Android Smartphone Manufacturers Caught Deceiving Users

Android smartphones may inaccurately show the level of cellular signal quality, raising the indicator. This was pointed out by Android Authority. Phone manufacturers and Google were caught deceiving users by enthusiasts from the project Nick vs Networking. They found that there is a setting in the Android operating system (OS) code that inflates the signal strength indication. When activated, the smartphone will always show one bar more than it actually is. The controversial function is disabled by default, but it can be activated with a simple OTA update, which can be sent by the smartphone manufacturer or the mobile operator. ‘Mobile operators may have limited control over this function,’ say Nick vs Networking engineers. It is unknown who initiated the implementation of this function and which operator launched it first. However, experts have proven that two major US mobile operators – AT&T and Verizon – use this setting. ‘In addition to distorting data, this function also gives users a false sense of confidence and may reduce complaints about weak signals,’ said the report authors.