How bad is the Proximity Sensor (pre 4.1)? Check this out...

[swarmster]

Here is my last call, 14 minutes. Running 4.1

Nice fix

Have you tried using the phone without loading up an app? I could well be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the proximity sensor only functions when you're on a call in the phone app. If you have another app open during a call, it's assumed you're using the screen.

 

[GeekGuys]

But the 3GS "shaped or style" is exactly the same as the 3G aside from nicer backside lettering. :\ What's wrong with it? Nothing was bad about it that I can see, it just wasn't a huge leap forward.

I only got the 3G as I wanted 3G network coverage that the previous version didn't get. I never liked the plastic back and curved shape though. I liked the 1st gen ally back. I love the glass shape and style of iPhone 4.
Just saying, that's all

 

[DynaFXD]

I agree. I would have preferred 4.1 to be more about improving performance and increasing battery life.

Not to hijack the OP's thread, but what were you expecting? The phone is what you bought. They (as far as anyone knows) did not hobble it out of the gate so that they can add "performance" down the road. If you really want that, you may want to start looking at a new unit. I haven't heard battery life as a complaint for normal use and everyone knows that streaming data and excessive push/fetch and/or the GPS are battery eaters. Just have to live with that reality. Have you gone through and followed the tweak guide to get more battery life out of your unit? As for 4.1, you don't know all that is in it. Just what they say it "includes." Yeah, I have no use for the game center, but the bluetooth/proximity fixes and HDR pictures without need for an after market app are great reasons to upgrade, as well as all the other updates that they don't mention. Security through obscurity and all that...

 

[GeekGuys]

Well Im Norwegian and the iPhone 4 is just about as ****** here as it is everywhere. Granted, antenna problems doesnt occur here, cant even provoke it. Cell tower density may be an explanation. But the pos proximity sensor...

I believe you got it wrong. The iPhone 4 is Apples Vista. Looks and features upgraded. But for its intended use, calling people, its useless.

Called Apple today. Ive had it. Replacement coming next week. unless that fixes things, Im going back to my 3gs and gives this phone to my daughter. Shes only 4. Its gonna sub for her DS of which ive misplaced her charger. Thats what this phone is reduced to. Game Center...Pffft. Gimme a phone that works Apple!

I didn't mean to offend anyone, especially not the Americans

However, your comment above contradicts itself. You say the antenna problem doesn't exist for you either... but the iPhone4 is as bad for you as it is everywhere?

I'm sorry, but the phone *does* make calls... it does do its primary purpose (if there is a primary purpose on a smart phone???) It makes calls and works well. I understand the prox. problems and it was a frustration for me too. I am glad it seems to be fixed with 4.1 (for me at least). But really, there seems to be a lot of anger and exaggeration in slating this device. Yes, it has some bugs. Yes, it is not perfect... I think people expect perfection from everything.... then get disappointed when it doesn't happen. Chill out, enjoy it for what it is. If you don't like it, don't buy it. That's all I'm saying.

If you don't like Game Center, then don't use it.... not sure why this is getting a bashing either. I don't like the weather app as I tend to look out the window.... not going to stop me buying the phone though!

Right, I'm done ranting. Time to sit back and wait for the abuse to come back at me

 

[WiseDuck]

Have you tried using the phone without loading up an app? I could well be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the proximity sensor only functions when you're on a call in the phone app. If you have another app open during a call, it's assumed you're using the screen.

This, a million times this. I seriously doubt it's possible to hit the screen by mistake over 60 times in just one call. I've made between 30-40 calls on my iPhone 4 and I've managed to mute ONE call and start the speaker in another. The screen did come back on every now and then in some calls, especially near bright lights, but it was never a big problem.

I don't know how you guys move when on the phone, but this can't be right.

 

[Sir Ruben]

How do you even press things like mute and end call unless you are frantically bashing your face against the screen whilst talking in a highly animated fashion??

As I said, I hold the phone to my ear, the screen goes off, I tend to keep the glass away from my cheek (aftershave, moisturiser, facial hair, grease etc), I have a conversation, then when I pull the phone away from my head the screen comes back on and all is well.

Cant understand how this can be so difficult??

PS: this post isnt meant to sound sarcastic, I just honestly cant understand whats going on for some people!

 

[HXGuy]

This, a million times this. I seriously doubt it's possible to hit the screen by mistake over 60 times in just one call. I've made between 30-40 calls on my iPhone 4 and I've managed to mute ONE call and start the speaker in another. The screen did come back on every now and then in some calls, especially near bright lights, but it was never a big problem.

I don't know how you guys move when on the phone, but this can't be right.

The sensor is still supposed to work even when another app is on the screen, as it does with the Call Guard app most of the time, try it for yourself.

Honestly I don't know how its happening. Like I said, I'm using the phone as I have always used all iPhones and never ever used to have a problem.

I don't hold the phone against my face but I also don't hold it far away, it just hovers right off my face but the screen is very very sensitive, which is great for typing and such, but not so great when the phone is a few millimeters off your face.

I did end up installing 4.1 last night and now can clearly see the sensor glowing red which did not happen with my old iPhone 4 so maybe it will be better.

 

[err404]

Aww, the touches resemble the shape of an ear!

OP, is that shape actually caused by your ear? The reason I ask is because if I hold my ear to the screen in a like manner, the speaker and proximity sensor are propped away from my head and result in the sensor not activating.

BTW - I'm not suggest that you are "holding it wrong" rather that this could be a use case that was not anticipate by the design.

 

[Bawstun]

For me, the proximity issue exists, and it's bad. When you hold the phone to your cheek, or with no hands, ie: multitasking around the house, doing dishes, or pretty much anything where you don't wanna hold the phone, you mute calls, turn on the speaker, sometimes hit 'end' etc. I've owned every version since the 3G and it never happened like this before, ever. It's a definite bug, but I'm guessing it's not software related and Apple doesn't want to admit this (understandly, after so many other defects...)

I guess I'll live with it till July...but I really shouldn't have to.

 

[DynaFXD]

(understandly, after so many other defects...)

Defects? What defects? The phone works as advertised, holds calls better than previous models even with an exterior antenna (you get a free case if that antenna bothers you), and they just fixed one of the biggest problems specific to the iP4 (namely blue tooth). Other than that, and the proximity sensor, what are the other defects that add up to "so many"?

BTW, why aren't you using the hands free headset for when you need your hands free? Not that I am afraid of the RF emissions, but I prefer to not hold my phone to my ear unless I really have to. Put your headset on and stuff your phone in your pocket when puttering about. Maybe that's why I haven't felt the pinch of a proximity sensor issue that others report?

Cheers

 

[HXGuy]

OP, is that shape actually caused by your ear? The reason I ask is because if I hold my ear to the screen in a like manner, the speaker and proximity sensor are propped away from my head and result in the sensor not activating.

BTW - I'm not suggest that you are "holding it wrong" rather that this could be a use case that was not anticipate by the design.

No, that isn't the shape of my ear that caused that as I hold the phone to my left ear. Those were all caused by my cheek. And no I don't have a fat face.

My theory for me is that I may be holding the phone too low and the proximity sensor is actually beaming into my ear canal which may be causing it to malfunction. This is how I've always held iPhones though so it's out of habit but Im trying to move it up on my ear slightly to see if that will fix it.

I really do think it has to be something with some people's ear anatomy as to why this only happens to some people and not others. This is my 3rd iPhone 4 and no improvement, could they really ALL be bad? When testing out the sensor by placing my hand over it, it works every single time and with 4.1, it seems to work as high as 1 inch away from the phone.

 

[err404]

I really do think it has to be something with some people's ear anatomy as to why this only happens to some people and not others. This is my 3rd iPhone 4 and no improvement, could they really ALL be bad? When testing out the sensor by placing my hand over it, it works every single time and with 4.1, it seems to work as high as 1 inch away from the phone.

You may be onto something. While I don't have the problem, I just tested the field of view of the proximity sensor on 4.1 with my finger, and it does seem to be narrow. It seems to be a cone about one inch deep and 1/2 inch wide at the furthest point. Beyond that cone the screen comes on and off intermittently.
It's my understanding that the 4.1 update extended the cone which should help most users.

 

[taran420]

You held the phone to your head for 17 minutes while driving? Please tell me when and where you will be on the road so I can keep my family far away.

+1 it's just a matter of time before he kills someone.

Invest in a Bluetooth, will also reduce proximity sensor issues. You're welcome

 

[old-school]

4.1 seems to be a good fix. No problems here. If you ring someone and hover your fingers over the sensor you can see the new distance at which the sensor kicks in and turns off the screen. 60+ touches for a <15 minute call is ridiculous. Sounds like the app you're using to record that is bogus. I've got the same phone as you have, and 4.1 has fixed this issue for me.

Maybe you just have weird shaped ears?

 

[Solange82200]

Right can someone enlighten me as to what this is all about?!

Ive had my IP4 since launch day. When I want to make a call I hold the phone to my head, the screen goes off, I speak to the person Im calling, then when Im done I pull the phone away from my head and the screen comes back on.

This is what always happens and it all seems quite simple. Am I missing something??

Same here, I dont get it either

 

[err404]

Maybe you just have weird shaped ears?

Same here, I dont get it either

It doesn't matter that your not having issues. I'm not having them either; however, it's pretty clear that for many users this is a significant and frustrating problem.

 

[Jayman34187]

Ah maybe thats the difference then, I dont press the glass against my face, dont want grease etc all over the screen. The only pat that presses against my head is the actual speaker part.

So you're holding it up to your head that way not that way. Sounds like a nice update

 

[Bawstun]

Defects? What defects? The phone works as advertised, holds calls better than previous models even with an exterior antenna (you get a free case if that antenna bothers you), and they just fixed one of the biggest problems specific to the iP4 (namely blue tooth). Other than that, and the proximity sensor, what are the other defects that add up to "so many"?

BTW, why aren't you using the hands free headset for when you need your hands free? Not that I am afraid of the RF emissions, but I prefer to not hold my phone to my ear unless I really have to. Put your headset on and stuff your phone in your pocket when puttering about. Maybe that's why I haven't felt the pinch of a proximity sensor issue that others report?

Cheers

I'm not trying to attack you personally, but why is it always at the fault of the user with some Apple fanboys? My 2 previous computers were Macs, I've owned 5 iPhones, I LIKE Apple, but come on...what defects? For starters, it's also the first version of the phone where I have to use a case in lower-signal areas or I lose coverage entirely. Don't tell me I have to hold it different or switch hands or any of that PR garbage, lol, it's a phone, I should be able to hold it to my ear with my feet if I wanted to and have it work. It doesn't.

But, I really don't even care about all that. I've gotten used to using a case (even though I didn't want to) but the proximity sensor is a huge issue. Why should I have to drop $50-80 on a decent quality bluetooth headset if I don't wanna hold the phone manually to my face for a few minutes while in a call? Will Apple give me one of those for free too? And it's not just when I'm holding it against my shoulder with my face, even sometimes when holding it with my hand the sensor goes crazy. I've had to recall people so many times from accidental hangups that people joke about my iphone 4 all the time. I'd have it replaced but since it's a hardware issue and others are reporting no luck with getting a new one, I guess I'll wait it out for the ip5.

 

[Ballis]

Have you tried using the phone without loading up an app? I could well be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the proximity sensor only functions when you're on a call in the phone app. If you have another app open during a call, it's assumed you're using the screen.

You are wrong. Proximity sensor works with other apps.

 

[Ballis]

I didn't mean to offend anyone, especially not the Americans

However, your comment above contradicts itself. You say the antenna problem doesn't exist for you either... but the iPhone4 is as bad for you as it is everywhere?

yea I realize the contradiction. What i meant was Im sure the complaining isnt an american thing. With the proximity sensor issues, the iPhone 4 is a worthles pos, and everone whos experiencing it will tell you so. American or not. Im not.

I'm sorry, but the phone *does* make calls... it does do its primary purpose (if there is a primary purpose on a smart phone???) It makes calls and works well. I understand the prox. problems and it was a frustration for me too. I am glad it seems to be fixed with 4.1 (for me at least). But really, there seems to be a lot of anger and exaggeration in slating this device. Yes, it has some bugs. Yes, it is not perfect... I think people expect perfection from everything.... then get disappointed when it doesn't happen. Chill out, enjoy it for what it is. If you don't like it, don't buy it. That's all I'm saying.

Well what good is making calls when it hangs up, calls voicemail or mutes the call 9 out of 10 times, unless you resort to apps like Callguard. So dont tell me it does that well, cos even if it does for you, your experience is far from universal.

And whats with the dont like it, dont buy it attitude? I ALLREADY DID BUY IT! Had I known the **** I do now, I never would have. Its to late. **** you Apple! I have the right to be pissed!

 

[HXGuy]

Wanted to update this and say that so far, with the new (exchanged) iPhone 4 + 4.1 update, I have not had one proximity issue so far and have made about 12 or so calls. Hopefully it continues but Im optimistic.

Fixed proxmimity sensor + IvySkin Reception case would really make the iPhone 4 perfect for me...I hope it holds up.

 

[Ballis]

Wanted to update this and say that so far, with the new (exchanged) iPhone 4 + 4.1 update, I have not had one proximity issue so far and have made about 12 or so calls. Hopefully it continues but Im optimistic.

Fixed proxmimity sensor + IvySkin Reception case would really make the iPhone 4 perfect for me...I hope it holds up.

Congrats. I called apple today and am getting ny replacement next week. Hopefully Ill get it resolved aswell. I love iphones but the one I have now just sucks.