Purchasing an iPhone vs weighing out buying a new mobile phone that has the “best” signal reception

[Grinch]

Right now we have an XR and an 8Plus. In the house we have 1 or 2 bars. I am seeing here that some community members are complaining about their iPhone 16 and 17 reception and blaming PM, or seeking a resolution from PM. 

I have been googling and find that the problem “might be” the iPhone model, itself. I assumed a newer model would be better in every aspect. 😀. And I also see in the 16e that it has a questionable Apple developed modem. And I have no idea if the “modem” relates to data or making a phone call. And I see a lot of articles are slanted towards the most recent Apple iPhone model and only covers models 16 and 17. We, unlikely, never use an iPhone to its full potential so PLUS and PRO are not needed unless I see a “best” signal strength. 

So my question is, does any one know of an unbiased comparison of phone call reception/reliability for recent iPhone models … like maybe models 14, 15, 16 and 17. 

[Grinch]

Thanks. The booster would be last resort. I live near to towers as in pic. . But the back of house is at the bottom of a high and wide hill. And no, I’m not moving. 😀

[BKNS27]

@Grinch 

Yes, it came with a 90 day warranty plus Apple warranty until July 2026. It was the last one at that price. Not sure how they refurbished iPhones and Samsung Androids. Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max normally sells for $1200 to $1400. The front screen was lightly scratched. There is a 14 days exchange or refund but they charge a stocking fee.

I was looking for the Canadian iPhone 16 Pro Max for sometime because this was the last year Apple offer the iPhone with a SIM tray and eSIM. I didn’t want the Canadian iPhone 17 because that are all eSIM.

It was a local business in the lower mainland outside of Vancouver.

They have other ones for $1000 with an Apple plus warranty until June 2027. 

[Grinch]

My point being, as first mentioned, in my home we get 1 bar. Thus I am looking for a comparison of iPhones for best signal strength. If one of the newer ones test lower than what I have,,,,I won’t buy it.  My main concern is to have good service in our home. So far the 1 bar works fine. 

[Grinch]

@BKNS27 

Yes the iPhone XR and iPhone 8 Plus is turned on to LTE. 

Did you get a decent warranty for the refurbished iPhone? And do you know who refurbished it and was it thoroughly tested or just a “look over”. Over the years we have found that buying any electronic item it was a disaster. It’s just us and our personal decision. I am sure there are some success stories. I worked for a major retailer and we did our best to diagnose and repair and sell at a discount…many horror stories (but, of course, never heard the good ones)…some stuff just can’t be diagnosed and therefore not repaired properly. 

[BKNS27]

@Grinch 

Did you check if the iPhone XR and Samsung S8+ is VoLTE compatible?

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte 

I just bought the refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max for $850 and it works fine.

[hairbag1]

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@Grinch wrote:

lol.  You think I’m going to shell out a 1000 bucks or 400 more for something that doesn’t work?. But as asked I am looking for best tested signal reception. Even after that I will be asking Apple what their return policy is. Unfortunately your reply isn’t supporting what I am asking. 

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OK...well how's this then. My spouse has an iPhone 15 that works great in the interior of BC. A recent trip to the Toronto, Ajax, Oshawa areas yielded mixed results from barely usable to great. Quality of reception seems to be locally determined. That's my thought for what it's worth. 
@

[samsunga31]

Hey @Grinch 

I currently have the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the 14 Plus and the XR. All three currently have full bars. HOWEVER, I do live a block away from the Telus tower so I may be cheating a bit. LOL. I've really never had reception issues with the iPhone myself. However, I will be upgrading the XR soon as the update life is almost up.

With that being said, assuming you wish to stick with iPhones, have you considered a booster?

Amazon has a great booster which is clearly cheaper than buying a new iPhone and is worth trying to see if it increases your signals in the house. Also, if it doesn't help, 30 days to return it for a full refund. Food for thought.

[Grinch]

lol.  You think I’m going to shell out a 1000 bucks or 400 more for something that doesn’t work?. But as asked I am looking for best tested signal reception. Even after that I will be asking Apple what their return policy is. Unfortunately your reply isn’t supporting what I am asking. 

[hairbag1]

@Grinch 

with so many variables, it'd be hard to have an accurate comparison. An iPhone in my area that works fine, might not work so good in yours. Like the old saying goes..."you pays your money, you takes your chances".