Q: iPhone 5 bad call voice quality

Phone: IPhone 5

Network: Verizon

Location: Atlanta, GA (Strong LTE Signal)

Issues: Auto-tune/Robotic/Static calls. I can not understand what the other person is saying. Both incoming and outgoing calls. Same with LTE On or Off.  Same with WIFI On or Off.  Person on other end of the call seems to hear me ok/minimal issues. Not using a case on IPhone 5. Went back to IPhone 4S.

Yes, I too have found the call quality to be akin to low frequency satellite radio signals- digitized and choppy.

This iPhone 5 being my 1st smartphone, I thought poorer call quality was natural...

I really hope Verizon or Apple can resolve this...If I can't get decent reception, I'll just go back to a flip phone...

From what I've read in this forum, and my personal experience with iPhone 4 and 4s, all 3 of these models need a case to take care of the static/poor quality/etc....

I've had a case on my 4 and 4s models since I got them, and took off the cases to double check today. Without the cases, the call quality is completely unacceptable compared to having the cases on.

This is with ATT.

From what I've researched the “antenna” was completely redesigned in the IPhone 5 preventing the need for a case/bumper or the infamous "death grip" problems with the IPhone 4.  I don’t believe this is what has been causing the problem with call quality on the IPhone 5.

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/09/heres-why-your-iphone-5-isnt-going-to-need-a- bumper

I agree. It's not a signal issue. It sounds more like an encoding / processing glitch. The sound is clear and crisp, just sounds very strange and monotonous.

So what do we know so far?

It happens in uk and USA across multiple carriers on LTE and non LTE. Replacing the phone / sim doesn't cure the issue. The issue is intermittent, at least for me. Most calls are ok.

I have tipped modmyi.com hopefully they will cover the issue. Once the blogosphere get their teeth into this it may bump it up apples radar.

My Verizon iphone 5 has consistent problems with others in this thread:  choppy, auto-tuned sounding voice for all calls.  If my business client on the other end of the call is using a speakerphone, his words are garbled or drop out.  I have used AT&T iphone 3GS for 3 years without these problems.  The iphone will be unquestionable returned if the issue is not resolved soon, the voice calls are THAT bad.

I'm having the same problem using a Black 32 Gb iPhone 5 on the AT&T network near Atlanta. People on the other end can hear me fine, but I can't make out half the words they're saying.  I've had to disconnect and call back from my office phone on numerous occasions.  Turning on/off LTE or WiFi has not had a noticeable improvement.  I will be going back to the 4S very soon if this is not quickly resolved. 

Also having autotune issues. Driving me nuts because I love the iphone 5 otherwise (on Verizon). I did switch from AT&T (and an iphone 4) and I thought it was a Verizon v. AT&T thing. Seems like it's affecting both carriers.

Spincast: also affecting me on Vodafone uk. If this a carrier problem, then they're all doing something wrong. Highly doubtful. How often does it happen for you? For me it's about 60/40 good/bad so far.

In my case, not every call has had this problem. However, I'd guess approximately half of my calls have been of such poor quality the call had to be ended.  It also seems to be "all or nothing" as each call is either affected or it isn't.

Agree all or nothing, can only make out a couple of words. Call ended every time.

Hi iam having the exact same problem but in germany with T-mobile. Never had this kind of a problem with any of my old iphones . Original / 3G / 4... Its getting really frustrating. In some german forums you are hearing about this more often right now. Hope there will be a solution since it called i PHONE and a phone is there for calling...

In my opionion this problem is software related since carrier service is pretty much ok !

I can hear the person on the other end of the call but they can't hear me unless I turn on the speaker. Is this a setting problem, carrier problem or a bad phone?

@Trish !!

not 100% sure but it could be a broken mircophone as a friend had it on his 4S !

Trish that sounds different from what has been described in this thread. Would hazard a guess at faulty handset for you.