Opinion: Nokia N9 does have superior signal
We have heard regularly that the polycarbonate body of the Nokia N9 is supposed to increase signal strength. Unfortunately, I’m not qualified to conduct proper RF tests, but I have conducted my “unofficial, unqualified and possibly inaccurate test”.
My test was simple. Compare the signal strength of two phones (N9 and N8) operating on the same carrier and at the same location. Obviously, all I did was look at the signal indicators on the two devices, and I said, this is most likely inaccurate. (Actually, it definitely is, as I am going solely on the UI indicator.)
Aside from this, I am also basing my judgement on my experience in using the two phones in various daily locations/activities (work, school, local shopping centre etc.)
So, as the photos below show, the N9 does receive better signal. This supports my experiences, as I used to find at school, very poor signal with more down-time than up, and when it was, the 3G network connection was painful. Now, thankfully I have signal the majority of the time, (still occasionally drops connection) and a much better 3G connection (due to the fact of having better coverage). In other areas that I used to never get any reception, I am finding I’m at least getting two bars, sometimes more. In my opinion, it must be saying something about the device, as my carrier has not changed.
So I know there’s not really anything professional about what I’ve done, and it’s pretty much just my opinion (that’s why I put “Judgement” in the heading), but I am definitely noticing an increase in the reception on my N9 from the N8. Those that have the N9, let me know what you think in the comment section, and I’ll update the post to reflect it.
Michael
About the Author (Author Profile)
Hi! My name is Michael. Like the others, I'm also a Student, living here in Sydney. I have a real passion for the latest technology and I'm a real Nokia buff! My aim is to keep those of you, like myself, updated with the latest in what's going on in the Nokia World. Currently sporting an N8, N9, N950 and Lumia 800. Send tips to me on Twitter via @MFaroTusino or the site's page @MyNokiaBlog, or even simply drop me an email at MichaelMNB[at]hotmail.com.au or tips[at]mynokiablog.comSubscribe
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How did you “hold” both phones? Tightly?
Really? Even Better than the N8? Wow!…
The real test would be to find somewhere where you lose a signal, and see which one holds on to it longer.
I think what Michael has done is enough.
Testing a phone on Australia’s Vodafone network is equal to being a place where you lose a signal.
The N8 is better than my Nokia C5 which outdoes quite a few phones. Considering the N9 is better than the N8, while expected, its really something amazing.
I disagree. Take a look at Steve Punter’s reviews at http://www.arcx.com/sites – he always takes the phone to an area that he knows is bad to really test it under extreme conditions. What Michael is showing is the N9 in a place where he’s getting full bars. That’s not really telling us much.
http://maemobriefs.blogspot.com/2011/08/briefs-nokia-n9-has-best-antenna-ever.html
Sounds good. That’s the kind of test I like to see. Hopefully some of the other phones they make get the same performance.
Sorry, but this N8 has a leaked Belle version. I had Belle leaked version in my N8 and the signal was horrible!!!! a lot of issues. In fact I reinstal Anna Version because i had a lot of problem with the signal!!! with Anna …. all is ok !!
my friend download the latest belle. I used to have a lot of problems with mine but now i have the new one and it’s work perfectly
In fact the bars don’t tell much. I remember that some time ago the mapping of signal strength to bars was adjusted to make users believe the reception is better.
Of course it is a quite clear finding if you have NO reception on one phone and the N9 is usable.
Another good test would be to compare download speeds, as those depend on signal quality. But it needs to be ensured that both phones are on the same cell and there is no congestion.
Are there any network monitor apps around to show all those network parameters like cell ID, etc.?
Get that ugly piece of screen plastic off your N8 XD
I’m not surprised because N9 has a new antenna design. The N9 is the best performer when the operators did their reception tests (in areas with good and bad signals)..
Here is a comment from 3 Mobile : http://maemobriefs.blogspot.com/2011/08/briefs-nokia-n9-has-best-antenna-ever.html
And if I remember correctly, when Nokia announced the N9, one of the positives for N9 was “superior antenna performance”…
Apart from the fact Vodafone has generally bad reception (So does Optus, no idea how the media didn’t have a field day with them) I find the N9 to have MUCH better reception than my N8 and E7. Especially in the city and indoor areas.
the volume from the ear piece isn’t lound as the one on n8. this often gives the feeling that n8 has a better reception
Get cellshark and use that. Pretty comprehensive network detail using that.
try the test one more time without packet data on n8 as that plays the big role in signal reception and even turn off the wifi then u will c the actual results.
If the results holds true, then I hope it also applies to the newer Symbian phones. Particularly the 701.
How works yours WLAN reception? At my home at a distance of 6 meters my N9 already looses a bar. On the upper floor the connection drops continuously even though my laptop looses sometimes only one bar…
Is this bad WLAN reception common?
same problem
I dont own N9 myself, but what I’ve understood on the Konttori’s blog is that there has been quality issues with WIFI connections and that there are improvements coming in releases 1.1 and 1.2
“Wifi reception was one of the issues where we had to be dancing on the SAR boundaries. Although wifi in general has been improved by leaps and bounds in 1.1. For me at least, the reception is now perfectly good. “
Test the gps also, under a roof or inside a car. N8 was much better than the N9 that loses signal very often.
HANG ON A MINUTE.
This is a completely pointless article that can be dismissed because you wrote:
“all I did was look at the signal indicators on the two devices, and I said, this is most likely inaccurate. (Actually, it definitely is, as I am going solely on the UI indicator.)”
So it’s definitely inaccurate according to you.
So therefore we can completely dismiss everything else you write as being completely wrong.
So you have not shown the N9 has better signal than the N8, or even close because your entire test and reading of the two signals was “definitely inaccurate”.
So this entire story can be deleted because I could just as well claim the N8 has better signal than the N9 and you can’t prove me wrong
By inaccurate I say as I didn’t conduct RF tests. Like I said. Judgement. Not scientific proof.
But still it’s a valid test, because since launch, the N9 was said to have better performance because of the polycarbonate.. So no harm done (there’s even a disclaimer).. Also, Nokia performs rigorous quality tests that makes sure all their phones have the best reception..
You may want to rename that to Opinion, some of the non native English speakers may see Judgement to be a final conclusion, when in fact it is your opinion based on uncontrolled testing.
B
The signal on my N9 is pretty good too but there is no compass integration in Nokia Maps. I wanna cry.
Jay why does mynokiablog have no forum? Would be great to talk more about N9 and Nokia stuff with some people who care. I cant find a good place exept maybe meomo.org but this is to specific.
hey, how come your n8 is belle? i thought n8 is still anna?
Michael, just need to probably move a few steps to your left or right and we will be able to see N8 v N9 in a bad reception (vodafone) area