A high end phone with good rural reception. Suggestions Please!

Forums › Android › A high end phone with good rural reception. Suggestions Please!

andrewcnz

965 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 73

#143963 3-May-2014 10:08

I have a Samsung Galaxy s4 and find it's reception quality poor. I am on the Telecom network. Mostly work in Selwyn District side of Christchurch. Tried couple of cheap basic handsets and they work fine. But can't do much on a basic handset. Need suggestions for something decent that can keep me connected...please.

1 | 2

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1035904 3-May-2014 10:37

Telecom and iPhone

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1035910 3-May-2014 10:47

If it's poor reception then a modern phone is not going to cut the mustard unless it has some sort of external aerial, Try another carrier and see if coverage is better

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1035918 3-May-2014 11:01

joker97: Telecom and iPhone

iPhone RF performance is like any other handset these days

andrewcnz

965 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 73

#1035926 3-May-2014 11:12

johnr: If it's poor reception then a modern phone is not going to cut the mustard unless it has some sort of external aerial, Try another carrier and see if coverage is better

I know that the GS4 has some external antenna ports under the back cover, not very practical. I would consider moving carrier as I seem to be getting situations that I see "emergency calls only" on my handset. Guessing that would be vodafone that the handset is camping onto.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1035927 3-May-2014 11:18

Could be Vodafone or 2Degrees, You should be able to see the network code it's camped onto in the service menu

andrewcnz

965 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 73

#1035944 3-May-2014 12:23

Might check out the Galaxy S5, i see that Telstra in Australia gave it there blue tick for rural reception.

http://www.cnet.com.au/telstra-confirms-blue-tick-for-galaxy-s5-339347013.htm

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

JoshWright

404 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 113

ID Verified

Trusted

#1035945 3-May-2014 12:25

Is it possible to buy a new S4 back panel that somehow incorporates an antenna that plugs into the port on the back?

A Google search found this? http://telcoantennas.com.au/site/samsung-galaxy-s4-patch-lead-and-back-cover-combo

Yabanize

2351 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 583

#1035962 3-May-2014 13:23

I would try different networks. Look at vodafone or 2degrees's coverage maps

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1035973 3-May-2014 14:03

Rural reception has got nothing to do with your phone. It's all about macro and micro network coverage.

Telecom probably has best rural coverage overall, but it is possible you are in a black spot so the options are try 2d and voda sim in case you are near their tower.

Yabanize

2351 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 583

#1036026 3-May-2014 15:54

Could you give a more accurate location than selwyn district? Would help in saying what towers are near you

oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 138

#1036036 3-May-2014 16:13

Obvious towers in Selwyn are all along SH-1, for all networks. If you're heading out TaiTapu way it gets marginal for both..... you maybe in that 3%

Assume your S4 is a VF handset on their network not a Telecom one. There are some small differences in firmware and the Telecom versions may have been 'optimised' for the 850 network(?)
Comments JR?

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1036038 3-May-2014 16:16

Just look at the signal strength on the handset in the about and status if it's like 109dbi then it's just real real low coverage

LennonNZ

2459 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 411

ID Verified

Trusted

#1036068 3-May-2014 17:16

You should try one of these.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/mobile-phones/accessories/antenna-signal-boosters/auction-724399512.htm

:-)

Maybe johnr can comment on the uselessness of these and how people selling them should be done for selling snake oil.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1036069 3-May-2014 17:18

LennonNZ: You should try one of these.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/mobile-phones/accessories/antenna-signal-boosters/auction-724399512.htm

:-)

Maybe johnr can comment on the uselessness of these and how people selling them should be done for selling snake oil.

Don't get me started on these things

LennonNZ

2459 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 411

ID Verified

Trusted

#1036070 3-May-2014 17:20

johnr:
LennonNZ: You should try one of these.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/mobile-phones/accessories/antenna-signal-boosters/auction-724399512.htm

:-)

Maybe johnr can comment on the uselessness of these and how people selling them should be done for selling snake oil.

Don't get me started on these things

Come on johnr ... we know you want to comment on them :-)

1 | 2