Will the S3 have the same reception issues as the GNex?

[AFX337]

Well, with Verizon ending unlimited data on the 28th, now is the time to get a new phone. It's between the S3 and the Razr Maxx, and my first choice is obviously the S3. However, Samsung doesn't do so well when it comes to reception. I had serious issues with my Galaxy Nexus that forced me to return it, and many many people were having the same problems.

Clearly there's no way of knowing whether the S3 will have the same issues until it's actually out, but is there any indication as of now as to whether they've cleared this up? New hardware? Anything?

I'd just really hate to get stuck with a non-functioning phone again, so I'm hoping someone has some info on this before I order it.

Thanks

 

[jbdan]

Like you said we don't know. You have 14 days to find out for yourself. Maybe we'll get some early info on its signal integrity before it launches. Here's to hoping.

 

[AFX337]

Yeah, that's true. The problem is it doesn't ship until July and at that point if I return it or switch it out for a new phone, there goes my unlimited data.

I guess I'll just have to go for it and hope for the best.

 

[SamMax]

The Galaxy S2 doesn't have the poor signal like the Nexus does, so hopefully it's the same radio or better.

 

[fuddes]

I'm having problems with the reception, and the battery drains like crazy when it happens.

 

[Travisimo]

The Galaxy S2 doesn't have the poor signal like the Nexus does, so hopefully it's the same radio or better.

The Galaxy S2 isn't on Verizon's LTE network. The only hope we have that signal might be better on the S3 than the Galaxy Nexus is 1) it's a new chipset with a new radio, and 2) the signal issues on the Gnex were highly pubicized so one would think the S3 would at least have some sort of improvement.

I think at least part of the problem is just Verizon's LTE network itself. Many of Verizon's 4G phones have had problems with 3G/4G handoff, for example. I had the Bionic and it has an issue with loss of data connection when switching from 3G/4G - but it got better signal strength than the Gnex and stayed on 4G more often.

 

[durag1]

Having problems with reception on my S3. It get half or less reception than my old HTC Evo 4G. I went to sprint and they said the lookout app would decrease my reception. Sure didn't effect my evo. I deleted it and it did absolutely nothing to help. Worst reception I have ever had on phone. I love all the features on the phone but if you can't get reception, what's the point. May be just a bad phone. Going back to sprint to try again. My tell them just to keep and reactivate my old trusty Evo!

 

[Blue218]

Sounds like no more Samsung phones on verizon for me......I've been suffering with the Gnx on verizon since 12-16-11 (day after release). My cell phone is my only phone so it really needs to work.

 

[Trent Reznor]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news... but almost all of the current generation of phones are using the Qualcomm S4 SoC. Htc One X, GS3, Inc 4g, and upcoming Moto Razr Hd and because they are all using the same S4 SoC that has the radios on die with the CPU/GPU all of these phones use the same radios.

So if the reception sucks on the GS3 there is gonna be no safe place to turn with this generation of phones.

 

[hook3m]

Having problems with reception on my S3. It get half or less reception than my old HTC Evo 4G. I went to sprint and they said the lookout app would decrease my reception. Sure didn't effect my evo. I deleted it and it did absolutely nothing to help. Worst reception I have ever had on phone. I love all the features on the phone but if you can't get reception, what's the point. May be just a bad phone. Going back to sprint to try again. My tell them just to keep and reactivate my old trusty Evo!

I am having the same problem. I never had an issue with my Evo at my house but since I got my S3 I have dead spots all over.

 

[colnago]

FWIW, I have the AT&T branded Note, and feel that it could do better in the reception department. Unfortunately, it will show 4 out of 5 bars of signal strength, with a -97dBm signal. I see this condition every day at work, where I'll lose 50-70% of charge with the phone mostly idle, where at home, with a -75dBm signal, and better, the phone seems capable of lasting over 24hrs. I was hoping for stellar reception, given the Note's size, but even my low end T-Mobile Motorola Defy sees better #s "on AT&T's 3G network". I'm doubtful the S3 will fare much better.

 

[NightxFall]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news... but almost all of the current generation of phones are using the Qualcomm S4 SoC. Htc One X, GS3, Inc 4g, and upcoming Moto Razr Hd and because they are all using the same S4 SoC that has the radios on die with the CPU/GPU all of these phones use the same radios.

So if the reception sucks on the GS3 there is gonna be no safe place to turn with this generation of phones.

Actually, this is untrue. Apparently from what im reading, the SoC sort of provides a base radio (metaphorically, maybe im wrong), and the actual radio itself is different for every carrier. Something along the lines of that

 

[Trent Reznor]

Actually, this is untrue. Apparently from what im reading, the SoC sort of provides a base radio (metaphorically, maybe im wrong), and the actual radio itself is different for every carrier. Something along the lines of that

With the S4 the cellular modem (ie radio) is part of the same chip as the CPU/GPU.

Qualcomm Modems

"Qualcomm is first to market with most of the latest 3G/4G multimode modem technologies, giving our partners a leg up against the competition. For example: Snapdragon MSM8960 is the industry

 

[ylexot]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news... but almost all of the current generation of phones are using the Qualcomm S4 SoC. Htc One X, GS3, Inc 4g, and upcoming Moto Razr Hd and because they are all using the same S4 SoC that has the radios on die with the CPU/GPU all of these phones use the same radios.

So if the reception sucks on the GS3 there is gonna be no safe place to turn with this generation of phones.

Not true. The modem may be the same, but the antenna well not be the same and is a more critical part when it comes to reception.

 

[Trent Reznor]

Not true. The modem may be the same, but the antenna well not be the same and is a more critical part when it comes to reception.

Yes antenna design will likely be unique to each manufacturer. Whether or not it is more critical than modem/radio I think is debatable.

 

[CaliforniaMan]

Well, with Verizon ending unlimited data on the 28th, now is the time to get a new phone. It's between the S3 and the Razr Maxx, and my first choice is obviously the S3. However, Samsung doesn't do so well when it comes to reception. I had serious issues with my Galaxy Nexus that forced me to return it, and many many people were having the same problems.

Clearly there's no way of knowing whether the S3 will have the same issues until it's actually out, but is there any indication as of now as to whether they've cleared this up? New hardware? Anything?

I'd just really hate to get stuck with a non-functioning phone again, so I'm hoping someone has some info on this before I order it.

Thanks

No the Galaxy S3 on VZW will NOT suffer the same issues as the Galaxy Nexus. Why? The devices have totally different radios.
The Galaxy Nexus use 2 radios one of CDMA made by VIA Telecom and LTE radio made by Samsung called the CMC221

While the Galaxy S3 uses the latest generation MSM8960 qualcomm chip/radio for LTE and CDMA . Qualcomm has much better reception and signal strength.

 

[21plays]

why not just go to the wifi menu, then hit advanced and change the "keep wi-fi on during sleep" settings to always

 

[MuddVille]

I have been having issues with my s3. Missed calls and text. they just sent me another one and still missing calls. not to mention issues with the sprint airave. I think i am going back to my evo

 

[jamisont]

Yes antenna design will likely be unique to each manufacturer. Whether or not it is more critical than modem/radio I think is debatable.

most manufacturers moved intenna module from top portion of phone to bottom to reduce radiation.
also they made lower sar rating antennas to make it on govn't regulation.

you cant have both better signal reception and low sar rating, you gotta makek compromise in between.

but anyway, samsung began to use dual intenna module since SGSII(1 on top and 1 on bottom), but on GNex there's only 1 intenna module on bottom left corner of the phone. (its intergrated with speaker module)
maybe that explains bad reception issue with GNex.

 

[Skeeter125]

No the Galaxy S3 on VZW will NOT suffer the same issues as the Galaxy Nexus. Why? The devices have totally different radios.
The Galaxy Nexus use 2 radios one of CDMA made by VIA Telecom and LTE radio made by Samsung called the CMC221

While the Galaxy S3 uses the latest generation MSM8960 qualcomm chip/radio for LTE and CDMA . Qualcomm has much better reception and signal strength.

idk many with the sprint are reporting similar problems to previous samsung devices. All I know is that if the radio is not improved it will be going back within a week. I played the nexus game and not going to get stuck with a phone with crap radios. After all it is a phone first.

 

[sorka]

idk many with the sprint are reporting similar problems to previous samsung devices. All I know is that if the radio is not improved it will be going back within a week. I played the nexus game and not going to get stuck with a phone with crap radios. After all it is a phone first.

It still cracks me up that so many consumers use the "number of bars" as a measure of true signal strength. So far all I've seen with regards to the S3 on sprint is exactly this.

 

[Skeeter125]

It still cracks me up that so many consumers use the "number of bars" as a measure of true signal strength. So far all I've seen with regards to the S3 on sprint is exactly this.

has nothing to do with "number of bars" I am talking about signal and losing data all together. Please don't try and act like everyone goes by bars. Bars have nothing to do with it.

 

[varaonaid]

I want to get this phone DH and I but I have medical issues that require the phone to be useful in an emergency. I keep trying to talk myself out of there being a radio problem but I can't ignore the reviews. What good does unlimited talk or texting, unlimited or throttled data do if you can't access ANY of it? Even though I use my phone less for calls, it is a phone first. Gotta have signal. So, I really appreciate this thread and reading the combo of user experiences, information, and comparisons. I think I'm gonna end up with a different phone much as I'd like to get the SG3. Reception is a must have!

BTW, I'm assuming that since the radio is HARDWARE that no difference in rooting and differing ROM's or updates will really make any significant difference, correct? Also, do I understand from what's already been written in this thread that the radio could be different on signal strength between the different US carriers?

 

[Skeeter125]

I want to get this phone DH and I but I have medical issues that require the phone to be useful in an emergency. I keep trying to talk myself out of there being a radio problem but I can't ignore the reviews. What good does unlimited talk or texting, unlimited or throttled data do if you can't access ANY of it? Even though I use my phone less for calls, it is a phone first. Gotta have signal. So, I really appreciate this thread and reading the combo of user experiences, information, and comparisons. I think I'm gonna end up with a different phone much as I'd like to get the SG3. Reception is a must have!

BTW, I'm assuming that since the radio is HARDWARE that no difference in rooting and differing ROM's or updates will really make any significant difference, correct? Also, do I understand from what's already been written in this thread that the radio could be different on signal strength between the different US carriers?

you might want to at least wait until the verizon version is out for review.

 

[sorka]

has nothing to do with "number of bars" I am talking about signal and losing data all together. Please don't try and act like everyone goes by bars. Bars have nothing to do with it.

Exactly my point, but everyone *is* talking about bars when comparing signal strength which is totally lame.