There have been countless discussions about iPhone 4 and its reception issue over the last three weeks; I’ve written about it a few times myself. But most of what you read regarding the problem has to do with arguing the legitimacy of the issue, recitations of numbers and readings, debunking of testing metrics, explanations of signal-to-noise ratio tables, and the like. That’s all important (I suppose), but not particularly useful as an indication of what the problem actually means for prospective iPhone 4 owners.
After getting daily questions from friends, family and readers regarding the flaw and how it affects me, I’ve decided to write a more real-world report on how the problem impacts the way I use the iPhone 4 on a day to day basis.
Before I go any further – if you’ll allow a brief recap – the antenna problem is real. It’s a design issue. It will not be fixed with a software update in any way I can imagine. If I hold the iPhone 4 where the bottom left corner is cupped in my left palm, the signal bars always drop. Sometimes it drops to one bar. Most of the time it drops to zero. This had never happened with any other phone I’ve used, irrespective of carrier, at my location in four years.
Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, what does this actually mean for someone considering the otherwise impressive iPhone 4?
Several things, some minor, others not so much.
A) If I hold the iPhone 4 to my ear (rather than using a wired or Bluetooth headset), I must do so with my right hand to avoid losing all signal. But when I hold it in my right hand, I also have to be mindful not to let a wayward finger cover the black strip on the lower left side of the iPhone. If It does, signal drops and I can experience a dropped call. So, I’ve trained (and continue to train) myself to keep fingers from the danger zone. If I make calls while holding the phone in my left hand, it’s usually goodnight Irene.
B) If the phone is in my pocket and I use the wired headset that shipped with iPhone 4, a third-party wired headset, or a Bluetooth headset, the problem is a non-issue. If it’s already standard operating procedure for you not to hold a phone to your ear, the problem won’t affect you when making calls.
C) When you use iPhone 4 as a handheld computer, i.e. browsing the web, checking email, downloading podcasts, etc., over 3G, if you’re right-handed like me, you’ll have problems. To interact with the screen as a rightie, you need to hold it in your left hand. This is the best way to lose all AT&T data reception. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, it doesn’t seem to matter; the Wi-Fi seems unaffected.
D) If I use a case that covers the steel antennas, I’m good to go, both in terms of in-hand voice calling and smart-device usage. A case or skin prevents my hand/skin/whatever from attenuating the network signal and all is well. If you wouldn’t consider using an iPhone without an always-on case regardless of any reception issue, go well, my child. You’re fine and I can recommend the phone without hesitation.
E) If I hold the iPhone to my ear with my right hand, I’m okay 9 out of 10 times – maybe more like 19 out of 20. As long as I’m mindful of my fingers, most calls hold. This is irritating to me, but honestly, not irritating enough to ditch the iPhone 4.
F) If you hate having a case on your phone, the iPhone 4 is a no-go. You’ll need one. I use cases with all of my phones, but I actually prefer cases you put the phone into when it’s not in your hand rather than cases that are always on (some high-quality skin-type cases have been acceptable in the past, and now they’ll have to be requisite). I’ve decided that in order to prevent dropped calls and going-going-gone data connectivity, not having a case is no longer an option.
G) Generally speaking, the iPhone 4 is a fantastic device, both a worthy upgrade to the iPhone 3GS and an on-their-heels competitor with the best Android devices out there. If you use an always-on case, you won’t have the problem and you’ll enjoy the new iPhone. Even if you normally use a phone with a headset, you’ll still need a case for browsing the web, etc.
I hope this has been at least somewhat helpful. I never thought I’d have to learn how to hold a phone in order to use it, but there you are. It’s ridiculous, but if you want iPhone 4 to be your constant companion, it’s just part of the deal.
Have specific questions or concerns I haven’t addressed here? Email me or comment below.
Matthew Nichols, Products Editor
P.S. I hate to defend Apple here, but I have to do so briefly. As much of a problem as this is, I have to laugh at the lawsuits that have been filed because of it. I mean, at this point, everyone who has an iPhone 4 can return it at zero cost (Apple has graciously waived its usual restocking fee). If the problem – bad as it is – is a deal breaker for you, take the damn thing back. No one’s passed a law requiring you to own the latest iPhone, at least not yet.
If you can return an item you don’t like at no cost, even if it’s because that item is defective, um… what legal ground do you have to stand on?
