My tests with iPhone4 on Digi is as follows: DeathGrip will drop service by about 1 bar. So, if you have 2 bars, it will go down to 1 bar, maybe No Service. But if you have 3 bars or higher there should be no problem. Obviously signal strength is usually better if 3G is off, signal strength usually lower when 3G is on.

More objectively, if you turn on Field Test mode on iPhone4 with iOS 4.1, you'll see a -10 to -25 dB drop in the signal. Max signal I have got (5 bar indicative) is about -60 dB . Worst signal (but still 1 bar and can maintain service and 3G data usage) is -115 dB.

Interestingly, I find the antenna is actually improved, because previously with iPhone 3GS on Digi and Maxis at a KLCC shop when inside the shop and storeroom virtually no signal goes through. Non-DeathGrip, the iPhone 4 can hold 1 bar at 3G mode and receive SMS, calls, download 3G data in most cases.

What I have found more or less confirms the investigations done at Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3794/the-iphone-4-review/2

So, in summary, I advise, if you are regularly in places where you have 3-5 bars in 3G or 2G, whichever you usually use, then DeathGrip may not be a problem.

However, I imagine, for most of us this is not always the experience.

So a case, like Anandtech shows, should only cause DeathGrip signal loss by -10 dB max which should solve most problems.

Thus, to cut a long story short, you should get a case. If you are on Digi do follow the instructions here to try to claim your free case. Good luck

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Added on October 7, 2010, 9:08 amHopefully there will be no problems with my case, and the process of my uncle sending it from Singapore to here by registered mail.

I think the improvement (besides protection and prevention of scratches) will be where I experience the sudden signal reduction, which is when I hold it in my left hand to do 3G data stuff.

Also the case may help when I use the phone in my right hand when talking, so I won't "accidentally" touch the sensitive spot which maybe, maybe, will reduce call quality.

This post has been edited by nvidia2006: Oct 7 2010, 09:13 AM

I bought my iphone on the 1st Oct and claimed the free bumper case and today i got am email from Apple that the item has been shipped. yeah.

The post few page back mentioning that can claim case thru Maxis...it's true?? I just tried the death grip. Dropped my signal bars from 4 to 1.

actually, I just came back from Maxis Centre in Sunway. You CAN claim the free bumper case provided they check and found the reception problem.

If somehow or rather the reception problem is not apparent, they will NOT layan you!!!!

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Added on October 7, 2010, 12:06 pmwhen did you go online to claim the bumper? 1st Oct?

This post has been edited by ReVolVolution: Oct 7 2010, 12:06 PM

so u successfully claimed the case from maxis ???

Went to Maxis Centre in Pavilion yesterday. Being true to their inefficient self, none of the staffs knew about the case program. After like 15 minutes being treated like a complete moron, managed to get one of them to check with their supervisor or whoever was staying in the back room. 10 minutes later, he reemerged. And here what basically he said:
1. Yes, there is the free case claim by Maxis.
2. Your phone need to be severely affected by the antenna problem to the point where no network ie 0 bars.
3. It will take 14 days for the casing to arrive.

So, since my phone is not 'severely' affected, dropped but still 1 bar, I am not eligable to claim.

That's my story. Perhaps u guys will have better luck. All the best.

Xander

Nope. I didn't bother coz it's really ridiculous that Maxis impose a rule that you need to prove you have reception problem then only you'll be entitle for a FREE bumper case.

As far as I know, Apple provided free bumper cases to all Iphone 4 without questions asked.

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Added on October 7, 2010, 12:20 pmI like the word "SEVERELY AFFECTED". Perhaps when it comes to life and death situation, then only it'll be considered as "SEVERELY AFFECTED".

This post has been edited by ReVolVolution: Oct 7 2010, 12:20 PM

but death grip prob is highly related to the signal strength isn't?
so if mv gardens 5 bars full the death grip prob is not so serious if u show them they on the spot....
so how to claim if u using ur iphone at somewhere which has poor coverage?

Yeah.. my free case shipped to my sgp frend address yesterday.
Will got it by next monday from him.
But i will not use it since i alrdy got other case.

For those who interested to the Incase snap case smoke, pls PM for the best price.

Anybody tried the Garden Maxis centre?

This post has been edited by Hudd: Oct 7 2010, 01:28 PM

just got my 32gb today and tried to claim the free case and I managed to do it via the Sg app hope maxis will have their own case program so can get another case here! hehehehe

Just got back from the garden maxis and as expected...no such casing program and asked me go to klcc..

impossible to get 0 bar at the garden as the coverage at mid valley for maxis is very strong...so very few customer can claim their bumper

Death Grip , do it inside Maxis KLCC ...mine got only 1 bar, told them if here got 1 bar can u imagine how is the signal in my kampung?Sure approve for free bumper.Good luck

wonder if digi will give the free case
I just RMA my iP4 due to battery and antenna prob

previously was on FCC ID:BDG-2380A now
the RMA'd Phone FCC ID:BDG-2380B

apparently its the later batch of iPhones

oh my...

now holding the phone normally (deathgrip) also will make my signal drop to zero... become NO SERVICE / SEARCHING...

ALREADY using a bumper !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

damn sad...

which bumper ?

griffin motif

Death Grip on casing...

This post has been edited by ysc: Oct 7 2010, 11:39 PM

ok i think u need a RMA !

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Added on October 7, 2010, 9:56 pmbut if i remember it correctly the case does not 100% solve the antenna issue
from anantech i read it only will decrease the reception by -10db max

but in ur case .. 2bars to non .. is bad..
i expected it to be like 1bar.

bad reception at ur area ?

This post has been edited by icedlink: Oct 7 2010, 09:56 PM

@icedlink Me is liking your avatar