Why Do Some Phones Get Better Signal Than Others in the Same Location?
Ever wondered why your friend’s phone gets full bars while yours struggles to connect—even when you’re standing side by side?
Signal disparity is a real and often frustrating issue. But it's not magic. It’s science, design, and technology working (or not working) together. In this blog, we break down the reasons why some phones get better signal than others in the exact same spot, with in-depth analysis supported by real-world examples.
1. Antenna Design and Placement
Inside every phone is an intricate maze of components, and antennas are among the most critical for connectivity. Flagship phones often use multiple high-efficiency antennas (MIMO - multiple input, multiple output) with strategic placements that avoid interference from internal components. Budget phones, to save on costs, may use smaller or less-efficient antennas.
Apple's iPhone 14 series, for instance, uses customized antenna tuning per region and carrier, while many mid-range devices opt for a one-size-fits-all approach. Antenna placement also matters: some phones place antennas at the bottom bezel, which can easily be blocked by a user's hand.
2. Network Band Support
Mobile carriers operate on various frequency bands—each optimized for different purposes (e.g., coverage vs. speed). A phone that doesn't support Band 40 (2300 MHz), common in India for 4G, may fall back to slower networks.
Premium phones typically support 20+ LTE bands and 5G sub-bands, including carrier-specific ones. This wide compatibility ensures they latch onto the best signal in any environment. Before buying, always review the full band compatibility list—especially if importing a device.
3. Modem Technology
The modem inside your smartphone determines how efficiently it communicates with cell towers. For example:
● Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X65 modem in premium phones supports up to 10Gbps speeds, 4x carrier aggregation, and robust signal retention
● Low-cost phones may use outdated modems that support fewer LTE bands and struggle with signal handoff between towers
Advanced modems also include low-noise amplifiers and envelope tracking to reduce signal distortion in poor reception areas.
4. Network Optimization by Carrier
Carriers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea optimize their networks for popular devices. Carrier-certified phones may receive:
● Custom VoLTE configurations
● Carrier Aggregation profiles
● Faster switching between LTE/5G
Phones not officially supported (e.g., imported models) might face issues like call drops, lack of VoWiFi, or inability to access 4G.
5. Phone Age and Physical Degradation
Older devices are more susceptible to:
● Antenna loosening due to wear and tear
● Battery swelling affecting internal contacts
● Water damage or micro-cracks impairing signal paths
Even software support ends for older phones, meaning they don’t receive updates to radio firmware—further impacting signal performance.
6. Software and Firmware Updates
Regular updates are critical for optimal signal strength. Manufacturers push:
● Radio interface layer (RIL) updates
● Carrier configuration files
● Signal prioritization logic
A phone running outdated firmware may not detect nearby towers efficiently or fail to use newer frequency deployments (like dynamic spectrum sharing for 5G).
7. Phone Case Material and How You Hold It
It’s not just myth—how you hold your phone does matter. Your hand can attenuate the signal by absorbing or deflecting the radio waves, especially if covering an antenna area.
Materials like aluminum or carbon fiber in phone cases may block signal better than soft silicone or plastic. Signal-friendly cases have cut-outs or transparent materials where antennas reside.
8. Surrounding Environmental Interference
External factors such as:
● Concrete walls
● Elevators
● High-voltage equipment
● Crowded cell zones (stadiums, concerts)
... can degrade signal strength.
Phones with high antenna sensitivity and better error correction algorithms can maintain usable signal even in such challenging environments. Apple, Samsung, and Google use proprietary machine-learning techniques to mitigate noisy RF environments.
9. Dual SIM Conflicts and Modem Priority
Dual SIM phones often assign one SIM as the "primary" for data and voice. The secondary SIM runs on standby, usually with reduced performance.
Some phones route antenna resources or prioritize modem activity for only one SIM at a time, leading to degraded experience on the second SIM—especially if both are active on 4G.
10. Thermal Management and Signal Performance
High-performance modems generate heat during peak usage. To prevent overheating, the system throttles the modem’s capabilities. When this happens:
● Carrier aggregation may be disabled
● Transmit power may be reduced
● Connection drops can occur
Phones with vapor chamber cooling or graphite heat sinks (like flagship Androids) manage thermal loads better, sustaining stronger signal during continuous use.
Bonus Tip: Use Field Test Mode for Accurate Comparison
Signal bars are subjective. dBm values give a more accurate picture:
● Good Signal: -50 to -70 dBm
● Fair Signal: -70 to -90 dBm
● Poor Signal: -91 dBm or lower
Compare two phones side by side using Field Test Mode:
● iPhone: Dial *3001#12345#*, go to RSRP/RSRQ stats
● Android: Settings > About Phone > Status > Signal Strength
This ensures an apples-to-apples signal comparison.
Conclusion
The difference in signal strength between phones isn't just cosmetic—it's often rooted in real hardware, firmware, and design choices. From antenna configuration to modem efficiency, several hidden factors influence your connectivity experience.
So if your friend’s phone is running faster or holding calls better than yours, it’s not superstition. It’s signal science.
