Poor overall signal strength

[the93owner]

Hey everyone, I got my GS4 about a month and a half ago, having switched from the iPhone 4. I  live in a deadzone, and the only place I really get any signal is upstairs next to a window. When I had my iPhone (used it for 18 months), in that one spot I could make calls decently and send and receive messages. With the GS4, I can barely get a call in without saying "mobile network not found", and I can seldom send text messages without it failing to send at least once per try. With my iPhone I could count on 1-2 bars consistently, but with the GS4 I float between no service at all and 1 fuzzy bar in the exact same area. In fact, doing a side by side comparison right this moment, my iPhone has had 2 bars  while the GS4 struggles between 0 and 1. Another thing I realized is that in high traffic urban areas, where there are strong signals, I only get 3-4 bars while with the iPhone I could easily get 5. I don't think I've ever seen my GS4 with full bars. Does anyone else experience reduced signal strength with the GS4 after switching from other phones? Could mine just be defective?

[gemclure]

I have the same problem.  However this is my first smartphone.  I'm told by Tech Support that the tower strength in my location is not strong enough to support 4g, only 3g.  Because the S4 is 4g, not 3g, call quality on my phone inside the house is terrible.  Outside is better.  I also only get 1-2 bars.  Have never seen my S4 with 5 bars.  Tech Support said one remedy is to purchase a Network Extender, at a cost of $250.00, which is too much money.  Other than that, going to a 3g phone may resolve the issue.

[vzw_customer_support]

the93owner,

Signal issues are a serious no no in our neck of the woods. And you've got a great phone in the GS4 so we want to get it up to it's potential. Now, indoor coverage is a bit tricky. Given that we cannot guarantee coverage indoors due to building material and other variables, we recommend network extenders to help http://bit.ly/AKkC . Regarding some urban areas, what zip codes are you referring to? Something I always recommend trying is removing/reinserting the SIM often to force a resync with our network. Please give that a shot and share results.


Evan_VZW
Please follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[newS4user]

I have similar signal strength issues for phone calls with my new Galaxy S4.  In the same spots, my old Droid X had zero signal problems.  I live in 22209.  But I travel all over the DC metro area.  Terrible signal strength near Gaithersburg.  I am on the verge of returning this phone.  Any suggestions? 

[gemclure]

I was told by several people at Verizon that the problem is the signal strength, not the phone, even though my old "dumb" phone had no issues. With the S4, I have yet to get more than 2 bars, no matter where I go. The only solution offered by Verizon was to purchase a Network Extender at an additional cost of $250.00, which is absurd. So I'll live with it until my contract is up and either get another phone or another cell phone provider.

[jrh4054]

The network extender works, but it's pricey.  You need fairly quick Internet service and GPS access for it to work. Overall, I think the GS 4 signal is much weaker than my previous phones.  

[budone]

Instead of basing your signal strength on, 'The number of bars', what is your signal strength?

From the home screen: MENU, SETTINGS, MORE, ABOUT PHONE, STATUS, what is your signal strength?

[B33]

Just done a Checkie.. Uncle B   and mine is 4G = -90dbm On my ICS machine   On my J.B machine  it is  1x = -74dbm ) ( 4G = -91dbm

[newS4user]

Did a check as you suggested - -82 dBm, 58 asu

But what does that mean? :}

Thanks.

[Ann154]

Actually that's pretty good for the LTE signal strength.