iPhone X iPhone X cellular signal strength

[rugmankc]

I was in Kroger's with my X yesterday. Son was with. My X dropped call to my wife. My son then called her on his 6 with no issue. I got the Qualcomm to avoid this. I see no difference btwn the Qualcomm X on AT&T and my Intel 6s Plus on AT&T. Maybe worse.

Question: I still have 6s Plus. If I pop sim out of X and into 6s Plus will it work on LTE to see difference at same spot, same time????? Then put it back in X. Will that mess up anything with AT&T account???

I was gonna take it back for the AT&T iPhone. But, after reading posts here it may not help. Perhaps just keep it and wait for the advertised improvement in next years iphone antennas.

Problem is the two areas where I really need maximum performance, I won't be at till well after my 14 day return window.

 

[thadoggfather]

I was in Kroger's with my X yesterday. Son was with. My X dropped call to my wife. My son then called her on his 6 with no issue. I got the Qualcomm to avoid this. I see no difference btwn the Qualcomm X on AT&T and my Intel 6s Plus on AT&T. Maybe worse.

Question: I still have 6s Plus. If I pop sim out of X and into 6s Plus will it work on LTE to see difference at same spot, same time????? Then put it back in X. Will that mess up anything with AT&T account???

I was gonna take it back for the AT&T iPhone. But, after reading posts here it may not help. Perhaps just keep it and wait for the advertised improvement in next years iphone antennas.

Problem is the two areas where I really need maximum performance, I won't be at till well after my 14 day return window.

6s Plus was Qualcomm. There weren’t intel radios until 7

Sim swapping temporarily to compare will be of no consequence either

 

[rugmankc]

6s Plus was Qualcomm. There weren’t intel radios until 7

Sim swapping temporarily to compare will be of no consequence either

6s Plus was Qualcomm. There weren’t intel radios until 7

Sim swapping temporarily to compare will be of no consequence either

Looks like your correct. I have an A1634 Model. Sim Free. CDMA. So, Qualcomm. Thanks--

I would have to find the site. But, I could do a signal strength (db) test btwn the two by swapping sims. And, again sorry, but I will have no impact on ATT knowing anything or correcting my account in any way. Sorry to be OCD on this--lol

 

[thadoggfather]

Looks like your correct. I have an A1634 Model. Sim Free. CDMA. So, Qualcomm. Thanks--

I would have to find the site. But, I could do a signal strength (db) test btwn the two by swapping sims. And, again sorry, but I will have no impact on ATT knowing anything or correcting my account in any way. Sorry to be OCD on this--lol

No problem nope. No impact whatsoever

Worst case scenario visual voicemail doesn’t work or is screwy with the non registered device but it won’t mess w your account or anything negative

 

[rugmankc]

No problem nope. No impact whatsoever

Worst case scenario visual voicemail doesn’t work or is screwy with the non registered device but it won’t mess w your account or anything negative

OK, Thanks

I don't want to use the 6, love my X. Just would like to see signal strength btwn the 2 at the same relative time. But, I guess in researching it the field test doesn't work with iOS 11.

 

[rdugan]

OK, Thanks

I don't want to use the 6, love my X. Just would like to see signal strength btwn the 2 at the same relative time. But, I guess in researching it the field test doesn't work with iOS 11.

Field test definitely works w/ iOS 11, you just can't replace the bar style signal strength indicator w/ a dBm value anymore. Dial *3001#12345#* to access FTM. Then, for the ATT/intel (A1901) version, tap 'LTE', then 'Serving Cell Meas', and look at your 'rsrp0' value. I believe the Verizon/qualcomm menu may be slightly different (older,) though I can't confirm.

 

[rugmankc]

Thanks, I looked at that but tapped on wrong choices--

Will redo--

 

[rugmankc]

Had -87.5 on Measured RSSI with 1 bar. Only one test. At my house, my worse area most of the time.

20 minutes later I get no measurements. Still 1 bar.

Have not switched sims yet.

Actually making any call in the back of Krogers is good. My sons 2 year old 6 may just have a better modem than the X. I will compare when we are in same area. And time will tell on the X as more people post.

I went to the hospital this afternoon just to test the iphone and had full bars everywhere I walked to. Never did that on my 6s Plus. I know it could be different tomorrow. But, in over 2 years on the 6s Plus never did that. Usually 2 or sometimes no reception.

I have 3 important places where my reception was important to me and sometimes questionable.

1. Krogers--probably as good or maybe slightly better based on the phone call I was able make in back of store.

2. Hospital--much better, at least today

3. Mother-in-Laws house we visit twice a year. Need reception to use Hot Spot. Won't be there for several months.

My early conclusion based on OP's question is that my X with Qualcomm modem is at least as good as my 6s Plus. On AT&T. Can't explain the Hospital numbers. Go back on the 14th and will see.

 

[dharvey1221]

Same issue. Bar levels are always mid to low. Traveling normal route on the highway calls cut in and out. Never an issue with iPhone 7 plus. I am on AT&T with iPhone X (A1901). I thought it was maybe an issue because I have always been on betas but it doesn't sound like it. I just reset network settings to see if it will improve.

 

[rdugan]

And the other shoe drops... Along w/ the drop in signal quality (which may or may not affect both models,) we now have confirmation that the Intel modem is in fact inferior to the Qualcomm, esp in the -85 to -105 range...
https://www.pcmag.com/news/357671/exclusive-qualcomms-iphone-x-still-outpaces-intels
https://www.pcmag.com/news/357671/exclusive-qualcomms-iphone-x-still-outpaces-intels

 

[AJsAWiz]

YES! I have AT&T also and simply 1 bar on my X...maybe 2, it kind of fluctuates every 20, 30 seconds. I have the phone in my office - like previous iPhones and I always had 3, 4 bars with those, no issues with calls.

I spoke to my friend from this room last Wednesday and the call quality was terrible! I have made a few calls elsewhere and it has been ok I guess.

I had a similar problem and called AT&T. They suggested that I switch to "data only" in the LTE settings. It's a tad bit better but I'm still getting bars fluctuating from 1 or more on the low end.

 

[OasisNYK]

This is a pretty concerning thread - is this something that can really be fixed with a software update? I just got my X and haven't tested it out yet but if it's dropping calls I can't keep it.

 

[Scott G.]

My Intel X showed higher signal than my Qualcomm X on T-Mobile. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Intel modem in the new phones.

Sure you’re comparing apples to apples? Make sure both phones are connected to the same bands in the same location. Tough to generalize signal strength if you don’t have both devices active in the same place at the same time.

I had the opposite, but with AT&T. 3 bars of LTE at home on the QC X, 1-2 on Intel X. At the gym locker room at my college, I had at least 3 bars of LTE on the QC X. In the Intel X, it drops to 4G constantly. Never seen it drop to 4G when I had the QC version. I don't care about how fast the download speeds are for whatever version, but signal strength and recovery are important, and to me it seems that the QC X is better at both.

 

[thadoggfather]

I had the opposite, but with AT&T. 3 bars of LTE at home on the QC X, 1-2 on Intel X. At the gym locker room at my college, I had at least 3 bars of LTE on the QC X. In the Intel X, it drops to 4G constantly. Never seen it drop to 4G when I had the QC version. I don't care about how fast the download speeds are for whatever version, but signal strength and recovery are important, and to me it seems that the QC X is better at both.

It's weird my 7+ Intel was never problematic
But my X Intel was too?

 

[Johnas9000]

It seems that the cellular signal strength on my iPhone X is weaker than that on my previous iPhone 7. This seems to hold true for all reception areas. I’m basing this on the number of reception bars. Anyone else experiencing this?

It seems that the cellular signal strength on my iPhone X is weaker than that on my previous iPhone 7. This seems to hold true for all reception areas. I’m basing this on the number of reception bars. Anyone else experiencing this?

Why is everyone defending iphone x ? And assuming anyone who questions reception is a moron that is measuring in a different area ? Or a different circumstance ? I just randomly searched iphone X issues because for weeks now everyone is telling me they cant hear me at all. Before you even ask i went from a seven plus to an x. Still on ATT in my home. Has happened in every room (where the seven was fine). Number of bars are showing 3. Both phones had wifi calling available. And it has happened so many times at least 10 times so i no longer use my phone at home. Its almost a deal breaker for keeping the phone

 

[OasisNYK]

Why is everyone defending iphone x ? And assuming anyone who questions reception is a moron that is measuring in a different area ? Or a different circumstance ? I just randomly searched iphone X issues because for weeks now everyone is telling me they cant hear me at all. Before you even ask i went from a seven plus to an x. Still on ATT in my home. Has happened in every room (where the seven was fine). Number of bars are showing 3. Both phones had wifi calling available. And it has happened so many times at least 10 times so i no longer use my phone at home. Its almost a deal breaker for keeping the phone

I use WiFi for surfing and calling exclusively at home. Turn on airplane mode then turn on WiFi.

As far as general use, I haven’t noticed much difference in reception from my iPhone 6 and I have the intel version of the X.

 

[abercrombie]

My reception on the iPhoneX also bites compared to my old 6plus.

I was part of the 1st release getting mine on 11/3. Anyone if this was fixed in the newer releases?

EDIT: As mentioned earlier in this thread, LTE "Data Only" huge improvement on AT&T. I rarely make voice calls so not using LTE for voice is fine with me.

 

[thadoggfather]

I think it’s a lottery honestly

My early production October 10.0.1 shipping X A1901 intel got crap regressive reception

Qualcomm sim free was good but went through panel hell and wanted to pay 549 instead of 999 for a contract att X

Got another A1901 intel and it gets the best reception!

I’ve seen 3 bars In my room and never with any other models.

I used to think intel got crap reception, but I swear I had Verizon unlocked that were equally as bad so it must be a gamble for antenna assembly? Who knows but the modem doesn’t seem to play into RF like I originally guessed but was so annoyed with my first unit sucking and dropping calls left and right

 

[rockitdog]

My reception on the iPhoneX also bites compared to my old 6plus.

I was part of the 1st release getting mine on 11/3. Anyone if this was fixed in the newer releases?

I got my newest X a week ago and I'm also getting weak signal strength. Usually around 2 bars vs 3 or 4 on previous 7 & 8 Plus.

 

[Gordonok]

Hi, if it’s any consolation (which I’m sure it isn’t), I’m having the same issues in Ireland as people are in the US.
Had a 7 before this where the reception was 2 bars but never dropped a call/had people saying “sorry I lost you there”. Bought and X direct from Apple st a whopping €1349 (approx $1500) and cannot make calls from my house anymore. Got AppleCare+ to get an Express Replacement Service handset at a cost of €229 and still exactly the same reception issue.
This is an absolute joke from Apple. It’s a complete disgrace that they can charge that amount for a phone which can’t even fulfil its primary function - making and receiving calls.

 

[archvile]

I have been dealing with the low signal/drop to 3G/cannot connect to LTE issue for the past two weeks wth my iPhone X and wanted to chime in here with what I have observed so far. I have the unique privilege to personally own multiple devices, specifically the Samsung Galaxy S8+, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, BlackBerry KeyOne Black Edition, and Essential PH-1. I have also now owned a total of 3 iPhone X devices. I can unfortunately corroborate that there is some kind of serious cellular connectivity problem with the iPhone X that does not affect any other device. If I take my SIM (I even tried brand new SIM), and put it into any of the aforementioned phones that are not the iPhone X, including Apple's current and past offerings, I lock onto an LTE signal almost instantly and have full service with a strong signal. I do not experience any dropouts, dropped/missed calls, or any other type of problem with data or voice coverage. Not so with the X.

Every single iPhone X that I have had so far exhibits the same problems. More often than not iPhone X refuses to connect to LTE and prefers to drop down and stay on 3G. This is in perfectly working LTE areas. When it does acquire LTE signal, it has a tendency to drop out, with signal bars still fluctuating and showing a connection, but data and voice are down. As stated here, sometimes acquiring an LTE signal can take a very long time. Most extreme I have seen approached 24 hours. Mind you, if I look at the cell service menu, the phone sees the towers but just keeps on cycling through them and not connecting until it eventually gives up and just settles on 3G. Reception has also been atrocious in-itself. For example, yesterday I was located in the same space as my wife, her on an iPhone 8 Plus, me on an iPhone X. I had no service, she had two bars and stable service. Same cell tower, same Geo-location (within 3 meters). Even putting the iPhone 8 Plus side by side with the iPhone X, connected to the same tower on the same OS, everything the same, the 8 Plus consistently measures 20%-30% better readings regarding signal power, quality, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Throughout this time I have been working with Apple to try to resolve this issue. I have done full hardware replacements, and tried devices from different batches. This had no effect and my case is still open. Most recently, I have allowed Apple to log my device telephony for a period of ~24 hours. I have provided 1.7GB worth of diagnostic logs to Apple engineering analyze and they have been looking at them apparently but I do not have a response yet.

This type of behavior has been the same on three different iPhone X devices. They were from different batches, though all the same model, A1901, which uses the Intel modem. The only obvious difference between these devices and all others listed above is that all others I listed above actually use the Qualcomm modem. Take that for what it's worth. I do not know the cause, but it is one obvious difference. Having said that, the fact that we have a few Verizon users here that would definitely be using the Qualcomm modem makes me concerned that this might be an antenna design issue. I am still hoping it is a firmware issue.

Thank you for all of this research, I am experiencing the *exact* same thing with an X that was purchased unlocked from Apple (so I know it has the Qualcomm modem) but has my AT&T SIM card in it. Coming from an iPhone 8, I am experiencing this exact same behavior with it dropping to 4G and staying there (until Airplane mode toggle), or showing less bars than my other iPhone 5s that I have for work, which is also on AT&T. It hasn't dropped any calls but one time I went into the grocery store and the cell signal completely dropped off, like the bars were just showing the small dots in the corner, I didn't notice until I got out to the parking lot and sure enough, an Airplane mode toggle kicked it back to LTE. I'm hoping this is just a modem driver or firmware issue.

Never had any of these issues with the 8, which had the Intel modem on AT&T.

 

[jbizzybeetle]

I have been dealing with the low signal/drop to 3G/cannot connect to LTE issue for the past two weeks wth my iPhone X and wanted to chime in here with what I have observed so far. I have the unique privilege to personally own multiple devices, specifically the Samsung Galaxy S8+, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, BlackBerry KeyOne Black Edition, and Essential PH-1. I have also now owned a total of 3 iPhone X devices. I can unfortunately corroborate that there is some kind of serious cellular connectivity problem with the iPhone X that does not affect any other device. If I take my SIM (I even tried brand new SIM), and put it into any of the aforementioned phones that are not the iPhone X, including Apple's current and past offerings, I lock onto an LTE signal almost instantly and have full service with a strong signal. I do not experience any dropouts, dropped/missed calls, or any other type of problem with data or voice coverage. Not so with the X.

Every single iPhone X that I have had so far exhibits the same problems. More often than not iPhone X refuses to connect to LTE and prefers to drop down and stay on 3G. This is in perfectly working LTE areas. When it does acquire LTE signal, it has a tendency to drop out, with signal bars still fluctuating and showing a connection, but data and voice are down. As stated here, sometimes acquiring an LTE signal can take a very long time. Most extreme I have seen approached 24 hours. Mind you, if I look at the cell service menu, the phone sees the towers but just keeps on cycling through them and not connecting until it eventually gives up and just settles on 3G. Reception has also been atrocious in-itself. For example, yesterday I was located in the same space as my wife, her on an iPhone 8 Plus, me on an iPhone X. I had no service, she had two bars and stable service. Same cell tower, same Geo-location (within 3 meters). Even putting the iPhone 8 Plus side by side with the iPhone X, connected to the same tower on the same OS, everything the same, the 8 Plus consistently measures 20%-30% better readings regarding signal power, quality, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Throughout this time I have been working with Apple to try to resolve this issue. I have done full hardware replacements, and tried devices from different batches. This had no effect and my case is still open. Most recently, I have allowed Apple to log my device telephony for a period of ~24 hours. I have provided 1.7GB worth of diagnostic logs to Apple engineering analyze and they have been looking at them apparently but I do not have a response yet.

This type of behavior has been the same on three different iPhone X devices. They were from different batches, though all the same model, A1901, which uses the Intel modem. The only obvious difference between these devices and all others listed above is that all others I listed above actually use the Qualcomm modem. Take that for what it's worth. I do not know the cause, but it is one obvious difference. Having said that, the fact that we have a few Verizon users here that would definitely be using the Qualcomm modem makes me concerned that this might be an antenna design issue. I am still hoping it is a firmware issue.

I can’t explain why spouse consistently gets better call quality and signal strength than I when both have same X Simfree model on same carrier—Verizon.

On trip thru boonies, his X maintained LTE while mine dropped to 3G.

The only “difference” ? is his Verizon service/SIM is thru his employer’s business account and mine is individual plan.

 

[OasisNYK]

I have the Intel model and it has been great. I get more bars in places where I got nothing on my 6.

Calls are clear, no complaints. I was worried about not having the Qualcomm, but in my every day use it has been a non issue.

 

[sbrennan007]

I have the unlocked / sim free X as well and the EXACT same issues as described here. Interesting thing though... My wife has the 8+ unlocked / sim free and has the exact same issues.

I have exchanged my Wife's 8+ already with no improvement and my co-worker has the 8+ ATT model and the same issue.

With that said, my Wife has an ATT SE that she uses for work and it ALWAYS has FULL signal strength at home when her 8+ and my X will have 1-2 bars.

I as well was going to return mine, but it looks like there is no difference. I was also thinking of changing from ATT to Verizon, but don't think that will help either.

As others have mentioned, this is a VERY expensive BETA Testing for Apple at everyone's expense. As someone would say, Sad...!

 

[daraj]

I have the QC version on AT&T and it seems like the phone is aggressively switching LTE bands. My phone goes from full bar to one bar only same spot same time. Try to restart your phone and you will notice the bars are full for like a minute then quickly it drops to one bar. Something is off with the modem. I had an Intel Phone x before and it exhibited similar behavior.