Nexus 5 ATT Microcell Issue

[mrvco]

In recent months I replaced my Nexus 4 with a Nexus 5 (820 model). My Nexus 4 worked great with my ATT Microcell, but with the Nexus 5 I have to be standing within a few feet of the Microcell for the n5 to get a useable amount of signal (I've tested this with another ATT Microcell at work and get the exact same results). I've also compared signal levels with other phones on both Microcells and they get great signal at much greater distances and through walls. I don't seem to have any signal level issues when connecting to ATT's normal towers (LTE or HSDPA+).

As far as I can tell, in this area the ATT Microcell utilizes the 1900 MHz band, while ATT's towers utilize the 850 MHz band. My guess here is that there is something wrong with the radio in my Nexus 5 that is keeping it from getting good reception on the 1900 MHz band.

• I contacted Google's Nexus Support group and they didn't have any diagnostic or troubleshooting steps related to the issue as I described it.
• I tried restarting in Safe Mode, but that made no difference.
• I also did a wipe and am reinstalling from my latest backup, but that doesn't appear to have made any difference.

I really like my Nexus 5 and just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before I start shopping for a replacement.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LeoRex]

Have you tried testing the signal with any tools? Like 'LTE Discovery' or 'Network Signal Info'?

Sometimes can show info that the little signal bars can't (i.e. is the signal noisy or just weak, etc). A noisy signal is rated just as a weak one would, but the two are remarkedly different in their root cause.

 

[mrvco]

I have Network Info Signal Pro and it doesn't appear that the issue is noise (at least compared to what a noisy wifi connection looks like). The signal level just drops off rapidly as I move away from the Microcell.

 

[mrvco]

I did do a Factory Reset yesterday afternoon and it appears that the signal strength from the Microcell is slightly stronger now when connected to either Microcell, but still a fraction of what other phones are getting.

I'm not holding out much hope for any further improvement and will probably switch to the 2014 Moto X.

 

[brosko]

I use a micro cell with my n5 and have full bars within a 30ft or so radius of unit. I even maintain 3 bars outside the house a good 40-50 ft from the unit. The microcell signal strength has exceeded expectations by far! I can say for sure that the nexus 5 has no issues with a micro cell. Maybe play with your APN settings?

 

[webstermiller]

I've had a microcell and the N5 for about a year and a half. I've never had signal strength issues, but I does cause my battery to drain much faster. I don't think the N5 every goes into deep sleep when connected to the Mcell.

 

[brosko]

I've had a microcell and the N5 for about a year and a half. I've never had signal strength issues, but I does cause my battery to drain much faster. I don't think the N5 every goes into deep sleep when connected to the Mcell.

This could explain my short battery life issues? Thanks