Does the R79X case for iPhone really give you better reception?
You may have noticed Antenna79’s cases for iPhone in your local Best Buy or AT&T store. They claim that their R79X case boosts the iPhone’s antenna. Antenna79 recently sent me one of their cases to review. Let’s take a look.
The Facts
Company: Antenna79
Product: R79X
Price: $60.00
Compatibility: iPhone 6/6s or iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus
Colors: Black or White
Date: Dec. 9, 2015
Overview
Antenna79 claims that the R79X case will boost your iPhone’s antenna. They say that just putting the case on the phone boosts the antenna, and then sliding out the back panel will boost it even further. Antenna79 cites third-party validation for their claims.
I have to say, I could not personally observe any antenna-boosting effect. I tested the case in my kitchen, where I have two bars without any special case. When I put on the case, I still had two bars. I slid out the back panel, but I still had just two bars. Their literature explains that an increase too small to raise the number of bars is still enough to see improvement in call quality. I can’t say if that’s true or not; trying to test call quality on my own is a exercise in futility. Before I got this case, I made two phone calls standing in the same place. The first connection was so poor that I could only hear about every third word; the second call was crystal clear. Both calls were to businesses so presumably they were on land lines. Suffice it to say, I really cannot judge the efficacy of this case in terms of its antenna-boosting. So, I will share my opinions of the case as a simple case.
This is a bulky, protective, hard plastic case. I like the way it looks, and the cut-out lattice design on the back adds some flair. A non-lattice version is also available.
Antenna79 says their R79X case exceeds military standards for drop protection. I don’t plan to do any drop testing, but this case is very solid and seems like it would protect the iPhone from most falls. Despite its bulk and claimed functionality, it’s not very heavy. The rubbery edges provide a lip over the iPhone’s screen to protect it when face-down. These soft edges also make the case easy to put on and take off.
The bottom edge of the case is cut out, which makes for easy access to the lightning port, headphone jack, and speaker. It also means that part of your phone is not protected. The mute switch has its own precise cutout. Camera use is unencumbered by the case, since the camera cutout is good-sized. The sleep/wake button and volume buttons have button-shaped covers; pressing these operates the buttons themselves just fine.
Bottom line
I cannot assess the antenna-boosting claims of the R79X, but it is a solid, attractive, and functional case. It may be too bulky for some users, but others will appreciate the increased drop protection that the extra bulk brings. Learn more about the R79X ($60.00) and find links to purchase it from AT&T or Best Buy, depending on your carrier, on Antenna79’s website.
