I seriously LOVE your hand-on impressions with both phones.
More people need to have an open-mind and embrace these devices for what they do best and their strengths instead of bashing each other based on their weaknesses.
Thank you! And I agree wholeheartedly.
You may be confusing "data" with "voice". 4G refers to data - not voice. The network extender provides "voice" capability - not data. If you're home where your network extender is, then I assume you have WiFi - that replaces the 4G or 3G data signal.
I have a very marginal voice and 4G signal in my home, but I don't even use the landline anymore. I use my Note 5 for all my calls because the network extender provides a VERY strong "voice" signal. My WiFi provides the "data" signal.
Turning off Advanced Calling allows you to use the Network Extender for "voice" - not data.
No, I'm quite clear on the fact is 4G is for data. That's why you can use LTE while you're on the phone. I do use WiFi at home for data and it works fine, but the only way to force a phone on to the extender, in my personal experience, is to turn off 4G. It may not sound completely logical, but that's the only thing that has worked for me. Sometimes the phones will connect themselves, but they won't stay connected if 4G isn't turned off.