Iphone 4 antenna reception hindered by a case?

[Hackintosh Sr.]

Do you guys think since the iphone 4 is specifically designed with the antennas on the outer stainless steel edge that the signal will degrade when putting a case over the sides (like the bumper)? I used mroogle and looked a little in the accessory forum, but didn't find an answer.

Thanks!

 

[GadgetGeek71]

Probably no more than the current model. In fact since it's an external antenna, it will be better. But, I guess any case would hinder it a bit...on any phone.

 

[cloroxbleach4]

Probably no more than the current model.

+1

 

[Hackintosh Sr.]

Is there a thread on polycarbonate vs. rubber vs. plastic or how much worse reception can be with cases?

Thanks everyone

 

[GadgetGeek71]

Since all of them are non-conductive, it would only depend on the density of the material. So the polycarbonate will more than likely have the most interference. (not noise interference).

The rubber case is less dense.

 

[Badfoot]

What about a conductive sweaty hand with no case !

 

[Tom G.]

There should be no reception problems problems with any case as long as it is not metal. Rubber, plastic, glass etc have do not interfere with a transmitted signal. A plastic case with metal flake design could attenuate the signal slightly.

 

[Badfoot]

There should be no reception problems problems with any case as long as it is not metal. Rubber, plastic, glass etc have do not interfere with a transmitted signal. A plastic case with metal flake design could attenuate the signal slightly.

But what about my big sweaty hand ?

 

[omgitscro]

Holding your cell phone may in some cases boost your signal. Your milage may vary.

As for the case, you will not notice any signal degradation. I doubt that any companies would be ignorant enough to develop and market a metal case.

 

[Badfoot]

There should be no reception problems problems with any case as long as it is not metal. Rubber, plastic, glass etc have do not interfere with a transmitted signal. A plastic case with metal flake design could attenuate the signal slightly.

I wasn't talking about blocking signals, I was concerned about how contact, direct and otherwise, would detune the antennas and hence their efficiency.

 

[Badfoot]

Maybe Apple should supply free bumpers to overcome their antenna 'touchability' problem. Anyone agree?