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

[Packers1958]

Until you hit a docked ferry and get charged $10/MB. That Netflix episode just cost you $3300.

Umm, just buy a local sim card when you travel outside of US.

 

[iOZZY]

This is interesting. I’m roaming in the UK right now, with my Hong Kong dual “real” sim XS Max. Both SIM cards are connected to the same network but have very different signal strengths.

Why?

I think I read that dual sim iPhones can only have one active call/data connection (P) so this will be on O2 3G or 4G. The (S) sim will be voice only so will more likely to be on O2 2G. Signal strengths between the technologies will vary immensely.

 

[PBz]

Umm, just buy a local sim card when you travel outside of US.

Been to Mexico and Italy with TMO. Could have bought a SIM but we only made calls on WiFi. Texts and browsing worked great with current SIM. .. well browsing was ok. Not great.

 

[Smoothie]

If LTE connectivity were "fixed" right now, it would be rolled out in an update similar to the charging fix update-- they wouldn't leave it stuck in the beta until the full 12.1 release.

Not necessarily. The charging bug was solely within the control of Apple. On the other hand, even assuming that the LTE connectivity problems can be addressed by an update to the Intel modem firmware, that would probably involve input from Apple, Intel and possibly the carriers. So it might take longer.

Regarding the Intel vs. Qualcomm debate, PC Mag tested the XS Max against the Galaxy Note 9 and the Pixel 2, the latter two using Qualcomm modems. While the Qualcomm powered phones did do better at download speeds, it wasn't significant enough to explain the problems that are the subject of this thread.

This test was done in a laboratory environment using specialized test equipment designed to test cell phone RF performance, so it's not necessarily indicative of real-world performance. But PC Mag also obtained real-world data from Speedtest that showed fairly comparable performance of these phones. In the U.S. during the week of September 24, the Galaxy Note 9 showed a mean download speed of 43.2 Mbps while the XS showed 38.9 Mbps. Both phones were significantly faster in Canada (lucky Canadians).

This laboratory test was performed using one particular band, so it doesn't test the ability of the XS to maintain a connection to the most appropriate band in varying conditions. However, that might be taken into account in the Speedtest data. Also, the lab test only measured download performance, and not the effective transmitted power of the phones for reliability of the uplink.

 

[jabbok]

Seems just to be US. So something to do that way.

I'm in Canada I had the cellular issue with the 1st XS Max I ordered another one should be here tomorrow hope it works better Han the 1st one.

 

[david34]

I'm asking this here because I have asked numerous places and Googled and nothing.

Is there a way to transfer text messages and call log from Android to iPhone?

Move to iOS has failed to move anything.

Same here, Move to iOS wouldn't even connect with my Android. Ended up using this program: Backuptrans Android Data to iPhone Transfer.

Cost $30 but transfered my call logs, SMS, and MMS from Google Messages and Google Dialer. Only complaint is the MMS messages got restored to the iPhone with "Subject: No subject"


Anyways, back on topic. Apple asked for another set of logs and once again Intel iPhone X shows double the upload speeds of the iPhone Xs.

iPhone X:


iPhone Xs:

 

[vinegarshots]

Not necessarily. The charging bug was solely within the control of Apple. On the other hand, even assuming that the LTE connectivity problems can be addressed by an update to the Intel modem firmware, that would probably involve input from Apple, Intel and possibly the carriers. So it might take longer.

I think you misunderstood me. Just saying that they will probably release a fix right away when it's ready and not hold it inside the beta version.

 

[indychris]

Guys:
I felt a lil bit better this morning (laid up sick) to go outside with spouses iPhone X to do a comparison. This is just outside in my backyard which has very bad cell reception. I feel the best way to compare is against a known good iPhone which is the X I handed down and works perfectly.

This comparison is against an iPhone X and my THIRD iPhone Max. The other two Max performed horribly against the X.
I put both the X and the Max in field test mode and walked around getting different readings. I have good news. My new (3rd) Max did as well as the X and held up at all spots vacillating in all areas between -106 to -120, just like the X did, which is normal for this bad area. It stayed right along with the iPhone X. So this is good news for MY Max anyway, but not for the idea that it's not hardware. This is just a very small test but I am hopeful this new Max is a good one.

I might have a chance later today to be able to get my hands on the iPhone X again and this time drive around town and compare both phones that way.

Also, we are planning to go to Disneyland again in a few weeks and I will be able to test all along the way there as well.
Last time we went I had the 2nd Max and not my current Max and the reception was a horrible comparison against the X.

I am still hoping it's a software issue but for now it's looking more and more to me as a hardware issue. It's probably both though.

Good luck to all getting a replacement Max.

Nice!

Is your old X GSM, CDMA or Sim free?

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Suddenly the apple support technician I have been working with is not responsive. No replies to my emails. No returned phone calls. I’m not jumping to conspiracy theories, but this is extremely frustrating.

Again I know that software fixes take time (if this is indeed software), but communication should be their number one priority. Even if this is determined to be a small percentage of users with a bad batch or whatever. How is it acceptable to be so proactive with damage control, proactive with searching out people who have posted about the problem, proactive with collecting logs, and then completely drop off communication? This doesn’t help the growing feeling that we are being ignored.

So many people have posted to swap or return the phone. So many others here have done so with zero changes. I’m really curious as to the few who claim to have exchanged and received a properly working unit.

Rolltide1 any updates on your fourth XS Max? I’m really losing faith in Apple at this point. Another weekend where I couldn’t get my phone to work. Went for a drive and my phone would not connect and I couldn’t use waze/gps. This is getting unbelievable now.

I'v seen where they work 5 days a week, and will have a couple days off (not always Sat/Sun), so they're off the grid during that time.

 

[Tibits]

After a few weeks of real world use with my XS (unlocked version on Verizon) I have no complaints about the connectivity or speed (via cellular or wifi). The XS performs at least as well as my X in every day use, but that is to be expected as I live in an area with great coverage. Speed tests aside, my observations about some scenarios were I thought I might run into issues:

• driving from Boston to Montreal via VT the reception was solid and I had reception even in marginal areas of northern VT where the signal is weak and frequently handing off
• i typically get 1-2 bars in my basement office and barely can hold a call there. Same XS vs my X
• i was able to stream the Patriots game on my XS from within Fenway Park last night (without wifi). Many people around me with various devices and services were trying to to this, but few succeeded
• flying into PHL last week where I sometimes have no service while the plane is at the gate, I managed to hold onto a bar or 2

If my reception holds up in these situations. I guess I am fortunate to have received a solid unit if there are issues with some phones. I'm not going looking for issues at this point and just driving myself crazy.

 

[bad03xtreme]

My Xs dropped my 5G wifi signal like 5 times last night in the same room as the router. I became so frustrated I turned it off, my wife's iPhone 8 had zero issues so it wasn't the router. I am beyond disappointed, for what this phone cost it should have zero issues.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

If your having any reception troubles return it asap. My 4th phone is rock solid and has had no problems with dropped calls and data so far. There is no doubt a batch of bad phones that have hopefully been flushed out of the system by now . In fieldtest mode it doesn't have quite the reception that my qualcomm 7 has but it's close . Much more later

 

[jtrue28]

I REALLY don't want to have to go through the whole exchange process. GDit. Especially this week with the XR coming out...Apple Store will be a zoo.

Does AT&T charge another upgrade fee? Just managed to get those ayeholes to credit the fees from 9/16. Also, who knows if my store even has replacements to give me. I really hate Apple right now.

 

[elitypes]

If your having any reception troubles return it asap. My 4th phone is rock solid and has had no problems with dropped calls and data so far. There is no doubt a batch of bad phones that have hopefully been flushed out of the system by now . In fieldtest mode it doesn't have quite the reception that my qualcomm 7 has but it's close . Much more later

That is positive news, thanks for your updates on this.

Again I just wish those of us already in contact with Apple would receive some type of update. I'm lucky given I work right by an Apple store, however I would like to know that they would be able to identify a better unit to exchange mine with. Given this was your 4th Max it's a bit ridiculous. It would be a huge pain to keep exchanging to try to get lucky with a proper unit. I wish they knew what was up or could isolate this potential bad batch.

 

[PBz]

XR not in store until 26th?

 

[jtrue28]

do they not have demo phones out during pre-order week?

 

[PBz]

do they not have demo phones out during pre-order week?

They didn’t for XS. I may be there today. Will ask.

 

[BiggAW]

Not necessarily. The charging bug was solely within the control of Apple. On the other hand, even assuming that the LTE connectivity problems can be addressed by an update to the Intel modem firmware, that would probably involve input from Apple, Intel and possibly the carriers. So it might take longer.

Regarding the Intel vs. Qualcomm debate, PC Mag tested the XS Max against the Galaxy Note 9 and the Pixel 2, the latter two using Qualcomm modems. While the Qualcomm powered phones did do better at download speeds, it wasn't significant enough to explain the problems that are the subject of this thread.

View attachment 795014

This test was done in a laboratory environment using specialized test equipment designed to test cell phone RF performance, so it's not necessarily indicative of real-world performance. But PC Mag also obtained real-world data from Speedtest that showed fairly comparable performance of these phones. In the U.S. during the week of September 24, the Galaxy Note 9 showed a mean download speed of 43.2 Mbps while the XS showed 38.9 Mbps. Both phones were significantly faster in Canada (lucky Canadians).

This laboratory test was performed using one particular band, so it doesn't test the ability of the XS to maintain a connection to the most appropriate band in varying conditions. However, that might be taken into account in the Speedtest data. Also, the lab test only measured download performance, and not the effective transmitted power of the phones for reliability of the uplink.

So that data is fascinating... if you look at what it is. It was done on B4, since 3 of the 4 major carriers use B4. The problem is, that tells us little about the phones' ability to hold a weak signal, where you are going to be on B12 or B13 for a direct comparison, since the older models don't have B14 or 71, although those could be used to compare to the Samsung Galaxy S9 or Note 9 Series.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

do they not have demo phones out during pre-order week?

Apple never has demo phones out until release date. So you won't see the XR until it is released.

 

[jtrue28]

Thank God, I guess. If I decide to do the whole exchange phone charade.

 

[Freakonomics101]

I agree but customers are paying for the spat with poor cellular connectivity. Business is business. Like politics, many times you just have to settle, compromise, what have you. I want Qualcomm guts in my phone. They are much better than Intel in this space. My 7 has intel has I’ve been paying for that for over 2 years with poor reception at home and in general.

I have compared the Intel and Qualcomm 2017 iPX and can agree that the Qualcomm model performs MUCH better in low signal areas. Before comparing the two, I had my Qualcomm iP7+ and the Intel 2017 iPX and the iP7+ still did better.

Compared all devices, same area, all Verizon, side by side. My opinion of Intel being two generations behind still stands. I prefer not to fork over $1,000+ and take the chance of it not performing it the way I need to. Where I live, Verizon works best... and I can barely get one bar in and around the house. Grandma’s, same thing. Father’s, same thing. Lol. So I definitely need a reliable phone.

 

[bad03xtreme]

Is Apple replacing phones that are out of the 14day exchange time frame?

 

[cornerexit]

If your having any reception troubles return it asap. My 4th phone is rock solid and has had no problems with dropped calls and data so far. There is no doubt a batch of bad phones that have hopefully been flushed out of the system by now . In fieldtest mode it doesn't have quite the reception that my qualcomm 7 has but it's close . Much more later

Happy for you. You've been through consumer hell with this purchase.

 

[petesavage]

This weekend on Philadelphia regional rail I needed to make a call but had “No Service” on my XS Max...I had to use my son’s iPhone 6s, also running iOS 12, which got perfect reception.

For what one pays for this phone, this is maddening.

 

[Packers1958]

View attachment 795226 This weekend on Philadelphia regional rail I needed to make a call but had “No Service” on my XS Max...I had to use my son’s iPhone 6s, also running iOS 12, which got perfect reception.

Check to see if data roaming is turned on. I discovered it was off on my Max, and when I turned it on, i got better reception. What's odd is with all my previous iPhones I made sure it was enabled, and when I set up my Max I restored from my X, yet it still turned data roaming off. If it is on already, toggle off, and then back on to make sure it takes it.