Pixel - Signal dropping (Update: Google Knows)

[truenoob]

I'm on verizon and have been using my pixel xl for a few days and no call quality/signal issues so far. Coming from a Nexus 6p and also carrying a Samsung S7, my observation of the signal quality of the Pixel is that it beats the Samsung S7. Recently I was in a place with limited signal. The S7 wasn't getting a signal at all and the Pixel was able to get a signal periodically. When I carried the 6P and was in a similarly challenging environment, the S7 was my go to for the excellent signal reception I got with it. Now the Pixel beats it, so far. I'm very pleased with the Pixel.

 

[James4]

If data is working fast and fine as always then isn't that an indicator that the LTE is fine and should be fine for calls as well? Or is it a separate issue with the LTE for calling? The iPhone 7's were fixed with a patch in just under 3 weeks. Not sure if Google's pixel is the same exact issue or just similar.

Also, thought the newer phones would fall back to CDMA if LTE was not available. I see this when in certain remote areas

LTE siganal can be fine 99.9% of time, but if it drops even 0.1% of time, you get a dropped VoLTE call, as there's no LTE to CDMA handoff for calls. Data is a different story. It can just drop you to CDMA and then go back to LTE within a minute (some people here said that LTE returns after about 30 seconds). You most likely won't even notice that drop.

Regarding iPhone 7 issue, if you read Apple forums, you'll find that the patch didn't help everybody.

 

[cbreze]

@james, thanks, good info. Was curious about that. Was aware about the iPhone fix not helping everyone. Hope the pixel fix comes soon for everybody. Nothing more aggravating than numerous call drops.

 

[sulla1965]

For what its worth. I just switched back to the Nexus 6, and I noticed a weak signal in strong signal areas. I was seeing the empty triangle a lot. I never dropped a call, but the signal bars were definitely low.er than expected. I'm on selectel which uses Verizon towers. Perhaps something is wrong with google's software? The Nexus 6 was made by Motorola so I doubt it's a hardware issue with the N6.

 

[DJM626]

For what its worth. I just switched back to the Nexus 6, and I noticed a weak signal in strong signal areas. I was seeing the empty triangle a lot. I never dropped a call, but the signal bars were definitely low.er than expected. I'm on selectel which uses Verizon towers. Perhaps something is wrong with google's software? The Nexus 6 was made by Motorola so I doubt it's a hardware issue with the N6.

.

Are you running 7.1 on your Nexus?

 

[Preach2k]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

I am hearing that it is Nougat that is causing the problem. A friend installed it on his Nexus 6P and he had issues with dropped calls and a weak signal when he used to have a strong signal with Marshmallow! He went back to 6.0.1 Marshmallow. He said that his phone has not dropped an call since. He has an slightly stronger signal.

 

[DJM626]

Been hearing it is Nougat 7.1 as well. In time, hopefully soon we will see

 

[PhiPsi32]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

That would mean I'll have to pass on the 7.1 update when it rolls out. Which I think is meant to happen in December.

 

[matty032]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

Through testing I have learned that if I leave advanced calling turned off, it won't drop the calls. Try turning it off and test. See of you get the same results. I am not saying this is a solution, just that it's not holding a connection to LTE, where as it will stay connected to CDMA.

 

[sulla1965]

.

Are you running 7.1 on your Nexus?

Nope still 6.0.1 so its even more perplexing. For me it was the lte signal was dropping out but not the cdma cellular service.

 

[PhiPsi32]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

Through testing I have learned that if I leave advanced calling turned off, it won't drop the calls. Try turning it off and test. See of you get the same results. I am not saying this is a solution, just that it's not holding a connection to LTE, where as it will stay connected to CDMA.

Interestingly enough, I started testing with VZW advanced calling turned off. I turned it on later to activate WiFi calling. WiFi calling seems to be stable (on a call). Whereas cellular service drops off intermittently.

 

[matty032]

Nope still 6.0.1 so its even more perplexing. For me it was the lte signal was dropping out but not the cdma cellular service.

That's must be why the calls stop dropping if you turn off advanced calling. Advanced calling means the phone uses LTE instead of CDMA for better frequency response. I have not dropped a call or failed to initiate a wifi call since turning it off. The calls sound poor like they used to before LTE calling, but at least they aren't dropping. At least not yet.

 

[matty032]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

I am getting almost 20db more signal on 1x(CDMA)than on LTE. Much stronger signal. I knew LTE was weaker than CDMA, but that is a lot weaker. I bet this is a software issue and not hardware. If it was a crappy antenna, the CDMA signal would also be weak. And it doesn't appear to be. If someone else can test, try leaving advanced calling off for a day and see if your drops are reduced.

 

[DJM626]

That would mean I'll have to pass on the 7.1 update when it rolls out. Which I think is meant to happen in December.

Hopefully this issue will be resolved or close to being resolved by then. I do realize December isn't too far off, but I'm hoping, and I'm sure Google will be too.

Otherwise these things won't be flying off the shelves for the holidays as Google would probably like to see

 

[James4]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

I am getting almost 20db more signal on 1x(CDMA)than on LTE. Much stronger signal. I knew LTE was weaker than CDMA, but that is a lot weaker

You're comparing apples and oranges or in this case RSSI and RSRP.

 

[DJM626]

I am getting almost 20db more signal on 1x(CDMA)than on LTE. Much stronger signal. I knew LTE was weaker than CDMA, but that is a lot weaker. I bet this is a software issue and not hardware. If it was a crappy antenna, the CDMA signal would also be weak. And it doesn't appear to be. If someone else can test, try leaving advanced calling off for a day and see if your drops are reduced.

Will turn my advanced calling off tomorrow and give it a try. I'm on Verizon though will my phone still switch automatically? Will I see something to give me indication that it has switched ?

 

[sicario666]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

Did my thread seriously get hijacked? I'm no longer the OP.

 

[anon(9708869)]

Ok, so I still am having Bluetooth issues. I'm done. I called Verizon and they said that even though my 14 days was technically up on Friday, that I have a couple of days left on the window due to the Holiday??? Whatever. I will take it. Im going to the V20. I worry that I am getting a lesser phone (battery life, camera and overall build quality). Any truth to that with anyone that has one?

 

[sicario666]

Ok, so I still am having Bluetooth issues. I'm done. I called Verizon and they said that even though my 14 days was technically up on Friday, that I have a couple of days left on the window due to the Holiday??? Whatever. I will take it. Im going to the V20. I worry that I am getting a lesser phone (battery life, camera and overall build quality). Any truth to that with anyone that has one?

Personally. Other than not using vanilla Android. You won't miss much. I'm enjoying my v20. No dropped calls or dropped data signal. Large,crisp display. It's fast and battery life is great. You'll once again be a happy camper.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: Verizon Pixel XL - Dropping calls?

Did my thread seriously get hijacked? I'm no longer the OP.

I merged it with another. Both were same topic split into two threads.