Hand covering phone = dropped calls!

[meso100]

I have experienced drop calls eversince I got my hands on the N1.

I had a new motherboard put in over a different issue and hoped the dropped calls would cease with this new part, but it hasnt been the case.

After searching the internet I noticed I am not the only one with this problem. The issue comes when the phone is held with a tight hand (my right hand) and the hand positioned close to the bottom of the phone (where the antenna is). The signal drops 2/3 bars and goes to no service. I can replicate this time after time.

I use the phone for work and it is becoming beyond a joke how many calls I lose. Its not just related to the area either as it happens when I have full 3G coverage or 2G coverage.

HTC will pick the phone up tomorrow for 'repair' but I advised them that a repair is not possible as its a design flaw. I have asked for my money back and do not under any circumstances want to be fobbed off with 'repairs' or a replacement handset.

Really gutted, I loved my N1 (past tense)

Quick question - will all HTC handsets similar to the N1 i.e. Desire, Legend etc have the antenna at the bottom of the phone?

 

[cabinets]

Perhaps a repair is possible (or a swap). I have had the N1 on TMO and att and never a problem. Most folks do not have this issue. Some do obviously, but not most.

 

[MadFlava]

Ive been waiting for a replacement for 3 weeks. Good luck.

 

[mi_canuck]

took me 7 weeks to get a refund on the first one...

but back on topic... i notice a slight signal drop when covering the bottom of the Nexus with *both* hands (ie. one in front, one in back)... but certainly not enough to drop the call... and since i've upgraded to the 4.04 radio baseband, signal seem a bit better... i'm sure this or an even further tweak baseband will be official released soon (i'm rooted, so trying anything to get better radio performance)...

 

[meso100]

took me 7 weeks to get a refund on the first one...

but back on topic... i notice a slight signal drop when covering the bottom of the Nexus with *both* hands (ie. one in front, one in back)... but certainly not enough to drop the call... and since i've upgraded to the 4.04 radio baseband, signal seem a bit better... i'm sure this or an even further tweak baseband will be official released soon (i'm rooted, so trying anything to get better radio performance)...

7 weeks? You actually got your money back?

Did you do this via HTC or Google?

How many times did you send your phone back and were there any repairs or replacements?

 

[mi_canuck]

i'm not getting into it... search my posts if you wanna know... it's water under the bridge to me...

back on topic... hand covering = signal weakening on some Nexus Ones...

 

[|mpulse]

back on topic... hand covering = signal weakening on some Nexus Ones...

The first gen iPhone had the same exact issues, I remember seeing download tests with the bottom of the phone covered with a hand vs. being left on an open surface and there was definitely impact.

 

[mi_canuck]

i don't clutch the phone from the bottom so for me personally, it's not really a problem...

 

[meso100]

Unfortunately I dont feel I can use this phone anymore. I have no confidence in its purpose and become very hesitant when I am using the phone during a call.

As it is a phone for work, when I use two hands to type and put the phone inbetween my ear and shoulder it too cuts off the signal.

I wonder how HTC will go about proving me wrong or infact fixing the problem (even though with my limited knowledge I dont think its possible due to design).

I will endeavour to get a refund as I believe I have a claim under 'The Sale of Goods Act 1979' (UK) - The Act states that manufacturers should ensure goods should be of satisfactory quality and fit to do the job intended for them.

The primary job intended for the device is to make calls and sometimes I am unable to do this due to the signal problem.

I can see this being a very long drawn out process...let the fun begin!

 

[markie-m8]

I had a HTC hero before the nexus and that was equally shite on the signal due to antenna in the bottom of the phone.

This will be the last HTC phone (well sometime its a phone) I'll buy. Shame really.

 

[mi_canuck]

Maybe you just have a dud?

 

[Roze]

@ Meso: Just out of curiosity, have you ever thought of using a Bluetooth ear piece? I mean this would solve the whole 'hand covering phone causing dropped calls' issue.

As it is a phone for work, when I use two hands to type and put the phone inbetween my ear and shoulder it too cuts off the signal.

Usually work related calls may take hours...especially if they are phone conferences, so wouldn't that cause your neck to get all stiffed afterwards?

Unless there are other issues you're having with the N1, by all means return it. But I don't really think it's a design flaw, all smart phones have the antennas somewhere at the back of the phone (correct me here if I am wrong). I mean it's either the back or the front of the phone, and you'll hear more complaints of dropped calls if they are at the front! If you know where it is, how hard is it to not cover it?

Just my $0.02,
-Roze-

 

[meso100]

@ Meso: Just out of curiosity, have you ever thought of using a Bluetooth ear piece? I mean this would solve the whole 'hand covering phone causing dropped calls' issue.


Usually work related calls may take hours...especially if they are phone conferences, so wouldn't that cause your neck to get all stiffed afterwards?

Unless there are other issues you're having with the N1, by all means return it. But I don't really think it's a design flaw, all smart phones have the antennas somewhere at the back of the phone (correct me here if I am wrong). I mean it's either the back or the front of the phone, and you'll hear more complaints of dropped calls if they are at the front! If you know where it is, how hard is it to not cover it?

Just my $0.02,
-Roze-

Hi Roze

The bluetooth is an option but for me its the principle.

Why should I have to change the way I use my phone because of the antenna being on the bottom? Why is the antenna not at the top?

What chance do you think I have of a refund?

Will all HTC smartphones have the same antenna position?

Thanks

 

[MartinS]

It's a well known problem.

For those in weak signal areas, you will see the bars drop in the notification bar and even dropped calls.

For those of you who don't see an issue, go into Menu>Settings>About Phone>Status. Then watch the signal strength in -dBm as you hold the phone and then take your hand away again.

Currently mine goes from-51 dBM 31 asu to -93 dBm 10asu when held - although I don't see a drop in signal in the notification bar.

 

[Roze]

Hi Roze

The bluetooth is an option but for me its the principle.

Why should I have to change the way I use my phone because of the antenna being on the bottom? Why is the antenna not at the top?

What chance do you think I have of a refund?

Will all HTC smartphones have the same antenna position?

Thanks

I suppose, one must uphold one's principle.

If it's within the 15 days policy (or 30 days if you're in California, I believe), you should be able to get your refund. Well hope you do find a phone that you can use without any complaints. With getting a phone that is not the N1, you can walk into a brick and mortar store and try the phone out before you buy it. I don't know if HTC built ALL of its smart phones with antenna at the bottom of the phone's back, so you might have to do some research on that

Best of luck to you mate, hope your next phone is still an Android

 

[meso100]

It's a well known problem.

Martin, do you have any links to any similar threads/sites?

I searched but just found one thread on the google nexus form...there were quite a few posts on it.

@ Roze

I am in the UK and a 30 day return policy applied. My concerns are whether a manufacturer would refund on a device which isnt fit for purpose (my purpose)?

I think because its signal related they will fob me off with possible problems being, sim card, network, other wireless devices in the area etc...

The phone was picked up today so may find out tomorrow what the deal is.

 

[MartinS]

Martin, do you have any links to any similar threads/sites?

I searched but just found one thread on the google nexus form...there were quite a few posts on it.

@ Roze

I am in the UK and a 30 day return policy applied. My concerns are whether a manufacturer would refund on a device which isnt fit for purpose (my purpose)?

I think because its signal related they will fob me off with possible problems being, sim card, network, other wireless devices in the area etc...

The phone was picked up today so may find out tomorrow what the deal is.

It's also related to the 3G - Edge issue:

Nexus One 3G problems persist after update -- is it a design problem? -- Engadget

You tube video:

YouTube - Nexus One 3G Problem Part 2 - After the OTA Update


And on this forum:

http://androidforums.com/nexus-one/34321-nexus-one-3g-problems.html

http://androidforums.com/nexus-one/35401-nexus-one-3g-problems-you-having-them.html

 

[mudrock1000]

I've never had a dropped call. HOWEVER...my 3g doesn't work. (It has to kick into H always otherwise I have no data. If there is no H, I'm screwed) and I often lose data when I hold the phone sometimes.

I have good service though in pueblo. The only dropped call I've had was in my basement...lol

 

[BreatheElectro]

It's a well known problem.

For those in weak signal areas, you will see the bars drop in the notification bar and even dropped calls.

For those of you who don't see an issue, go into Menu>Settings>About Phone>Status. Then watch the signal strength in -dBm as you hold the phone and then take your hand away again.

Currently mine goes from-51 dBM 31 asu to -93 dBm 10asu when held - although I don't see a drop in signal in the notification bar.

Did what you said, and it doesn't affect it one bit on mine.

 

[meso100]

Phoned HTC today for an update on my phone. They have replaced the antenna....housing!

Hmmmm...when I get it back its going straight back!

 

[mi_canuck]

Bummer dude.... I'm with u though... I believe it to be a design flaw...

 

[meso100]

Bummer dude.... I'm with u though... I believe it to be a design flaw...

Yeah mate, it is a design flaw, but im wondering whether they have an improved antenna which they will replace upon request as opposed to doing a recall?

Am I hoping for too much here?

Really missing the phone, more gutted because its a bank holiday Friday and Monday so wont get it until Wednesday at the earliest, thats 8 days with a

 

[Roze]

But I don't really think it's a design flaw, all smart phones have the antennas somewhere at the back of the phone (correct me here if I am wrong). I mean it's either the back or the front of the phone, and you'll hear more complaints of dropped calls if they are at the front! If you know where it is, how hard is it to not cover it?

Lalala...I retract this statement >_> I will concur with everyone else and say it's a design flaw : < When I use the phone normally...I've been getting drop calls...and I hold my phone 'high' too! *sigh* I was talking to a friend today and they couldn't hear me AT ALL...though I heard them perfectly find! The headphones aren't much better The speaker is way too low on the cord and it's at the back of the controller and although I can hear the music loud and clear, I have a hard time hearing people on the other end when I'm talking on the phone. Good thing for my blue tooth ear piece...although I want smart dialling!!

-Roze-

 

[RogerPodacter]

its not a design flaw because pretty much all manufacturers are now putting the antenna in the bottom of the phone.

my Nokia e71, 5800, n97 all had bottom antenna, and I had to learn to not cover the bottom cause the signal would drop on those phones too. this is common to all cell phones.

but I will admit that the nexus seems to drop signal more severely than a lot of other phones.