Question poor phone reviews

[lobsta112]

I wish all these phone reviewers had the ability to test all these new phones they are raving about in an area which DOES NOT have a strong 5g signal. I would like to get a new phone but I am gun shy after the fiasco I went through with the S25+ that I had to return as my home is in a poor signal area. Both Verizon & T mobile say I have 5g but it comes & goes. My old S22+ works here fairly well but the new Samsung's just don't work as everything has to be transmitted back to google. I have seen only one review that mentioned a phone that had a weak reception problem.
Just venting
Al

 

[VidJunky]

I'm a little surprised that you struggled with the S25 as Samsung and particularly the S series is noted for having strong reception.

For reliable performance in areas with poor cell service, phones from Samsung (like the Galaxy S series) and Motorola, and some iPhone models (like the iPhone 15 Pro) are often praised for their strong antenna reception and call quality. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Phones with Good Reception Reputation: [1, 2, 3]

• Samsung Galaxy S Series: Samsung phones, particularly the Galaxy S series, are frequently mentioned as having excellent signal reception, even in challenging areas. [1, 2, 3]
  
  • Specific Models: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S21 FE are often highlighted. [5]
• Motorola: Motorola phones are also known for their strong signal reception. [1, 3]
• iPhone: [4]
  
  • iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro is widely perceived to have excellent antenna reception and call quality. [4]
  • Other iPhones: While some iPhone models have been praised for signal strength, others have faced criticism, so it's important to research specific models. [4, 6]
• Other Notable Phones: [7]
  
  • OnePlus 12: The OnePlus 12 is praised for its strong signal reception and 5G capabilities. [7]
  • LG V40: Some tests have shown the LG V40 to be a top performer in signal reception. [2]
• Factors to Consider: [8, 9]
  
  • Antenna Design: The design and placement of the antenna play a crucial role in signal strength. [8, 9]
  • Carrier Compatibility: Ensure the phone is compatible with your carrier's network bands. [8]
  • Real-World Tests: Look for real-world test results and user reviews to get a better understanding of a phone's reception capabilities. [8]
  • 5G Support: 5G technology can improve speeds and connectivity in some areas, but it's not a guarantee of better reception. [7, 8]
  • Wi-Fi Calling: Wi-Fi calling can help maintain calls even when cellular service is weak. [8]

When you're home do you have WiFi? Did you attempt to use WiFi calling? For me it is my house that causes me issues. I assume it is due to the aluminum siding on the house as I can stand on the porch and get signal just fine but when in the house I'm down to 1 and occasionally 2 bars.

Another alternative might be a network extender. You don't say which carrier you're with but you mention Big Red (Verizon) who offers a network extender unit that helps customers get signal in their homes. It works the way WiFi calling works but if you don't have WiFi at home this would be another way to get connected. The newer network extenders allow data too so it functions as an all in one connection tool. The one we bought in 2008, has it really been that long ago, I guess it has, was before the network extenders included data.

 

[lobsta112]

Thanks for the reply. When I had VZ, I had to purchase an extender to get reliable coverage for 4g/LTE at home. Had to give up VZ as I live on my boat all summer & VZ coverage is practically non-existent in harbor area & half the city. (I am a retired VZ employee & had a cell with them since the old Bell Atlantic days).
Switched to T mobile when I got the S22+ & could use that without the extender.
https://forums.androidcentral.com/threads/s25-not-so-good.1075464/
You can see I tried everything in that thread & finally gave up. I did ask T mobile support if there was a signal extender I could purchase. Was told they don't work on 5G. However, I see on Amazon they have 4G extenders that claim they also cover some of the T mobile 5G bands. Maybe I should spend $150 & try one out.
Thanks

 

[VidJunky]

Amazon is pretty good for returns if it didn't work. Never tried the Verizon extender on other carrier devices but if memory serves our extender would pick up on friends devices. As for the 4G 5G thing, everything is routed through your home internet so not really sure why carrier 4G or 5G would make much difference. I mean I would want 5G wifi over 2.4 Hrz but I don't believe this is affected by carrier offerings.

Best wishes, let us know what you find, and if you find something that works for you.