Lately, it seems things haven’t been looking so good for Apple. With Android passing Apple in sales in the first quarter of 2010, iTunes accounts getting hacked, and iPhone 4 problems being reported all over, I’ve decided to write about what seems to be the greatest issue of Apple’s latest device: the Antenna.
While the blogosphere seems to be having a field day, I’m not too concerned. Not yet anyway. The reason being, as an owner of the iPhone 4 myself, I’m aware that this is a hardware issue. I’m also aware that this may affect my reception if held incorrectly, and though Apple is a company that is known to make some of the finest consumer devices today, they have not acknowledged this flaw as a real issue.
Folks, it isn’t as bad as you think it may be. Apple has addressed the issue, and though not to the satisfaction of the many Apple fans and critics out there, I have something to tell you. This has been blown way out of proportion. I admit, I was frustrated at first. I made attempts at getting a free Apple Bumper, although I had already purchased one, and was even thinking about returning my iPhone. However, I waited, and although nothing’s really changed, I realized that, what the heck? This one flaw has received so much attention, and yet, the iPhone 4 has a better antenna, faster upload and download speeds, and overall, a performance greater than any of its predecessors.
If you don’t believe me, after reading one of antenna engineer, Spencer Webb’s blog entries regarding the iPhone 4, I decided to do some tests myself, and came to the same conclusion he did: It’s not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. For even when the iPhone has dropped all of its bars, the call does not drop.
Here’s proof of how “bad” the death grip really is:
Reduced reception with WiFi on:
As you can see, the iPhone is maintaining the phone call without dropping. There weren’t any audio issues either. If my word isn’t good enough, ask the Android fanboy who was on the other end at tristanthomas@getyourgadgetsgoing.com.
chrome shelves
I have a thing about my iphone 3g, not quite raring to go for the version 4, would like to see it tested by others first.
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JL Martin
What do you mean “…..may affect my reception if held incorrectly”. How do you hold a phone incorrectly? I’m a lefty and let me tell you that every time I hold my phone in my left hand (which is 90% of the time), the signal fades away and so does my calls. This has NOT been blown way out of proportion! It’s a real issue and to maintain their reputation (and stocks value), Apple better address this asap instead of handing out band-aids (bumpers and cases)or telling people to hold the phone differently. Simply unbelievable!!!!!!
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ryland
i completely agree with you it is unacceptable i wonder if they even tested the phone before putting it on the market?
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K,R Hanson
I am still having problems with the 3rd replacement IPhone 3gs calls drop phone reboots itself in a call all this happened after loading version 4 soft ware and even the new phones issued as a replacement from Apple had version 4 loaded and this does the same thing still major drop outs and reboots it is definatley the software and I am feed up I have asked for reloading of version 3 software but Apple will not do this or cant do it myphone never had any problems before the upgrade they told me and every apple 3Gs owner to do and with no remarks back or acknowledgement from apple about this problem but thousands world wide are unhappy and returning their phones like me for a refund and swapping brands the truth will prevail and APPLE will fall from grace buy this world wide fraud
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A Cole
You are incorrect in saying it’s not an issue, I continuously lose calls, to the point of not being able to use my Iphone 4 as a phone. Within a 30 second window, I can go up to 5 bars, down to 2, then 0, and back up to 3. I have not been able to maintain a call more than 2 minutes since I have had the phone. I have a Iphone 3 which maintains a continuous connection in the same location, running 3 to 5 bars. I was excited about the Iphone 4, now I’m just growing angrier about it and my current service provider.
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Shaylin
I have the 3gs and I am thinking about upgrading to the iphone 4 but with all the recent reports of issues, i’m a little scared, if I am locked into a 2 year contract I need to be satisfied with my phone, Nobody has a phone that has never dropped a call…well, besides a landline phone. I’m not saying that all that should excuse the dropped calls that customers are experiencing because its the purpose of having a phone, to be able to make calls! I must say that I have a 3gs and I have not had any issues with my phone. I’ve never had a series of dropped callsm besides when Im going through an area where there is limited to no service. I will say that I think some people are a little over the top. I work for a wireless company for whom’s name I will not say because my opinions are not expressions of the company, we get complaints everyday of dropped calls, from HTC’s, from Motorola’s, from Samsung, goes to say that no device can be perfect, At the end of the day, it’s just a PHONE, it is not your lifelines and the problem is that people are forgettiing this, simple solution, return the phone, get another phone! If it’s such a problem, return in! Dont complain about the price because YOU agreed to pay it! To the folks that are having the issues, i’m sorry you are going through that because it is unacceptable but GET A DIFFERENT PHONE BECAUSE GETTING ONLINE AND COMPLAINING ABOUT APPLE AND BASHING THEM IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE ANYTHING!
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LisA
I’ve only has the iphone4 for 5 dAys. My husband & I spent $1000 to get new phone, switch our carrier , and ugly cases. My phone has dropped 4 30 min calls & being told to hold my phone a certain way is unacceptable. Why would I have a phone j can’t use????? Seriously debating going back to verizon & getting a phone I can actually talk on!!! Sooooo disAppoing!
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George B
The last update I can read here was written on Sept 15th. Any news after that?. I am thinking in changing my new Blackberry Torch because the battery dies in less than 48 hs and in the last 4 weeks I have to remove the battery twice to “reboot it” because it got “catatonic”. My last BB was perfect but the Torch…
I’d love to buy an iphone4.
Today is December 8. Can I get a “new NEW IPhone 4″ without the anthena problem if I change it tomorrow ? Thanks!
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Donnovan Lyons
Hi there George.
No, you can’t get a new iPhone 4 without the antenna problem. However Apple has a solution for you if you find yourself to be suffering from the Antenna problem. That solution is a new case for your phone, and with that you will not suffer from any attenuation issues.
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George B
Hi Donnovan! Thanks for taking the time to answer me!
Anyway, I’ll have to live with my Torch for a long time because RIM policy for refund or exchange, it last or 14 days or 14 minutes (whatever comes first). Basically is NOT a policy but a JOKE. Since I already use my upgrade option with Bell, if I want an IPhone 4 I should pay FULL price (about $700 plus HST). And with a nuw Torch in my hands it doesn’t make any sence to invest that money.
You never know… Maybe in one year down the road, Apple already released the IPhone 5.
Thanks again for your answer!
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Tristan Thomas
Apple comes out with a new iPhone every year, statistically speaking. I would have told you to hold on for the iPhone 5 if you really wanted an iOS device. I’m sorry you bought into the hype of the Torch. Blackberries will never be suited for a touch screen :/
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George B
Thanks Tristan!
Anyway, I am forced to wait until June 2012. I’ll be eligible for update at that time. Thanks
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teddyp
u r bullshit man..your phone is also jailbroken..f n asshole
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