HSPA+) then LTE works for less than a minute (LTE Discovery says band 4) and then I lose signal when I get signal again, I only have edge. It does this constantly and is really annoying.
Aww, bummer. I was thinking about switching to T-Mobile, but looks like that is not a viable option? So no one has been able to successfully use the phone on T-Mobile, even after enabling bands 2 and 4 only?
This whole plethora of LTE bands, where each provider does its own crap is such a mess, is just serves to lock in customers, since switching phones is expensive. Government should mandate that all phones can work on all US LTE bands, the technology exists.
I am on the same boat. Everything works on my VS986 on t-mobile network. but I cannot get the LTE to work properly. LTE discovery shows band 4 (not sure if correct though)
konradsa said:
Aww, bummer. I was thinking about switching to T-Mobile, but looks like that is not a viable option? So no one has been able to successfully use the phone on T-Mobile, even after enabling bands 2 and 4 only?
This whole plethora of LTE bands, where each provider does its own crap is such a mess, is just serves to lock in customers, since switching phones is expensive. Government should mandate that all phones can work on all US LTE bands, the technology exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My VRZ LG G4 shows that it has Band 2, 4, 5, and 13. I tried enabling 2 & 4 only, 4 only, 2 only, 2&4&13 only but with no success.
What is interesting is I am coming from VRZ LG G3 and LTE was just fine and never had an issue.
I looked at the VRZ LG G3 LTE bands and I see Band 3,4, and 13 enabled. It did not even have band 2.
More testing:
When I switched the Network Mode to LTE/CDMA I get constant 4G-LTE & internet is working but my phone cannot place and receive phone calls.
with LTE/CDMA I see 4G at 100dBm and 1X at 120dBm
ruijay said:
More testing:
When I switched the Network Mode to LTE/CDMA I get constant 4G-LTE & internet is working but my phone cannot place and receive phone calls.
with LTE/CDMA I see 4G at 100dBm and 1X at 120dBm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, almost sounds like a bug in the LTE/GSM mode.
I assume when you switch to global mode, voice works but only HSPA, right?
konradsa said:
Interesting, almost sounds like a bug in the LTE/GSM mode.
I assume when you switch to global mode, voice works but only HSPA, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is right.
The best internet speed was with LTE/CDMA but no voice or text
ruijay said:
That is right.
The best internet speed was with LTE/CDMA but no voice or text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, what speeds do you get on HSPA in global mode?
konradsa said:
Out of curiosity, what speeds do you get on HSPA in global mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With HSPA/3G I get around 7 mbps download and 1.88 mbps upload
ruijay said:
More testing:
When I switched the Network Mode to LTE/CDMA I get constant 4G-LTE & internet is working but my phone cannot place and receive phone calls.
with LTE/CDMA I see 4G at 100dBm and 1X at 120dBm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ruijay said:
That is right.
The best internet speed was with LTE/CDMA but no voice or text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think since someone reported before that this used to work the G3, it sounds like a bug to me. I guess we can hope and pray that this will work in future releases, but there is no guarantee of course. Not sure what complaining to Verizon will do, since they are probably not very interested in you using T-Mobile. Of course, you can always wrap the complaint into something like you are using the phone in a different country on vacation and it doesn't work. Maybe a complaint to the FTC could work too, since it sounds like Verizon is required to have their phones unlocked for use on other networks based on some settlement.
konradsa said:
I think since someone reported before that this used to work the G3, it sounds like a bug to me. I guess we can hope and pray that this will work in future releases, but there is no guarantee of course. Not sure what complaining to Verizon will do, since they are probably not very interested in you using T-Mobile. Of course, you can always wrap the complaint into something like you are using the phone in a different country on vacation and it doesn't work. Maybe a complaint to the FTC could work too, since it sounds like Verizon is required to have their phones unlocked for use on other networks based on some settlement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am tempted to try the guide in here to add more LTE bands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/general/guide-enabling-lte-bands-t3137818
While some testers said the LTE bands are limited by hardware others reported some success modifying the software. Any thoughts?
When you call granny, does she keep saying "Huh?! Wut?!" or does the conversation flow pretty well? Rate this thread to express how you feel about the ZTE Axon 7's call quality. A higher rating indicates that calls are clear and crisp, and that regardless of background noise, you can hear the other party clearly (and with ample volume) and they can hear you.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Please let us know if calls are clear and how speakerphone sounds and thanks.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Call quality is perfectly fine. Good volume too.
Speakerphone is among the best I've ever used on a smartphone. Good volume and doesn't have that raspy, tinny characteristic that plagues many smartphones.
On tmobile it is used volte and hd voice. Tested by calling note 5 and nexus 6p.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
erm1001 said:
On tmobile it is used volte and hd voice. Tested by calling note 5 and nexus 6p.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use TMobile also. How is your signal strength compared to other phones and thanks.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
huntnyc said:
I use TMobile also. How is your signal strength compared to other phones and thanks.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is seem fine. Compared to my wife Note 5
T-Mobile user here. My previous phones all got full service at home, this one - on a brand new nano sim mind you, gets one bar and -116dBm and 24asu. Calls sound poor. Called T-Mobile and they said their system wasn't detecting the phone as an LTE device - but (Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status) shows LTE Cellular Network Type!
I've tried with VOLTE both enabled and disabled and received the same signal strength.
When I disable WiFi , my data shows 4G LTE but that doesn't change the signal strength for voice. (Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status)
T-Mobile was opening a trouble ticket to check the local tower I am connecting to but I suspect this is a phone radio or firmware issue and not SIM/Carrier related.
Anyone else found setting changes to make optimal signal strength?
I am on TMobile also and want to order this phone but reports of poor signal strength and wifi connection have got me hesitating. Please keep your feedback coming and thanks.
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taijo said:
T-Mobile user here. My previous phones all got full service at home, this one - on a brand new nano sim mind you, gets one bar and -116dBm and 24asu. Calls sound poor. Called T-Mobile and they said their system wasn't detecting the phone as an LTE device - but (Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status) shows LTE Cellular Network Type!
I've tried with VOLTE both enabled and disabled and received the same signal strength.
When I disable WiFi , my data shows 4G LTE but that doesn't change the signal strength for voice. (Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status)
T-Mobile was opening a trouble ticket to check the local tower I am connecting to but I suspect this is a phone radio or firmware issue and not SIM/Carrier related.
Anyone else found setting changes to make optimal signal strength?
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I'm also on T-Mobile and have noticed some issues with signal strength and other radio related problems. I'm actually returning the phone to Newegg today because of the issues I describe below. I definitely think it's software related. The signal strength is mostly fine but it does seem too low in places compared to what my Nexus 6 had.
The major problem I'm having is with incoming calls either not ringing and going straight to "missed" or auto answering without ringing. It's happened at least 4 times where I see a missed call notification despite no ringing or vibrating and I never have my phone on silent. Just straight to missed call.
On several other occasions a call will come through and be answered automatically while in my pocket. It's the strangest thing I've encountered with a phone. The call just comes in without any warning or input on my behalf and I can hear the caller talking before I take the phone out of my pocket. There is an auto answer feature in the settings but it's been disabled. Even if that feature was on it should ring at least once.
I love the phone but these two issues are massive deal breakers. I need to be able to receive calls properly for business and don't want to wait around for a fix or void my warranty trying a new ROM when development picks up.
RaDeN305 said:
I'm also on T-Mobile and have noticed some issues with signal strength and other radio related problems. I'm actually returning the phone to Newegg today because of the issues I describe below. I definitely think it's software related. The signal strength is mostly fine but it does seem too low in places compared to what my Nexus 6 had.
The major problem I'm having is with incoming calls either not ringing and going straight to "missed" or auto answering without ringing. It's happened at least 4 times where I see a missed call notification despite no ringing or vibrating and I never have my phone on silent. Just straight to missed call.
On several other occasions a call will come through and be answered automatically while in my pocket. It's the strangest thing I've encountered with a phone. The call just comes in without any warning or input on my behalf and I can hear the caller talking before I take the phone out of my pocket. There is an auto answer feature in the settings but it's been disabled. Even if that feature was on it should ring at least once.
I love the phone but these two issues are massive deal breakers. I need to be able to receive calls properly for business and don't want to wait around for a fix or void my warranty trying a new ROM when development picks up.
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I've used this at home on TMO in Seattle for about a week and did not have the same issues. I also have active AT&T SIM and have not had problems. Other phones I carry with me are Nexus 6, Huawei Ascend Mate 2, LG G4, and RedMi Note 2. Compared to these other devices I did not notice a stark difference with signal strength.
Regarding the "not detected as LTE" on TMO that sounds fishy to me. I'd suggest trying something, go into phone information menu from dialer *#*#4636#*#* and set network to LTE Only. Bounce the radio from the same menu (not required but a good idea). Then check if you're on LTE, if the phone is set to LTE Only and you have signal you're on LTE but to make it easier Google Play has a ton of apps to check this like G-NetTrack Lite or Network Cell Info Lite both will tell you specifically if you're on LTE and show eNB, etc.
If you do set phone to LTE Only you must go back into Settings --> Dual SIM settings --> Network Mode and set back to LTE/WCDMA/GSM
You'll notice this menu in Network Mode does not have options for "LTE only" or "WCDMA (UMTS "4G" HSPA+) only" which is why the going into the Phone Information menu is required for this.
Right now I am out on business travel and one thing I can say is that the dual SIM is pretty good roaming. I got myself into a bad situation as I set my phone to LTE only for testing a few things and did not switch back. The carrier I am roaming on does not have VoLTE so I broke my voice for a about a day and did not notice until I tried to make an outbound call and it failed.
Regarding call quality I've been using it abroad for about a week making voice calls on WCDMA/UMTS networks (no VoLTE here) with local SIMs and it's been just fine. No signal issues.
mdkathon said:
I've used this at home on TMO in Seattle for about a week and did not have the same issues. I also have active AT&T SIM and have not had problems. Other phones I carry with me are Nexus 6, Huawei Ascend Mate 2, LG G4, and RedMi Note 2. Compared to these other devices I did not notice a stark difference with signal strength.
Regarding the "not detected as LTE" on TMO that sounds fishy to me. I'd suggest trying something, go into phone information menu from dialer *#*#4636#*#* and set network to LTE Only. Bounce the radio from the same menu (not required but a good idea). Then check if you're on LTE, if the phone is set to LTE Only and you have signal you're on LTE but to make it easier Google Play has a ton of apps to check this like G-NetTrack Lite or Network Cell Info Lite both will tell you specifically if you're on LTE and show eNB, etc.
If you do set phone to LTE Only you must go back into Settings --> Dual SIM settings --> Network Mode and set back to LTE/WCDMA/GSM
You'll notice this menu in Network Mode does not have options for "LTE only" or "WCDMA (UMTS "4G" HSPA+) only" which is why the going into the Phone Information menu is required for this.
Right now I am out on business travel and one thing I can say is that the dual SIM is pretty good roaming. I got myself into a bad situation as I set my phone to LTE only for testing a few things and did not switch back. The carrier I am roaming on does not have VoLTE so I broke my voice for a about a day and did not notice until I tried to make an outbound call and it failed.
Regarding call quality I've been using it abroad for about a week making voice calls on WCDMA/UMTS networks (no VoLTE here) with local SIMs and it's been just fine. No signal issues.
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mdkathon, Thank you for the detailed reply! Please note below the results:
So I followed your instruction to no additional positive result. Using the two apps you recommended as well as the LTE Discovery app here is what I see:
When I first enable the radio (whether LTE only or LTE/GSM/WCDMA) it comes up on LTE Band 12 and I have excellent signal (about 4 bars) with < -80 db and then about 30 seconds later it will fall over to LTE band 4 and the signal drops to > -110 or worse and I go to 1-2 bars of signal. I have no idea why the LTE band changes on it's own. Maybe I can force it to stay on Band 12 somehow?
I looked up the TMobile frequencies and they are here: Frequencies: Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), Band 12 (700 MHz)
The ZTE LTE Band support list is here: LTE: B2/B4/B5/B12/B13/B17/B7/B3/B1/B20/B29/B30/B25/B26/B41
Seems like I should be good. I don't know why a good Band 12 signal would fall back to Band 4 though. Can anyone explain that?
I also noticed in the Testing menu (*#*#4636#*#*) the ability to select from the band menu: USA Band, Band Mode 6 or Band Mode 7. I haven't made any changes there since I cannot tell what the current selection is, nor what the difference between the 3 choices would be. *Edit: This is for GSM/UMTS so I'm not sure if it has any effect*
Of those three LTE analysis apps I am not sure what any of the data is telling me (eNB etc) so if there is a primer for those I have not yet looked for it.
Has anybody tried the SIGNAL BOOST feature? Is it any good or just a gimmick?
taijo said:
mdkathon, Thank you for the detailed reply! Please note below the results:
So I followed your instruction to no additional positive result. Using the two apps you recommended as well as the LTE Discovery app here is what I see:
When I first enable the radio (whether LTE only or LTE/GSM/WCDMA) it comes up on LTE Band 12 and I have excellent signal (about 4 bars) with < -80 db and then about 30 seconds later it will fall over to LTE band 4 and the signal drops to > -110 or worse and I go to 1-2 bars of signal. I have no idea why the LTE band changes on it's own. Maybe I can force it to stay on Band 12 somehow?
I looked up the TMobile frequencies and they are here: Frequencies: Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), Band 12 (700 MHz)
The ZTE LTE Band support list is here: LTE: B2/B4/B5/B12/B13/B17/B7/B3/B1/B20/B29/B30/B25/B26/B41
Seems like I should be good. I don't know why a good Band 12 signal would fall back to Band 4 though. Can anyone explain that?
I also noticed in the Testing menu (*#*#4636#*#*) the ability to select from the band menu: USA Band, Band Mode 6 or Band Mode 7. I haven't made any changes there since I cannot tell what the current selection is, nor what the difference between the 3 choices would be. *Edit: This is for GSM/UMTS so I'm not sure if it has any effect*
Of those three LTE analysis apps I am not sure what any of the data is telling me (eNB etc) so if there is a primer for those I have not yet looked for it.
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Click to collapse
Hi - I'm not a cellular engineer so I could be wrong, but I believe T-Mobile's network management itself is the variable in determining which LTE frequency your phone will use. So, even though you have a stronger band 12 signal available, the network will often push you to band 2 or 4 if it can do so as these frequencies yield better throughput in general and will free up spectrum on band 12, which is usually a bit more scarce (low band airwaves are typically more congested, so higher band airwaves like band 2 and 4 are preferred for network management purposes).
The only way to limit your phone to band 12 that I know of is hack into the non-volatile memory via the diagnostic mode and QXDM and manually enable/disable LTE bands 2 and/or 4...but that's probably more trouble than it's worth, especially if you don't want to permanently remove these bands. Plus, diagnostic mode can be super hard to get into on some devices and there are some protections which make it hard to make changes stick permanently, depending on the device.
Also, I should mention that Verizon and AT&T do the exact same thing as T-Mobile in my experience - for instance, band 13 for Verizon seems to only be used when band 4 or 2 are super low strength or completely unavailable. I often find my Verizon SIM sitting at around -115 dBm or so on band 4 and sometimes see it dip into the -120-ish area before switching to band 13.
Constantly told that It sounds muffled out, I can hardly hear as well... great via bluetooth but that's not always available. .. don't know any solutions right now other than maybe return the device..;.WIND Mobile.. Canada here. Never had any problems with the LG G4
efendi011 said:
Has anybody tried the SIGNAL BOOST feature? Is it any good or just a gimmick?
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What signal boost feature?
dennis96411 said:
What signal boost feature?
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See here, right above the "Performance" chapter:
devicespecifications.com/en/editor-review/f9c817
Thought if this can have something to do with the SD 820's TruSignal feature...?
efendi011 said:
See here, right above the "Performance" chapter:
devicespecifications.com/en/editor-review/f9c817
Thought if this can have something to do with the SD 820's TruSignal feature...?
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Odd, they removed the menu from the A2017U.
As I mentioned in the cell strength review, this phone seems to have a small issue with reception. It is getting worse reception of 5-10db than an old s4, when everything is the same. There is a thread on reddit that has more info about this.
Not sure if this specifically for our US chums. But I have to say I am disappointed with my EU version. The call quality is bad. Not so much about network in terms of stuttering/cutting conversations but in terms of the sound quality. There is a clearly audible background buzz and I can only liken the sound to a low quality audio file. By that I mean you can hear it but the 'noise' and subtle distortion is not what I expect. Imagine having an MP3 at 128KB and one at 320KB - I expect the latter and feel like it's the former.
I am wondering if it is software or hardware.
I'm reluctant to send back as I don't want to end up with a 'refurb' packaged and sent as a new one.
test878 said:
As I mentioned in the cell strength review, this phone seems to have a small issue with reception. It is getting worse reception of 5-10db than an old s4, when everything is the same. There is a thread on reddit that has more info about this.
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I compared my A2017G to my older phone using the "Mobil Signal" app from the play store.
My old phone has one of the best receptions signals compared to other OEM. I even confirmed that with two CM devs that have like 15+ devices around and they confirmed that the phone has the best reception signal off all.
I setup the Mobil Signal app and changed the widget to show "percentages" instead of dbm.
Dbm's don't tell me much.
I hit refresh every time I had the chance too on both devices on different locations. Both Sim's are from the same provider both support the same bands.
The Axon 7 _always_ came 5% lower in signal strength than did my old phone. Telling by this results I think the A2017G has no issues in signal strength overall. As I compared it to a phone which is known to have an exception good reception.
I think it is on par with other OEM's.