Consumer Reports: iPhone 4S Fixed Reception, But Buy Android Phones Instead

(7:37 am PDT, Nov 8th 2011)

Consumer Reports: iPhone 4S Fixed Reception, But Buy Android Phones Instead

Photo by tenz1225 - http://flic.kr/p/auQ454

After making headlines in 2010 by yanking its recommendation of the iPhone 4, the advocacy group Consumer Reports is now picking Android smartphones as a better buy than the iconic Apple handset. A review pointing to larger screens and faster 4G networks seems to run counter to record-breaking sales of the iPhone 4S.


The Samsung Galaxy S II and Motorola Droid Bionic were among “several other” smartphones powered by Google’s mobile software which the group ranks above the iPhone. The Android preference comes despite Consumer Reports announcing antenna problems with the iPhone 4 seemed fixed in the latest iPhone 4S. The “special tests” conducted also confirmed the 8GB iPhone 4 “continues to exhibit that problem.”

Last year, Consumer Reports pulled its recommendation of the iPhone 4 after discovering reception was reduced by covering the handset’s bottom left corner with your bare hand. The news sparked “Antennagate,” a flurry of reports that even caused the usually reticent Apple to hold a press conference explaining all phones suffered the same reception oddities. Eventually, the Cupertino, Calif. company gave away free iPhone 4 cases that avoided the bare hand issue.

Although the iPhone 4 went out to become Apple’s best-selling handset, the iPhone 4S – complete with redesigned antenna and support for both GSM and CDMA wireless networks – broke the previous record. Apple sold more than 4 million of the new handsets in just the first weekend.

Apps you might like

Comment »

  • http://profiles.google.com/the1aboveall James Padilla

    I get great reception here in Denver with Sprint on my iPhone 4.  My signal is pretty damn good, better than I had with my Evo 3D.  I believe they fixed the issue with the CDMA version of the iPhone 4. 

  • http://twitter.com/larrymadill Larry Madill

    That is the problem with the Consumer Reports model. It is a spec hunt. “Well this must be a better phone because it has this this and this.” Well, no, not really. And also ignores the fact that Android phone isn’t a “best buy” for you if you’ve already invested money in the iOS ecosystem (apps, etc) or vice versa.

    Consumer Reports needs to go back to pricing laxatives for the elderly and stay out of tech. 

    • Christoph

      shhh! you’re commenting at Cult of Android!

      • http://twitter.com/WouterHermans Wouter Hermans

        Article is linked on Cult of Mac :)

        With sales of the iPhone 4S so high and consumer satisfaction results of iPhone 4′s as the best, one can only conclude then that the Consumer Report model is indeed a spec hunt.

  • Frank

    The “bigger screen” spec is bull. I’ve used Android phones with a bigger screen and prefer the iPhone’s screen because I can reach all my screen real estate with my thumb while holding it in one hand. The bigger screens limit usability, in my opinion.

    • John Mozelewski

      u must have small hands man cuz i can reach all of my droid x screen with one hand easy

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

    Consumer Reports rates just-out-of-the-box experience.  They do a poor job of considering the consistency, quality, and availability of aftermarket apps.  They do a poor job of judging and weighting the quality of technical support, repair costs, and repair speed.  They don’t consider the company’s record of support for out-of-production devices.  Far too often, Android phones are orphaned by their manufacturers when a new model comes out.  Apple has a very good track record of continued support and firmware upgrades for older phones.

    Unless Consumer Reports starts looking longer-term, they will be of limited value to a customer trying to decide on a smartphone.

  • hak1308

    I think apple missed the boat again by not coming out with an LTE model. Up here in Canada, many major markets already have LTE. I was an iPHone owner since iPhone 1, but no more. sold my iPhone 4 and got a Galaxy S2 LTE. Super Super Fast phone.

  • Asdf

    It’s pretty deliberate that Consumers Reports is shuffling the facts aside in favor of these one in a dozen devices that everyone complains about before they actually go and get an iPhone. The things that made the iPhone a loser for CR have been fixed, improved upon, and squelched. CR’s just sipping on some Android Kool-Aid. It’s safe to say if you’re looking for accurate paintings of the phone market right now, don’t look in CR’s direction.

  • Widashy

    It’s not about LTE, it’s about the damn screen. Even if Apple tries to put a 1080p resolution on 3.5″ Display with 500ppi, it won’t matter. I think Android have spoiled everyone but seriously I want an iPhone with a 4″ display. May be the next iPhone would do that but for now, I’ll keep my old iPhone 4 in my pocket.

    • Guss

      i bigger or smaller screen iphone will NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME SOON. Unlike android, apple makes it easy for developers (and themselves) by keeping things integrated including screen size, software releases …etc.
      Just think of the nightmare if you have a couple more screen sizes to deal with on 500,000+ apps. 

  • Ictus75

    The problem with Consumer Reports is that they change their minds so often they have no credibility. Their tests are also very skewed. I don’t pay any attention to them anymore…

  • Anonymous

    Consumer Reports is a rag.  They’re obviously influenced from outside.  Zero credibility – even for mundane stuff like toasters.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7FO6D3BXCW42G7IOHBS5HVQB4Q andrew

    consumer reports can b l * w me

  • Anonymous

    I think honestly that the iPhone 4S, the Galaxy S II, and the Bionic are excellent ones.  I don’t think you could really go wrong with picking one or the other.

  • http://onereviewgadget.blogspot.com/ Gadget | Telephone Mobile

    i wait for iphone 5 but coming out iphone 4sbut with all of its features 4s did not disappoint me

About the author

Ed SutherlandEd Sutherland is a veteran technology journalist who covers the whole technology landscape, concentrating on tracking the trends and figuring out the finances of large (and small) technology companies.

email hidden; JavaScript is required| Read more posts by .

Posted in Android | Tagged: , , , , |


scribol