iPhone4 Signal Reception Problems Grip of Death Antenna

[Masterstrikeful]

Shit iphone

[MrSarcasm2]

I'm having this problem on my LG Esteem.

[yusszx]

IPHONE MAJOR FAIL!

[dosse91]

can't belive that they didn't notice this problem before selling this phone. i mean, that's how you hold a phone when you're calling, damn it! how could this have passed??

[DYEPAlNTBALL]

EVERYONE KNEW, Exept few people, That the iphone 4 has many BUG. Wait 2-3 years to buy it.

[josedude8]

That's just ur retarded UK signal

[AhSel18]

I don't have the problem at all on mine iphone 4.

Just got it last week and it works perfect :)

[sebastianproductions]

wow the new iphone has problems

[DYEPAlNTBALL]

@sebastianproductions MANY.

[BillyNilsson]

have apple fixed this grip of death issue yet? because this phone will be out on the market tommorrow (30th july) in sweden and im thinking of buying it.

and is it when you hold it with your left hand the signal drops? (i always use my right hand)

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@BillyNilsson It has a problem when your skin touches the antenna. Worse if your skin is moist. But NO problems at all after you put on the free case or bumper, which insulates the antenna. It actually then has much better reception than other phones. Anandtech did a very detailed review and came to this conclusion.

[LeilaniLad]

I love how it seems you just drop it in disgust at the end.

[justin6999]

aahahaahhah fucking apple sucks dick...

[ItsEzleBaby]

who holds a phone like that anyway

[ALE07ST]

wow I feel so sorry for apple fan boys, buying into a product that dose not work properly. I think apple are a great company but they I will stick with my android for now.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@ALE07ST I own a Droid, and it has issues too. Google's inefficient code makes the phone sluggish, even tho it has a superior CPU. Finger flicks and icon animations are very jerky. The proximity sensor isn't well designed, and causes the keypad to activate while I'm on the phone. This leads to my cheek pressing the "hang up" button. Apple was the first to do a proximity sensor, and still does it the best. I am p**ed off @ Google for these problems, and hope competition will make them improve.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@ALE07ST And I got a couple more gripes about my Droid. The sound quality is horrible. I have to cup my hand over the mic in order for the other person to understand me. And very often, if I do websurfing for more than a few minutes, the device loses sync with the tap targets on the screen. I tap one spot, and it "registers" my tap in a completely different spot. The only way to get out of this wierd state is to refresh the page. Very annoying.

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer Your Droid is just fucked up.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD No, my droid is just like any other android device. Search youtube for somebody doing a side by side "drag race" between the Droid X and iphone3GS. You'll see that the finger-flicks are all jerky, even on the X. If you google the droid forums, you'll also see that lots of people have been returning their droids for warranty service, and getting a refurbished unit in return, which is still all screwed up. To top it off, the refurbs were not sanitized since the last owner had it.

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer No, if your Droid is messing up, then it's nothing like anyone elses because they have sold millions since they launched last year and continues to sell well because of the durability and the "endless" things you can do on it. To say that there is a few people that don't like the Droid is like saying the sun is hot. Of course some people won't like it, but it continues to sell well because "Droid Does" and the reliability of Verizon's network which is the most reliable of all

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD So you are saying that there's nothing wrong with the Droid because it has sold millions? Well then by your criteria, there is nothing wrong with iphone4 because it sold 1.7 million in just the first 3 days, and continues to be on back order. I encourage anyone who is about to spend their hard-earned money, check out both phones personally, in an Apple store and a Verizon store. Do some finger-flicks between screens. Note which phone operates more smoothly. See for yourself!

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer Read my comment again.I said that the Droid continues to sell well because the positives of the phone far out number the negatives.The phone has been out since last year and it still sells better than most smartphones today.The reason the iPhone(all of them) sell well is because of the name. There is no denying it.I have used both. In fact last night I was toying around with my buddy's iPhone 4,but what is the point of a phone if you lose signal just because you hold it wrong

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD Yep, I have reread your last comment, and that is NOT what you said at all. You said all the problems I'm having with my Droid can't be representative of the Droid because it has "sold millions since they launched last year". Good thing this conversation is written, so you can't change what you already said. And in case you missed the news, holding the iphone4 wrong is no longer an issue because Apple is giving out FREE BUMPERS.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD And seriously, all you can say about the iphone4 after playing with it is that you can't hold it a certain way? I find that somewhat moronic. You didn't check out its multitasking, or the HD recording? Either you are lying, or you are a fanboy with an agenda, trying to discredit the iphone4, in which case your reported findings are irrelevant. Again, I encourage anyone reading this to try out both phones in person, and note how much more smoothly the iphone4 operates.

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer You are misreading it. And my Droid does multitasking so I don't see the point of checking out the iphones. HD recording is a benefit but not to me as I rarely would record anything on my phone but it still is a benefit. What is the point of a cell PHONE? To CALL people. I'm left handed so this is a big turn off that I can't even hold it without losing bars. With that and AT&T's terrible coverage it just isn't something that will be an improvement from my Droid on Verizon.

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer It may not matter to you but making phone calls and not getting dropped calls it a HUGE thing for me. I'm on the phone a lot and can't have a dropped call because im left handed. And the bumpers I heard that they have already sold out and still won't have enough so they are giving away free cases. This may HELP the problem but it is something that SHOULDN'T be required.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD Yes, it does matter to me if my phone can't make phone calls. Again, put on the FREE BUMPER (or case, if you choose that route), and you won't get dropped calls! Anandtech has shown that the iphone4 receiver circuitry has a superior signal to noise ratio, enabling it to pick out a much weaker cell signal than other phones. So once the bumper is on, this phone will cling to a signal like velcro. It will work all the way down to -113dBm, where other phones drop calls like a hot potato.

[SaundersHD]

@wildmushroomfarmer Didn't read your post. Don't feel like arguing. You think iPhone 4 is better. I think my (almost) a year old Droid is still better. No changing my mind on that and I'm sure your not going to change yours, so I'll will end it at that. Good night

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@SaundersHD I've also been a Moto Droid owner for ~9 months. I am "married" to this thing because I've invested so much time into getting my personal data into it, I can't switch. I'm hoping Google will wake up to the killer competition from Apple and improve android. Google has not listened to its users. Hands-free bluetooth dialing has been missing from it since it was released 2 years ago, making it illegal to dial out while driving in many states, and users screams have fallen on deaf ears.

[LeilaniLad]

@wildmushroomfarmer Wow, isn't it interesting how your account was created JUST when this story hit? No posted vids, no previous participation in YouTube. Also odd how the pseudonym "wildmushroomfarmer" has ONLY been used on YouTube. No other accounts anywhere on the internet. And you are REALLY interested in defending the iPhone and slamming it's major competitor.

So how long you worked for Apple?

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@LeilaniLad Nope, WRONG. I did not create this account just when the antenna issue hit. Check your facts. My account was created May 31 according to my profile. The iphone4 was not available to customers until June 24, almost a month later. And you might as well check your brain while you're at it. There's a reason why nothing is on my profile, it's called PRIVACY SETTINGS. I'm defending the iphone4 because it is a GREAT PRODUCT that has been unfairly treated in the media.

[LeilaniLad]

@wildmushroomfarmer Whatever. Hope it's not too hot in Cupertino...

[wildmushroomfarmer]

Sounds like Apple will be giving a press conference tomorrow morning. I can guess what they'll probably say. #1: they'll elaborate on their claim about the software solution for antenna problem. Their claim is basically valid, although to the uninformed, it sounds like a crock of bull. According to Anandtech's measurements, the iphone's bottom4 bars covers only a 10dBm range in signal strength, while the 5th bar covers a 40dBm range.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

If an iphone4 user happens to be in a location with 4 bars or less, a very small change in signal strength can cause a big movement in the bar display. This is what happens when you grab the phone while at 4 bars or less. Apple's software fix will probably spread out the bars more evenly over the range of useful signal strength. Therefore, where you used to see 4 bars, you'll probably see 3 or 2. So in short, the flawed bar algorithm was making the antenna problem look worse than it really was

[wildmushroomfarmer]

#2: There really is an antenna issue, according to Anandtech. Even though the bad display algorithm made it look worse, still the fact remains that it is there. It only causes dropped calls when you are in a 4 bar or lower area. So Apple will probably announce some kind of remedy, most likely either giving a free bumper or a voucher, or a subsidy.

[sneakysnake2730]

See your problem is that you bought in iphone, get an EVO 4g. problem solved

[laprop]

Damn I'm glad I went got the 3GS. Dodged a fucked up bullet. 3GS does everything the iphone4 does that actually matters to the average person.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@laprop There is one thing that the 3GS does NOT do better. According to tests run by anandtech, when you put a bumper on the iphone4, it can hang on to a call even down to a signal strength level of -113dbm. At this low signal level, the iphone3GS has no hope of making any connection. Anandtech is a well respected website in the engineering community, and you can read their report yourself. Just google the key words "Anandtech iphone4 review"

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@laprop Whoops, my bad. In my last post, the search keys should have been "anandtech iphone4 antenna"

[wildmushroomfarmer]

Here's an interesting take on this antenna problem. It's been speculated that Apple's field testers had to disguise the iphone4 from prying eyes by keeping them in iphone3G cases while outside. So it may well be that Apple's testers never directly touched the antenna before launch. There is also a very interesting revelation from Anandtech, a tech review website. Their tests show that iphone4's antenna blows the iphone3GS out of the water, as long as you put on a bumper.

[metalguns14]

@wildmushroomfarmer I could not agree more with your statement! I'm guessing that is exactly what happened. Hey its human error due to the disguise case but I'm sure Apple will fix this in no time. As per right now I'm sticking with my 3gs

[frededison]

Did it continually drop a call when you held it that certain way? We are concerned with call reliability and not just the number of pretty bars on the screen, or so I'd hope.

[derek21023]

everyone one of you is crazy to replicate this problem. the only left handed person in the world found this problem out. no one holds a phone like that. i dont even have an iphone, i have the htc evo and i still laugh at people doing these videos. if you grip your phone that hard and like that, than your an idiot and your signal should drop

[AwwC00L]

haha i feel bad

[wildmushroomfarmer]

A bumper case will solve this problem, since it prevents your skin from touching the iphone4 antenna. Most of the iphone3 owners that I know put their phones in protective cases. If the same holds true for iphone4 owners, then this "problem" will become a non-issue. This truth is exactly what the Apple-haters are trying to suppress. I bet they pee their pants just thinking about it!

[dodgydodgy]

@wildmushroomfarmer But should you have to? Do you need to with my BlackBerry? Do you need to with my Sony Ericsson? And it's for that reason Apple now has this phone back.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@dodgydodgy No, in an ideal world you shouldn't have to. This is one instance where Apple's relentless pursuit of "the cool factor" bit them in the behind. But look at the overall picture. The iphone4 is one cool piece of art, with many attributes that make it a better phone than your Sony or Blackberry, such as HD recording & editing. I think it is pretty unfair that everyone wants to crucify Steve Jobs over this little detail, which can be easily fixed with a minimal "thong bumper" case.

[wildmushroomfarmer]

@wildmushroomfarmer I need to correct myself over my last reply. Not "everyone" is out to crucify Steve Jobs over this issue, just the Apple bashers, who seem to be having a good time over it. There are obviously plenty of people who don't mind the problem, since the phone is still sold out and on weeks-long back order. I was just at the Apple store recently to play with stuff, and you couldn't buy an ipad or iphone for love or money.

[AhmedAltima08]

@wildmushroomfarmer but still, this is no excuse at all for Apple to make a lousy product which, from day one, needs extra equipment (int he form of bumber case) to fix this design! BTW, I am not an Apple hater...I own 3GS and I was planning to get iPhone 4 before the scandal happened!

[kissit22uk]

if ur right handed then during a call shouldn't be a problem, but the iphone is more than a phone, u hold it in ur left hand/palm so u can use ur right hand to touch the screen, so unless u hold it higher up using just ur fingers not ur hand, ur gonna get this problem with everything that involves 3g... HTC FTW

[xRAWNEZZx]

Gah, thanks for making this vid because I was planning on buying an iPhone 4 untill my dad told me about the little problem it has. I'm now waiting untill they fix this.

[MrBombi0]

Technology is really advancing now.

[denizhanozkara]

thank you for video its usefull to realise,

[F1NGER]

"Just don't hold it that way. You're a prick for complaining."

-Steve Jobs

[MrWeedluv]

not even like there cheap robbing fookers

[sheldonthethird]

first of all, you have to be left handed, and secondly, who holds their like that.

[dodgydodgy]

@sheldonthethird I'm right handed, so if I want to do anything with the handset (like dial, or text) then I hold it in my left hand and prod with my right. When speaking I hold it in either hand and if I hold it in my left, I bridge those points.

Look around on the Internet and I think you'll find it isn't a case of someone "holding it wrongly", it's a product not designed to be held. Not great for a phone.

[sheldonthethird]

@dodgydodgy Actually, if you were to type a text message or something why would you use your right index finger instead of just using your thumbs. And i'm pretty sure apple made it to be a phone, and usually you hold a phone, thats why they call it the iphone 4. DUH

[spazshane]

@dodgydodgy Yeah im gonna have to agree with dodgydodgy on this one, its definately a deisng flaw not how you hold it. I should be able to hold my phone however the heck i want to hold it, its my phone! and for such a widespread problem to plague the iphone is ridiciolous my grandma's cell phone doesnt have this problem and her cell phone is almost as old as she is!

[KamraanMirza]

@sheldonthethird oh so now Iphone is for ppl who are left handed ? how stupid !

and thats the way ppl hold phones. anyways with a product worth "Money" there should be no problems how you "hold" it.

[AhmedAltima08]

@sheldonthethird when someone is having a long call, they tend to switch phones from one hand to another...I do that all the time!

[SaundersHD]

@sheldonthethird I'm left handed, I shouldn't have to hold it in a certain way or put a case on it just to get a good signal.

[spikeman23]

@sheldonthethird Exactly. I get sick of people saying the iphone 4 sucks because when it comes down to it , It's there fault that they lose signal. Yeah making the antenna part of the design wasn't the best idea but when you know where it's at and you grip it there anyway , Thats your own damn fault.

[DYEPAlNTBALL]

@spikeman23 It still suck anyway... I got the 3G and im happy, Ill wait till they fix many of the bug, 2-3 years. Then ill buy. or maybe in 2-3 years there will be something better but i guess not i love iphone.

[spikeman23]

@DYEPAlNTBALL  They've already fixed the issue lol

[russianman07]

Apple is selling a new case so you don't have this problem, they should really be giving these out for free.

[philliefan1313]

hahahah thats hilarious

[dodgydodgy]

@nastymonster Yep, I did. Sent it back to O2.

[TDCstudios]

Yeah, the aluminum siding of the phone is where the receivers are...

[CarKid14]

WELL DONE APPLE, YOU'VE CREATED ANOTHER SHIT PRODUCT. PUT SOME TIME AND FUCKING EFFORT IN TO WHAT YOU MAKE.

[elminz]

Oh wow. I never thought it would be THAT bad... Seriously... wtf Apple?

[cindixp]

LOL that is ridiculous. The signal drops so fast!!

[Spenze007]

clearly not a problem w/ just AT&T.... I want my money back !!!!!!!!!  I changed my phone 3 times, and all they're telling me now is that "I'm holding it wrong" ???

Utterly unacceptable.

[ThereIsCake]

@Spenze007

That's just taking the piss.

.

Unfortunately Jobs will never admit he or Apple screwed up.

Narcissists never do.

[alexchrisccc]

wow that sucks! i can't think of another phone that has that problem

[niazmund]

That means iPhone 4's strongest selling point of strong antenna, in actual fact is its weakest point. I own iPhone 3gs and its reception is also not as good as my blackberry curve but for sure iPhone is the most over priced phone in market right now. In the UK I can get it for over £900 on 18months contract, good job Steve Jobs; £900 per person.

[dzinealaska]

ok, so is this only a left handed issue? also, what camera sis you shoot this with? just curious. good picture.

[dodgydodgy]

@dzinealaska It is a Sony DSC-T900 stills camera. Does HD video too.

[ThereIsCake]

Saw your link on "The Register" what the fk is Jobs talking about, that’s exactly how people hold a phone, that’s certainly how I hold mine.

.

I guess this is what they mean by style over function.

.

It certainly is a very attractive, if overpriced iPod with a digital camera.

[ajamou812]

Jailbroken the signal fault disappears but hey, sell it as I'm sure there's a million and one apple fanboys out there desperate to part with an enormous wad of cash to buy this phone, in a vein hope it'll make them look cool to girls..

It doesn't :)

[profquatermass]

It would have been nice if you had shown us you holding it 'correctly' as a comparison?

[jphpone]

iTell you how to hold the phone. -Steve Jobs

[darkplacescouk]

iPhone4 - For users who like being told HOW to hold a mobile phone. Apple, we own you!

[ZonaX]

I really want an iPhone4, but this is quite dramatic...