iPhone XS Max Is the mobile reception on the xs Max even worse than iPhone X ?

[kneezmo]

I think we are thinking about an issue that is quite clear. The software can be guilty in a certain way, say 10%, because there are terminals before the Xs that suffer from bad data and Wi-Fi connection, but if we read the FCC technical report when evaluating the terminal, we know that it clearly says that the signal from the antennas is weak, worse than in previous models .. If the authority that is in charge of testing and certifying the devices already says it, more clear water. That there are devices that apparently work well? It is possible, of course, but it will depend on the area, the operator, the conditions ... it's like a 50-hp car, it should not run very much ... but on good asphalt, downhill, and without traffic ... until it looks like it's going good and runs a lot. I think that who has the X, should not take the Xs .. is more, I think anyone who thinks of a new iphone, even though the new Xs have good benefits, just to avoid having these problems and save some dollars, the X is still the best option right now.

 

[RonJohnson]

I’ve had my replacement XS for about two weeks now. Still no additional fixes from Apple. I’m going to call up the senior rep I’ve been working with again and look at getting another one. The WiFi is unusable. While the phone properly switches to 5GHz, it takes web pages at least 10-20 seconds to load, sometimes timing out all together. Speed tests show high pings and jitter.

 

[roncron]

I think we are thinking about an issue that is quite clear. The software can be guilty in a certain way, say 10%, because there are terminals before the Xs that suffer from bad data and Wi-Fi connection, but if we read the FCC technical report when evaluating the terminal, we know that it clearly says that the signal from the antennas is weak, worse than in previous models .. If the authority that is in charge of testing and certifying the devices already says it, more clear water.

This FCC technical report you mention: did you read the report, or did you read wiwavelength’s blog post about it? If you read the actual report, can you provide a link to it?

Here’s why I’m asking:

In the three weeks or so since I got my first Max (I’m on Max #2 now), the only information I’ve seen about FCC tests of the XS/Max antennas have been from wiwavelength’s blog post, or some article that uses only wiwavelength as their source. I have not found any information about these FCC tests that didn’t ultimately come from the wiwavelength blog post.

As I’ve said before, we don’t know much about the wiwavelength guy or his credentials. I would be more comfortable accepting his findings if either he were a noted expert with solid credentials or if his findings/analysis were independently corroborated from other, trustworthy sources.

 

[kneezmo]

This FCC technical report you mention: did you read the report, or did you read wiwavelength’s blog post about it? If you read the actual report, can you provide a link to it?

Here’s why I’m asking:

In the three weeks or so since I got my first Max (I’m on Max #2 now), the only information I’ve seen about FCC tests of the XS/Max antennas have been from wiwavelength’s blog post, or some article that uses only wiwavelength as their source. I have not found any information about these FCC tests that didn’t ultimately come from the wiwavelength blog post.

As I’ve said before, we don’t know much about the wiwavelength guy or his credentials. I would be more comfortable accepting his findings if either he were a noted expert with solid credentials or if his findings/analysis were independently corroborated from other, trustworthy sources.

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=ZHPgs4IJV/jmw+BctAimUw==&fcc_id=BCG-E3219A

Here is the FCC results. They said the biggest problem is the possibility that the terminal receives a good connection, beyond that then it can be used more or less with "normality". The power of the antennas in both terminals is lower both in output and input, compared to previous models, or other competing models. This does not have to do with a defective game or a software that does not know how to properly manage the new 4x4MIMO antennas, it is probably a design problem or there is something in the terminal that makes connectivity in / out difficult. I would not be waiting for an answer from Apple, or that they will fix it if it is a physical defect, at least not until the next generation. By software they can make up all this, but the reality is what it is.

I post the same text in apple forums few minutes ago, and they erase my comment... amazing )

 

[clarencek]

That makes sense. But what if the phone detects in that moment that the low speed band has better signal than the fastest ? How could you determine what to do by software? This could bring more problems like a phone not working at all cause it always try to use the fastest band and maybe it couldnt even pair cause the signal is weak.

I don’t think the device is responsible for the connection. Like whether your band (cell or Wi-Fi) works is not apples problem because they don’t control that.
What they do control is what band to connect and hold to. And the upgraded hardware in theory should maximize the throughput of that connection.

I think there’s a bug where it’s holding the wrong band or not searching for a stronger one.

 

[roncron]

Thank you!! That is really helpful!!

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=ZHPgs4IJV/jmw+BctAimUw==&fcc_id=BCG-E3219A

Here is the FCC results. They said the biggest problem is the possibility that the terminal receives a good connection, beyond that then it can be used more or less with "normality". The power of the antennas in both terminals is lower both in output and input, compared to previous models, or other competing models. This does not have to do with a defective game or a software that does not know how to properly manage the new 4x4MIMO antennas, it is probably a design problem or there is something in the terminal that makes connectivity in / out difficult. I would not be waiting for an answer from Apple, or that they will fix it if it is a physical defect, at least not until the next generation. By software they can make up all this, but the reality is what it is.

I post the same text in apple forums few minutes ago, and they erase my comment... amazing )

 

[kneezmo]

Thank you!! That is really helpful!!

no problem youre welcome

 

[Thai]

In my house at 4 separate locations...my house is on the edge of Verizon coverage...and my house does block signals quite a bit to boot. It is tough for any phone to get good speeds.

Two phones: iPhone 7 (Verizon model; Qualcomm) vs. iPhone Xs (Verizon model; Intel).

4 tests, 4 different locations, both phones next to each other. I alternate who goes first; the last two tests were run at same time on both. (The 4th test was interesting: my wife’s 7 had 3 bars; my Xs had 2 bars.)

7: (download / upload)

8.83 / 0.32 (2 bars)
4.91 / 0.52 (2 bars)
5.90 / 0.77 (2 bars)
6.72 / 1.08 (3 bars)

Xs: (all runs had 2 bars)

8.32 / 0.60
9.20 / 1.57
5.38 / 0.53
7.52 / 1.44

Basically, from my tests, there is no significant difference. If anything, my Xs may be ever so slightly faster on average than my wife’s 7.

 

[Fredriclight]

This is the worst product I’ve owned from Apple and I’ve owned A LOT. Service is VERY spotty. Places I know I get full service I get NO service. Populated places that I have always had good service... dead. No text, no navigation, no calls. Thank God I have my car nav or I’d never get my job done as maps don’t work when there is NO CONNECTION. I’ve taken it to ATT... they switched SIM cards but said it was a phone issue, not a SIM card issue and they’ve had MANY complaints on the MAX. I have spent nearly TWO hours on 3 occasions on the phone with Apple. I have erased and reinstalled everything from iTunes. Twice. I have changed a bunch of settings as per Apple. Nothing changes, and no acknowledgement from Apple whatsoever. They try and set up an appt at the Apple Store, but there are few appointments available and I DO have to work so can’t just pop in at 3:15 on a Tuesday... and of course trying to set something up myself with the Genius Bar is impossible. They’ve evidently done away with that.

I’m VERY frustrated... this has been the single worse experience I’ve had with Apple in 30 years... I need my phone for work and TO work!

 

[Thai]

This is the worst product I’ve owned from Apple and I’ve owned A LOT. Service is VERY spotty. Places I know I get full service I get NO service. Populated places that I have always had good service... dead. No text, no navigation, no calls. Thank God I have my car nav or I’d never get my job done as maps don’t work when there is NO CONNECTION. I’ve taken it to ATT... they switched SIM cards but said it was a phone issue, not a SIM card issue and they’ve had MANY complaints on the MAX. I have spent nearly TWO hours on 3 occasions on the phone with Apple. I have erased and reinstalled everything from iTunes. Twice. I have changed a bunch of settings as per Apple. Nothing changes, and no acknowledgement from Apple whatsoever. They try and set up an appt at the Apple Store, but there are few appointments available and I DO have to work so can’t just pop in at 3:15 on a Tuesday... and of course trying to set something up myself with the Genius Bar is impossible. They’ve evidently done away with that.

I’m VERY frustrated... this has been the single worse experience I’ve had with Apple in 30 years... I need my phone for work and TO work!

A friend at work could not connect to Wifi at work despite every effort from Apple, ATT, and work IT guy...but her Xs Max works on other Wifi, just not work Wifi. Then after days on phone with Apple, she got a new iPhone Xs Max and everything worked great!

Definitely, i think that there are defective something on certain Xs. Luckily mine is not one of them.

 

[Nhwhazup]

So frustrated that I feel like throwing my new Max across the room.

I’m in NH on ATT. My first Max was so bad with cellular connectivity that I brought it back within 5 days. I waited weeks and after hearing that some had good luck with replacements, I bought a new one.

It’s been working good until today. I walk the same 3.5 mile route pretty much everyday since last winter. I put on my earbuds and listen to NPR. Never did I lose connection on my 6S Plus. So the last 6 days on my walk the new Max was pretty good. Today, it is cloudy here in NH. I could not get a connection with 3 bars LTE. Tried over and over. I could not send a text. I reset the network settings and was able to connect with NPR but it dropped and reconnected 6 times in 10 minutes. I gave up and turned it off. I so wish that I had my 6S Plus with me to swap the SIM to see if it was definitely a phone issue or just poor ATT connectivity today.

I really like this phone and was pretty settled on keeping it. All set with 3 awesome cases, screen protector - the whole works. But now very skeptical.

Help me decide on other options:

1. Return and get an X from Best Buy
2. Return and try an XR in a month or so.
3. Keep and carry my 6S Plus with me for when I need a phone and have no service with the Max

Just kidding on #3 - won’t be carting around 2 phones.

 

[kneezmo]

So frustrated that I feel like throwing my new Max across the room.

I’m in NH on ATT. My first Max was so bad with cellular connectivity that I brought it back within 5 days. I waited weeks and after hearing that some had good luck with replacements, I bought a new one.

It’s been working good until today. I walk the same 3.5 mile route pretty much everyday since last winter. I put on my earbuds and listen to NPR. Never did I lose connection on my 6S Plus. So the last 6 days on my walk the new Max was pretty good. Today, it is cloudy here in NH. I could not get a connection with 3 bars LTE. Tried over and over. I could not send a text. I reset the network settings and was able to connect with NPR but it dropped and reconnected 6 times in 10 minutes. I gave up and turned it off. I so wish that I had my 6S Plus with me to swap the SIM to see if it was definitely a phone issue or just poor ATT connectivity today.

I really like this phone and was pretty settled on keeping it. All set with 3 awesome cases, screen protector - the whole works. But now very skeptical.

Help me decide on other options:

1. Return and get an X from Best Buy
2. Return and try an XR in a month or so.
3. Keep and carry my 6S Plus with me for when I need a phone and have no service with the Max

Just kidding on #3 - won’t be carting around 2 phones.

my recomendation. I had the same problem, and I just picked up an X of 256 and now I'm calm enjoying the phone .. If you do not want to end up hating Apple and frustrated, go to Best buy for an X and enjoy. Before an XR with HD screen, a single camera and without OLED, the X is better option.

 

[roncron]

My first Max had connectivity issues, not as bad as some of the other posters here but bad enough. I returned it and waited 2 weeks. I bought a second Max about 5 days ago and it’s been much much better.

It’s true that some people are having the same problems on their second XS or Max, which has got to be maddeningly frustrating. But many of us are not.

If you really love the phone, I suggest returning it and getting another one—with a fresh 14 day return window. Put it through it’s paces and make sure it’s working great for you.

Otherwise, the X seems like a pretty safe bet. Like almost everyone else, I had a terrific experience with my X since last November.

Good luck!

So frustrated that I feel like throwing my new Max across the room.

I’m in NH on ATT. My first Max was so bad with cellular connectivity that I brought it back within 5 days. I waited weeks and after hearing that some had good luck with replacements, I bought a new one.

It’s been working good until today. I walk the same 3.5 mile route pretty much everyday since last winter. I put on my earbuds and listen to NPR. Never did I lose connection on my 6S Plus. So the last 6 days on my walk the new Max was pretty good. Today, it is cloudy here in NH. I could not get a connection with 3 bars LTE. Tried over and over. I could not send a text. I reset the network settings and was able to connect with NPR but it dropped and reconnected 6 times in 10 minutes. I gave up and turned it off. I so wish that I had my 6S Plus with me to swap the SIM to see if it was definitely a phone issue or just poor ATT connectivity today.

I really like this phone and was pretty settled on keeping it. All set with 3 awesome cases, screen protector - the whole works. But now very skeptical.

Help me decide on other options:

1. Return and get an X from Best Buy
2. Return and try an XR in a month or so.
3. Keep and carry my 6S Plus with me for when I need a phone and have no service with the Max

Just kidding on #3 - won’t be carting around 2 phones.

 

[Thai]

my recomendation. I had the same problem, and I just picked up an X of 256 and now I'm calm enjoying the phone .. If you do not want to end up hating Apple and frustrated, go to Best buy for an X and enjoy. Before an XR with HD screen, a single camera and without OLED, the X is better option.

As much I really like my X, i cannot go back to X after experiencing Xs camera and video capabilities! Gaming also does not lag much even after playing a long time...X would cause some frame drops after 10 min of gaming.

So, like above, i suggest exchanging for another Xs/Max before you explore going backwards to X or 8+.

 

[5105973]

So frustrated that I feel like throwing my new Max across the room.

I’m in NH on ATT. My first Max was so bad with cellular connectivity that I brought it back within 5 days. I waited weeks and after hearing that some had good luck with replacements, I bought a new one.

It’s been working good until today. I walk the same 3.5 mile route pretty much everyday since last winter. I put on my earbuds and listen to NPR. Never did I lose connection on my 6S Plus. So the last 6 days on my walk the new Max was pretty good. Today, it is cloudy here in NH. I could not get a connection with 3 bars LTE. Tried over and over. I could not send a text. I reset the network settings and was able to connect with NPR but it dropped and reconnected 6 times in 10 minutes. I gave up and turned it off. I so wish that I had my 6S Plus with me to swap the SIM to see if it was definitely a phone issue or just poor ATT connectivity today.

I really like this phone and was pretty settled on keeping it. All set with 3 awesome cases, screen protector - the whole works. But now very skeptical.

Help me decide on other options:

1. Return and get an X from Best Buy
2. Return and try an XR in a month or so.
3. Keep and carry my 6S Plus with me for when I need a phone and have no service with the Max

Just kidding on #3 - won’t be carting around 2 phones.

I’m thinking there is something going on with AT&T in addition to all that’s wrong with these iPhones.

At my house we lost two bars of signal several weeks before the XS/Max were even announced. My husband has friends who noticed similar strangeness at their homes. We also both have Android phones and noticed reduced performance on their Qualcomm modems, though they remained better overall than iPhone.

Anyway, I don’t doubt that the XS and XS Maxes have some serious issues. But combined with whatever is going on with AT&T, it’s a cluster cluck.

My Max was terrible with LTE from the start. My husband was happy for a long time with his Max but in the last few days he’s noticed a terrible degradation in service, too. We don’t think his phone is just suddenly defective, but who knows. Our friend who also upgraded to a Max is having problems too. Both guys noticed all this happening last weekend. Is that when your second phone stopped working well, too? We are south of you in the Mid-Atlantic area.

I’m getting an Xr next Friday and keeping my fingers crossed it works properly as a phone and for my navigation. I desperately need my GPS. I don’t like using my Android for navigation because I just find iOS easier to deal with when I am driving.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. That everyone is. It truly sucks. I had to return mine due to the display giving me migraines so I kind of stopped following this thread but then my husband came home frustrated that he had missed my texts. And our friend was mad that his texts didn’t get to me and our other friends. What a mess.

I do think some samples of XS and XS Maxes are flat out defective. I had reduced service at my kids school. My husband took his Max there and had normal service. Mine was just several degrees of worse at signal capture. It did weird things on our home WiFi, too. My husband’s Max is fine on our WiFi. Never a problem.

I had zero service at the home of my daughter’s best friend when I had the Max. That was astonishing. I’m there every single day and I have always had signal with my iPhone 8 Plus and my Samsung S9+. Sure enough, even with the loss of signal bars at my own house, when I go to the friend’s house, my 8 Plus is functioning well, where the Max was just plain deadzoned.

So basically I’m noticing two separate issues going on. One, AT&T service has changed. They may be working on their network.

And two, some Maxes seem to be performing better even under the reduced service than others. But none are functioning optimally compared to older phones.

 

[arazeleternal]

I upgraded to the Xs from a 7. I’ve noticed no changes in connectivity between the two. No better, but no worse either. I drove about 400 miles yesterday using my Xs to stream music from Apple Music, never had it cut out, skip or anything.

 

[kneezmo]

As much I really like my X, i cannot go back to X after experiencing Xs camera and video capabilities! Gaming also does not lag much even after playing a long time...X would cause some frame drops after 10 min of gaming.

So, like above, i suggest exchanging for another Xs/Max before you explore going backwards to X or 8+.

A11 its a powerfull SoC.. i never had this problem in a game.. and repeat. Ok if the phone works propertly.. but if the most important thing, conectivity, fail... i prefer a 800 dolars X 2017 that works good, before a good camera and a bit more of power for games.. (i never use my phone to play hard, i have laptop and console for this)
[doublepost=1540050378][/doublepost]

I upgraded to the Xs from a 7. I’ve noticed no changes in connectivity between the two. No better, but no worse either. I drove about 400 miles yesterday using my Xs to stream music from Apple Music, never had it cut out, skip or anything.

No worse its a good thing, but no better.. ok is good because all works fine, but dont feel a better conectivity or faster lte speed sounds sad.

 

[levels]

I have to say, I’m getting damn frustrated with my XS Max on Verizon. If you want to charge near 2k for a device, you better make sure it works properly. My biggest issue seems to be when I drop into an area with no single- say a garage underground, subway etc. My phone will sometimes literally not reconnect to service no matter what and I need to switch to airplane mode and then back for it to search for service to reconnect. I’ve had every single iPhone ever released(literally) and never had these kinds of issues. Was hoping the first software upgrade would fix it, but it didn’t. I guess I’ll now waste time calling Apple and complaining, but it doesn’t seem there is any legit fix for this.

 

[arazeleternal]

A11 its a powerfull SoC.. i never had this problem in a game.. and repeat. Ok if the phone works propertly.. but if the most important thing, conectivity, fail... i prefer a 800 dolars X 2017 that works good, before a good camera and a bit more of power for games.. (i never use my phone to play hard, i have laptop and console for this)
[doublepost=1540050378][/doublepost]

No worse its a good thing, but no better.. ok is good because all works fine, but dont feel a better conectivity or faster lte speed sounds sad.

I feel like that is more likely Verizon than the phone on the LTE speeds. However, I am also running a VPN on my iPhone just like I do my desktop and laptop so that is probably limiting speeds a bit as well.

 

[Rayfire]

So frustrated that I feel like throwing my new Max across the room.

I’m in NH on ATT. My first Max was so bad with cellular connectivity that I brought it back within 5 days. I waited weeks and after hearing that some had good luck with replacements, I bought a new one.

It’s been working good until today. I walk the same 3.5 mile route pretty much everyday since last winter. I put on my earbuds and listen to NPR. Never did I lose connection on my 6S Plus. So the last 6 days on my walk the new Max was pretty good. Today, it is cloudy here in NH. I could not get a connection with 3 bars LTE. Tried over and over. I could not send a text. I reset the network settings and was able to connect with NPR but it dropped and reconnected 6 times in 10 minutes. I gave up and turned it off. I so wish that I had my 6S Plus with me to swap the SIM to see if it was definitely a phone issue or just poor ATT connectivity today.

I really like this phone and was pretty settled on keeping it. All set with 3 awesome cases, screen protector - the whole works. But now very skeptical.

Help me decide on other options:

1. Return and get an X from Best Buy
2. Return and try an XR in a month or so.
3. Keep and carry my 6S Plus with me for when I need a phone and have no service with the Max

Just kidding on #3 - won’t be carting around 2 phones.

I'm sorry to hear that, I thought your second phone would work well by now. If that was me, I'd return it and get a new Max.

If on the third phone Apple doesn't release a software update to fix it, or the phone itself doesn't promise any better cellular connectivity, then back I go with your 6S Plus or get the iPhone X.

It feels bad when there's lots of users who are experiencing these issues and sharing it, while some are enjoying their phones and more than likely not part of these forums. Wishful thinking that Apple would acknowledge this issue soon.

 

[rotobadger]

I post the same text in apple forums few minutes ago, and they erase my comment... amazing )

I think this is incredibly bothersome and telling. Apple is deleting a post showing the FCC report?

Not good.

 

[JustJ4]

I am not technical. Just an average iPhone consumer.
I got the 256 gold iPhone XS delivered on launch day. Verizon. I thought it was working great, until hurricane Michael hit. Yes, I know towers went out and communication was bad for everyone in the area. We are fortunately a little east of the worst hit areas in a larger city. Anyway, when service was scarce my husband and my daughters 6s could call and send texts. I could not! We share the same Verizon plan!
I called Apple this past Tuesday. I have reset network and restored as new which I told the woman. She was not real pleasant. She informed me I could send mine in for repair!?!? What will they repair? They will charge my card for a new loaner which will have to be returned. Does anyone know about this repair? I told them I will call back this week as things are still settling down here. I got a case number.
I imagine others that went through Michael with an XS had issues as well. Mine was fine during normal day to day use.

 

[Packers1958]

I am not technical. Just an average iPhone consumer.
I got the 256 gold iPhone XS delivered on launch day. Verizon. I thought it was working great, until hurricane Michael hit. Yes, I know towers went out and communication was bad for everyone in the area. We are fortunately a little east of the worst hit areas in a larger city. Anyway, when service was scarce my husband and my daughters 6s could call and send texts. I could not! We share the same Verizon plan!
I called Apple this past Tuesday. I have reset network and restored as new which I told the woman. She was not real pleasant. She informed me I could send mine in for repair!?!? What will they repair? They will charge my card for a new loaner which will have to be returned. Does anyone know about this repair? I told them I will call back this week as things are still settling down here. I got a case number.
I imagine others that went through Michael with an XS had issues as well. Mine was fine during normal day to day use.

A replacement will not fix the issue. It could be one of three issues. A Verizon problem, a iOS problem, or a design flaw. If it's one of the first 2, that can be fixed. If it's a design flaw, you are out of luck.

 

[JustJ4]

A replacement will not fix the issue. It could be one of three issues. A Verizon problem, a iOS problem, or a design flaw. If it's one of the first 2, that can be fixed. If it's a design flaw, you are out of luck.

They didn’t offer to replace mine. They will send me a loaner with a credit card hold while they repair mine. Should I do this?

 

[Packers1958]

They didn’t offer to replace mine. They will send me a loaner with a credit card hold while they repair mine. Should I do this?

Almost guarantee they will send your old one back saying there is nothing wrong. If there is actually something wrong, they will tell you to keep the replacement they sent you. They won't repair your phone. You have nothing to lose, but a hold on your cc.