It's the antenna, stupid...

[wph27]

Mine went from -95dBm to -103dBm. Htc gotha do something about this issue or verizon.

 

[Peanutbutter_N_Jelly]

The manual says not to cover the bottom inch where the Google logo is while the phone is in use because it will mess up your call quality.

Where does it say this? Not doubting you, I just wanna see it

 

[Jasonrj]

Where does it say this? Not doubting you, I just wanna see it

Page 6 of the "Product Safety & Warranty Brochure"

 

[Peanutbutter_N_Jelly]

Thanks.

Btw... I see an almost immediate change when I cover my antenna. Doesn't seem to effect my calls though

 

[FreezingD]

Mine went from -100 to -84 at my house with the "incredible pinch". Thanks for the info ! That's why I read these forums daily.

 

[rhippler]

Mine goes from around -60 to -75. but I gotta hold it in my left hand to see that drop.

 

[nopants]

funny...

Overtime I try this "pinch grip" you're talking about, my phone goes to sleep. Then when I try it again, it comes back on.


Strangest damned thing...

 

[newdroidnewb]

Wow, thats crazy! I never noticed that before.

I just tried it on my BB Tour and went from about 95 to 82. So good news is, its not just you Inc. owners.

Its amazing how much it changes though.

Holding like OP suggested only with thumb and index finger on bottom and top is was about -82
Holding in typical BB prayer method as if typing on keyboard it went to about -92
Hold in one hand with hand flat as if hand was a table and phone resting on it, it went to about -95
Holding in one hand with fingers slightly wrapped around sides of phone as if you start gesturing on screen (I wish) it went to -100

This is obviously not scientific, but I did it several times in each position and got similar results each time.

 

[zhelf]

why is it all these devices put the antenna on the bottom where you place your hand?

 

[gotroot801]

Android noob question: how are you guys getting the signal strength?

 

[zhelf]

Android noob question: how are you guys getting the signal strength?

menu-> settings-> about phone -> network-> signal strength is right there second item

 

[dgalanter]

I am now thinking that to perhaps save battery, or for another reason, the bars don't really increase until there is a reason. I can be at home with one bar (and I'm in a strong area), and get a call, and suddenly be at 4 bars.

 

[gotroot801]

menu-> settings-> about phone -> network-> signal strength is right there second item

Yikes... now I wish I hadn't seen that. I'm lucky to get above -80. I mean, it's been good enough for phone calls most of the time (no worse than any other phone I've owned), but now I think I have a problem.

 

[dgalanter]

^ If it hasn't been a functional problem, why would seeing a number that may or may not be correct be a problem?

If you're using it and it works without issue, what's the difference? Only time I've dropped a call is the same places I've dropped a BB call: in an elevator (I was dumb to get in) and in a basement without windows.

 

[zhelf]

Yikes... now I wish I hadn't seen that. I'm lucky to get above -80. I mean, it's been good enough for phone calls most of the time (no worse than any other phone I've owned), but now I think I have a problem.

actually the closer to 0 the better so if your not going above -80 that would be a good thing.

 

[dgalanter]

If he's not going above -80 that may be a bad thing, since -60 is above -80. As you said, closer to 0 the better.

 

[Jasonrj]

I'm usually between -90 and -100.. But then again I live in nowheresville and Verizon is the only network with coverage within a mile of here. No problems yet except for the occasional glitch in sound for a fraction of a second.

 

[zhelf]

If he's not going above -80 that may be a bad thing, since -60 is above -80. As you said, closer to 0 the better.

my bad i took it as going into -90 since some people dont know that closer to zero is better

 

[TBolt]

wow. -98 dBm to -86 dBm for me.

and, when I placed my hand back in the natural position, the signal strength stayed at/near -86 dBm.