The Effect of Holding an iPhone 4 [Graphic]

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Posted July 2, 2010 at 1:37pm by iClarified

This handy graphic will help you visualize the effect that holding an iPhone 4 could have on your reception.

The graphic was produced by Gizmodo using data from Anandtech's informative article on the matter.

The 24 dBm drop is the worse case scenario and occurs when you cover the black strip on the bottom left of the device.

Some users have reported that covering the bottom left of the device could drop them from five bars to none. While visually this is true, in actuality they don't have five bars to begin with.

Apple today announced that they've been misreporting the signal strength on iPhone devices. This means that users could be seeing five bars on their display when really they should be seeing four or possibly three. The company says a software update is forthcoming and will modify the display to more accurately depict reception in your area.

Unfortunately, Apple's software update does nothing to address the real problem. Some sort of shielding should be in place to minimize the effect caused by contact with your skin.

The Effect of Holding an iPhone 4 [Graphic]

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benjamin - July 3, 2010 at 1:44pm

EXACTLY!! When I saw that they would be selling bumpers, im like...what is this 2002? lol I hadn't seen bumpers on a phone in forever! But with the antenna thing, it totally makes sense!

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NK - July 3, 2010 at 9:50am

I don't understand the problem.. If the casing is conducting, then the wifi and mobile antenna are already connected, so the phone should always have reception issues .. If the case is not conducting, then how does our hand connect the points and mess them up ??

Benjamin - July 3, 2010 at 1:42pm

From what people are saying, its the black strip in the corner that does it. When you place your finger on it, the signal tanks.and wifi and GSM/UMTS work on different frequencies, so the antennas would be different lengths

byronchurch - July 2, 2010 at 4:26pm

I have used every iPhone sence #1 this is the best phone I have ever had . I haven't had any droped calls .

D - July 2, 2010 at 3:00pm

this is also true with iPhone 3Gs

Bthep - July 2, 2010 at 2:03pm

Sounds good to me....

JrichVA - July 2, 2010 at 2:37pm

This is more than just a slight signal decrease when held. my 3g had that. this is a reproducible signal drop that if you have anything but maxed out signal strength to start with your call will break up or drop, every time. this is a result of a flawed design that can only be fixed by covering up the exposed antennas (like every other phone does?), and needs to be fixed with a free bumper, if not a complete recall. I think all i4's have this flaw and if you notice it or not just depends on your starting signal strength. i have observed this antenna problem on my 32gb, and 4 other i4's of people i know. most bought from different locations, probably from different manufacturing batches. if apple wanted to try and improve reception by moving the antenna outside then they should of brought back the retractable antenna from the 90's, not incorporate the antenna into the handle of the phone...

kirto - July 3, 2010 at 5:43am

"Sad Guy"

Geez - July 2, 2010 at 2:00pm

Maybe apple will have an app for that??????

Bthep - July 2, 2010 at 2:01pm

That's hella funny tho !

Bthep - July 2, 2010 at 1:46pm

They definetly need to cough up some kind of shield... Should be 100% out of apples pocket ... I ordered awrapforthat the day it came out hopefully that shit works! I would have just got a case but I'm waiting on the new mophie.....