Connection slows when holding phone

[PurplePloy]

So, I recently got a Galaxy note and have been experiencing an issue with it.
Whenever I actually hold the phone in my hand, within about 25 seconds it will drop from 4G LTE to 4G HSPA+.
My speedtest results end up going from 12 MBPS to 1.13 MBPS and the ping more than doubles.
Is this normal with the Galaxy Note, or should I ask for a replacement?

 

[PurplePloy]

Well, I suppose I will just ask for a replacement. If the problem continues I might just switch to another phone.

 

[GMJeff]

Could be blocking the antenna that is incorporated in the back cover as well. Just a thought.