'Consumer Reports' Holds Strong on iPhone 4 Non-Recommendation

[TalonFlyer]

iPhone 4 Loss of Signal

Does the iPhone have an inherent design issue with regards to antenna performance. The answer is, absolutely YES. Does the bumper mitigate this issue, in my experience it does, however only a marginal amount.

I have dropped calls every day, in places where I would have near full signal if I was not holding the phone. I have 3G data issues, especially in the fringe areas where I did not have an issue with my 3Gs.

The iPhone is a great device and I agree that consumer reports is splitting hairs with the antenna issue.

Apple agree's there is a problem or they would not have given away bumpers to everyone.

Fortunately, I use my iPhone as a phone only about 20% of the time, so 80% of my use is great. The other 20% is only a problem about 1 in 7 calls.

So, while it is a little inconvenient when a call drops when I hold the phone in that way, or short data interruptions on 3G from time-to-time, overall I get a lot done with the iPhone.

I do look forward to changing my iPhone to a newer device at the first reasonable opportunity, primarily because of the antenna issue.

 

[kiljoy616]

When will it stop??

When Iphone 5 comes out, .

 

[kntgsp]

Want to know an issue that actually DOES bother me about iOS devices? No? Well I'm bored so tough.

I still want to know why I can't plug an iPhone into any computer and use it as a mass storage device for quick transfer of large files?

Android can do this, Symbian can do this, it is not difficult. The thing comes with 32GB of space and I can't dedicate even 1GB of that to a mass storage mount? Really? It's one of the biggest business uses I have for the device. I shouldn't have to carry around a USB stick anymore. Hell with Symbian3 you can even plug a USB stick/drive DIRECTLY INTO the Symbian3 phone itself to move files.

Screw you Steve. Seriously, screw you. That is one of the biggest reasons I will continue to jailbreak. That and a complete lack of quick access to my Wifi/Bluetooth/GPS/3G radio controls.

 

[NebulaClash]

When Iphone 5 comes out, .

Heh, and even then...

As I said, competitors planted news about iPhone 3 flaws, and then iPhone 4 flaws, and I'm sure they will do the same about iPhone 5 flaws. The flaws will exist, of course, but it will be inflated to the point where it's implied you are crazy if you buy an iPhone 5. And all of the iPhone 5 competitors who have similar flaws will get a pass.

Until the iPhone 6 comes out and the cycle repeats. Now, if we had reporters who did more than stenography, we might get rationality instead of emotionalism when this stuff gets pushed by PR firms.

 

[NebulaClash]

Want to know an issue that actually DOES bother me about iOS devices? No? Well I'm bored so tough.

I still want to know why I can't plug an iPhone into any computer and use it as a mass storage device for quick transfer of large files?

Android can do this, Symbian can do this, it is not difficult. The thing comes with 32GB of space and I can't dedicate even 1GB of that to a mass storage mount? Really? It's one of the biggest business uses I have for the device. I shouldn't have to carry around a USB stick anymore. Hell with Symbian3 you can even plug a USB stick/drive DIRECTLY INTO the Symbian3 phone itself to move files.

Screw you Steve. Seriously, screw you. That is one of the biggest reasons I will continue to jailbreak. That and a complete lack of quick access to my Wifi/Bluetooth/GPS/3G radio controls.

Interesting. Instead of jailbreaking, know what I do? I copy my files onto my iOS devices as a backup. No problem. I have several GB of data on both my iPod touch and my iPad.

 

[kevingaffney]

Does the iPhone have an inherent design issue with regards to antenna performance. The answer is, absolutely YES. Does the bumper mitigate this issue, in my experience it does, however only a marginal amount.

I have dropped calls every day, in places where I would have near full signal if I was not holding the phone. I have 3G data issues, especially in the fringe areas where I did not have an issue with my 3Gs.

The iPhone is a great device and I agree that consumer reports is splitting hairs with the antenna issue.

Apple agree's there is a problem or they would not have given away bumpers to everyone.

Fortunately, I use my iPhone as a phone only about 20% of the time, so 80% of my use is great. The other 20% is only a problem about 1 in 7 calls.

So, while it is a little inconvenient when a call drops when I hold the phone in that way, or short data interruptions on 3G from time-to-time, overall I get a lot done with the iPhone.

I do look forward to changing my iPhone to a newer device at the first reasonable opportunity, primarily because of the antenna issue.

I would agree completely. Have to say I use mine all day for business use. Hardly ever drop a call and it's way the best of all the iPhones I've had so far going back to 2nd gen

 

[Plutonius]

This story gets buried in the blog and a story of ninja stars makes page one? No Apple bias here.

I would rather read about the Ninja stars then this story. It would have even been better if there was a taser involved .

 

[kntgsp]

Interesting. Instead of jailbreaking, know what I do? I copy my files onto my iOS devices as a backup. No problem. I have several GB of data on both my iPod touch and my iPad.

I have yet to find a single Windows or Linux computer at work that will allow me to simply drag and drop some files onto the device as if it were a mounted drive like any other USB stick or Android/Symbian phone.

It's why the girlfriend has the iPhone4 and I am using Android at the moment (which I am growing to detest for lack of decent VNC options)

 

[mags631]

http://tinyurl.com/yed7h3p

Non sequitur.

 

[trellus]

Ditto for me. I can't believe I waffled between 3GS, HTC Incredible, and iPhone 4. With 3GS 30% of my calls were dropped, with iPhone 4, 0%. Had it since July 5.

This just goes to show you how subjective an experience this is.

My experience with dropped calls has been the same on the 3GS and the iPhone 4 -- about 1 out of 20 calls, or 5%, are dropped, and about 40% of all calls lasting longer than 15 minutes are dropped, but this has not changed from 3GS to 4, either. In short, my reception hasn't gotten worse with the iPhone 4, but it hasn't improved, either, but in neither case am I blaming it on the iPhone, but AT&T here in Dallas. When I was on Sprint (Palm Pre and Palm Treo before that), I rarely, rarely ever had dropped calls... so I blame it on the network. =]

 

[blizaine]

Consumer Reports says "we still think the same thing" for the third time and that's first page news? Sounds more like they're fishing for free publicity.

That is all they ever do. It's all about page hits and controversy for them. They did the same thing with the whole protein drink scare they tried to create a few months ago, that his been disproved multiple times.

 

[Scooterman1]

I guess you don't read my posts carefully. I said what you said, that Toyota issues a recall, but the onus is on the owner to bring in the vehicle for servicing. Exactly as Apple has now done: if you experience a problem, let them know and you can get a free bumper.

To Consumer Reports this is an unacceptable way to deal with a design flaw. If it's Apple. For Toyota, it's fine and considered the normal way to handle a design flaw.

I just have a hard time picturing Toyota mailing me a new accelerator pedal and linkage and expecting me to install it. Wake up!

But why should Apple provide a permanent fix when the problem hasn't affected sales too much, and they can come out with a fixed phone next year and get you to stand in line to buy it.

Consumer Reports are doing exactly what their subscribers are paying them to do. I'm sorry if everyone isn't Apple Fanboys, but they get paid NOT to be anyone's Fanboy.

 

[Gasu E.]

I guess you don't read my posts carefully. I said what you said, that Toyota issues a recall, but the onus is on the owner to bring in the vehicle for servicing. Exactly as Apple has now done: if you experience a problem, let them know and you can get a free bumper.

To Consumer Reports this is an unacceptable way to deal with a design flaw. If it's Apple. For Toyota, it's fine and considered the normal way to handle a design flaw.

I think you are a minority of one on this interpretation. Apple is saying you now won't get the case unless you are exhibiting the problem. Toyota's recall applies to ALL cars in the affected series, and they will repair/replace the questionable part whether you are exhibiting problems or not. Moreover, Toyota's sends a recall notice to all the impacted owners; with the new Apple policy, you have to read the news or contact Apple to learn of the program.

 

[bigdaddyp]

They DO, I don't think you have the facts. CR held Lexus' feet to the fire to get them to act on the GX - http://blogs.consumerreports.org/ca...ports-2010-lexus-gx-dont-buy-safety-risk.html .

Follow up - Lexus fixed the problem and CR lifted their "DO NOT BUY" recommendation - http://blogs.consumerreports.org/ca...st-consumer-reports-lifts-dont-buy-label.html . CR is *NOT* the problem here, it's Apple penchant for hubris/self-involvement. I love Apple and their products, but I'm not fooling myself to expect that they'll be any more consumer-friendly and honest than they need to be to turn a profit/feed Steve's ego.

The problem I sometimes have with their recommendations is that their reports are written to assume you are a total dumba$$ with no personal responsibility.

If you are driving a 2 1/2 ton suv like its a sports car then there is a good chance that you will be forcibly yanked out of the gene pool. Ten years ago many or most large suvs would have tipped over or gone out of control in that scenario. Instead of praising the advances automakers have made they instead have a hissy fit that a large, heavy automobile can get a bit loose when driven beyond its limits.

How about reminding their readers that electronic stability control can't overcome the laws of physics and extra care needs to taken when driving large, top heavy vehicles in curves.

Yes I am glad that Toyota tweaked and improved the stability control, but I think this illustrates that Cr. feels the consumer has no or little personal responsibility for their actions.

 

[rstansby]

Does Consumer Reports stop recommending automobile purchases? Because you know if there is an issue with a car, the manufacturer will issue a recall. If you are affected, you have to take it into a dealer where it will be fixed. The onus is on the owner of the car, for crying out loud! The auto manufacturers should go house to house providing the fix for free to all cars, whether their owners report a problem or not!

That is precisely what auto manufacturers do. They send a letter to every owner, and fix the problem, whether or not the owner has reported it.

 

[nagromme]

Consumer Reports is making five mistakes:

1. Not doing full-scale testing of the kind antenna engineers have called them out on. They’ve done informal testing—quick and easy, but not the full useful facts their readers deserve. Yes, that kind of testing would need some really expensive facilities and lots of time. So they should at least point out that their tests are very limited and may be misleading.

2. Not publishing stats on how many users actually lose calls over this. They do surveys all the time—how about one comparing the iPhone 4 to other phones in actual use? (Most of the iPhone 4 antenna complaints seem to come from people who don’t own one!)

3. Criticizing only the iPhone, not other phones, for losing signal when gripped wrong. (Which all phones clearly do. Some more, some less. Many of them tell you right in the manual not to “hold it that way!")

4. Exaggerating the problem. Putting a very rare and minor issue, that affects so few, ahead of so many positives that affect everyone: benefits no other phone can touch. How are their flaws (which no case can fix) vs. the iPhone acceptable? And does CR clearly state that they DO recommend the iPhone for case users—which is a huge (maybe the largest) group of phone users?

5. Standing on their ego (or worrying misguidedly about their reputation) and not refining their position when that is clearly called for. Black-and-white controversial simplicity sells mindshare and magazines. But it doesn’t reflect reality, and CR readers deserve better. CR should be willing to back down when they’ve gone too far. Example: “The iPhone 4’s antenna flaws are rarely an issue and it’s the best smartphone we reviewed. But because we don’t know what each buyer will experience, we are only able to fully recommend the iPhone 4 if you also use a case. Luckily, Apple will continue to supply one free of charge on request, so this antenna issue need not affect your calls nor your wallet."

I only trust CR’s large-scale survey data (they seem to be good at that) not their editorial content. They’ve consitently failed to note Apple’s legitimate strengths over the years (ever see an article helping the everyday buyer choose between OS X and Windows?) but never fail to make something out the negatives. That’s not helping an uninformed reader become informed. And it really does seem like an anti-Apple bias sometimes.

That is precisely what auto manufacturers do. They send a letter to every owner, and fix the problem, whether or not the owner has reported it.

And that kind of preventive mass action makes sense for a product that holds peoples’ lives in its hands every moment of use.

It’s absurd to suggest that Apple should “fix” a problem as though it were widespread, when it’s not. Fixing it when it IS a problem is all that is necessary. And then let the non-iPhone users continue to moan about how bad Apple is treating us contented iPhone users They believe a blog wildfire over actual user experience—or at least they enjoy fanning the wildfire?

 

[MacPhilosopher]

My reception experience has been significantly better since upgrading to the 4. I've dropped fewer than 5 calls in a month in my home in which I normally drop every call I am on longer than a minute. I have reception in my workplace that I refer to as the cell phone vortex. Once in the door I usually drop all bars, but now I can get reception deep in the building.

 

[Popeye206]

Isn't the iPhone 4 still their top rated phone overall? Seems silly that they won't recommend their top rated smart phone? Makes you wonder why?

BTW... I got my iPhone4 the first day out. Love it.. love it more that iOS4.1 is out and the proximity sensor issue is a non-issue now. That was the source of all my issues.

 

[NebulaClash]

I think you are a minority of one on this interpretation. Apple is saying you now won't get the case unless you are exhibiting the problem. Toyota's recall applies to ALL cars in the affected series, and they will repair/replace the questionable part whether you are exhibiting problems or not. Moreover, Toyota's sends a recall notice to all the impacted owners; with the new Apple policy, you have to read the news or contact Apple to learn of the program.

Toyota fixes all vehicles because they all have the potential to have dangerous problems.

Most iPhone owners have no problem whatsoever, and there's no danger at all to anyone.

So Toyota HAS to fix them all. It would be pointless for Apple to fix all iPhones in the field when most of them never have an issue needing a fix. But if you do have a problem, let them know and they will fix it for you for free. That's hardly a burden for such a non-dangerous situation.

We live in this ridiculous era of expectations. Apple comes out with a reasonable solution to a problem that affects a tiny percentage of users, and they get slammed for it. Hypocrisy.

 

[NebulaClash]

I think you are a minority of one on this interpretation.

Then you should read the entire thread and see that you are wrong in this thought.

 

[MacPhilosopher]

I just have a hard time picturing Toyota mailing me a new accelerator pedal and linkage and expecting me to install it. Wake up!

But why should Apple provide a permanent fix when the problem hasn't affected sales too much, and they can come out with a fixed phone next year and get you to stand in line to buy it.

Consumer Reports are doing exactly what their subscribers are paying them to do. I'm sorry if everyone isn't Apple Fanboys, but they get paid NOT to be anyone's Fanboy.

Did you really just compare installing a complicated accelerator system in your car to putting a bumper or case on your phone? You are Funny.

 

[MacPhilosopher]

Toyota fixes all vehicles because they all have the potential to have dangerous problems.

Most iPhone owners have no problem whatsoever, and there's no danger at all to anyone.

So Toyota HAS to fix them all. It would be pointless for Apple to fix all iPhones in the field when most of them never have an issue needing a fix. But if you do have a problem, let them know and they will fix it for you for free. That's hardly a burden for such a non-dangerous situation.

We live in this ridiculous era of expectations. Apple comes out with a reasonable solution to a problem that affects a tiny percentage of users, and they get slammed for it. Hypocrisy.

Not to mention, there have been three or fewer known stuck accelerators in Toyotas out of millions of cars. I cannot imagine that there are at least that many for every manufacturer. This was a media fail for both Apple and Toyota, not a product fail.

 

[berol]

I haven't heard of anyone dying from a dropped phone call. The problem is user-correctible with a piece of tape or just remembering not to touch that part of the phone if you even have the problem. At some point, you have to use the accellerator on a Toyota.

CR takes a few of every product and gives it a 'recommended' tag. They decided not to give it to the iphone 4. Almost every phone they review doesn't get the tag so it means something, but the iphone got the press over it.

 

[Castiel]

I just have a hard time picturing Toyota mailing me a new accelerator pedal and linkage and expecting me to install it. Wake up!

But why should Apple provide a permanent fix when the problem hasn't affected sales too much, and they can come out with a fixed phone next year and get you to stand in line to buy it.

Consumer Reports are doing exactly what their subscribers are paying them to do. I'm sorry if everyone isn't Apple Fanboys, but they get paid NOT to be anyone's Fanboy.

Oh no! You used the word Fanboy! Everything in your post is now dubbed as completely accurate and truthful because if anyone speaks on Apple's defense they are speaking totally biasly. Congrats!

And if you think after the 3rd time that's it still not just a way to get publicity, you're being a tad naive.

 

[sappy1]

I'm glad CR is taking its stand.

For me, the antenna issue was WORSE than people had reported. It didn't matter where I touched the antenna, the reception was affected.

True, the bumper completely fixed it, but there is still a problem with the device.