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Is the Nexus One 3g issue a dealbreaker?

Title says it. Contemplating purchasing this phone because I want a sick Android device but its plagued with bad 3g reception stories. Is it that big of a deal? Does anyone regret buying the device over it? Is it a design flaw as i have read or software?

mrbox23 said:
... Is it that big of a deal?
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No
mrbox23 said:
Does anyone regret buying the device over it?
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I don't
mrbox23 said:
Is it a design flaw as i have read or software?
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Click to collapse
It is neither. It is the wireless networks you guys have here in the US that sucks... (At least in El Paso, TX)

I'm tired of people blaming the wireless network, because that's just plain wrong in most cases.
I am a big N1 fan but I will be the first to admit that there's a 3G problem. But here is what I've observed:
- The problem is less evident on the AT&T model, as 3G runs on the same frequencies as 2G, and in general AT&T uses 850/1900, which are lower frequencies (better penetration) than T-Mobile.
- If you're in a very strong 3G area (like on the streets of NYC), you aren't likely to have any problems no matter how you hold the device.
- If you're in somewhat of a sketchy 3G area, and use the T-Mobile version of the phone, it's very possible you're going to drop to edge, if you cover the bottom portion of the phone with your hand. If you have the AT&T version in a sketchy area (low signal overall), it's possible you'll kill your signal entirely if you hold the phone a certain way...but I would say this is very rare.
There's probably a combination of a software and hardware issue causing the 3G issue. With future updates to the radio firmware, I'm sure there will be some improvements, but I don't know if it's going to be as good as some of the other phones available (especially in the case of T-Mobile, where the G1 tends to be fair a lot better 3G wise).
Having said all this - do I regret purchasing an N1? Definitely not - everything else about the phone makes up for the 3G issues, and I still have hope for future improvements.

Reception isn't "deal breaker" bad, and you'll notice there are much less complaints from AT&T users about it. If you are normally in areas with good coverage everything will will be great, but fringe areas might be frustrating. Weak signals are the phones kryptonite.
My question to anyone on the fence is usually, "name a better GSM phone" and then when they say "iPhone" I call them a fanboi. There's nothing worse than being an Apple fanboi.

its not a deal breaker at all. I still hold by my theory that the signal bars are just calibrated less conservatively than other phones, cause I've made and held calls for 15 min with zero bars of 3g showing. even my nokias had trouble doing that.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

PrawnPoBoy said:
Reception isn't "deal breaker" bad, and you'll notice there are much less complaints from AT&T users about it. If you are normally in areas with good coverage everything will will be great, but fringe areas might be frustrating. Weak signals are the phones kryptonite.
My question to anyone on the fence is usually, "name a better GSM phone" and then when they say "iPhone" I call them a fanboi. There's nothing worse than being an Apple fanboi.
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Just cause they say the iPhone, doesn't make them an Apple fanboy.. people can have legitimate reason why they like the iPhone more than the Nexus...

There could be something to the theory that the phone just reports reception more conservatively. But then again I can easily drop a call in a low signal area by moving my hand around. This is the first phone I've had that does that.
Just cause they say the iPhone, doesn't make them an Apple fanboy.. people can have legitimate reason why they like the iPhone more than the Nexus...
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Spoken like a true fanboi.
PS: I was actually joking. I have a jailbroken iPhone as well and its also awesome.

PrawnPoBoy said:
There could be something to the theory that the phone just reports reception more conservatively. But then again I can easily drop a call in a low signal area by moving my hand around. This is the first phone I've had that does that.
Spoken like a true fanboi.
PS: I was actually joking. I have a jailbroken iPhone as well and its also awesome.
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see i have always had the same problem with my other phones in low signal areas, they would ALWAYS drop the call if i moved my hand over it. but they all had antenna in the bottom, like the nexus. i think if your previous phone had the antenna in the top, then you never would have experienced this before.
my nokia n95 was the last phone i had with a top antenna, it was internal at the top near the camera, and that thing was superb with RF.
but then i got the e71 and the bottom antenna dropped calls when i covered it. no service, all the time. i trained myself to hold at the top ever since.
so the nexus doesnt seem abnormal to me. i just thought it was common knowledge though...

PrawnPoBoy said:
There could be something to the theory that the phone just reports reception more conservatively. But then again I can easily drop a call in a low signal area by moving my hand around. This is the first phone I've had that does that.
Spoken like a true fanboi.
PS: I was actually joking. I have a jailbroken iPhone as well and its also awesome.
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I also hope you were joking about the fanboi thing, as the nearest I've come to owning and iPhone was using family members ones for a few hours. My previous phone was a G1, and your misconceptions of me (if your words were not taken out if context) for stating something that is quite true is quite sad.
As stated before, people can have legitimate reasons as to why they favor the iPhone more than the Nexus. If I was sucked in to the iPhone when it was released, I would probably also be an iSheep - luckily I was only 12 at the iPhone's release. Phone technology wasn't really all that interesting yet.. I didn't care about touch screens etc. Now though, I still don't care about the phone much - but it was definitely brought unneeded hate in the internet towards those who adore it.

I love my Nexus One. No 3G issues on ATT, this actually has much better reception than my HTC Tilt2 with the best custom radio rom for my area. Flashing the radio of your Nexus will help a ton if you experience any of these issues so if you plan on flashing your phone don't worry about it. I love my Nexus and I spend much less time screwing with how the phone works and a lot more time using it.

about nexous one
I have never had any 3g problems ever and i bought this phone right when it came out
i love it get it you will to

This is really simple.
1. Buy the phone. If you have bad reception,
2. Flash to the newest radio. If you still have bad reception,
3. Return the phone.
You most likely won't get to step 3.

The phone legitimately does not get great reception.
I lined up, side by side, my BB Bold 9000, my Motorola Milestone, and me Nexus One, all just sitting on the desk, all with Orange (France) 3G SIMs.
The Bold and the Milestone get about the same signal. The Nexus gets consistently -4 to -10 dBm worse signal in any given placement. Wrapping your hand loosely around the phone will cut the signal by from -6 to -10 dBm on the Nexus, and by around -2 to -6 on the other two.
HOWEVER, the statistics don't really matter - I still get good enough signal at my desk on all three of them to download applications, use GTalk/SMS/telephone/browser all day, etc. Yes, a speed test shows generally better speeds on the Milestone, but it is more than good enough on both Android phones.
AND the Nexus is much faster in day-to-day operation. It scrolls faster, loads faster, runs faster, etc. It is almost sure to get updates from Google faster, and the dev community really does rock.
If I was in the US, I would have to consider some of the other phones out there, simply because the other networks are better than GSM networks, but here in France, the Nexus is fine and dandy.
If I were you, I would consider the network as well as the product, because it makes such a huge difference in the US. But once past that point, if you decide Nexus: buy it, test it, if you don't like it, sell it or return it. Easy.

I carried around my iPhone 3G with me the last few days and any time I had bad or no reception with my N1 I would swap the sim card and try the iPhone and without fail the iPhone would alway have more than enough signal strength.
The phone's reception is simply not as good as other phones, but it not enough for me to want to return it. I just hope that HTC learns from this like they did with the recent change to the atmel touchscreen instead of the clearpad component. I'm sure they will.

I've never had a problem with dropping 3G signal exactly, just the occasional instance where it'll get stuck on "uploading." Not sure if that's a T-Mobile issue or a phone issue. Either way, it happens only rarely and lasts no more than 10 seconds or so each time, so not a dealbreaker.
Other than that, the phone is fantastic. Incredibly fast and customizable. People complain that Android isn't user-friendly, but I honestly find everything quite intuitive (with the exception of a few badly designed 3rd-party apps).

I get the same (even better in a few places) 3G reception on my Nexus then I did with my iPhone 3GS

The OP needs to take note of all the people complaining about reception issues have also NOT mentioned whether or not they have updated the radio.
Everybody sitting with the stock radio from the models released in January/early-February are going to have a lot more complaints than someone who has either updated their radio or bought a newer model that has the updated radio preinstalled.

i still say its just a conservatively calibrated signal meter! seems to match my other phones just fine even if the actual bars are showing zero bars, its still making the call and receiving the data. me thinks its just a software calibration difference...

gsvnet said:
I'm tired of people blaming the wireless network, because that's just plain wrong in most cases.
I am a big N1 fan but I will be the first to admit that there's a 3G problem. But here is what I've observed:
- The problem is less evident on the AT&T model, as 3G runs on the same frequencies as 2G, and in general AT&T uses 850/1900, which are lower frequencies (better penetration) than T-Mobile.
- If you're in a very strong 3G area (like on the streets of NYC), you aren't likely to have any problems no matter how you hold the device.
- If you're in somewhat of a sketchy 3G area, and use the T-Mobile version of the phone, it's very possible you're going to drop to edge, if you cover the bottom portion of the phone with your hand. If you have the AT&T version in a sketchy area (low signal overall), it's possible you'll kill your signal entirely if you hold the phone a certain way...but I would say this is very rare.
There's probably a combination of a software and hardware issue causing the 3G issue. With future updates to the radio firmware, I'm sure there will be some improvements, but I don't know if it's going to be as good as some of the other phones available (especially in the case of T-Mobile, where the G1 tends to be fair a lot better 3G wise).
Having said all this - do I regret purchasing an N1? Definitely not - everything else about the phone makes up for the 3G issues, and I still have hope for future improvements.
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Bro, you're entire post actually supports the claim that the carriers need to build out their networks more in this country! Obviously if the phone works great in an area like NYC or Chicago, but not so great in "sketchy" places like where I live (Toledo, OH), then IT'S THE NETWORK!

PrawnPoBoy said:
I carried around my iPhone 3G with me the last few days and any time I had bad or no reception with my N1 I would swap the sim card and try the iPhone and without fail the iPhone would alway have more than enough signal strength.
The phone's reception is simply not as good as other phones, but it not enough for me to want to return it. I just hope that HTC learns from this like they did with the recent change to the atmel touchscreen instead of the clearpad component. I'm sure they will.
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Well, I have had the exact opposite experience. I always have a better signal with my N1 than my wife does with her iphone in the same places.
My wife and I used to have identical Nokia handsets, and her signal was always significantly better than mine. Minute manufacturing variations in low power RF devices can make huge differences, and such manufacturing variations are a normal part of any manufacturing process, including cell phones.
Comparing one phone to another and declaring a problem exists with an entire line of phones is just silly.
Basically, there is no real evidence of a unilateral "Nexus One" 3G problem, even if some handsets have less than expected performance.
So if you want a Nexus One, get it, and chances are that if you are happy with your network, you will be happy with your Nexus One.

[Q] Droid 4 GSM/UMTS Signal level?

Hello, has anyone compared signal levels of Droid 4 to 'real GSM/UMTS' phones?
I've been checking the signal level with android software BestPlace, best I've accomplished is -61dBm, and it's often -80 or smth. I've also never achieved the phone to show 5/5 on signal bar, always max 4/5.
With any other phone I can get decent signal everywhere, as the D4 drops out really often on highways and places with worse reception.
Obviously you can't wait this phone to have as good antenna as real GSM phones because there needs to be antenna for really wide range of frequencies.. But still, any way to make it better.. ?
IMO the 3G-GSM handover is really slow and does work like early 3G-phones.. Very slow switching from 3G to GSM and breaking calls during the switch.

bluri said:
Hello, has anyone compared signal levels of Droid 4 to 'real GSM/UMTS' phones?
I've been checking the signal level with android software BestPlace, best I've accomplished is -61dBm, and it's often -80 or smth. I've also never achieved the phone to show 5/5 on signal bar, always max 4/5.
With any other phone I can get decent signal everywhere, as the D4 drops out really often on highways and places with worse reception.
Obviously you can't wait this phone to have as good antenna as real GSM phones because there needs to be antenna for really wide range of frequencies.. But still, any way to make it better.. ?
IMO the 3G-GSM handover is really slow and does work like early 3G-phones.. Very slow switching from 3G to GSM and breaking calls during the switch.
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I have the same problem, and despite extensive googling have not found a solution yet.
I tried everything I could find and I am now considering a custom rom.
Sadly also the custom roms don't seem to pay much attention to GSM/UMTS reception, but that search was not extensive yet
Netherlands / KPN

Same problem here. I've two droid 4 and both have a much worse signal strengh than cheep gsm phones.
At the moment i'm trying some build.prop tweaks.
Did you already try something (e.g modified radio)?

One vs. GS4: Anyone do a direct radio comparison?

I've had my One since August, and while I love the speakers and build quality, the LTE reception has been marginal and the CDMA call quality sucks. Long story short, I have someone offering to trade me their Galaxy S4 straight up for my One. Both are in mint condition. I was considering eventually swapping for a Nexus 5 with the tri-band radios, but this offer has me considering otherwise. Has anyone had the opportunity to do side-by-side comparisons of the S4 and One in LTE active areas? I don't want this to turn into a fan-boy rant-fest, especially since I'll probably stick with the One. Just looking for honest opinions of the test results.
Thanks in advance!

I have a one and my wife has an s4. Her s4 definitely will grab an LTE signal faster and hold it longer than my one. She almost always will have a stronger signal when connected side by side as well. Her s4 will usually pump out a faster speed test side by side as well.
I'm not bashing the one by any means. As far as signal goes, I think her s4 has my one beat.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

If I had the opportunity to trade straight up, I would if signal strength/durability is a big deal to you. My the radio on my wife's Note2 runs circles around my One's radio. I can barely hold a 3G signal in my house, while she's cruising on LTE. Not a big deal to me because I use Wifi anyway.
There's multiple reasons why I would, and multiple reasons why I wouldn't. It all depends on what is important to you. But to answer your question, the Samsung seems to do better picking up signal and holding on to it.

OP before switching to a tri-band device i would do some research and verify the sprint LTE towers your surrounded by support Circuit Switched Fallback technology. If the towers do not support it you wont be getting any better LTE than the ONE, it will actually be worse.
great link that explains what this is in case you were unaware
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-357-nexus-5-and-lg-g2-experience-temporary-sprint-lte-connectivity-issues-due-to-circuit-switched-fallback-technology/

trcurren said:
I have a one and my wife has an s4. Her s4 definitely will grab an LTE signal faster and hold it longer than my one. She almost always will have a stronger signal when connected side by side as well. Her s4 will usually pump out a faster speed test side by side as well.
I'm not bashing the one by any means. As far as signal goes, I think her s4 has my one beat.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
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I'm in the same situation and exact same results.
---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:19 PM ----------
Robisgnarly said:
OP before switching to a tri-band device i would do some research and verify the sprint LTE towers your surrounded by support Circuit Switched Fallback technology. If the towers do not support it you wont be getting any better LTE than the ONE, it will actually be worse.
great link that explains what this is in case you were unaware
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-357-nexus-5-and-lg-g2-experience-temporary-sprint-lte-connectivity-issues-due-to-circuit-switched-fallback-technology/
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Great read. I was excited for Sprint to finally get simultaneous voice + data. I don't really talk while browsing web on phone, but I do like apps that while you're getting a call, it searches the # for business / white pages info and displays it in real time, or downloads not being interrupted.
Losing this feature is bogus.

My HTC One, at the area where Sprint's coverage map shows best for LTE, gets almost nothing, at best, and will drop even when I stand still. Even the 3G signal can wave from 4 bars to no bar, dropped data when I stand there not moving, I think it got worse after the 4.3 upgrade. Are you guys having the same? Now that my WiFi are also waving in and out.

ctiger said:
My HTC One, at the area where Sprint's coverage map shows best for LTE, gets almost nothing, at best, and will drop even when I stand still. Even the 3G signal can wave from 4 bars to no bar, dropped data when I stand there not moving, I think it got worse after the 4.3 upgrade. Are you guys having the same? Now that my WiFi are also waving in and out.
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Completely identical. Doesn't matter where I am at or what I am doing, the signal is bouncing back and forth, switching between 3G/LTE, wifi constantly dropping and picking back up, etc.

\m/ said:
Completely identical. Doesn't matter where I am at or what I am doing, the signal is bouncing back and forth, switching between 3G/LTE, wifi constantly dropping and picking back up, etc.
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I've had the same problem on my One for as long as I can remember. I switched to the Nexus 5 a couple of weeks ago and I get MUCH better signal as well as constant connection. My One would always drop signal, have weak/no signal, etc... I think it's just an HTC thing. Even my EVO LTE would have terrible radios/signal.

\m/ said:
Completely identical. Doesn't matter where I am at or what I am doing, the signal is bouncing back and forth, switching between 3G/LTE, wifi constantly dropping and picking back up, etc.
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tyler.durden said:
I've had the same problem on my One for as long as I can remember. I switched to the Nexus 5 a couple of weeks ago and I get MUCH better signal as well as constant connection. My One would always drop signal, have weak/no signal, etc... I think it's just an HTC thing. Even my EVO LTE would have terrible radios/signal.
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Wow, thought it was just my phone. But when I contacted them on Wed afternoon, their CS told me to do this and do that and blah blah blah... at the time I knew it was not my phone, but a wide spread problem they can't simply tell me to send it back for repair or exchange. It is a very sad thing.

For myself, in my area where we have no LTE and weak 3G signal is a concern, the HTC One has done noticeably better than the SG4. The local repair center will actively tell people to switch their devices away from Samsung to HTC.
I cannot speak to LTE signal and I cannot speak of the difference between a Note 3 and the HTC One, but in my corner of Virginia, the HTC One has had the better signal strength.

jskup said:
For myself, in my area where we have no LTE and weak 3G signal is a concern, the HTC One has done noticeably better than the SG4. The local repair center will actively tell people to switch their devices away from Samsung to HTC.
I cannot speak to LTE signal and I cannot speak of the difference between a Note 3 and the HTC One, but in my corner of Virginia, the HTC One has had the better signal strength.
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Yeah that only applies to 3G, except in my area both Galaxy's and HTC's do well on 3G. Wait till you guys get 4G in your area and see if you get any of the LTE action lol. It's an HTC thing, the EVO LTE and One suffer the same issue.

I assure you I am more than ready for LTE here. It's been a long time coming.
Still, wasn't sure what the OP's specific scenario was so I wanted to alert them to the possibility that their HTC One could be the better device in this situation, rare in larger cities but more out in the fringes.

jskup said:
I assure you I am more than ready for LTE here. It's been a long time coming.
Still, wasn't sure what the OP's specific scenario was so I wanted to alert them to the possibility that their HTC One could be the better device in this situation, rare in larger cities but more out in the fringes.
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Well keep your eye out on a galaxy phone so you can see it pick up LTE while your HTC is on 3G. You'll see what we all experience soon lol.
And to OP, Galaxy phones do better at LTE so the S4 would be ideal if you want to swap your One. Personally I would just future proof my phone and get a tri band device if I were you..

My uncles gs4 gets a weak lte signal in certain areas of my house where i get absolutely none until i step outside
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------
Wouldnt trade for it at all though. Not much of a signal difference and dat touchwiz is so.... no. I upgraded from the OG Epic 4g and am happy i went for the One.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------
Also it feels so cheap lol my epic looks better than the gs4 ugh bro i advise you dont do it, ESPDCIALLY if signal is your only concern. Not enough of a difference to justify that. The only thing id say do it for, is if you need the sd slot (and even then, theres a little thing for $10 that lets you use sd cards on the One)
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app

After reading several posts regarding the superior reception of the GS4, I made the trade. Immediately, I picked up solid 4G signals were I never had them before. I'll miss the forward facing speakers and the awesome design, but the LTE reception and higher resolution camera are a higher priority for me. One thing I didn't think I would miss is Blinkfeed, but it really grew on me and there's nothing quite as slick on the Android Market. The One is a sweet phone, but I bought it primarily because of an unreal deal from Dell Mobile, and based on my type of usage it's shortcomings were too apparent.
Let the hating begin!

Hahah to each his own, so happy you made an informed decision, even if i disagree much better than saying "well everyone else has it so why not"
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app

I always say to each their own. Not every device is suited for everyone's needs. I'm glad you found a device that works for you!
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

I read somewhere that the aluminium build of the HTC ONE interferes with the signal??? I have no idea if this is true but it wouldn't make sense cause if you put aluminium foil on an antenna you get better reception
---------- Post added at 08:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 AM ----------
I read somewhere that the aluminium build of the HTC ONE interferes with the signal??? I have no idea if this is true but it wouldn't make sense cause if you put aluminium foil on an antenna you get better reception!!
trcurren said:
I have a one and my wife has an s4. Her s4 definitely will grab an LTE signal faster and hold it longer than my one. She almost always will have a stronger signal when connected side by side as well. Her s4 will usually pump out a faster speed test side by side as well.
I'm not bashing the one by any means. As far as signal goes, I think her s4 has my one beat.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Coming from s3 to s4 to one... S4 seems to have had better radios in my area. I still get LTE, but it isn't as strong as when I had s4
Sent from my One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Sprint is pushing an update today.
Not sure if it has new radios or not yet.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

How is signal strength?

In regards to the iPhone 6, or Note 4? I am wondering if the device has good signal in fringy locations? Does it hold onto LTE in weak areas?

+1
MattMJB0188 said:
In regards to the iPhone 6, or Note 4? I am wondering if the device has good signal in fringy locations? Does it hold onto LTE in weak areas?
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This^
Every Samsung phone I've had has horrible service. Defaults to 3G when in my pocket and the signal strength is never as good as other brands of phones I've had ( Motorola, Apple, HTC). The only variable being different is the name brand, I've always been on Verizon and lived in the same place. My note 3 always defaulted to 3G, I can count the number of times my iPhone has defaulted to 3G on one hand( not just looking at signal bar strength). I really want the note 5 but if the signal strength is worse or similar( I'm especially worried about the aluminum material used) to other Samsung phones I won't get it. Even if you have the best phone in the world it's only as good as the cell reception.
Thanks in advance.

I can't speak in terms of the note 4 or iPhone, but my previous phone was a Galaxy S4. In my daily life, I definitely notice that the Note 5 has WAY better signal strength than the S4. I used to sit at this bench, but I couldn't use any internet there (not even 3G!) so I stopped. However, my note 5 is picking up LTE 3/4 bars in an area where a 2013 flagship phone couldn't pick anything up . Definitely an upgrade. Sprint btw.

desertboy83 said:
This^
Every Samsung phone I've had has horrible service. Defaults to 3G when in my pocket and the signal strength is never as good as other brands of phones I've had ( Motorola, Apple, HTC). The only variable being different is the name brand, I've always been on Verizon and lived in the same place. My note 3 always defaulted to 3G, I can count the number of times my iPhone has defaulted to 3G on one hand( not just looking at signal bar strength). I really want the note 5 but if the signal strength is worse or similar( I'm especially worried about the aluminum material used) to other Samsung phones I won't get it. Even if you have the best phone in the world it's only as good as the cell reception.
Thanks in advance.
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Yeah this is what I was afraid of. Should be getting the device today. I had read it wasn't the strongest in the signal department, which is why I asked.
zingo1zang said:
I can't speak in terms of the note 4 or iPhone, but my previous phone was a Galaxy S4. In my daily life, I definitely notice that the Note 5 has WAY better signal strength than the S4. I used to sit at this bench, but I couldn't use any internet there (not even 3G!) so I stopped. However, my note 5 is picking up LTE 3/4 bars in an area where a 2013 flagship phone couldn't pick anything up . Definitely an upgrade. Sprint btw.
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Exactly what I wanted to hear. Thank you for clarifying this information.

So???
MattMJB0188 said:
Yeah this is what I was afraid of. Should be getting the device today. I had read it wasn't the strongest in the signal department.
So how is the signal strength? Are you on Verizon?
On a unrelated note ( pun intended). How is the speakerphone compared to iPhone 6? Another shortcoming of my note 3 was the weak speaker.
Thanks fellow xda'er.
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i live in a rural area and while in the house i barely get 3g and occasionaly switch to the roaming tower. outside lte and was able to stream spotifiy for 3 hours while cutting the grass without problem. coming from a note 2 it's a huge improvement (used get 1x out there or 3g with no throughput). my n6 on verizon is pretty much the same, but i get a slightly better lte signal in the house by the only window where i can catch it - the note 5 sprint does the same, but just not as strong.

On t-mobile its amazing. I have super strong signal and even gets me through old dead zones near my house without dropping calls. so color me impressed. I would say its MUCH MUCH better than the note 3, I was always loosing signal bars when driving but night and day from work to back now, no more dropped calls/dropped internet

Cellular strength and throughput

We know how much you like to stream, ahem, "videos", and so cellular data is mega-important. Rate this thread to express how you think the HTC U11's LTE performs. A higher rating indicates that it's fantastic: throughput is excellent and signal strength is top-notch.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add.

I stream WSBK, MotoGP and BSB all the time on mine and it works perfect. It has no trouble with 1080p streams at all. I have an AT&T sim in mine.

Best cellular strength of any phones I've handled

Loss of Verizon connection
Both of my U11's stopped connecting with Verizon this morning.
Third phone is fine, so not a signal issue here.
Both with TWRP recovery installed and running OK for weeks.
Have had none of the problems some users report, til today.
Did a RUU on one of them and signal was restored.

michaelbsheldon said:
Both with TWRP recovery installed and running OK for weeks.
Did a RUU on one of them and signal was restored.
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Click to collapse
TWRP doesn't affect signal at all. It was something else that was fixed by factory flashing the U11. The radios don't check safetynet so it's not that either.
I would say it was something they both had installed or a setting of some kind.

aergern said:
TWRP doesn't affect signal at all. It was something else that was fixed by factory flashing the U11. The radios don't check safetynet so it's not that either.
I would say it was something they both had installed or a setting of some kind.
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Nothing was different other than the day of the week. They've both connected perfectly - no issues -
for weeks. Didn't even take Play Store updates in last few days. Something changed at Verizon's end.

In my frigo warehouse, in one particular corner where I had 0 signal with HTC 10, now I have signal and can even phone normally. Very good!

My U11 lost signal in CHOC, my wife has my OnePlus 3T and she had usable signal in the ER. I was very disappointed because one of the selling features in the U11 as North American band support. I already looking to going back to OnePlus 5 or something because signal is dismal for me.

NFC - no option for NFC, but I figured for some out there it'll be important.
It's very important to me as I use it to read a blood glucose meter (Freestyle Libre) and it's been absolutely flawless. My phone lives in a spigen rugged armour case, and it has no issues communicating through multiple layers.
Would of been an absolute deal breaker and forced me to find another phone if the NFC didn't work well. Others out there's including glorious Samsung users have complained about NFC performance.
So if you're reading HTC don't mess up the NFC in future iterations and kudos for getting this right.