![]() The above example is an instance where we saw marked improvement - in most cases, the signal jumps we were seeing were much more subtle with slight speed test boosts, but we were seeing occasional improvements, suggesting the Reach79 case does work to some degree, at least some of the time. Out of several additional tests in the same spot, we were able to repeat the results approximately half of the time, with the person on the other end of the line saying the calls with the case were "crisper" and somewhat less distorted than without it. In this event, putting on the case improved signal from roughly -120 (one bar) to -99 (two bars). For example, in one area where AT&T signal is not usually available and calls tend to cut out, we were able to make and maintain a seven minute conversation with no interruptions or distortion. We did see some instances of notable improvement when using the Reach79 case as opposed to using a standard silicone Apple iPhone case or the bare phone. As a result, we can only offer anecdotal evidence of what we experienced while using the case. When we did see signal improve while using the case, removing it and trying again often did not give the same level of improvement or gave none at all, in the exact same location.Ĭontinuous signal fluctuation and the inability to see repeatable test results made it difficult to determine the degree of improvement the Reach79 offers, and the many factors that contribute to a cell phone's connection to a tower, including distance and orientation, gave us no way to create a test that could give concrete results. What was most frustrating during testing was the fact that it was nearly impossible to repeat a test result more than once. At times, when the Reach79 case was placed on the iPhone, signal definitely improved as evidenced by the raw numbers and speed tests, but just as often, putting the case on did nothing to improve signal, or even seemed to degrade it somewhat. If there's one word that sums up our testing, it's inconsistent. ![]() We also tested with the Ookla Mobile Speed Test app to see if the case improved data speeds, but we were told that this is not a particularly reliable testing method due to the many factors that can affect data transfer. ![]() All testing was done in the hand or up against the head, which is how the case is designed to work. The phone was put into Field Test mode so that signal strength could be viewed as a raw decibel number rather than as dots or "bars," in order to better determine if and when the case was improving signal. We used the Reach79 case on an iPhone 6 Plus connected to the AT&T network on multiple days, at multiple times, and in multiple locations, both indoor and outdoor. For a quick summary of what we found, scroll down to the "Bottom Line" section, or read on for our full results. We've been extensively testing the Reach79 case on an iPhone 6 Plus for more than a week in various areas around the San Francisco Bay Area, but after several days of use, it remains difficult to conclusively say that the case improves signal in a meaningful way due to mixed test results. Readers were understandably skeptical of the Reach79's promise that it could deliver up to 2x stronger signal strength, so MacRumors decided to go hands-on with the Reach79 case to see if we could prove the company's claims. The Reach79 case claimed to boost the signal strength and performance of the iPhone, improving battery life, reducing dropped calls, and improving download speeds, statements that were quite controversial in our forums. Earlier this month, we shared an iPhone case called the Reach79, which debuted at CES.
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