Do some phones have better reception than others when used on the same network?

[testeraf]

I just purchased a Samsung Galaxy Ace Style to use on Straight Talk Verizon.

I also have a LG Optimus V that I use on Virgin Mobile.

When trying to use them in the same room I can get 3G speeds with the LG on Virgin Mobile(Sprint) but I can only get 1x on the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style ( Straight Talk Verizon).

Is it possible that a different phone that works with Straight Talk Verizon would get better reception?

Is there any type of external antenna that I could attach to this phone to get 3G reception?

 

[EarlyMon]

Yep, reception quality often varies by model, and nope, you can't change it.

 

[kate]

Do some phone have better reception than others?

Motorola phones are known for getting better reception.

When trying to use them in the same room I can get 3G speeds with the LG on Virgin Mobile(Sprint) but I can only get 1x on the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style ( Straight Talk Verizon).

Depending on where the Verizon cell tower is, you may or may not get better reception with other phones. You could test other Verizon phones to see, if you know other people using Verizon towers.

 

[testeraf]

You could test other Verizon phones to see, if you know other people using Verizon towers.

Would it make a difference if I'm using verizon towers through Straight Talk and the verizon phones of other people are on contract with Verizon?

Thanks.

 

[EarlyMon]

Would it make a difference if I'm using verizon towers through Straight Talk and the verizon phones of other people are on contract with Verizon?

Thanks.

It doesn't have to but it might.

Phones know what towers to use and how with a little database in the phone called the PRL. Often the majors will provide one list to their customers, another to the smaller carriers.

Either way, that ought not translate into reception - just service.

 

[testeraf]

What's the difference between service and reception? I am receiving 1x and 1 bar.

 

[EarlyMon]

What's the difference between service and reception? I am receiving 1x and 1 bar.

Both service and reception is affected in your case.

It's possible to get 1x and 4 bars - service is not great but reception is.

 

[testeraf]

Can either service or reception be improved by using an antenna?

FYI, I've only had the phone for one day so I haven't reached internet usage limits yet.

 

[EarlyMon]

Can either service or reception be improved by using an antenna?

Nope, sorry.

 

[AZgl1500]

I just purchased a Samsung Galaxy Ace Style to use on Straight Talk Verizon.

I also have a LG Optimus V that I use on Virgin Mobile.

When trying to use them in the same room I can get 3G speeds with the LG on Virgin Mobile(Sprint) but I can only get 1x on the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style ( Straight Talk Verizon).

Is it possible that a different phone that works with Straight Talk Verizon would get better reception?

Is there any type of external antenna that I could attach to this phone to get 3G reception?

The Technical Answer is you switched Network Providers during that test.

When you did that, you changed Cell Sites which means that the signals are not on the same identical path to you. One is longer, maybe has more trash in the way (trees, hills, buildings, steel cyclone fences, etc.) and the two phones are not in the same precise 3D location. At the frequencies these phones use, you can move a few inches and hit a dead spot. Move a yard or so away and hit a hot spot. It all has to do with 'Multi-Path' reception of the same signal, from two or more different paths that it made from the cell site to your phone.

Also, the two providers are operating on different frequency bands. that also has an effect (although relatively minor at the frequencies involved, but it is still there.

I live in a rural area on Verizon's network. As I move around my home I can see the signal change between all four states, 1x, E, 3g, 4g

Try this app out and see how the two networks compare in your particular location.

=>* Network Signal Strength - Android Apps on Google Play


____________________________________
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[kate]

Can either service or reception be improved by using an antenna?

One option is an in home signal booster, but I'm not sure if Straight Talk/Verizon offer that.

For example Sprint uses Airave to increase signals.

 

[testeraf]

What is the difference between an antenna and a signal booster? Are signal boosters specific to a network? In other words, don't they make signal boosters that will boost a signal regardless of the network?

thanks.

 

[EarlyMon]

What is the difference between an antenna and a signal booster? Are signal boosters specific to a network? In other words, don't they make signal boosters that will boost a signal regardless of the network?

thanks.

Not the kind she means.

Those are home network appliances that hook up to your internet on one side and create a TINY cell phone tower, just for you and yours, in your house. You typically get them from your carrier (often free) and they're not all the same.

Then there are signal booster apps that do basically nothing (turn the radio on and off trying for a better signal) for your situation.