[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] theresin:
Well, I'm certainly no expert in the field of radio/data signals, but FWIW here is a bit of information that I've gathered over the last couple years while obsessing over my data speeds! Hope it's not too jumbled, It is 3:30am after all!

The simple answer to the question regarding dBm "signal" numbers is this: The closer you are to a dBm of 0, the better your signal will be. For example; A dBm of -50 is BETTER/STRONGER than a dBm of -100. Unless something has gone horribly wrong, you will never see a dBm reading in the positive/above zero range - and if somehow you did, chances are it's the last thing you'd ever read on your phone before it melts/bursts into flames. (aka = impossible scenario). The "asu" reading isn't an important reading for our purposes, so I am going to ignore it.

Anything from -1 to -50 would be considered a great signal to most, from 51-80 would be considered solid, and 81-100+ would be considered poor.

However there are a few things to keep in mind:

1) The most common indicator of radio/signal issues aren't necessarily high dBm values. In a strong LTE market you shouldn't notice too many issues as long as your signal remains consistent. If you are seeing frequent, high-scale jumps in your dBm reading (IE: -51 to -100 to -41 to -78 over the span of 15 seconds) you should be concerned, as this is what will cause you to drop calls and data.

2) The difference between a dBm of -50 and -55 is not just "-5" .... I do not remember (or ever knew?) the math behind the scale, but I do know it's exponential.

3) As I am sure you have figured out, the "signal bars" on our/most devices is full of crap and shouldn't be trusted. I've had blazing download speeds on 1 bar, and I've had trouble loading simple webpages with 5 bars. I used to rely on the signal readings found in the system settings (about phone) but am now very skeptical that they are accurate. I have downloaded apps to see if I can get live readings, and have had the most luck with "Network Signal Pro". It's possible this app is inaccurate as well, but my increases and decreases in dBm (as shown in the app) have coincided with my DL/UL speeds.

For example: My current "bar" level is a 2 out of 5, my dBm (in about phone) is 104, and my dBm per the Network Signal App is 71.

The most important factor to consider is the ridiculous number of variables that can/will/do affect our signal strengths. It has been interesting (almost fun) to log my signal and speeds throughout the Phoenix metro area - and I have definitely noticed BIG differences when it comes to radios! My averages over a one week period (logged by the app I mentioned) were as follows:

VRBMA2: dBm 102 - frequent jumps in dBm and frequent, rage-inducing disconnects (several per hour)

VRBLK3 dBm 91 - less frequent jumps in dBm, almost no data drops

VRBLK1 dBm 71 - most consistent connection, fastest speeds, zero drops so far.

VRALHE dBm 84 - no data drops, but speeds seemed slower.

I hope some of this information helps you out - It was a longer reply than I had intended, but I've been going crazy over this stuff myself so I figured if I could help one person understand his S3's signal quirks, it would all be justified! Good luck finding a radio that works best for you!

Also - If I am wrong on this, or somebody has a better explanation, don't hold back - I feel this is the best way to learn something! (just don't tell my fiance that....)

:good::good: