Mobile Connection Samsung Galaxy A40

[smurfchops]

I have this old mobile, network is Tesco and connection very poor where I live, always cutting people off on the phone. It’s either 2G or 3G whatever that is, if I bought a new phone with 4 or 5G would the connection be better?

[barry1010]

As far as I know 2G has already been turned off and 3G is being turned off in stages countrywide, so you need a new phone.

The connection should be much better. I would buy a 5G if you plan to keep it for a few years.

[Buenchico]

The Samsung Galaxy A40 is only 4 years old. (It came onto the market in April 2019). It uses a 4G connection so, obviously, switching to another 4G phone isn't going to help.

Switching to 5G might help but, if your local O2 5G transmitter is on the same mast that it's 4G one is mounted on, you could possibly still be in a poor reception area. It's also worth remembering that 5G isn't available across all of the UK yet. So, even with a 5G phone, you might still only get a 4G connection.

Your best option might be to stick with your existing phone (unless, other than network coverage, you've got a particular reason for wanting to change it) and try a different network.

To switch to Vodafone's network (but without paying Vodafone's prices), consider Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, TalkMobile or Voxi.

To try Three's network, take a look at SMARTY, iD Mobile, FreedomPop and Superdrug Mobile.

For EE's network, 1pMobile might be suitable.

(Asda Mobile has plenty of fans among ABers. I use it myself. SMARTY is also popular here).

[barry1010]

How old is your Sim card, smurf?

[barry1010]

Only 4 years old? Still new in my book, mine is 7 years old and still going strong

[Old_Geezer]

And of course, THREE's USP is that they don't annoy you with government wake up alarms.

[smurfchops]

I don’t know if I had a new sim when I got this phone 4 years ago, but I have had the same number for years. Would they have put the old sim in the newer phone? I have always updated my phone with Tesco.

[barry1010]

I put old SIM in new phone, no reason not to.
So your phone is able to connect to 4G but only if your SIM is 4G. Has your phone ever connected to 4G?

Pop the SIM out. Died it have 128k written on it? If it does, it is 4G, if it has 64k it is 3G

[THECORBYLOON]

If you didn't ask to transfer your old 'phone number to the new SIM, it must be the old SIM if your number hasn't changed.

[smurfchops]

Network Mode 3G/2G (auto connect). Whatever that means.

[smurfchops]

Also scrolling thru settings. SIM card status> Mobile network state> Disconnected ……l?

[barry1010]

The auto connect means that your SIM card will automatically connect to 2G is 3G is not available, and vice versa.

It does seem that you have a 4G phone with a 3G SIM. If you have a friend or relative with a 4G SIM card pop their SIM card in to your phone and see if that makes a difference.

Tesco isn't the cheapest for SIM only deals but if you want to stay with them ask them to send you a new 4G SIM card, you can keep your phone number.

Or order a SIM card on a monthly rolling contract - I'm with Smarty - if it makes no difference you have only spent a few pounds.
https://smarty.co.uk/plans/4gb-data

[barry1010]

Read this before you do anything, and whist you have your SIM card out have a look at make sure it is 64k as I suspect it is
https://www.minitool.com/news/mobile-network-state-disconnected.html

[smurfchops]

Sorry but I have no idea how to get the sim out …..l

[barry1010]

See here https://youtu.be/wH1rMpf1qvI