Topic: Cell phone purchase....

[Splitrail]

Living in an area with a weak cell phone signal, I'm wondering if some phones (brands or models) are more sensitive than others as far as their ability to send and receive signals.
I'm looking to purchase a new phone, but want to try to find something that will maximize this capability.
As a cell phone and service contract aren't easily returned or reverseable, I'm trying to gather as much information as I can before making any decision.
I don't know if there's an answer to my question, but I thought that as tech oriented as this forums members are, that someone may be able to shed some light on this.
Thanks!

[worachj]

Mobile LTE Coverage Map
https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps/mobile-map

[Splitrail]

Mobile LTE Coverage Map
https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps/mobile-map

Thanks, but how does that help me with my quandary? 

[worachj]

I believe the cell phone company and their signal strength and frequency bands in your area is more important than picking a specific cell phone.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/blog/frequencies-by-provider/

[ocala]

I believe the cell phone company and their signal strength and frequency bands in your area is more important than picking a specific cell phone.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/blog/frequencies-by-provider/

Agree with this. Do some research and find out what company has the strongest signal in your area. As far as I know there aren't any phones that are better then others when it comes to picking up a signal. A phone that couldn't do that wouldn't last on the market.
As for contracts etc you could go with an MVNO. Mobile Virtual Network Operator. That's just a company that resells phone service but they do it at a discount and with no contracts. Example would be Cricket. They resell ATT service. So find out who has the strongest signal in your area. Look for the phone you want and make sure it will work on that service. Then research the MVNO's who have that service and see who best fits your needs. 

[Splitrail]

I believe the cell phone company and their signal strength and frequency bands in your area is more important than picking a specific cell phone.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/blog/frequencies-by-provider/

Oh, OK, thanks.
It appears that my current service provider has the strongest coverage on the map, so what I need to know now is, what phones might work better than others for me?
I found several articles on the subject, but they're a bit outdated as far as some of the new phones that are available now.
There doesn't seem to be any spec or standard for rating phones in this manner (like there are for rating cars for avg MPG or top speeds for example).

[worachj]

I would try matching a phone’s frequency bands with those of your cell phone company, or vice versa. Not all cell phones can handle all the different frequency bands. You need to make sure your cell phone matches your cell phone company’s frequencies. That’s one reason people will buy phones only from their cell phone companies instead of an unlocked phone off the internet. Check the frequencies of both the phone and cell phone company.

Haven't seen anything that rates coverage by the different frequency bands by cell phone companies.

[ocala]

If you go to this site.
https://www.gsmarena.com/
It gives all the specs of what ever phone you input. As worachj said pay attention to the bands the phones use and compare that with what the carrier has.

[Splitrail]

If you go to this site.
https://www.gsmarena.com/
It gives all the specs of what ever phone you input. As worachj said pay attention to the bands the phones use and compare that with what the carrier has.

Thanks ocala!
At the website you linked, what are the "bands" in the specs?
And are the corresponding "bands" indicated on the providers websites, or is that something one would need to call them about?
I'm looking at the iPhone 13 mini.

[ocala]

Who is your current provider

[Splitrail]

Who is your current provider

Verizon

[ocala]

Verizon is a CDMA carrier. If you click CDMA at the top near Network Technology you will see all the bands it supports. That phone will work fine with Verizon. Now just do some homework on which MVNO you want to use. If you want to go the MVNO route. With an MVNO your speed can be throttled but it's usually not a problem unless you are a heavy downloader.

[scudwatcher]

I also have Verizon as my carrier.  I purchased the Apple Iphone Xs Max over two years ago.  Now, I have recently upgraded to the Iphone 12 Pro Max.  Most of the time, even in the new 5G network, I have about two to three network strength bars on my cell phone.  I can't do anything about the carrier network.  But, what I have done, is increase my ISP speed (Atlantic Broadband) and also purchase an Amazon EERO MESH WIFI System with satellites throughout my house.  That has ENHANCED my cellphone usage in my home.  This is my experience at my home and specific location within the carrier network.  You may want to consider a cellular signal booster for your specific location, but they are rather expensive!