Related
So I got the Nexus S yesterday and LOVE everything about it.
I'm unable to get any acceptable reception inside my apartment (on the lowest level of a three story complex thats surrounded by other apartments).
I live in Hermosa Beach, CA and TMO says I have good coverage here... and they're right... because once i walk outside I'm blazing... like literally once I'm outside my door... what gives??? How can I go from 3G 4 bars lit up in green to that stupid EDGE with one bar... lucky to be green... or no reception at all.
Will I be stuck with not being able to use my phone inside my apartment? I called TMO and they are sending someone out here to check the reception I guess... but I'm stuck using WiFi inside my apartment without being able to use the phone.
Anyone else experience similar issues like that? My sprint phone never did this.
look into getting a signal repeater or something
T-Mobile definitely has issues penetrating buildings, in my opinion. Both my home and one of the two work-sites I frequent are almost dead-zones on T-Mo.
I purchased one of those zBoost cell repeaters for my home, which greatly improves reception, but you need to be able to run a cable to an outside antenna for best results.
Here's an Amazon link for a starting point to different models: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=mobile&field-keywords=zboost+tmobile&x=0&y=0
That said, it's ridiculous to have to pay $250 to get your cell signal. I only did it because the one I got does both AT&T and T-Mo frequencies (not T-Mo 3G, though) and my AT&T phones can get signal inside the house, but just barely.
I too have issues in buildings not necessarily my house but businesses
This is a T-Mobile issue. Not a nexus issue. Also is not a new issue.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
cpcrazyfly said:
This is a T-Mobile issue. Not a nexus issue. Also is not a new issue.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically correct, but if the Nexus S is your first T-Mobile phone, you might not know this. It would be easy to think the NS has a poor antenna. It's a valid question to ask, in my opinion.
redhatyellow said:
So I got the Nexus S yesterday and LOVE everything about it.
I'm unable to get any acceptable reception inside my apartment (on the lowest level of a three story complex thats surrounded by other apartments).
I live in Hermosa Beach, CA and TMO says I have good coverage here... and they're right... because once i walk outside I'm blazing... like literally once I'm outside my door... what gives??? How can I go from 3G 4 bars lit up in green to that stupid EDGE with one bar... lucky to be green... or no reception at all.
Will I be stuck with not being able to use my phone inside my apartment? I called TMO and they are sending someone out here to check the reception I guess... but I'm stuck using WiFi inside my apartment without being able to use the phone.
Anyone else experience similar issues like that? My sprint phone never did this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just a fundamental issue with the frequencies t-mobile uses for their 3g network, 1700 and 2100mHz. Those have poor building penetration vs for example lower bands like the 850mHz on ATT which penetrates buildings much stronger. It requires them to build towers closer together but that isn't always possible, its hard enough to get towers up as it is.
This is one reason I've tried to stay on ATT 3g as their 3g band performs much better in these situations, when its available.
distortedloop said:
T-Mobile definitely has issues penetrating buildings, in my opinion. Both my home and one of the two work-sites I frequent are almost dead-zones on T-Mo.
I purchased one of those zBoost cell repeaters for my home, which greatly improves reception, but you need to be able to run a cable to an outside antenna for best results.
Here's an Amazon link for a starting point to different models:
That said, it's ridiculous to have to pay $250 to get your cell signal. I only did it because the one I got does both AT&T and T-Mo frequencies (not T-Mo 3G, though) and my AT&T phones can get signal inside the house, but just barely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think TMO will provide this for me? Have people got TMO to do this before?
And yeah, I know this isn't a NS issue... I LOVE THE NS -- MY FAV PHONE OF ALL TIME!!, but i am new to TMO and love them as well EXCEPT for inside my house !!
Has anyone ever got TMO to provide better reception inside their home?? You would think they would provide people with like wireless routers for their homes!
I had the G1, Nexus One, G2, and MT4G before the Nexus S and have to say that the Nexus S gets hands down the best reception in my apartment.
The G1 was worthless, the N1, G2, and MT4G were pretty much on par but only got reception in certain parts of the apartment which means I couldn't move very much when on the phone (unless when on wifi calling of course).
The Nexus S has reception everywhere in my apartment with superior call quality throughout. Very impressed with it so far. T-mobile still sucks inside buildings but you're better off with the Nexus S than other T-mobile devices.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
find another place lol
why you are living deep down under. afraid of nuke or something ?
Also, I live in Los Angeles and we've been having lots of rain here... will that affect reception at all?
And what about femtocell technology? Does TMO use it??
redhatyellow said:
Also, I live in Los Angeles and we've been having lots of rain here... will that affect reception at all?
And what about femtocell technology? Does TMO use it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im about an hour away from you and the rain is horrible but i havent had any issues...
and I dont think they do
LOL! I cannot stop laughing reading this comment
ll_l_x_l_ll said:
find another place lol
why you are living deep down under. afraid of nuke or something ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rain seems to be affecting my T mobile service, I'm in the valley and areas I normally get 3g on have been edge or no service since the rain storms began.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Hopefully someone will port the tmobile wifi app to the nexus s. I may return mine and wait for it because I don't want to keep switching phones at home because one has the ability for wifi calling and the other doesnt.
Also I have tried sip calling to no avail on both nexuses.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Rain is known to sometimes cause interference with reception; I notice this as well in NYC. I have noticed that the Nexus S is pretty good at keeping the signal alive, certainly better than my N1 or Vibrant.
To improve your reception, set the phone to airplane mode and then turn it off a few seconds later to get the closest towers. Also call 611 and ask them to reset your phone on the network from their end. Surprisingly, this sometimes does help. As someone said previously, the higher the band (2100 mhz for Tmo 3G), the worse penetration is unfortunately. I think Tmo stopped selling their repeaters earlier this year or last year (hotspot @ home).
I tweeted on Sunday my dissatisfaction with T-Mobile service. I was 75' outside one of their own stores in an area marked as 3G on their maps, couldn't get data at all inside another store, couldn't get better than EDGE outside in the parking lot.
Their reply was to try a new SIM. The SIM I have is from my N1 original, it's not even a year old. Anyone think it's worth the effort swapping? Do SIMS actually "wear out" that fast?
I suspect that's one of those "we don't really have an answer or fix, but give the customer something to try so we look proactive" kind of answers. LOL
have you tried setting up SIP + GVoice over Wifi?
This doesn't resolve the tmobile issue, but at least you can make and receive calls on wifi without eating up your minutes...
It's not ideal, but it works.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877879
My friend had this problem with his ATT phones. He contacted them, *****ed, and they set up one of those repeaters in his apartment. He's the only one that could log into it and set up a filter to use only phones he registers. Maybe you can talk to Tmobile about this, though I'm not sure if they're eager to give everyone these things (or if Tmobile even gives them).
Alright, XDA. I really need your expertise on this one. I am doing everything I can to keep my Nexus 4. Even with its issues and shortcomings, it's the best phone I ever used.
The one thing I need is cell service where I work for calls and SMS only. I have wifi for data. After some Googling, will this work?
http://www.wilsonamplifierstore.com/t-mobile
It says T-Mobile uses 1900MHz for voice calls, sms, and 2G data. This seems just perfect for me. Will this work with my Nexus 4? I don't see why not, but it doesn't hurt to come to you guys first. Obviously, there are other options as well. What makes one more power than another? Are these things as effective as they say? Reviews are good, but I'd like your input before I buy.
Should I go through with this, I'll post a FULL review here. It seems like a great product.
I just got a signal booster from T-Mobile itself (free, except you pay the shipping charge, about $6 IIRC). As I understand it, it wouldn't be suitable for you because it's only for home use, but I'm posting for the benefit of other folks who may see the title and read the thread.
I'm not sure what all the requirements are for getting this from T-Mo -- they reviewed my account information and said I qualified but didn't explain further -- but you do need to be in a detached single-family dwelling and have some point inside your house where you get at least one bar of signal.
The booster consists of two separate units, a receiver (which is placed wherever in your house you get the best signal) and a repeater, which should be placed near where you spend the majority of your time. (The instructions that came with the booster said to place the repeater unit in the farthest corner of the house diagonally opposite the receiver "for best coverage," but that makes no sense: the receiver doesn't transmit, only the repeater does, so the repeater ought to be centrally located or near where you spend your time; it's not a very powerful transmitter, and the signal falls off quite rapidly with distance from the repeater.) The receiver and the repeater are linked wirelessly.
I found that the receiver isn't as sensitive as my phone. I originally placed it where my phone showed two bars, but the receiver indicated no signal. I did find a place where it showed one bar, so it is working for me.
Apart from the issue I mentioned regarding the range of the repeater, the booster is working very well. I get very nice, clear voice connections and as good data rates as I get outside my house -- 6.7 Mbps down, 870 kbps up. Another significant impact is on the phone's battery life: I had 40% left when I went to bed last night, while before it was normally around 10%.
This essentially eliminates my need for wi-fi calling, since I now get sufficient signal at home to use the regular wireless connection.
This is excellent news! I heard of T-Mobile giving these away, but I am on a prepaid plan. Even still, I'll call them and see if I qualify, but probably not since I heard it extends your contract, but not your upgrade eligibility. Don't know how this will work next year when T-Mobile gets rid of contracts all together.
Any idea about this one in particular? Does it work with ALL cell signals from different carriers and repeat them? If so, which ones? Or just certain frequencies/carriers?
Thank you so much for replying!!!
I've been wondering about getting a signal extender as well. They are all extremely expensive though. I get 2 bars of HSPA in my room, but in my living room I get no signal. If T-Mobile sends out the extenders for free, that would be incredible! I really the hope it applies to the prepaid plans though.
mjnouri said:
This is excellent news! I heard of T-Mobile giving these away, but I am on a prepaid plan. Even still, I'll call them and see if I qualify, but probably not since I heard it extends your contract, but not your upgrade eligibility. Don't know how this will work next year when T-Mobile gets rid of contracts all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about prepaid plans; I'm on a Classic family plan. They didn't say anything about extending my contract, which I presume they would have if it did. I have three lines, one of which is out of contract, one expires in April, and one in December of next year.
mjnouri said:
Any idea about this one in particular? Does it work with ALL cell signals from different carriers and repeat them? If so, which ones? Or just certain frequencies/carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be leery of that unit, unless you know what frequencies T-Mobile is using in your area. In particular, it doesn't have the 1700 MHz band, which T-Mobile uses in many areas. I'm not an expert on that, though, and in your area the bands it does support might suffice.
It says it won't work on T-Mobile 1700MHz, which it also says is 3G. I have no problem with this. It also says it will work on 1900MHz, which it says is for T-Mobile voice/sms/2G data. This is perfect for me. Of course, this is what the website says. I have to confirm with other sources that 1900MHz is what I need. It's just voice and sms I need, which is hopefully 1900Mhz in North Jersey.
FYI, ebay sells the tmo cel fi boosters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Mobile-Ce...062215?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27cdc67e07
I'm on my phone so I don't have the link, but i put together a guide for the galaxy nexus on how to hack your own wifi calling.
Basically you use csipsimple, GV Callback, callcentric, and Google voice.
Works great.
Should solve your problem
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 02:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------
Csipsimple connects to callcentric, which provides a free incoming number, which you connect to Google voice.
You use GV Callback to setup the outgoing calls. And then use Tasker to automate when to turn it on
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
kpjimmy said:
FYI, ebay sells the tmo cel fi boosters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Mobile-Ce...062215?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27cdc67e07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, yes, that's the equipment I have.
If anyone is looking to get a network extender from T-Mobile you should know they won't give you one if you live in an apartment.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Anyone have more details on this given away extenders?
Anyone got one who has a prepaid plan? What number did you call, who did you talk to?
joshnichols189 said:
If anyone is looking to get a network extender from T-Mobile you should know they won't give you one if you live in an apartment.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will they know what type of house you live in? Do they really go on Google Earth? Lmao. I live in a townhouse complex but I realllllly need a signal booster. None of my neighbors have T-Mobile so I fine see how it would be an issue.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Ranguvar said:
Anyone have more details on this given away extenders?
Anyone got one who has a prepaid plan? What number did you call, who did you talk to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC you can only get the tmo cel fi for free if you are currently on a specific plan tier and are willing to extend your contract for another two years. I did it because I just upgraded with my Sensation a couple of years ago.
I don't remember if there was a specific number to call, but I think I called the normal 611 from my cell.
You have to live in a single family house, without sharing a wall, and also you must have at least one bar of 3g right outside the house to bring the signal inside with the booster. I think there was a couple of other requirements best answered by the tmo reps when you call up.
GL
I don't know about the tmo sinal boosters but I bought this http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=9522493&pid=1218138268758 from best buy because my house had zero signal inside. I switched from sprint and they had given me an airrave. As another poster has already pointed out the range is somewhat limited however without it I had no signal, just the hollow signal bars. It does give me coverage in my house but there are still a couple spots where I'll drop a call. I do have a small house though. Overall I'm happy with my purchase but the unit is a little pricey and can be tricky to set up(mine is on the roof on an old antenna pole for broadcast TV). It does work though and I am on tmo monthly 4g. Hope that helps anyone considering this.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Just had a big long online chat session with a rep and she said the prepaid plans are NOT eligible for the booster. They are having someone come out and look at my reception problems though. So that's better than nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²
kcls said:
Just had a big long online chat session with a rep and she said the prepaid plans are NOT eligible for the booster. They are having someone come out and look at my reception problems though. So that's better than nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its on the TMobile site that the boosters are only for contract plans and you have to sign a new 2 year agreement to get one. It's also not yours to keep, your just renting it and you have to give it back to TMo when your done with them. And at $500 these things ain't cheap. I went to Best Buy and the one they said that would work that they had was $300, Walmart has one for $200 with so so reviews, an xbooster, I'll just move on for that kind price. So I ordered a StraightTalk micro sim and I'm going to see if I can get a better signal using AT&T towers. I'm only getting one bar on a good day on TMo at home and most of the places I go I get no signal at all. This is the reason I dropped them 10 years ago and it hasn't gotten any better.
I own the T-mobile cel-fi unit and can tell you that the product works perfectly. A great device. It only supports the AWS spectrum (1700/2100) and does not support the new refarmed 1900 3/4G spectrum used for iPhone and AT&T phones.
Fortunately for N4 users, it supports the AWS spectrum so the repeater will provide boosted coverage.
It does not support the 2G spectrum... Just a point to make.
kevlarian said:
I own the T-mobile cel-fi unit and can tell you that the product works perfectly. A great device. It only supports the AWS spectrum (1700/2100) and does not support the new refarmed 1900 3/4G spectrum used for iPhone and AT&T phones.
Fortunately for N4 users, it supports the AWS spectrum so the repeater will provide boosted coverage.
It does not support the 2G spectrum... Just a point to make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I need is voice coverage indoor. Do you know that T-Mobile is changing their voice band? Will this unit boost voice coverage for future phones?
After doing some research, it looks like the Cel-Fi RS1 Tmobile (~$130 only Ebay) only relays HSPA signal. Which I guess only devices with 1700 AWS band can get signal boosted.
I bought the RS1 T-Mobile from eBay and they work on Nexus 4 but not on my brothers' iPhone 4 and international Note 2.
For comparison, the Cel-Fi RS2 (~$550 retail) can boost many signals: 1900 PCS, 1700/2100 AWS.
Hey guys just wondering if there are any exynos users who have T-Mobile in the USA (Atlanta for me). Im using the n910U and i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all together. Its getting quite annoying as it was said that the unlocked version was supposed to work with T-Mobiles LTE bands. It also happens when using the download booster which is also a pain. Any suggestions on improving the signal? thanks in advance.
Bump. Anyone have any advice to remedy this?
Im planning on buying the sm-n910u aswell but I want to use it with metro pcs which should be using the same network as tmobile, I dunno if ur problem is the phone or network hiccups but im hoping it will work here in nyc
chukwu77 said:
Hey guys just wondering if there are any exynos users who have T-Mobile in the USA (Atlanta for me). Im using the n910U and i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all together. Its getting quite annoying as it was said that the unlocked version was supposed to work with T-Mobiles LTE bands. It also happens when using the download booster which is also a pain. Any suggestions on improving the signal? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few things to look at
Try 3g only awhile, you may have a marginal 4g signal and the phone keeps switching back and forth
Try to find out which bands are coming off each tower in your area as well as tower location
You are one of the first to use the new intel modem in the usa for this phone
Keep us posted
Back in the HSPA days I had nothing but international devices and frequently experienced what you described. All the carriers have different networking h/w and topology because they all grew through acquisitions. If I left my home town where I had decent coverage when my flight would land in another region I'd have to reboot my phone to get it to connect to the network. When doing speed tests with friends using "real" AT&T phones their phones were always faster and more reliable. It was only an issue less than 10% of the time so it wasn't a big deal (to me). For better or worse the carrier's optimize the radios in their phone for their specific networks. So, at least in theory, a carrier phone (used on the carrier that provided it) is always going to deliver the best performance.
I got my N910U from Hong Kong, and my 4G signal is as weak as hell, though i'm a China Unicom user.
My iPhone 5s has much better signal than it, same SIM same network.:crying:
There must be something very wrong with the Exynos version of Note 4.
Hope Samsung could fix this ASAP.
Yea it happens pretty randomly in my house and when i leave to drive around town. The signal will be 4 bars on 4G then suddenly just drop connection all together for about 10 seconds. its a real drain on the battery when it does it so often. Im wondering if its a software issue with the radio in the n910u? Since we have root already we can load a different radio on it and see if it improves?
Got the same thing going on with my 910U on Fido Network in Canada. I must note it seems like it doesn't affect performance except for a network speed, no issues during the calls but 4G signal is at 1 bar most of the time unless I'm outside in downtown or something. I must note 3G signal was almost always at full strength. Not sure what is going on here but I thing we really could use some modem update here lol
chukwu77 said:
Hey guys just wondering if there are any exynos users who have T-Mobile in the USA (Atlanta for me). Im using the n910U and i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all together. Its getting quite annoying as it was said that the unlocked version was supposed to work with T-Mobiles LTE bands. It also happens when using the download booster which is also a pain. Any suggestions on improving the signal? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have hongkong N910U model and facing signal issue on regular basis. When Problem appear I can not receive calls anymore and when try to make call , signal disappear altogether. After I retry a couple of times then it works fine but only solution is a restart to get the full strength. it feels like it is a software issue rather hardware but still keeping my device in observation. I feel when I enable power save mode only after that this problem appears. trying not to enable power save mode and test the issue for few days.
Kindly also share your own experiences to solve this issue temporarily.
chukwu77 said:
Hey guys just wondering if there are any exynos users who have T-Mobile in the USA (Atlanta for me). Im using the n910U and i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all together. Its getting quite annoying as it was said that the unlocked version was supposed to work with T-Mobiles LTE bands. It also happens when using the download booster which is also a pain. Any suggestions on improving the signal? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi i had this problem too when i used the fingerprint sensor.....then i turned it off and everything was ok..:laugh:
maybe its a root problem with the fingerprint sensor..
Okarina26 said:
hi i had this problem too when i used the fingerprint sensor.....then i turned it off and everything was ok..:laugh:
maybe its a root problem with the fingerprint sensor..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have the 910U, exynos working with Tmobile in the US? Getting both 3g and 4g successfully?
bjrmd said:
So you have the 910U, exynos working with Tmobile in the US? Getting both 3g and 4g successfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have 3G only..!!
i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all togethe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If have exactly the same issue !!!!
Start with full signal strength and going down to the lowest strength and minutes later no signal !!!
Reboot or Airplane mode can undo this, but the cycle starts allover: Full strength, less strength and no signal.
Tried with 3 different carriers !!
And 2 Note 4's !!
I have the Snapdragon version SM-N910F
What is going on ??
---------- Post added at 06:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 PM ----------
chukwu77 said:
Hey guys just wondering if there are any exynos users who have T-Mobile in the USA (Atlanta for me). Im using the n910U and i get a 4G signal pretty much everywhere but out of nowhere it will drop to 1 bar, and then drop signal all together. Its getting quite annoying as it was said that the unlocked version was supposed to work with T-Mobiles LTE bands. It also happens when using the download booster which is also a pain. Any suggestions on improving the signal? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If have exactly the same issue !!!!
Start with full signal strength and going down to the lowest strength and minutes later no signal !!!
Reboot or Airplane mode can undo this, but the cycle starts allover: Full strength, less strength and no signal.
Tried with 3 different carriers !!
And 2 Note 4's !!
I have the Snapdragon version SM-N910F
What is going on ??
altenae said:
If have exactly the same issue !!!!
Start with full signal strength and going down to the lowest strength and minutes later no signal !!!
Reboot or Airplane mode can undo this, but the cycle starts allover: Full strength, less strength and no signal.
Tried with 3 different carriers !!
And 2 Note 4's !!
I have the Snapdragon version SM-N910F
What is going on ??
---------- Post added at 06:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 PM ----------
If have exactly the same issue !!!!
Start with full signal strength and going down to the lowest strength and minutes later no signal !!!
Reboot or Airplane mode can undo this, but the cycle starts allover: Full strength, less strength and no signal.
Tried with 3 different carriers !!
And 2 Note 4's !!
I have the Snapdragon version SM-N910F
What is going on ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the N910U note 4 and having the same problem.
bobgoh said:
I have the N910U note 4 and having the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swapped the note 4 again.
The third one and a new simcard fixed the issue !!
3 to 4 bars signal strength/
I have this problem since yesterday, it seem like the Note 4 is dropping the Sim card. In panama we have a provider that will need to register the sim card with names and stuff but i never did and every time i turn off the phone it will pop out that menu from the sim card.
Yesterday it was popping out every 20mins so i assume that the note 4 is dropping the Sim card. i didn't have that problem when i started using it. its been only a week and this problem came out. I got no signal, with the circle and a dash to full signal and drop signal back... all day, I can't even play online or watch youtube or other things. But it work fine with wifi!
I changed providers no more issues for me. Gonna change back next week and a new simcard also
I am in Colombia and my phone always is with one bar of signal, but when I am making or receiving a call it get full bars of signal. Do your phone do that? (I have the N910U)
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
Have this device on Bell in Canada. Not having these issues at all, but haven't rooted.
I've used a mediapad x2 for the past year and a half, and have been very pleased with the device, with its one drawback being no LTE connectivity. Hspa+ has largely been adequate, though it's not a steady connection like I saw with LTE on my note 4 in the past, with ten to fifteen second pauses where I only see "H" in the status bar before the plus appears and I get punches of decent speeds up to fifteen mbps or so.
I've waited for a successor to the mediapad, and I feel this is as good as it gets if I want a larger device with phone capabilities. The stereo speakers are another big draw, and frankly I've developed a bit of brand loyalty for Huawei at this point, especially after getting burned by shoddy turnouts from my last two Samsung devices.
I've already purchased it, and I've researched enough to see it doesn't support tmobile LTE here in the US. However, I've noticed it supports more bands than the x2 did, and was curious if anyone could remark on speed or stability of the m3 LTE on that network. I won't receive the device for another week or so, but I'm curious if I should expect exactly what I saw on the x2 in terms of network performance, or perhaps some even minor improvements in that regard.
How is your experience with the Mediapad M3 on TMobile network?
In case the OP doesn't see this, I can comment on T-Mobile compatibility. It took some work with their phone rep, but I did get mine set up on their network. I do not get LTE at all in the Chicago area. I see alot of "H+" and "3g", but never LTE.
Mstins said:
In case the OP doesn't see this, I can comment on T-Mobile compatibility. It took some work with their phone rep, but I did get mine set up on their network. I do not get LTE at all in the Chicago area. I see alot of "H+" and "3g", but never LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's the data speed? Do you think this is worth using on TMobile? Thanks for answering!
Traff said:
How's the data speed? Do you think this is worth using on TMobile? Thanks for answering!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't fast. I've had H+ in the car and it is acceptable, but I was waiting on the ground in a plane a few weeks ago and the 3g was slow. Slow to the point that I didn't think I was actually connected for a while. I guess that is to be expected. I've got a Google Project Fi account and I may try that sim card to see if things are any quicker. I just like having the first 200mb for free with Tmobile.
T-mobile - LTE , Czech republik, Europe, M3 (firmware: BTV-DL09C233B030) - super, OK
*posted in error*
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 PM ----------
Mstins said:
In case the OP doesn't see this, I can comment on T-Mobile compatibility. It took some work with their phone rep, but I did get mine set up on their network. I do not get LTE at all in the Chicago area. I see alot of "H+" and "3g", but never LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind listing what changes you had to make to get it going on 3g? I can only see edge.
Thanks
mrja22 said:
*posted in error*
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 PM ----------
Do you mind listing what changes you had to make to get it going on 3g? I can only see edge.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the changes were on T-mobile's end. Mine varied a lot as I traveled around the Chicago area. I've since gone to a Project Fi sim card, but have largely the same results. I really think it just depends on your geographic location.
So for anyone interested, this is the compatibility for the M3 on USA networks
https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...ediapad-m3-td-lte-btv-dl09-32gb/united-states
I have confirmed on TMobile in some locations you will get 3G, but a rep today told me they are decommissioning a lot of these sites to replace them with LTE bands, so coverage will be shrinking.
Welp, there goes an hour of research which led me to the conclusion that this was the right device to buy for somebody who lives on a houseboat. *sigh*
According to Amazon is not compatible with any US LTE Carriers. Not worth paying extra for the cell capability since most of the 3G/HPSA stuff is going away.
dcamel said:
I've used a mediapad x2 for the past year and a half, and have been very pleased with the device, with its one drawback being no LTE connectivity. Hspa+ has largely been adequate, though it's not a steady connection like I saw with LTE on my note 4 in the past, with ten to fifteen second pauses where I only see "H" in the status bar before the plus appears and I get punches of decent speeds up to fifteen mbps or so.
I've waited for a successor to the mediapad, and I feel this is as good as it gets if I want a larger device with phone capabilities. The stereo speakers are another big draw, and frankly I've developed a bit of brand loyalty for Huawei at this point, especially after getting burned by shoddy turnouts from my last two Samsung devices.
I've already purchased it, and I've researched enough to see it doesn't support tmobile LTE here in the US. However, I've noticed it supports more bands than the x2 did, and was curious if anyone could remark on speed or stability of the m3 LTE on that network. I won't receive the device for another week or so, but I'm curious if I should expect exactly what I saw on the x2 in terms of network performance, or perhaps some even minor improvements in that regard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using my essential phone on T-Mobile for a couple hours. The signal strength seems to be bouncing around pretty erratically. I even completely lost signal in my house a few times. Anyone else having this issue?
I did remove and reinstall SIM to see if that makes a difference but it is to early to tell.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
hal3146 said:
Been using my essential phone on T-Mobile for a couple hours. The signal strength seems to be bouncing around pretty erratically. I even completely lost signal in my house a few times. Anyone else having this issue?
I did remove and reinstall SIM to see if that makes a difference but it is to early to tell.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up: I'll know on Saturday at the earliest.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
I have noticed this also... I might bring it by TMOBILE to swap my SIM card
eakrish said:
I have noticed this also... I might bring it by TMOBILE to swap my SIM card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI. Sounds like the dbm level is on par with the S8, it's just the signal meter shows lower.
https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/6x7gwn/essential_phone_first_impressions_thread/dmeer2y
Mine hasn't really been bouncing around but the icon shows the signal strength being lower than usual. Doesn't actually seem to affect my usage at all
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
I can say for sure that signal strength is worse then other phones. I loose signal completely in several areas where I used to have coverage. For measure previous phone was a Mate 9 pro.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
hal3146 said:
I can say for sure that signal strength is worse then other phones. I loose signal completely in several areas where I used to have coverage. For measure previous phone was a Mate 9 pro.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the bars, or actual dbm? Check dbm as others have suggested. Sony used to have this issue on TMo.
km8j said:
Just the bars, or actual dbm? Check dbm as others have suggested. Sony used to have this issue on TMo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is complete loss of service not just no bars. I loose connection to TMobile.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
well, this is concerning... I'll need to keep an eye on this one.
Have you checked the APN settings?
http://apn-settings.com/t-mobile-apn-for-android/
It may be worth a look.
I just got mine today (typing on it now on wifi). Will be swapping in my TMo SIM soon. And heading to a couple areas with less than great signal already so we'll see how it goes.
I did some more testing. The only other phone I have to test with is an iPhone 6. When I put my sim in the iPhone I get LTE and a signal strength of -117dBm. When I switch to the essential withe the same sim I get -109dBm, which should be better. The strange part is that I am not getting LTE only HSPA. I have confirmed in other areas that LTE does work on the essential phone with this SIM.
I have checked the APN settings multiple times.
From what I have seen it is as if the essential phone is more willing to completely drop signal and say no service or drop LTE and default to HSPA(not sure this is possible) at a certain signal strength threshold which is higher than most phones. I am not even sure this is possible. But from my observations I can lose service completely by moving the phone a foot or so in either direction or I can set it on my desk when I have service then pick it up 5 minutes later and it says no service.
I am also seeing issues of dropping with T-Mobile. There same sim card gets good service on my other phones
This is interesting, because upon getting mine this morning and getting it setup, I noticed the radio signal strength was 3 bars instead of a full 4 on my other phones (S8, HTC 10, Pixel). I'm about to leave for Florida which is a familiar drive I've taken with several other devices- I'll report back if I get unusual drops in coverage/slower than usual speeds. So far LTE speeds at home are in range.
this is interesting, I remember another phone that needed a software flash to fix this issue. I can't remember which phone it was though
---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------
On another note, I am having issues rec'ing MMS while on wifi
Yea speeds, signal and dropping is all pretty bad over here. Not good.
---------- Post added at 04:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:40 PM ----------
Anyone know what LTE+ is?
I haven't noticed anything that drastically different from my Pixel so far in strength or signal. I was at Watkins Glen all day today and have all sorts of TMobile issues there (regardless of phone) and the PH-1 performed as I'd expect based on past visits this year.
What setting do you guys have for "Preferred network type"? I have a feeling the erratic signal drops is because it's trying to switch to find the best signal...
Mine is currently set to the top selection which is LTE/TDSCDMA/CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA.... shouldnt it be set differently for TMO? does it really need to search all those bands?
quazimodem said:
What setting do you guys have for "Preferred network type"? I have a feeling the erratic signal drops is because it's trying to switch to find the best signal...
Mine is currently set to the top selection which is LTE/TDSCDMA/CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA.... shouldnt it be set differently for TMO.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that too. Tried every one and no difference
quazimodem said:
What setting do you guys have for "Preferred network type"? I have a feeling the erratic signal drops is because it's trying to switch to find the best signal...
Mine is currently set to the top selection which is LTE/TDSCDMA/CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA.... shouldnt it be set differently for TMO? does it really need to search all those bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
km8j said:
I thought that too. Tried every one and no difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check my post #9. Use that link.
Edit: wrong one. *#*#4636#*#* then change to LTE/UMTS auto PRL. Try that.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
km8j said:
Anyone know what LTE+ is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like it's LTE-A (advanced).