5.1 giving better radio signal? - Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have noticed that with 5.1 while I normally got just 1-2 bars at home of signal I am now getting 3-4 and better speeds. At first I thought I was now getting Band 12(tmobile) but LTE Discovery says that I'm still on Band 4.
Anyone else seeing this?

knitler said:
I have noticed that with 5.1 while I normally got just 1-2 bars at home of signal I am now getting 3-4 and better speeds. At first I thought I was now getting Band 12(tmobile) but LTE Discovery says that I'm still on Band 4.
Anyone else seeing this?
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When I am in a very weak signal area, I am definitely getting a better LTE signal. But voice/calling (GSM) is worse on AT&T. Where I could make a call previously, on a very weak signal, now I get nothing.

Just finished flashing 5.1 and setting it up - and I'm definitely getting higher single indicators for LTE now (T-mobile Band 4) - I rarely used to get 1 bar in my house, but now it constantly shows 2-3 bars. Whether the coverage is actually improved is yet to be determined...

5.1 is definitely giving me a better radio signal in my house as I usually only had 0 to 1 bars. Now i'm getting 3 to 4 bars and my messages are sending without without delay now. I'm on AT&t.

@OP
Not for me!
Disconnecting

I'm getting better "signal" on 5.1 (more bars) However my lte speeds are horrible now Was 15-20 mbps and now its consistently 3-5 mbps on Tmobile.

Indicators can be changed to always look good. Actual signal probably didn't change.

mzrdisi said:
Indicators can be changed to always look good. Actual signal probably didn't change.
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This.
Its showing 3-4 bars of LTE in my house now, where before lucky to have 1.
But dbms are literally the same for me at least.
At work, inside thick concrete walls, inside of more thick concrete walls...I used to be able to keep a solid 4G signal. Now it barely keeps connected, and when it does it never goes off of EDGE. I'm on TMO btw.
I think I'll be switching back to the last radio. Not impressed with this new one from the 5.1 update.

Another thought is the transition from LTE to HSPA might be improved. I wasn't able to make a phone call in my basement at my desk. Now after the 5.1 update I was able to call and hold a conversation in the same spot.

SuperMan(Alex) said:
@OP
Not for me!
Disconnecting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. Signal is worse, drops down to edge.

updated mine yesterday. i had 0-1 bars, now i have 3-4 in my home

SuperMan(Alex) said:
@OP
Not for me!
Disconnecting
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Me Too

The 47E radio is the best radio so far (for me at least).

Related

[Q] Only 2bars while connected to 4G after OTA update??

I received the update yesterday. 4G connection is better but I'm still only getting 2 bars. I live 500m from tower and the other tower is 800m or so. Camera works better and hissing is gone. However the LG and Thunderbolt both got full bars even though they weren't working as they should and Verizon swapped for the Bionic and this is my Second Bionic.
Strange thing is when I'm talking on the phone I get full 4G bars but off the phone I get 1-2 bars. Speeds are fine and when I run Open Signal it shows 86% signal strength and -69 to -71 dBm and 21asu.
Called Verizon and they turned me over to Motorola and they said the update hasn't been released yet but what up date did I get then?
It shows 5.5.893.XT875.Verizon.en.US.
So is my bar graph off or is there something else going on?
Was it pushed to your phone or did you do it manually?
OTA was avaible for download this morning so i installed.
Bars really mean nothing for 4g. Two bars is just as strong as four.
I was showing usually 3-4 bars bars before the update and had sporadic speeds when tested. Now I'm 2-3 bars and stable.
I wouldn't stress. Does your phone run fine? You said your signal strength was the same. Don't worry.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Ok thanks. Phone has been better since up date and its the only thing that i noticed.

(Q)HTC one low signal bars UK EE/Orange

i recently unlocked, rooted and s-off my htc one, on stock i used to get around 5/4 signal bars and now i only get two/three.
im currently running trickdroid 7.5 rom 4.2.2.
so im looking for a radio which would work for orange/EE in the UK.
please can someone help, or point me into the right direction
this is the one for the 4.2.2 firmware
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42139108&postcount=18404
Are you sure that it is not the same level? Don't be fooled by the bar looking different, remember that it might show 2 bars of LTE but that could still be better than 5 bars of H+ (as an example).
So if you used to get 5 bars of 3G but your now getting 2 bars of H or H+ then you are better off even though its less bars.
Please do not take this as me treating you as if you are stupid, I am not, I have come across a lot of people recently who thought the same, and it turned out to just be a different type of signal.
fixed
okk i just flashed 1.29.401.12 Radio and it's back to normal.
i found it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2245615
Lennyuk said:
Are you sure that it is not the same level? Don't be fooled by the bar looking different, remember that it might show 2 bars of LTE but that could still be better than 5 bars of H+ (as an example).
So if you used to get 5 bars of 3G but your now getting 2 bars of H or H+ then you are better off even though its less bars.
Please do not take this as me treating you as if you are stupid, I am not, I have come across a lot of people recently who thought the same, and it turned out to just be a different type of signal.
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Click to collapse
thanks for the input but!
i never said i was using my data connection,
Same principle applies even with data off.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Lennyuk said:
Are you sure that it is not the same level? Don't be fooled by the bar looking different, remember that it might show 2 bars of LTE but that could still be better than 5 bars of H+ (as an example).
So if you used to get 5 bars of 3G but your now getting 2 bars of H or H+ then you are better off even though its less bars.
Please do not take this as me treating you as if you are stupid, I am not, I have come across a lot of people recently who thought the same, and it turned out to just be a different type of signal.
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Click to collapse
So if I have 5 bars when set to "GSM" only but 2-3 when set to "GSM/CDMA" .. that's as good?
I'm being serious btw, I normally set mine to just GSM as I seemed to have more signal but if there isn't any point then I won't bother lol ..I'm in the UK btw and on a network that doesn't support LTE (I think)
AllAboutTheCore said:
So if I have 5 bars when set to "GSM" only but 2-3 when set to "GSM/CDMA" .. that's as good?
I'm being serious btw, I normally set mine to just GSM as I seemed to have more signal but if there isn't any point then I won't bother lol ..I'm in the UK btw and on a network that doesn't support LTE (I think)
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You can confirm the 'type' of signal you are getting at any time in the menu > settings > about part of the phone.
Your phone will automatically switch to whatever the best signal is available at any time, you don't really need to change your GSM/WCDMA settings, unless you really want to force it away from 3G connections (again this does not mean you have to have data turned on).
Cool, I'm not too fussed about what data type it uses as I rarely have data turned on, I just naturally assumed that by switching it from GSM'CDMA Auto to just GSM, meant that I'd have better reception, being that the signal bars went from 2/5 to 5/5 ... You learn something new everyday lol
EDIT: I checked my signal, and I mean my reception, not the data connection type, when switched between GSM/WCDMA Auto and GSM Only and there is a huge difference. I found this guide:
dB Signal - A basic guide
-50 to -60 (very strong, near a cell tower)
-60 to -70 (extremely good, rare)
-80 to -85 (normal downtown)
-90 to -95 (getting on the weak side)
-95 to -98 (weak, dropping calls)
-98 to -100 (bad, hard to stay connected)
-100+ (basically no usable signal)
When I set my phone to GSM Only I hover around -70, which is good, when I switch to GSM/WCDMA Auto it is a different story. I know it changes and finds the best signal, which I might add drains more battery on an already power hungry beast, but I was hovering at -100 which is terrible and often calls were dropping or people were saying it was engaged when infact I hadn't used it.
It's clear to me that in my case, GSM Only is the far better option if I actually want to use my phone to make calls ... Data speeds I'm not arsed about so EDGE is just fine with me.

Updated to 4.3 Firmware and have less signal bars? Read This!

I've seen some people post regarding less/lower signal bars when updating to the new radios which come with 4.3 and you have LTE.
At first I said "WTF" but then I realized... the bars are now sort-of working as intended...
Let me explain,
If you're connected to LTE, the bars are now based off your LTE signal strength. I noticed even at roughly -110 to -100 I only get one bar. I believe the bars start going up dramatically once you have a signal strength greater than -100 (for example, -95db, -85db) And we all know -130db is the cutoff before we lose LTE.
I figured this out once I turned the phone to "CDMA only" to test. Once on "CDMA only" I had almost full bars, (-70-75db for 3G/1x)
To conclude, if you're on LTE and only have 1 bar, you most likely/probably have great cell phone coverage as that 1 bar is determining signal strength for only LTE. When connected to LTE, you're also still connected to 1xRTT which is used for voice. LTE is only used for Data at the moment.
If you really want to test your cell phone coverage, you can get one of those programs to tell you both your 1x signal and 4G signal simultaneously.
Edit: I forgot to mention, Considering the LTE radio and 1x/3g radio are seperate, you're going to get mixed results depending on signal penetration through walls, trees, etc. From what I've seen so far, as of right now 1x/3g penetrates a bit better than LTE. But, really depends on your surroundings
Thanks for the info. Someone else tipped me off about this, and a few SpeedTest checks confirmed it. In fact, 1 bar with the 4.3 ROM produced slightly better results than the 4.1 ROM with 5 bars.
ED2O9 said:
Thanks for the info. Someone else tipped me off about this, and a few SpeedTest checks confirmed it. In fact, 1 bar with the 4.3 ROM produced slightly better results than the 4.1 ROM with 5 bars.
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Yup, which makes sense because when connected to LTE on 4.1 the 5 bars are based off your voice coverage, not LTE strength.
Still seems kind of dumb. I'd rather know what signal I have to make a phone call rather than what kind of data I can expect.
Thanks for info !
Sometimes just 1 bar but internet working well, but 4-5 bars it is not working/slower !

[Q] Cell reception indicator constantly flips between "no reception" display and bars

[Q] Cell reception indicator constantly flips between "no reception" display and bars
I'm using the Xperia Z3 Compact on TMobile's network in the US.
About 1/4 of the time when I turn on the display the phone indicates that it has no cell reception:
1) The phone shows no bars of reception, and a red X over the bars
2) The lock screen reads "Emergency calls only"
However, within a second or two the phone appears to acquire an excellent signal and I get a full 3-4 bar display. All of the areas in which I use the phone are marked as "Excellent" on TMobile's coverage maps.
This also happens intermittently while I'm using the phone. I'm not sure if it's actually losing the signal or if it's just a software issue. I've never had it drop a call or cut out while I'm talking.
I'm getting only acceptable battery life from the phone (about 25% at the end of the day) despite light usage and conservative app installation, even though this phone has a reputation for excellent battery life. My theory is that this might have to do with the phone constantly disconnecting from the network and then having to re-aquire a signal.
Anyone else had this experience with the Z3C?
Hey mate.. I posted the exact same issue a couple of months back. I was experiencing this exact same issue.
I've had my LTE disabled for about a month now and haven't had a single drop.
Not sure if LTE is a dealbreaker but since my device is a business line, I can "suffer" with better battery life and slower internet if I'm not dropping calls. I've considered trying a ROM with updated radio firmware but figured I'd wait to see what the current Lollipop update does ('ll re-enable LTE once I install it and see if it repeats the same behavior) for my phone before trying a 3rd party system.
Hope this helps
sh0nuff said:
Hey mate.. I posted the exact same issue a couple of months back. I was experiencing this exact same issue.
I've had my LTE disabled for about a month now and haven't had a single drop.
Not sure if LTE is a dealbreaker but since my device is a business line, I can "suffer" with better battery life and slower internet if I'm not dropping calls. I've considered trying a ROM with updated radio firmware but figured I'd wait to see what the current Lollipop update does ('ll re-enable LTE once I install it and see if it repeats the same behavior) for my phone before trying a 3rd party system.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Really gratifying to know that it's not just my device. Seems like there's a strong possibility this is the issue since I'm on a MVNO that's only been on this LTE network a few months. I've flipped the device into GSM only mode and we'll see if it helps.
Dumb question how do i flip it into gsm?
qylie said:
Dumb question how do i flip it into gsm?
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Click to collapse
Settings>More>Mobile Networks>Preferred Connection type> GSM only
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks!!!
I'm having the same issue as you have described. For now I've set the phone to 3G prefered. Looks instantly better. Signal strength is also better.
Provider: Simyo (KPN network) - The Netherlands
Edit - Issue solved:
I switched from the Lollipop Baltic ROM to the Lollipop KPN carrier ROM for The Netherlands. The switching is gone for me. Battery life drastically went up.
Any update on this? I just started experiencing this issue out of no where about 2 weeks ago. I'm not rooted or anything, can't afford to due to job security requirements and such.

CDMA-Less Device on Verizon (Amazing!)

One of the great things about this device on Verizon's network is instant LTE service. In my house I have dead areas which cause my signal to drop. When trying to get LTE back it can sometimes take 30 seconds or more because once I get to an area with service it will first go to 3G and then sometimes get stuck on it and I'll have to toggle airplane mode to get LTE back in a timely manner. With the OnePlus6T as soon as I have service it goes instantly to LTE! This is the first time I've ever had a device connect to LTE so fast. All my previous devices over the past 5 years since I've had LTE in my area have annoyed me because they always go to 3G first even though I have strong LTE service where I live.
I've always wondered why companies can't make their phones instantly connect to LTE when it's there and why they always favor 3G -- but this is no longer an issue since the OP6T doesn't have 3G on Verizon
imucarmen said:
One of the great things about this device on Verizon's network is instant LTE service. In my house I have dead areas which cause my signal to drop. When trying to get LTE back it can sometimes take 30 seconds or more because once I get to an area with service it will first go to 3G and then sometimes get stuck on it and I'll have to toggle airplane mode to get LTE back in a timely manner. With the OnePlus6T as soon as I have service it goes instantly to LTE! This is the first time I've ever had a device connect to LTE so fast. All my previous devices over the past 5 years since I've had LTE in my area have annoyed me because they always go to 3G first even though I have strong LTE service where I live.
I've always wondered why companies can't make their phones instantly connect to LTE when it's there and why they always favor 3G -- but this is no longer an issue since the OP6T doesn't have 3G on Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What now happens in the areas where you only had 3G on your old phone? On your new Oneplus 6T do you just have no signal at all since it is only a LTE phone?
mjnoles1 said:
What now happens in the areas where you only had 3G on your old phone? On your new Oneplus 6T do you just have no signal at all since it is only a LTE phone?
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Click to collapse
Well, I'm assuming that in none LTE areas I'll have no signal at all. But, Verizon's whole network has been converted to LTE as far as I know. I never go anyone where I don't have LTE (and I live in the sticks). But in the off chance that happens I have 2 lines and my Pixel 2XL is still in service.
mjnoles1 said:
What now happens in the areas where you only had 3G on your old phone? On your new Oneplus 6T do you just have no signal at all since it is only a LTE phone?
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Click to collapse
I too am on Verizon, and in my office at work, one of the places I had zero service on Axon 7, I still get calls and text and one spotty bar of LTE. At my house, in the basement bedroom where I have missed countless calls and txts, I have 3 bars of signal and no issues with calls, txts, or LTE.
I drive all around my county for work, and so far, I havent hit a no service area. on the Axon 7, they were evident. It could just be better coverage due to glass back vs metal (the real reason OEMs have switched to glass back imho) or the better modem of the SD 845, but hands down, the cdma-less VZW is far superior for me IRL usage so far.
This is obviously subjective, but despite living in a rural area, I have no need for cdma so far. Vzw is the only carrier with good coverage where i live (upstate SC) and somehow, cdma-less is better.
kitcostantino said:
I too am on Verizon, and in my office at work, one of the places I had zero service on Axon 7, I still get calls and text and one spotty bar of LTE. At my house, in the basement bedroom where I have missed countless calls and txts, I have 3 bars of signal and no issues with calls, txts, or LTE.
I drive all around my county for work, and so far, I havent hit a no service area. on the Axon 7, they were evident. It could just be better coverage due to glass back vs metal (the real reason OEMs have switched to glass back imho) or the better modem of the SD 845, but hands down, the cdma-less VZW is far superior for me IRL usage so far.
This is obviously subjective, but despite living in a rural area, I have no need for cdma so far. Vzw is the only carrier with good coverage where i live (upstate SC) and somehow, cdma-less is better.
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what network type are you using in the phone information settings??
mpetruzz said:
what network type are you using in the phone information settings??
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Click to collapse
LTE only in *#*#4636#*#*
2g/3g/4g in Preferred Network Type
Yeah I was in a spot Friday that goes to 3g or no signal often. I still had some sort of signal. It had an R and an H on the signal bar I believe. It worked fine and was still pretty fast online. Signal is way better than any of the Pixels was.
When I select LTE only I get two signal icons in the status bar.
Just curious will wifi calling / VOLTE work on Verizon?
rekd0514 said:
Just curious will wifi calling / VOLTE work on Verizon?
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Click to collapse
Volte has worked for me since the moment the tech I chatted with switched my sim to CDMA-less. Case and point, I am in the section of my house with the worst reception, a spot where the Axon 7 I came from got zero service on tmob and Verizon. Yet, much to my heart's content, I have service and VOLTE in the downstairs Faraday cage that is my house.
To the second part, no, Verizon doesn't support wifi calling on this device yet. Hopefully, they will work that out soon, but so far, I am having the best network experience I have had yet with Verizon.
mpetruzz said:
When I select LTE only I get two signal icons in the status bar.
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Click to collapse
Wow, just reset mine and noticed. I guess I had defaulted back to LTE/CDMA/UMTS, which apparently works fine. When I switched to LTE only, you are correct, double LTE icons in the status bar. I don't remember it doing that on 9.0.4. That being said, the other, default setting works perfectly fine for me.
Did y'all not have any problems sending/receiving MMS (not SMS) when your phone was in LTE only mode? I had to manually switch back to the default preferred network type from the dialer menu in order to fix that issue.
I had no problems at all I did the following.
1.Ordered new SIM card
2.Turned off old phone and took out SIM from old phone
3.Went on my Verizon account put in info on BYOD
4. Insert New SIM in 6T
Finish Setting up in your Verizon account then turn on the 6T
Done all working
I was worried because my old phone was 3G but the LTE is everywhere I always have signal.

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