I've actually been meaning to write something about this for the last week and a half since Apple published its letter regarding the iPhone 4's reception issues (links below). The same day Apple confessed that all the fuss over reception was simply due to the fact that the "formula [Apple] uses to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong," Consumer Reports also chimed in to agree that it had found no abnormalities, and that they still resoundingly recommended the iPhone 4 (even though it was pretty clear to me at the time that they had not yet run formal testing on the device).
For many consumers, this might have been case-closed in favor of the iPhone 4. Apple acknowledged an adjacent issue (which for casual users could easily be conflated with the "death grip"), and Consumer Reports, citing AnandTech and seemingly anecdotal evidence, agreed that it wasn't much of a problem after all. The only issue was, well, the issue: the death grip remains a very real defect in the antenna design of the iPhone 4, and despite some variances in reception, it can still be easily and reliably replicated.
This is, of course, part of the reason so many people (myself included) were fairly shocked at both Apple's and Consumer Reports's sidestepping of the issue. Take these quotes.
From Apple: "Some users have reported that iPhone 4 can drop 4 or 5 bars when tightly held in a way which covers the black strip in the lower left corner of the metal band. This is a far bigger drop than normal, and as a result some have accused the iPhone 4 of having a faulty antenna design. ... Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. ... Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place. ... Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G."
From Consumer Reports: "Holding the iPhone 4 in certain ways does cause signal loss. But that's the case with all cell phones. Indeed, all cell phones, from the mightiest smart phones to the most-basic flip models, must consistently overcome a major communication obstacle: you."
Both statements seem to imply this issue not at all an abnormality, or is in any way specific to the iPhone 4. Apple essentially claimed that whatever issues people are seeing, they should have also seen on their 3GS and 3G. Neither statement acknowledges the possibility of faulty antenna design, which might cause the iPhone 4 to completely lose its ability to communicate with cell towers by simply being held.
While Consumer Reports is correct in that the human body causes a certain amount of signal loss in all phones, being able to transmit and receive while held by a human hand is an obvious and basic requirement -- one which the iPhone 4 does not always meet (depending on how it's held).
The reason this issue is unprecedented because the iPhone 4's antenna is unprecedented: it is the first consumer mobile device I'm aware of that places electrically active transmitting and receiving components in direct contact with human skin. Skin is a conductive material, and when it bridges the cellular antenna with whichever antenna is on the left side of the device (it may be WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, or a combination), the phone can instantly lose the ability to properly tune its radios, and cellular communication can immediately fail. (The best visual example I've found of this came from Cameron Hunt, see it here: vimeo.com/12864890 )
Fortunately, Consumer Reports had the courage and tenacity to completely rebuke its earlier post on the iPhone 4's reception. I don't believe that CR in any way intended to mislead anyone, it just seemed to me at the time as though they published their initial post too soon. CR is one of the only publications I know of that operates its own radio cleanroom with a pro-grade microcell (think: $10 - 20k), and their more rigorous findings were not published until today. Any testing I, or Engadget, or Mossberg, or anyone else might run is anecdotal compared to the kind of cleanroom testing Consumer Reports or the FCC conducts. When it comes to the iPhone 4's radio performance, CR's scientifically rigorous analysis seems pretty clear:
"None of [the other phones we tested] had the signal-loss problems of the iPhone 4. Our findings call into question the recent claim by Apple that the iPhone 4's signal-strength issues were largely an optical illusion caused by faulty software that 'mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength.' The tests also indicate that AT&T's network might not be the primary suspect in the iPhone 4's much-reported signal woes."
The takeaways you, as a consumer, need at the moment:
-The "grip of death" is a real phenomena. It can be replicated, and it is specific only to the iPhone 4.
-The issue appears to be with how the iPhone's unique, antenna performs when skin is in contact with the lower left corner.
-This issue seems most apparent in areas with less than ideal cell reception, although testing has shown that it can occur in areas with very good reception.
-It's still unclear how much of an effect this will have on your on calls and data; some people have not experienced significantly degraded service related to this issue. Personally, I have seen seriously degraded service at times.
-The software fix that Apple has promised will resolve reception problems is unrelated to the issue at hand, and will likely not fix the problem.
-As of right now, the only way to reliably fix the issue is to ensure human skin does not make contact with the device's the lower left portion of the phone, be it by case or by changing the way in which you hold the device.
-Given Apple's diversion of this matter and the fact that this issue is so severe, I think it stands to reason that Apple will have to get out in front of this thing and either issue free cases (likely), partial refunds (less likely), or a full recall (least likely).
Links / further reading
Letter from Apple regarding iPhone 4 (July 2): www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/07/02appleletter.htm...
iPhone 4's supposed signal woes aren't unique, and may not be serious (July 2): blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2010/07/appl...
Lab tests: Why Consumer Reports can't recommend the iPhone 4 (July 12): blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2010/07/appl...
Engadget confirms CR's findings with custom signal strength app (July 12): www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/consumer-reports-confi...
Discussion about
Consumer Reports retracted its recommendation of the iPhone 4 based on antenna issues. But how did we get here?
I think the description of the technical merits at Anandtech is pretty good. If you bridge the antenna you are going to lose ~24dB. The problem is two-fold in my opinion:
1) Apple's formula for determining signal strength was/is loaded to give the user a better impression of the device. I don't think it was malicious, but it was fairly dishonest and inconsistent with best practices. Frankly, the bar metaphor is a stupid way to display signal strength. Displaying the actual dB numbers would be better (with the numbers turning yellow above 100 and red above 110).
2) It is way too easy to seriously attenuate the signal on iPhone 4. This can be done on pretty much any wireless device, but it shouldn't be so easy. It isn't a deal killer for me, but I can see how it might be for some people. Form clearly trumped function.
1) Apple's formula for determining signal strength was/is loaded to give the user a better impression of the device. I don't think it was malicious, but it was fairly dishonest and inconsistent with best practices. Frankly, the bar metaphor is a stupid way to display signal strength. Displaying the actual dB numbers would be better (with the numbers turning yellow above 100 and red above 110).
2) It is way too easy to seriously attenuate the signal on iPhone 4. This can be done on pretty much any wireless device, but it shouldn't be so easy. It isn't a deal killer for me, but I can see how it might be for some people. Form clearly trumped function.
This is starting to become a bit of a PR disaster, but people just need to take a breather and think for a moment. If the issues apply to you, then return the phone. Why are we spending so much time complaining about it? I have an iPhone 4 and it works flawlessly--in fact, the best phone I've ever owned for radio-transmission quality. I generally don't cup my phone, yet when I hold it in either hand, I've yet to drop a call--and I use it a lot to make calls. Recently bought a Griffin Reveal case for it, so I suppose I'll never experience the issue mentioned above.
So it's just like anything else you buy: if the shoe fits, wear it, otherwise take it back to Nordy's or Zappos. If the iPhone doesn't fit for your holding/hand/skin-type, return it--they give you a generous 30-days. No drama, no whining needed.
So it's just like anything else you buy: if the shoe fits, wear it, otherwise take it back to Nordy's or Zappos. If the iPhone doesn't fit for your holding/hand/skin-type, return it--they give you a generous 30-days. No drama, no whining needed.
My experience is very much the same as yours psimac. Reception has been solid so far, and I am not able to replicate the "death grip" on mine. Be it touching the magic spot like Cameron Hunt did in his video, or using both hands to cover as much of the device as I can, my signal strength doesn't change.
Now, obviously there is a real issue, but I wonder how widespread is it? Do 90% of iPhone 4 owners experience these problems, or is it 2% of iPhone 4 owners? Is there any data being gathered about that kind of thing?
Now, obviously there is a real issue, but I wonder how widespread is it? Do 90% of iPhone 4 owners experience these problems, or is it 2% of iPhone 4 owners? Is there any data being gathered about that kind of thing?
I agree with aforty, I think those of us with dryer skin attenuate less, because we don't conduct electricity as well. And just to be clear, I've been able to replicate the issues described by using both the death grip and pressing the spot with my finger (moistening does help).
My opinion, however, is that unless you hold your phone in a strange sort of way that would bridge the antennae, it's a non-issue. I'd imagine it's worse for people with sweaty palms (based on above logic), so it would be interesting to learn what role skin types play in this.
My opinion, however, is that unless you hold your phone in a strange sort of way that would bridge the antennae, it's a non-issue. I'd imagine it's worse for people with sweaty palms (based on above logic), so it would be interesting to learn what role skin types play in this.
I've only encountered the issue once and that is the main office of my job. Other than that, I've never had any dropped calls or data stoppage which was dependent on how I was holding the phone. But that doesn't matter, the damage is done. Non-techies are asking me about the phones issues as soon as they see me using it.
The perception greatly outweighs the actual issue, whoever large it may be. I don't see it easily rectified. Even if they give out free cases, it will come off as an admission of faulty design. I can't see them doing that easily.
But at this point, what choice do they have? I image the new software update will show that people have terrible coverage where they thought they had moderate. At that point, the Death Grip won't cause an issue. Since you'd be F'd now anyway.
Thank Jeebus for WiFi.
The perception greatly outweighs the actual issue, whoever large it may be. I don't see it easily rectified. Even if they give out free cases, it will come off as an admission of faulty design. I can't see them doing that easily.
But at this point, what choice do they have? I image the new software update will show that people have terrible coverage where they thought they had moderate. At that point, the Death Grip won't cause an issue. Since you'd be F'd now anyway.
Thank Jeebus for WiFi.
I already left a note about this under the podcast, but I'm pretty disappointed this issue wasn't talked about at all on the iphone 4 round-table podcast. I don't think it's really fair to compare iphone 4 to android without taking this into account, because as we are seeing it is a very real issue that affects the performance of the phone. I luckily was not eligible for a discounted upgrade at the time of the release, had I been, I would have upgraded and been stuck with a phone that has a fundamental of a design flaw for 12-18 months. I think it's a disservice to your listeners to not at least mention it when you are talking about which is better at the moment - iphone 4 or android.
I'm really glad to read your statement above, but it seems like for a while that most of the tech press were been asleep on this issue. Most reviews including consumer reports at first were along the lines of, "sure you can't get reception if you hold it like we've been holding phones / smartphones since their invention, but it's the GREATEST PHONE EVER!!! YOU NEED THIS PHONE!" (Well not quite, but some reviews were close.)
I just hope that the tide starts to turn a little bit and apple is forced to fix this issue. For a while, I was thinking that maybe it's not that bad and I could deal with it, but I've decided it's completely wrong to handover my hard earned money and 12-18 months of my cellular life to apple when they, at least so far, could care less about the consumer when it comes to this issue.
I'm really glad to read your statement above, but it seems like for a while that most of the tech press were been asleep on this issue. Most reviews including consumer reports at first were along the lines of, "sure you can't get reception if you hold it like we've been holding phones / smartphones since their invention, but it's the GREATEST PHONE EVER!!! YOU NEED THIS PHONE!" (Well not quite, but some reviews were close.)
I just hope that the tide starts to turn a little bit and apple is forced to fix this issue. For a while, I was thinking that maybe it's not that bad and I could deal with it, but I've decided it's completely wrong to handover my hard earned money and 12-18 months of my cellular life to apple when they, at least so far, could care less about the consumer when it comes to this issue.
I personally have only been able to replicate this issue in weak signal areas holding onto the phone pretty tight with my hands being slightly moist. I ended up getting a case for it because I use it while I run (Runkeeper Pro = awesome app) so either way I guess I'm in the clear.
On the positive side my iPhone 4 works in a couple of dead areas where my 3G did not which is nice (with and without the case).
Apple should address this issue in a manner better than they have so far.
On the positive side my iPhone 4 works in a couple of dead areas where my 3G did not which is nice (with and without the case).
Apple should address this issue in a manner better than they have so far.
Initially, I thought reports of this problem were overblown. Though I'm left-handed, I've always held phones up to my right ear, so I guessed that the "grip of death" would be a non-issue for me. While I could create signal loss if I set out specifically to do so, I didn't expect it to have a day-to-day impact.
3 weeks later, I'm seriously considering returning the phone. Not only do I feel like Apple is mishandling the whole situation (and whether it's blown out of proportion by the media/blogs or not, the message Apple has consistently sent to this point is one of smugness and nonchalance, a sort of "you should be happy with what we gave you" kind of attitude that's personally rubbed me the wrong way), but I have gotten more reception complaints and dropped more calls it seems like than my entire year with the 3GS. This is likely just my perception, but it's aggravating nonetheless.
Looking at how long it took Apple to admit there was a problem with some of their early Time Capsules (or not: see support.apple.com/kb/TS3351 and its vague language), I'm not holding out much hope that they'll admit to their design flaw any time soon. I guess this is a situation where I'm going to have to vote with my wallet instead of putting up with it and hoping for some sort of fix.
3 weeks later, I'm seriously considering returning the phone. Not only do I feel like Apple is mishandling the whole situation (and whether it's blown out of proportion by the media/blogs or not, the message Apple has consistently sent to this point is one of smugness and nonchalance, a sort of "you should be happy with what we gave you" kind of attitude that's personally rubbed me the wrong way), but I have gotten more reception complaints and dropped more calls it seems like than my entire year with the 3GS. This is likely just my perception, but it's aggravating nonetheless.
Looking at how long it took Apple to admit there was a problem with some of their early Time Capsules (or not: see support.apple.com/kb/TS3351 and its vague language), I'm not holding out much hope that they'll admit to their design flaw any time soon. I guess this is a situation where I'm going to have to vote with my wallet instead of putting up with it and hoping for some sort of fix.
Guys, another thing needs to be mentioned and so far I haven't seen it discussed anywhere.
Your device may not always drop a call when held in the "death grip", but remember that signal attenuation goes both ways. If the power that the phone receives from the station drops by ~20dB, then the power that the station receives from your phone also drops by ~20dB. If the power received by the station gets too low, it signals the phone to increase its output power, causing increased battery drain and increased power dissipation in the users head, etc. So, even if you think you don't have a problem, since your network coverage is good enough to not drop calls, your phone is actually working harder to maintain the connection.
Your device may not always drop a call when held in the "death grip", but remember that signal attenuation goes both ways. If the power that the phone receives from the station drops by ~20dB, then the power that the station receives from your phone also drops by ~20dB. If the power received by the station gets too low, it signals the phone to increase its output power, causing increased battery drain and increased power dissipation in the users head, etc. So, even if you think you don't have a problem, since your network coverage is good enough to not drop calls, your phone is actually working harder to maintain the connection.
I think its important to separate the issues of the 'death grip' effect from overall use. I see lots of comments from people who claim the iphone is not capable of making calls, and this is not my experience. I can reproduce the death grip effect, and I think overall calling is more successful on the iPhone 4.
On TWIT, and on the Antennasys websites, RF engineers pointed out that RF is not impacted by electrical properties of the hand, this seems to be a case where folks assume that the issue is a 'short' being caused by skin. This is not the case. As Spenser Webb suggests, this is DC thinking for an RF application What they are saying is that the issue is more how far the interfering hand is from the antenna. When the antenna was in the case, it was separated by a significant enough distance to make a noticeable difference. With iPhone4, the antenna has no separation from the hand, and the death grip simply puts the bulk of the hand in a position to interfere more. A Bumper helps (as does the vulcan grip) not because of conductivity, but because it provides separation needed for RF to work properly..
www.antennasys.com/antennasys-blog/2010/6/26/hey-h...
www.antennasys.com/antennasys-blog/2010/6/26/hey-h...
I am completely talking out of my a** here, but here goes:
I'm starting to doubt that what Spenser Webb said on TWIT is correct. I have personally "bridged the gap" and saw the signal drop. Also the consumer reports story stresses that it is due to touching a "spot" and that it can be resolved with duct tape. Others have reported that even scotch tape fixes it (despite the fact that antennasys.com says the opposite).
It seems like one of two things (or possibly both) are happening when the two antennas are bridged:
1. The antenna is becoming longer because as a "big bag of water" as people like to say these days, you have provided a conduit for the two antennas to combine (especially if your hands are sweaty). I get what he's saying about RF being different from DC, but why wouldn't this happen when you put a conductor (your hand) between two pieces of metal? Another RF expert was on CNET reporters roundtable and said that these cell phone antennas are finely tuned, and if the length is changed it changes the properties of the antenna (Lots of RF experts popping out of the woodwork here).
2. The wi-fi / bluetooth signals are meshing with the GSM signals, again because antennas have been combined.
If it were only about separation and attenuation caused just by the antenna being blocked by your hand, why would the phone work at all even when held in a manner that Steve Jobs would approve? The cellular antenna isn't just at that spot, it goes all the way around the right side o the phone. There is something about bridging the two antennas. Finally, why would duct tape fix the problem if it was about separation? Is duct tape that much thicker than electrical tape? I really bought into what he said for a while, but he hasn't released his final thoughts on it after testing, and no one else that I've heard anyways has echoed his sentiments. Just based on the what we've seen, I don't know if you really have to be an expert in RF to figure this out, I think it's just simple logic that is required to determine the cause of the issue.
I'm starting to doubt that what Spenser Webb said on TWIT is correct. I have personally "bridged the gap" and saw the signal drop. Also the consumer reports story stresses that it is due to touching a "spot" and that it can be resolved with duct tape. Others have reported that even scotch tape fixes it (despite the fact that antennasys.com says the opposite).
It seems like one of two things (or possibly both) are happening when the two antennas are bridged:
1. The antenna is becoming longer because as a "big bag of water" as people like to say these days, you have provided a conduit for the two antennas to combine (especially if your hands are sweaty). I get what he's saying about RF being different from DC, but why wouldn't this happen when you put a conductor (your hand) between two pieces of metal? Another RF expert was on CNET reporters roundtable and said that these cell phone antennas are finely tuned, and if the length is changed it changes the properties of the antenna (Lots of RF experts popping out of the woodwork here).
2. The wi-fi / bluetooth signals are meshing with the GSM signals, again because antennas have been combined.
If it were only about separation and attenuation caused just by the antenna being blocked by your hand, why would the phone work at all even when held in a manner that Steve Jobs would approve? The cellular antenna isn't just at that spot, it goes all the way around the right side o the phone. There is something about bridging the two antennas. Finally, why would duct tape fix the problem if it was about separation? Is duct tape that much thicker than electrical tape? I really bought into what he said for a while, but he hasn't released his final thoughts on it after testing, and no one else that I've heard anyways has echoed his sentiments. Just based on the what we've seen, I don't know if you really have to be an expert in RF to figure this out, I think it's just simple logic that is required to determine the cause of the issue.
You know, I believed him too on TWiT and I've read his blog but there has to be *something* about that cap. Perhaps not a "short" but something.
This was the video that convinced me of it. There is something about bridging that gap.
vimeo.com/12864890
This was the video that convinced me of it. There is something about bridging that gap.
vimeo.com/12864890
I just thought of one additional point on this. The death grip actually does not put the bulk of the hand on the cellular antenna. When holding the phone in your left hand your palm is mostly over the wifi radio, not the cellular radio. If it were a "bulk" or "separation" issue, this problem would be worse when held in the right hand.
Never had a problem since I cased the phone. In any case, the issue only seemed to be apparent in much weaker signal areas. All blown out of proportion if you ask me.
iPhone 4 is amazing!! I wish ppl & press wouldn't focus so much on a single negative. Anyone that doesn't case a phone of this value is plain barmy (mad!).
I've been doing my homework, bought a Belkin Verve case the same day of the iPhone release. Also looking into a Nude Skin. If you're interested look here:
www.switcheasy-europe.com/products/NUDE_iPhone4/NU...
The iPhone 4 is amazing!! Any RF device will de-tune if held in a certain way; ok, humans are conductive, we short the antennae when we hold it with skin contact. Case it & there is no issue. Enjoy iPhone 4!!!
iPhone 4 is amazing!! I wish ppl & press wouldn't focus so much on a single negative. Anyone that doesn't case a phone of this value is plain barmy (mad!).
I've been doing my homework, bought a Belkin Verve case the same day of the iPhone release. Also looking into a Nude Skin. If you're interested look here:
www.switcheasy-europe.com/products/NUDE_iPhone4/NU...
The iPhone 4 is amazing!! Any RF device will de-tune if held in a certain way; ok, humans are conductive, we short the antennae when we hold it with skin contact. Case it & there is no issue. Enjoy iPhone 4!!!
