The new 3G iPhone has a very small number of body changes, but one of them is a new proximity sensor. The “third sensor” that had been rumored by iLounge last month is a second proximity sensor to compliment the one that was in the first generation iPhone. Apparently the previous sensor did not turn off the display as often as it should have (when a face was placed against it) and this new pair of sensors is expected to perform better. Oh and if you’re keeping count, two of the sensors are proximity sensors and one is an ambient light sensor, totaling three.
Personally, I NEVER experienced any problem with the screen staying on while my cheek was pressed against it. There were probably some complaints though, as Apple has gone ahead and changed their components.
How has your experience been with the iPhone’s proximity sensor abilities? Have you ever face-dialed anyone? Have you ever had trouble getting the screen to come back after making a call? Now that I think of it, the latter has been a little laggy occasionally.
[Via iLounge]
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June 12th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I’ve never face-dialed anyone, but I did notice that the screen stayed on when it should have been turned off. I’ve never really considered this a bug, but the iPhone 3G might be an improvement after all.
With 6 million users, they probably have all the feedback they need to make these decisions!
June 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I occasionally dial someone unintentionally after a call while putting the phone in my pocket…
July 21st, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Be aware that although old cases for iPhones can potentially fool the new sensors, although they seem to fit the 3g. I was trying to use my old case, and actually took my phone back because it would not awaken the screen when I took the phone away from my face. Caused all kinds of chaos, including hitting buttons with my cheek during calls. Turns out that the case was covering those extra proximity sensors, and once I got a new case the problem was solved.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
just got an upgrade for my iphone and had the same problems while on a call. i thought sensors were not working, but they are. it was the old case which caused the problems but now, it is working a-ok.
September 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I just got an iphone 3G and was experiencing the phone LCD staying on during my phone calls. I have a leather case that I’m using with the iPhone 3G that’s supposed to be made for the 3G. The earpiece cutout wasn’t large enough on the case and it was covering the two proximity sensors (at least that was my best educated guess from reading this forum). I got out a sharp knife and did some cutting on the leather case and made the hole larger to the left of the earpiece cutout and the LCD now goes off when my ear is against the iPhone earpiece. The LCD comes back on when I take my ear away from the earpiece. Thanks for the info on the location of the two proximity sensors. It solved my problem.
October 15th, 2008 at 4:17 am
I always cheeck dial ppl or mute them or put them on hold or msg..haha its soo annoying.ppl hate talking to me on the phone bc of this problem…also when my phone rings and its locked, i sometimes cant see the screen it stays locked while ringing so i end up pressing the lock button which means hanging up on them and calling them back….what can i do??? do i need to buy the new 3g??