Verizon GS3 signal reception thread

[mseifert]

I transitioned from a Droid X. The coverage at my house is not great, with the X I typically had 1-2 bars, sometimes 3g, usually not. Never really had issues with data or texting; calls could be spotty.

Edit - the signal strength in my house ranges from -120 dBm to -94 dBm

My situation is almost identical to yours - Droid X, and with the S3 120 dBm to 94 dBm (Droid X was consistently 10 dBm better).

In the end I chose a Wilson 841263 Antenna which has boosted my reception by about 20 dBm - beyond what I had with the Droid X - no more dropped calls and no more echos of "can you repeat that?" Cost was $350 delivered and I justified it in terms of quality of calls and my sanity. This may not be an option for you, but since out situations were almost identical, I thought I'd share my experience.

The thought of testing / configuring / returning phone after phone and comparing them to the Droid X in hopes of finding one comparable in reception was more than I could cope with.

 

[tdse]

My situation is almost identical to yours - Droid X, and with the S3 120 dBm to 94 dBm (Droid X was consistently 10 dBm better).

In the end I chose a Wilson 841263 Antenna which has boosted my reception by about 20 dBm - beyond what I had with the Droid X - no more dropped calls and no more echos of "can you repeat that?" Cost was $350 delivered and I justified it in terms of quality of calls and my sanity. This may not be an option for you, but since out situations were almost identical, I thought I'd share my experience.

The thought of testing / configuring / returning phone after phone and comparing them to the Droid X in hopes of finding one comparable in reception was more than I could cope with.

Thanks. I appreciate the info. I called Verizon last week, and Tech Support said "there are known reception issues" with the S3 - and there will "probably be an OTA update" but they couldn't say when.

However, they did offer to send me a new phone (arriving Monday), but I'm not confident that will help. I don't think it's the phone - if I drive a couple miles from my house, I get 4g service.
If the new phone is no better - I wonder if I can convince Vzw to pony up for a Network Extender. I can ask. If not, the Wilson Antenna might be an option...I work from home, so really need my phone to work in the house.

Thanks again

 

[mseifert]

You're welcome. I did replace my phone (after replacing the simm twice) and you are correct - no change.

It is interesting they acknowledged known reception issues. It will be interesting to see if an OTA update can help these (I am not holding my breath) or if this is a hardware issue and Samsung antennas are sub par - which is what I would guess.

I tried the Network Extender with my X but it wasn't helpful (it supposedly doesn't work with a microwave network). Good luck with finding a solution.

 

[dmaxfan]

I can not understate how bad battery life is in weak 3G coverage areas. You can tell when it happens, since the device gets very warm to hot and the battery starts going down quickly. NEVER happens in 4G areas. Only 3G and this includes areas that have 3G and 4G. Switch the 4G off and watch the 3G radio's quest to suck the battery dry (if weak signal). Ironic, considering I would turn 4g off on the Razr to save battery life. Opposite with the GS3. 4G is better (weak or strong), unless a really good signal area for 3G. Only then is 3G battery life better. Added: This assumes you actually USE the 3G for downloading or streaming. I get GREAT battery life if lightly using the device- regardless of signal quality.

Upside down compared to previous 3G/4G devices.

Since evdo/cdma is not capable of simultaneous voice & data, maybe the extra radio in the sgs3 that allows it to do it pulls more juice?

 

[IWantMyApp]

I switched from AT&T iPhone 3S to Verizon GS3 about the time the GS3 was released, and have regretted it since! The camera is awesome, lots of neat features, but can

 

[IWantMyApp]

They sent me a replacement phone for an echo problem and it has G1 and is working great. On the box it said updated

Sorry for dumb question, but where you say firmware G1 fixed your issue, I’m hoping to get that one with my replacement tomorrow, but not sure where to find the firmware version. On my current, seemingly defective S3, I see F2 at the end of baseband version and Build number. Will both of these end in g1 if I get an updated version?
Baseband i535VRLF2
Build Number IMM76D.I535VRALF2

 

[ylexot]

Sorry for dumb question, but where you say firmware G1 fixed your issue, I

 

[rushmore]

Ah, the good old reception thread. Good times, good times.

Well, for some- not so good times. Anybody that uses the GS3 mainly in weak 3G areas, REALLY bad times. Poor battery life and toasty device if try to use data much. Were it not for the sweet display, sound quality, camera and lack of fixed navigation bar (cough, Razr HD) I would be a little ticked (pending an update hopefully to the kernel). Seems the issue can be fixed. VZW is aware of the problem.

 

[nytmare]

Sorry for dumb question, but where you say firmware G1 fixed your issue, I

 

[IWantMyApp]

Yes, the baseband should be I535VRLG1 if you get the updated one.

I got lucky and Verizon sent the I535VRLG1 version! So far, it seems much better! The dbM isn't a much better on average, but I don't see if dropping to -120 as mch as the older version.

 

[Odin3]

I finally gave up on my S3. I live and work in a poor signal area and it just wasn't cutting it. I've had it since launch day and reception seems to have gotten worse lately.

Today at work I tried to call a tech at another company from an office and only got about 10% of the other side of the conversation. If would get better if I held it away from my head but I still only heard about half of what was said. I texted a fellow with a MAXX to come to the office to try his phone. I couldn't make the RAZR MAXX break up no matter what I did, even covering it with both hands and holding it to my abdomen. I went back and forth between the two phones several times with repeatable results. That was the last straw for me.

I called VZW and admitted fault in keeping the phone past the trial period (I honestly thought I could live with it) and politely asked for a MAXX. They sent me to a 2nd tier guy who at first offered me another S3. I'm not sure if he was testing me or not. I told him that I have 2 friends who have an S3 and I didn't think mine was any worse than theirs and felt that another one would be no better. He then offered a RAZR and I responded that I already use two batteries a day in the S3. He then said he'll do a MAXX.

I'm excited, I think this will really help me and I feel VZW went above and beyond what most companies would have done. I feel much of the RAZR is a downgrade but I'm ready for another phone that I can depend on the place calls. We'll see how it works when it gets here Friday.

 

[indianaryan]

I have been getting terrible reception with Verizon, so I finally cancelled the service and tried out T mobile. I'm getting much faster speeds and a consistently better signal, at home and at work.

 

[lennydude]

As Rushmore and many other have stated..............your mileage will vary. I have owned many VZW devices in the past but the network around me , while being call friendly, the data just plain sux in my area. I have had better luck with AT&T but as you all must know.............mileage definitely varies with them......LOL.

BTW..............owned both Samsung Galaxy Nexus devices, one on VZW and a GSM version from Google Play on AT&T. They both were terrible phones..........my luck i guess

I now am using the S3 on AT&T and could not be happier. Works VERY well (in my area).

 

[IndyDog]

I just received my S3 yesterday, and I have been terrible reception issues. I transitioned from a Droid X. The coverage at my house is not great, with the X I typically had 1-2 bars, sometimes 3g, usually not. Never really had issues with data or texting; calls could be spotty.

With my S3, if I'm lucky, I have 1 bar, but usually no service. When I look at "about device", the "baseband version" ends in F2. Is that where I should be looking? Should I anticipate an update that will improve service (I am on Verizon Wireless).

Edit - the signal strength in my house ranges from -120 dBm to -94 dBm

I love everything about this phone - except the reception. However, reception is critical - of course. I'd love to wait for some sort of magical update to fix this issue, but realize I only have a 14-day window (now 13) to work with.

Ditto on this post. Came from a Droid X to the S3. Love the phone but my reception compared to the X is dismal. The S3 was purchased on 9/14 and my Baseband Version ends in G7 if that has meaning to some members here. Anyway, poor reception compared to my X brought me here, I was psyched to get it now the "shine" is wearing off and I'm starting to have regrets. My wife is due for a new phone and I'd be hard pressed to have her get the S3.

Anyway...Hi!!

 

[vikki]

I'm not sure how accurate this will be, but a friend with a Droid X and I where sitting at the Hollywood Bowl posting Facebook photos of an event. It appears that we got about the same signal strength (sorry no db measurements), however she couldn't post her pictures - while I could. She was on 3g while I had 4g.

 

[Odin3]

Just thought that I would post an update about my swap to the RAZR MAXX a couple of weeks ago.

I haven't had any trouble placing or making calls from home. With the S3 I had problems on almost every call. I liked many things about the S3 better but it sure is nice being able to use it as a phone again.

 

[flanntastic]

I hate to bump a old thread but it covers my issue

i went from Thunderbolt to Iphone 4 to S3

my thunderbolt didn't get service in my basement but was excellent other than that. My Iphone got service everywhere but the Bengals stadium. My S3 doesn't get service in my basement and drops calls like crazy, about 50% of my texts have to be resent also.

I am going to switch to a Razr Maxx HD next month when my upgrade comes.

 

[jroc]

I hate to bump a old thread but it covers my issue

i went from Thunderbolt to Iphone 4 to S3

my thunderbolt didn't get service in my basement but was excellent other than that. My Iphone got service everywhere but the Bengals stadium. My S3 doesn't get service in my basement and drops calls like crazy, about 50% of my texts have to be resent also.

I am going to switch to a Razr Maxx HD next month when my upgrade comes.

I know this is an Android forum, and we all love Android....but I have heard that minus the antenna issues...the iPhone 4 got good to great reception.

This also goes with my experience with the Rezound and G Nex. Surprised me that reception issues with them both almost canceled each other out. I honestly feel Motorola has reception as their pro on the pro n con list.