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

[scifigirl]

Perhaps like many people in this thread or reading it, I've been reading it diligently, attempting to make an informed choice about pulling the trigger. This thread has died down quite significantly the past few weeks, and I've really appreciated all the informed replies, but I'm here wondering if people's problems have been resolved, or they've just gone into silence out of pure exasperation with the way this is being handled (or not, as it were)? Any of the old-timers and constant posters care to provide us with additional deets? Possibly elitypes, wherefore art thou?

A little background info: I frequently live in a questionable coverage area, carrier is T-Mobile, and I would be returning to Apple (since trading in my 6+ for Samsung a few years ago), and I really want an XS Max, but this thread has me ridiculously hesitant and hedging on it. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I stay away, choose something else out of the current lineup? Advice greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[decypher44]

Perhaps like many people in this thread or reading it, I've been reading it diligently, attempting to make an informed choice about pulling the trigger. This thread has died down quite significantly the past few weeks, and I've really appreciated all the informed replies, but I'm here wondering if people's problems have been resolved, or they've just gone into silence out of pure exasperation with the way this is being handled (or not, as it were)? Any of the old-timers and constant posters care to provide us with additional deets? Possibly elitypes, wherefore art thou?

A little background info: I frequently live in a questionable coverage area, and I would be returning to Apple (since trading in my 6+ for Samsung a few years ago), and I really want an XS Max, but this thread has me ridiculously hesitant and hedging on it. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I stay away, choose something else out of the current lineup? Advice greatly appreciated, thank you.

I’m having more issues now than I did before. However, I think I’m an exception to the rule. Some people said the latest updates fixed their issues, some say there was no improvement. Same with betas.

I’d say, try it. You have 14 days to return it. If your device works fine, you’ll be really happy. It’s a great phone with a beautiful display. If you have problems, return it.

 

[predation]

Which phone/carrier, are you on a beta? Just curious for details, thanks.

Xs max. Tmobile. No betas.

 

[robrobrobro]

I followed this thread closely before deciding which phone to buy. I had an 8+ on Verizon, which I actually hated. I didn't like how big it was, and it was constantly dropping calls, losing signal, slipping to 3G etc. It actually didn't seem all that different to many of the complaints people have with the XS models. Maybe my phone was a fluke, needless to say I was eager to get rid of it.

I really wanted an XS for the smaller size and optical zoom, and I waited and waited to see if these issues would be resolved. In the end, I just couldn't bring myself to risk it given people's horror stories, and went with the XR (still bigger than ideal, but at least smaller than 8+).

Overall the XR is doing great. It doesn't drop calls in my house or office, which are both iffy signal areas, whereas my 8+ was very finicky. But there is a reception issue. I've had the phone for 2 weeks, and on 3 different occasion, it shows good LTE service, but won't pull any data at all. I'm not sure if a text/iMessage would send, didn't try that. This didn't happen in dead zones or weak service areas. A quick switch to airplane mode fixes things immediately. But I wonder if this is related to everyone's issues with the XS models.

 

[DevinNj]

Perhaps like many people in this thread or reading it, I've been reading it diligently, attempting to make an informed choice about pulling the trigger. This thread has died down quite significantly the past few weeks, and I've really appreciated all the informed replies, but I'm here wondering if people's problems have been resolved, or they've just gone into silence out of pure exasperation with the way this is being handled (or not, as it were)? Any of the old-timers and constant posters care to provide us with additional deets? Possibly elitypes, wherefore art thou?

A little background info: I frequently live in a questionable coverage area, carrier is T-Mobile, and I would be returning to Apple (since trading in my 6+ for Samsung a few years ago), and I really want an XS Max, but this thread has me ridiculously hesitant and hedging on it. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I stay away, choose something else out of the current lineup? Advice greatly appreciated, thank you.

I’m in the exact same position as you are. I’m on Verizon and in my area my friends are having issues with their Xs and Max’s. Our area doesn’t have the best reception to begin with so I’m hesitant to upgrade from my 8+ to the Max right now. Sure, I get the fact that I have a 14 day window however, I don’t want to invest in a case, screen protector and then have to pay a restocking fee if I have issues. So I’m really not sure what I’m going to do at this point. Walmart has a $300 gift card offer on Black Friday so I’ve been trying to keep up with this. I’m hoping something will change for the better soon.
[doublepost=1542240024][/doublepost]

Xs max. Tmobile. No betas.

Thanks, glad to hear things are working better for you. I have a coworker with a Max on T-Mobile and he has issues in my area. A friend of mine and his wife have a Xs & Max on Verizon and they are having issues as well. So I’m really torn about upgrading from my 8+.

 

[vinegarshots]

I’m in the exact same position as you are. I’m on Verizon and in my area my friends are having issues with their Xs and Max’s. Our area doesn’t have the best reception to begin with so I’m hesitant to upgrade from my 8+ to the Max right now. Sure, I get the fact that I have a 14 day window however, I don’t want to invest in a case, screen protector and then have to pay a restocking fee if I have issues. So I’m really not sure what I’m going to do at this point. Walmart has a $300 gift card offer on Black Friday so I’ve been trying to keep up with this. I’m hoping something will change for the better soon.
[doublepost=1542240024][/doublepost]

Thanks, glad to hear things are working better for you. I have a coworker with a Max on T-Mobile and he has issues in my area. A friend of mine and his wife have a Xs & Max on Verizon and they are having issues as well. So I’m really torn about upgrading from my 8+.

It would be interesting to see a map with people who are having issues. I wonder if some of them are clustered around certain areas. I’ve see a few people on here in New Hampshire, quite a few in the southern US, some in Southern CA. My phone, my coworkers phone, and my moms phone all works splendidly, and we are all in the same general region (two on T-Mobile and one on Verizon, two Maxes and one XS)

 

[jabbok]

Perhaps like many people in this thread or reading it, I've been reading it diligently, attempting to make an informed choice about pulling the trigger. This thread has died down quite significantly the past few weeks, and I've really appreciated all the informed replies, but I'm here wondering if people's problems have been resolved, or they've just gone into silence out of pure exasperation with the way this is being handled (or not, as it were)? Any of the old-timers and constant posters care to provide us with additional deets? Possibly elitypes, wherefore art thou?

A little background info: I frequently live in a questionable coverage area, carrier is T-Mobile, and I would be returning to Apple (since trading in my 6+ for Samsung a few years ago), and I really want an XS Max, but this thread has me ridiculously hesitant and hedging on it. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I stay away, choose something else out of the current lineup? Advice greatly appreciated, thank you.

After 2 XS Max and 1 XS that all had issues with cellular and Bluetooth I went with the XR haven't had any issues with Bluetooth connecting with my car and my AW, the XS Max would connect with my AW then drop the connection constantly although my XR does drop to 3G anytime I go to make a phone call but hasn't dropped any calls and the WiFi downloads are really good.

 

[vinegarshots]

although my XR does drop to 3G anytime I go to make a phone call .

I would consider that just as problematic as a XS that’s dropping wireless, TBH. I mean, let’s be honest, that’s still a connection issue.

 

[DevinNj]

It would be interesting to see a map with people who are having issues. I wonder if some of them are clustered around certain areas. I’ve see a few people on here in New Hampshire, quite a few in the southern US, some in Southern CA. My phone, my coworkers phone, and my moms phone all works splendidly, and we are all in the same general region (two on T-Mobile and one on Verizon, two Maxes and one XS)

I’d like to see it on a map too. I remember holding out on my 7 series iPhone because I knew people with issues with those but this is just unreal. There’s no rhyme or reason with this generation, that’s the scary part.

 

[scifigirl]

I’m having more issues now than I did before. However, I think I’m an exception to the rule. Some people said the latest updates fixed their issues, some say there was no improvement. Same with betas.

I’d say, try it. You have 14 days to return it. If your device works fine, you’ll be really happy. It’s a great phone with a beautiful display. If you have problems, return it.

I'm so tempted to go with this. But like the other poster in this thread, my remaining qualms at that point are shelling out for screen protector, good case, and then the hassles of returning those, if possible (doubtful, think I'd just have to eat that cost). Is this the most frustrating generation of Iphones ever, or what? The XS series are so attractive to me for many reasons, but equally as many reasons to hold back. I have a feeling I'll cave within the next week. Saw the devices in person several times now, and those screens are just so beautiful.
[doublepost=1542247674][/doublepost]

I followed this thread closely before deciding which phone to buy. I had an 8+ on Verizon, which I actually hated. I didn't like how big it was, and it was constantly dropping calls, losing signal, slipping to 3G etc. It actually didn't seem all that different to many of the complaints people have with the XS models. Maybe my phone was a fluke, needless to say I was eager to get rid of it.

I really wanted an XS for the smaller size and optical zoom, and I waited and waited to see if these issues would be resolved. In the end, I just couldn't bring myself to risk it given people's horror stories, and went with the XR (still bigger than ideal, but at least smaller than 8+).

Overall the XR is doing great. It doesn't drop calls in my house or office, which are both iffy signal areas, whereas my 8+ was very finicky. But there is a reception issue. I've had the phone for 2 weeks, and on 3 different occasion, it shows good LTE service, but won't pull any data at all. I'm not sure if a text/iMessage would send, didn't try that. This didn't happen in dead zones or weak service areas. A quick switch to airplane mode fixes things immediately. But I wonder if this is related to everyone's issues with the XS models.

Posts like this make me wonder if it's all software related, as the phones have so many different components. But frustrating and off-putting to not know for sure.
[doublepost=1542247831][/doublepost]

I’m in the exact same position as you are. I’m on Verizon and in my area my friends are having issues with their Xs and Max’s. Our area doesn’t have the best reception to begin with so I’m hesitant to upgrade from my 8+ to the Max right now. Sure, I get the fact that I have a 14 day window however, I don’t want to invest in a case, screen protector and then have to pay a restocking fee if I have issues. So I’m really not sure what I’m going to do at this point. Walmart has a $300 gift card offer on Black Friday so I’ve been trying to keep up with this. I’m hoping something will change for the better soon.
[doublepost=1542240024][/doublepost]

Thanks, glad to hear things are working better for you. I have a coworker with a Max on T-Mobile and he has issues in my area. A friend of mine and his wife have a Xs & Max on Verizon and they are having issues as well. So I’m really torn about upgrading from my 8+.

I'm half tempted to just go and buy an 8+ because it still has 3D touch, and a good resolution. But the XS screen is just *so* beautiful and superior when you see them side by side.

I just want to pull the trigger and do it, but there's all the other costs to consider, as well. So irritating to have no idea of the root of these issues, and if they'll truly be resolved by Apple in the near future.
[doublepost=1542248028][/doublepost]

After 2 XS Max and 1 XS that all had issues with cellular and Bluetooth I went with the XR haven't had any issues with Bluetooth connecting with my car and my AW, the XS Max would connect with my AW then drop the connection constantly although my XR does drop to 3G anytime I go to make a phone call but hasn't dropped any calls and the WiFi downloads are really good.

Let me ask you this, have you had any regrets at all about your XR? Does it feel that much of a downgrade after using the Max, or does it seem a good value and wise choice, with the improved reception and money you've saved? I've yet to see it in person, so I can't make an informed call on it that much. I'm just one of those that has reluctance with giving up 3D touch, but it's possible it wouldn't matter all that much to me, in the end.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm so tempted to go with this. But like the other poster in this thread, my remaining qualms at that point are shelling out for screen protector, good case, and then the hassles of returning those, if possible (doubtful, think I'd just have to eat that cost). Is this the most frustrating generation of Iphones ever, or what? The XS series are so attractive to me for many reasons, but equally as many reasons to hold back. I have a feeling I'll cave within the next week. Saw the devices in person several times now, and those screens are just so beautiful.
[doublepost=1542247674][/doublepost]

Posts like this make me wonder if it's all software related, as the phones have so many different components. But frustrating and off-putting to not know for sure.
[doublepost=1542247831][/doublepost]
I'm half tempted to just go and buy an 8+ because it still has 3D touch, and a good resolution. But the XS screen is just *so* beautiful and superior when you see them side by side.

I just want to pull the trigger and do it, but there's all the other costs to consider, as well. So irritating to have no idea of the root of these issues, and if they'll truly be resolved by Apple in the near future.
[doublepost=1542248028][/doublepost]
Let me ask you this, have you had any regrets at all about your XR? Does it feel that much of a downgrade after using the Max, or does it seem a good value and wise choice, with the improved reception and money you've saved? I've yet to see it in person, so I can't make an informed call on it that much. I'm just one of those that has reluctance with giving up 3D touch, but it's possible it wouldn't matter all that much to me, in the end.

What would Spock do?

Logic dictates that some people having specific problems does not denote you will encounter the same.

Try the phone that has been calling out to you in your electronic dreams.

 

[danny8200]

After following this thread since launch day, finally pulled the trigger on a XS Max 256 GB. Seems to be working great. I’m on AT&T.

 

[DevinNj]

I'm half tempted to just go and buy an 8+ because it still has 3D touch, and a good resolution. But the XS screen is just *so* beautiful and superior when you see them side by side.

I love my 8+ it’s easily my favorite smartphone so far but I really want to the Max. The screen size is why I didn’t jump on the X last year. I’m probably gonna jump on it Black Friday, Walmart has a $300 gift card deal on the Xs/Max/Xr. That’s the deal I got last year on my 8+. This year they’re offering a $400 gift card with the 8 series phones, so I’m thinking 8/8+ for my son too.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

I love my 8+ it’s easily my favorite smartphone so far but I really want to the Max. The screen size is why I didn’t jump on the X last year. I’m probably gonna jump on it Black Friday, Walmart has a $300 gift card deal on the Xs/Max/Xr. That’s the deal I got last year on my 8+. This year they’re offering a $400 gift card with the 8 series phones, so I’m thinking 8/8+ for my son too.

it's not worth camping out 3+ days for it

 

[DevinNj]

it's not worth camping out 3+ days for it

I wouldn’t camp out for 10 minutes. Lol. I went Thanksgiving night, was the only person buying a cell phone. Everyone else is buying TVs and other door buster nonsense. In/out same time if not less than it would take at Apple or Verizon.

 

[Velin]

Is the XR having the same issues like the Xs/Max? If no, could the stainless steel be an issue in the more expensive models?

 

[vinegarshots]

Is the XR having the same issues like the Xs/Max? If no, could the stainless steel be an issue in the more expensive models?

Stainless steel and aluminum are equal RF blockers, so no

 

[scifigirl]

What would Spock do?

Logic dictates that some people having specific problems does not denote you will encounter the same.

Try the phone that has been calling out to you in your electronic dreams.

This wins for best response of all time. Seriously, I'm impressed with myself for managing to wait this long for that black mirror. Hopefully in my case, wanting won't be a better feeling than having.

 

[draa]

here in spain the problem exist... but some users post in spanish forums about this.

The same applies to Germany. So it’s not a problem limited to the US / certain US carriers.

 

[odin]

Update from me. As noted earlier, being rural I know precisely where my towers are for miles around and can thus test in some ways others can’t.

Also a reminder, I had the WiFi problems fixed with the update. My data was horrid at release. XS Max. It wouldn’t get signal or data at places my others would and so on.

Latest updates but NO betas.

The problem is gone for me personally. I have driven thousands of miles and saw service slowly getting better. I believe with the OS updates along with the carrier doing upgrades and updates, that the problem is almost completely gone. I was then, and even more so now, sure that this is primarily a configuration and software problem. It isn’t an intel issue or even down to the slightly worse FCC filings people keep worrying about.

Testing it side by side with older Apple devices and a Samsung device it is consistently just as good now in most areas. I am often at the very fringe of service areas and see that it might drop useable signal a few hundred feet before the Samsung does (for data.j Up until that point it gets as good or better speeds. I have personally had zero issues with voice at any point.

The one tower that was unusable at launch was still problematic for most of this time. This tower was one I’d hit and find that the phone had signal and no data, sometimes dropped to 3G or even 1x, and so on. It got better over time but was still pretty bad. Then all of a sudden it was fine. I checked another site and saw that tower had major upgrades and maintenance a few days before I noticed the improvement.

Where can I still find fault? I feel that it’s very slow to go from a weak, high capacity band, down to a lower band that might be more congested. It tends to try to hold onto signals too long before swapping. iPhones have always been designed this way in my experience and it’s one area I wish they’d change their priorities. If it drops to a lower tech, say 3G, it can be slow to go back to LTE. Again that band holding thing Apple seems to push.

I’m hoping the next os update will knock out the rest of the niggles I’ve had and improves it dramatically for those of you still having trouble. For me, this is now the best phone I’ve ever had. I love the speed, the screen, and so on and went ahead and bought a blue light filtering screen protector and a nice leather case once I decided I’d keep it.

 

[Nhwhazup]

For those on the fence on whether or not to try the XS or Max:

At this point the feedback is kind of all over the place - from those having no problems and the best phones ever to those that have phones working better after the updates to those still continuing with the same connectivity issues. It seems that there are less phones in the last boat so maybe chances are good in getting one that works decently.

So if I were thinking about a new phone at this point, I’d jump in and also get an Apple case. If you’ve been reading this thread you’ll know what to keep an eye on and will know pretty quickly if your phone works the way it should. With my first Max, I knew right off that the connectivity was awful compared to my Plus. The second Max seemed better, but in my case this was wishful thinking and that one was returned in the first week. The good thing is that I had no problem returning the phone and case to Apple. Just stay within the 14 day return window and keep your old phone.

Good luck!

 

[purduealum91]

Hello everyone,

I am on Sprint with an XR and am having connectivity issues. Where on the Internet may I find the status of cell tower upgrades? I read in Odin's post above that he was able to determine if a tower underwent a recent upgrade.

Thanks

 

[stan646]

I’m having more issues now than I did before. However, I think I’m an exception to the rule. Some people said the latest updates fixed their issues, some say there was no improvement. Same with betas.

I’d say, try it. You have 14 days to return it. If your device works fine, you’ll be really happy. It’s a great phone with a beautiful display. If you have problems, return it.

Just ordered an XS Max 256 from Apple. Will get it tomorrow. Will post how it is going as I go. Will be traveling to middle part of PA next weekend. Hope this gives me some good feedback about connectivity. 14 days should give me plenty of time to see how it's working. Scifigirl's post and your response helped me finally make a decision. Thank you both.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

Just ordered an XS Max 256 from Apple. Will get it tomorrow. Will post how it is going as I go. Will be traveling to middle part of PA next weekend. Hope this gives me some good feedback about connectivity. 14 days should give me plenty of time to see how it's working. Scifigirl's post and your response helped me finally make a decision. Thank you both.

Your return period is much longer than 14 days now due to the holidays

 

[stan646]

Your return period is much longer than 14 days now due to the holidays

Wasn't aware that. Used Apple card. How much extra time do I have?