12+ Cell Phone Has the Best Reception 2024

People who want a cell phone with the best signal reception should generally opt for an Android phone, while others like me would go with an iPhone.

Which cell phone has the best reception in areas with a weak signal in 2024?

Finding the smartphone that gets the best response isn’t easy. To help you out, Smartphoneunder has selected a smartphone with the best signal reception compared to other phones in rural areas.

1. Samsung Galaxy S21

The S21 model has two versions, the S21 and the S21 5G. The 5G network possibilities will make the 5G version more attractive. At best, those with the regular S21 version must be happy with the 4G network. That’s still pretty good, but not as much as 5G is slowly spreading around the world in the future.

When it comes to signal reception, both S21 models top many lists. The Samsung S21 scored the best in signal strength for antenna quality. The S21 smartphone took first place on the list with a score of 9/10, significantly higher than the OnePlus, Motorola, and iPhone 12, which scored 7/10.

Samsung is known for good signal strength overall, and the quality improves with each new model. The antenna is good enough to pick up a signal almost anywhere.

However, what may be problematic for some Samsung users, especially those with Exynos chipsets? Exynos chipsets are used worldwide except in the US and China so that signal reception may be lost for no apparent reason.

There are several ways to troubleshoot these seemingly Samsung software issues, and the workarounds are usually to briefly enable aeroplane mode and then turn it off, reset network settings, reboot the phone, check for updates, or contact us will be Check with the carrier and see if the problem is mutual.

The Samsung S21 model achieved the best overall score in many tests for best signal reception. Those with the S21 5G model can enjoy significantly faster network speeds and boast that they have the best phone regarding signal strength.

The regular S21 model, on the other hand, doesn’t support 5G, and if both phones drop the signal for no reason, a reboot and other methods may be required to fix the call.

2. Google Pixel 6

Google fixed several signal reception errors that existed on previous Pixel models. This was expected as every new series is better than the last one.

For starters, the Pixel 6 comes with 5G connectivity, which is more than you need to know about the network speed of this device. Of course, to use 5G networks, you must be in an area that supports 5G networks.

This means you need to be close to the 5G antenna. Still, being able to connect to 5G is a huge plus. On the other hand, the standard Pixel 6 model has built-in support for Sub6GHz 5G data rather than the much faster millimetre wave. mmWave is still under development, so those with this option are lucky to live there.

However, once that support proliferates, Pixel 6 users could miss out on a blazingly fast 5G connection unless they install an mmWave antenna on their phone.

When it comes to standard signal reception, the Pixel 6 is fantastic. As mentioned above, some issues with signal loss have been addressed, and it seems there have not been many complaints so far. Only those who rely on LTE connections will see a significant drop in signal quality, but not so much on the phone itself as with the mobile operator.

Yes, newer phones tend to have poorer signal quality on slower networks but better signal quality on today’s standard 4G and 5G. Don’t blame the Pixel 6 for this. This is the standard.

Overall, the Pixel 6 is one of the best phones to buy for signal reception as an Android, with a significant improvement in network quality over its predecessor and virtually no issues with 5G connectivity.

3. Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus

Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus has the best antenna for better service in 2024 at an affordable price. This Samsung smartphone features a good battery life, large storage capacity, and an excellent camera.

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus has 38 hours of talk time and 256GB of storage. Available in either 8GB or 12GB RAM, depending on your needs. Finally, three rear cameras with three lenses are perfect for capturing moments.

4. Pixel 4a 5G

The Pixel 4a 5G is another great cell phone for rural areas with the best reception. A 128GB of storage is available, and the 3140mAh battery provides reliable battery life. This phone is perfect for everyday use and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

The camera is excellent too! The Pixel 4a 5G has an 8-megapixel selfie camera and two rear cameras: a 12.2 dual-pixel lens and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.

As long as you’re having issues with cellular reception, there are a few steps you can take to fix this issue. Whether you’re looking for a new carrier or not, having the best phone for an area with poor reception can save you severe headaches.

The only thing you need to stay in touch with the natural world wherever you are is a reliable device and a decent Wi-Fi connection.

5. iPhone 13

Apple’s iPhone smartphones have been around for a long time, and with each new release, quality standards change. The company is known for creativity and innovation, but when it comes to signal reception, it’s not all that bright after.

US iPhone models have mmWave 5G connectivity, which is great, but not for models sold outside the US. Of course, it is entirely impossible to open and upgrade your iPhone.

On the other hand, Apple appears to have fixed some connection loss issues since the iPhone 4 model. Although there is a 5G connection using mmWave only in the US and some problems related to network loss have been fixed, the iPhone still has a narrower connection range, especially in rural areas of the world, but it is a better option than other phones.

6. LG V40 ThinQ

If you are looking for an Android phone with decent storage at an affordable price, the LG V40 ThinQ is a reliable option. With a 6.3-inch display, you’re on the larger side of the size spectrum. The V40 ThinQ has dual rear and front camera lenses, giving you plenty of options to take the perfect picture.

Waterproof, fast charging, HD video recording, and up to 22 hours of active battery life make it a reliable smartphone. Whether you have a good signal, the phone gets the best reception.

7. Samsung Galaxy S20 ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a higher budget option, and the price hovers around $1000 depending on where you look, but it has a few undeniable premium features.

With 128GB of storage and an option to expand to over 1TB of storage space, plenty of 8K video is recorded with the rear camera. The video can be thoroughly enjoyed even on the Galaxy S20’s 6.2-inch display.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line Android phone with up to 28 hours of battery life, the S20 Ultra is for you.

8. iPhone 12

iPhone 12 is equipped with the A14 chip, the latest processor available in a smartphone! Your phone will run as smoothly as possible to keep up with your usage in areas with a weak signal. Another ideal feature is customizable storage capacity! iPhone 12 has 64, 128, or 256 GB of storage for everything you need to store on your phone.

One of the main selling points of the iPhone 12 is the camera. This phone has dual rear cameras with wide and ultra-wide lenses—capture video as 4K footage at 60 fps and 1080p footage at 240 fps. The front camera is also impressive with its 12MP wide-angle lens.

As a bonus, the iPhone 12 features dual SIM cards and can store two phone numbers simultaneously. This is useful if you have work and personal numbers and don’t want to carry two phones.

Overall, the iPhone 12 may cost more than the other options, but the extra features are worth it for all users.

9. Google Pixel 3a

The Google Pixel 3a is compact in almost every way. From a 5.6-inch display to more than a reasonable price point, you’ll get a solid user experience for up to 32 hours on this Android phone.

Although it only has 64GB of onboard storage, seamless access to Google Drive provides much more manageable data storage. Unless you plan to store a lot of HD video on this phone, the Pixel 3a can be a reliable tool without access to the best cellular reception.

10. iPhone 11

For Apple-loving cell phone users, the iPhone 11 is recommended for areas with a weak signal. You’re lucky if you want to make calls over Wi-Fi rather than looking for a better cell range. Like most iPhones, the iPhone 11 has great Wi-Fi calling capabilities, making it an excellent choice.

Finding a newer model at a better price for newer iPhone models can be challenging. The 64GB model starts at around $700, and the price increases slightly if you opt for the more effective storage option.

iPhone 11, running the latest version of iOS, can shoot 4K video with dual rear camera lenses. It is slightly more compact than its class counterpart, with a 5.9-inch display. If you’re concerned about battery life, the iPhone 11 can last 26 hours on a single charge.

11. iPhone SE 2

The iPhone SE 2 comes standard with the same A13 processor as all the latest iPhone models, making it more powerful than any phone on the market today.

The SE 2 has a 12MP rear camera capable of 4K and slow-motion video recording. The battery life of this iPhone is only about 14 hours, but as long as you have access to the charger every day, you should get a reliable user experience from this iOS-based device.

Conclusion

Poor cellular reception can be an issue, so having the best phone for an area with poor reception can save you severe headaches. If you face a single point, all you need to be in tune with the natural world is a reliable device and a decent Wi-Fi connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is phone service poor?

One of the main reasons cell phones don’t have the best cellular connection is that your carrier doesn’t provide good service in your area. Across the United States, different companies and different regions have additional coverage.

You might switch if your carrier’s mobile network isn’t good enough. If you don’t want to change pages, there are two solutions:

The 1st solution to your reception problem could be Wi-Fi calling. Wi-Fi calling is making calls using your Internet connection instead of cellular reception.

Another way is to consider buying a cell phone signal booster. These devices help amplify the cell signal so you can get better service in areas where your carrier’s coverage isn’t that great.

Do I need a cell phone with a better antenna?

If you’re having trouble with signal strength, your first instinct might be that your phone needs a better antenna to connect to your cellular network. This may be true, but usually, it is not.

There are not many different antennas manufactured today, and most phones, regardless of hardware, have the same reception level. In general, the carrier determines cell phone reception, not the cell phone component.

However, some phones have the strength to provide better reception in areas with weak signals. Let’s learn about those cell phones.

Are specific calls better answered?

The Smartphone Public Study tested over 100 phones (android and iOS) and is easy to understand. A higher score means a better antenna. The Samsung Galaxy S20  ultra scored 95/100.

How do I know which phone has the best reception in an area with weak signal?

Researching and comparing mobile phones based on factors such as supported frequency bands, antenna design, and user reviews can help you find one with better reception in weak signal areas.

What role does antenna design play in improving reception in weak signal areas?

Antenna design affects how well a phone can capture and transmit signals. A phone with a well-designed antenna will have better reception, especially in areas with weak signals.

Does a higher number of signal bars always indicate better reception?

Not necessarily. The number of signal bars can be software-dependent and does not always accurately reflect actual signal strength. We recommend relying on the call quality, data rate, and user experience in weak signal areas for a better evaluation.

Can external factors such as buildings and terrain affect cell phone reception?

Yes, buildings, terrain, and obstacles can affect signal strength. Even with the best incoming calls, reception can still be poor in poor signal propagation environments.

Is it worth investing in a cell phone signal booster for areas with weak signals?

A cell phone signal booster can improve reception in specific locations, but it will not make a phone with poor reception work exceptionally well. Before considering a champion, investing in a phone with better reception is a good idea.

Do older phones perform worse in weak signal areas than new phones?

Newer cell phones have improved antenna design and technology, so they can be received better in weak signal areas. However, reception performance can vary significantly, even between newer models.

Is there an app that can enhance reception in weak signal areas?

Apps that claim to improve reception are often ineffective. Ingress is primarily determined by hardware and network infrastructure, which apps cannot fundamentally change. Instead, focus on getting calls with good reception.

How do smartphones affect cellular signals?

1. Device model

The older your phone is, the less likely it will be compatible with the latest software updates, which keep your phone’s signalling capabilities up to date. So, in general, older phones have worse reception than new ones.

It shouldn’t be a problem if you have a newer Samsung, Apple, LG, or Google phone. These devices include the latest technology for the fastest and best networks.

2. Antenna

The antenna is one of the essential parts of a smartphone. But I rarely think about it because it’s an internal component. However, this is not always the case.

In the 80s, when consumer cell phone products were in their infancy, cell phone antennas were vast and massive on the outside of the device. This was necessary to capture the best possible signal.

But over the years, technology has improved, and because the antenna is inside the cell phone, it has become so small that it is not seen today. Antennas were critical to the phone’s functioning, and the smaller antennas reduced the phone’s size.

However, sometimes, phone manufacturers prioritize design and aesthetics over high-quality antennas. Sometimes, the antenna is not optimally placed inside the phone.

In this case, holding the phone can block the signal from reaching the internal antenna.

What are the top 5 smartphones with the best signal strength?

Here are the top 5 best robust signal strength phone picks from the above list: