Every two years, 38% of UK residents upgrade their mobile phones. Suppose it’s your turn to buy a new smartphone. If the case, chances are your selection is focused, except aesthetics, on the features that matter most to you, like camera quality, battery life, operating system or screen size. While these characteristics are also important and easiest to notice, there is one characteristic you risk overlooking before purchasing — check phone signal strength!
What is the signal strength of the phone? This is a measure your device sends and receives signals from the nearest cellular source — tower, répétiteur, or booster. Without a high level of signal quality characteristics, all features of your smart device lose value. The very strength of the signal determines the clarity, and ability to send and receive your voice calls, text messages and Internet connection. As a result, the weak phone signal consequences in dropped calls, delayed text messages, slow-loading (or unviable) web pages, and interrupted streaming — interrupted work/education and spoiled mood.
How to Check Mobile Signal Strength
You may have noticed that bars or dots are displayed at the top of your phone screen, the purpose of which is to indicate reception strength. But what do they mean and how accurate are they? Bars are a simple way to visualise signal strength in an informative way, ranging from one bar (meaning bad) to five (meaning good). However, bars (less often dots) do not accurately inform the user about the connectivity strength to guide them before purchasing a phone. Moreover, the meaning of these graphical indicators may vary depending on the phone model, telecom operator and location. There is a more reliable way to check the signal strength of a new phone — this is by using the decibel (dB) scale, which is a logarithmic scale that compresses the huge range of pressure amplitudes the ear can hear. The dB scale ranges from -120 dB to 0 dB, where -120 dB is the weakest signal and 0 dB is the strongest connectivity. The closer the dB value is to 0, the better.
There are two main methods for checking the reception level of your phone on a dB scale: 1) Basic is provided by manufacturers of smart devices — using the phone’s built-in settings; 2) Alternative — using an installed third-party application. Read below for details and how to interpret the results.
Built-in Phone Settings
Manufacturers of modern phones provide that advanced users may want to access a hidden menu that gives access to the phone’s reception strength value, which is measured in numerical values — in dB. Depending on the smartphone model and operating system, access to the system menu differs. Here are the most common mechanisms for accessing the hidden menu implemented on different devices:
- For iPhone: On the keyboard, enter the combination *3001#12345#* — this manipulation opens access to the Field Test Mode. In the upper left corner of the screen, you will see a number — this is the value of your phone’s signal level in dB at the current moment. The Home button takes you out of the system menu.
- For Android OS: Follow the Settings > About phone > Network > Signal strength — this is the desired value in dB.
- For smart devices running Phone Windows: Follow the path: Settings > Network & Wireless > Cellular & SIM > SIM Settings > Properties > Signal Strength — this is the desired value of the reception interactivity of your device in dB.
Third-Party App
An alternative way to check your phone’s signal strength involves installing a third-party application: for Android, install Network Signal Info, for iOS — Signal Strength, for Windows — Signal Check Lite. These utilities provide other useful information such as network type (generation from 2G to 5G), telecom operator name, country of location, and data transfer speed.
Why You Should Check Phone Signal Strength Before Buying a New Phone
Knowing how to check the signal level of smart devices running on different OSes, you are asking a logical question — why should you do this before buying a new phone? Here’s the answer: Phone models and mobile carriers vary. By checking the mobile reception level of several candidates before purchasing and comparing the numerical values in dB, you can choose the best smart device. Based on the opposite, knowing the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of your future mobile companion will help you avoid a mistaken purchase. The recommendations below will help you choose a new phone, depending on its characteristics of the antenna and the communication type generation. Reviews from previous customers will also help you choose if in doubt.
Tips for Choosing a New Phone Based on Signal Strength
| Check Frequency Bands and Network Technologies |
| 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G — make sure your smartphone supports one (or all) of the listed mobile connection types. Also, make sure that your mobile operator supports your device in the area you are using. To check carrier compatibility in a given territory, you can check the manufacturer’s website or reliable databases such as GSMArena or PhoneArena, or check the carrier’s website or platforms such as CellMapper or OpenSignal. Another criterion is the compatibility of the smart device with various weak link amplifiers, which UCtel, a supplier of mobile phone boosters, also recommends checking. |
| Evaluate Antenna Placement and Design |
| Evaluate the location of the telephone antenna — this will prevent interruptions in the signal. Poor antenna placement: at the bottom or the edges of the device — the problem is called a “death grip” or “antenna gate”. Your choice is whether the antenna is at the top or in the middle of the phone. Ideally, with several ones. |
| Rely on Reviews for Signal Strength Assessment |
| Read reviews from users and experts on places like Amazon, Best Buy, Consumer Reports, or YouTube for valuable insights. Participating in the Reddit, XDA Developers, or Howard Forums communities will also give you additional information to help you make your choice. The Mobile Coverage Checker by Signalchecker.co.uk & Broadband, and Ofcom will help you make informed decisions. |
| Test Signal Strength in Real-World Scenarios |
| As a leading conclusion, test the selected device under operating conditions in different scenarios: indoors, outdoors, on the go; and also in the city, in rural areas, in large rooms, basements and parking lots. The scenario for testing the phone must coincide with your daily route of its use, including the exception — of abroad, with the use of signal amplifiers. |
Conclusion
Choose your next smartphone wisely — beyond the allure of features, signal strength is the key to ensuring seamless connectivity. Another criterion is the compatibility of your smart satellite with the mobile operator and with the scenario of use. Don’t forget to check the location of the antenna and overcome doubts with the help of reviews from previous buyers and experts in the field. Services for checking phone reception strength on the dB scale will help you make a strategic choice. If the device is expected to be used in areas with weak signals, ensure it is compatible with signal amplifiers, which have proven to be effective by the UCtel company. All of the above will help you stay connected, stay informed, and may your signals always be strong.
