FAQ
TL;DR: Mi A1 LTE acting up? One user saw downloads swing 15–56 and “sending 0” upload; we show quick tests, band checks, and when to call your operator. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17145566]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Xiaomi Mi A1 owners diagnose no LTE/4G, unstable speeds, or mismatched bands versus phones like Samsung J5, and decide when it’s the operator.
Quick Facts
- Stock Android may label LTE as “4G”; verify actual performance with an on‑device Speedtest. [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17140814]
- Real‑world Mi A1 result here: downloads jumped 15–56; uploads stuck at 0. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17145566]
- Testing near a BTS (~1 km away) still showed full 4G bars. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17140382]
- Service confirmed this Mi A1 was an Asia‑market unit; double‑check LTE band support before purchase. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17150791]
- Root cause in this thread: operator‑side fault, not the handset. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17228841]
Is “4G” on my Xiaomi Mi A1 actually LTE?
Yes. On this thread, an experienced user clarified “4G = LTE.” Android often shows the 4G label even on LTE. “4G = LTE.” [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17147377]
Why is my Mi A1 slower than my Samsung J5 in the same spot?
Phones differ in radio design and housings, which affects signal and throughput. Two handsets side‑by‑side can perform differently. Test in another location to compare fairly. Antenna placement and shielding often explain gaps. Run controlled tests before judging the device. [Elektroda, BILGO, post #17140346]
What quick tests should I run to confirm the problem?
Try this:
- Run the Speedtest app on the Mi A1, then on the J5, same server.
- Swap the same SIM between phones and retest.
- Repeat at another location and time.
This isolates device, SIM, and location effects quickly. [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17142711]
Could my Allegro‑bought Mi A1 lack the LTE bands I need?
It depends on the exact market variant. In this case, Xiaomi service said the phone was an Asia‑market unit. Variants can differ. Verify your unit’s listed bands against your operator’s needs before purchase or troubleshooting. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17150791]
Why do downloads swing 15–56 while upload shows 0?
That pattern points to a network issue more than the handset. The thread’s Mi A1 showed 15–56 down with 0 up. Edge case: 0 upload can stall messaging, backups, and video calls despite decent downloads. Retest and contact your operator with logs. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17145566]
Is the fault here with the network or the phone?
In this thread, the resolution was operator‑side. After investigation, the user confirmed the network was at fault. Contact your carrier if tests show similar symptoms across locations. Provide timestamps and screenshots to speed fixes. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17228841]
How can I see which LTE band or cell my phone is using?
Use a diagnostic app like Network Cell Info to display serving cell and LTE band. Capture readings where performance drops to correlate band changes and signal levels with speed results. “Show Network Cell Info from the same place.” [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17147377]
Should I worry if my phone shows “4G” instead of “LTE”?
No. On stock Android, the UI can display 4G while you are on LTE. It’s a cosmetic label. Validate with Speedtest or a field‑test app rather than the icon text. “Instead of LTE it displays 4G.” [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17140814]
Does being 1 km from a BTS guarantee fast LTE?
No. The user stood about 1 km from a BTS and saw full 4G bars, yet speed complaints persisted. Congestion, backhaul, or band differences can still limit throughput. Distance helps, but it isn’t a guarantee of speed. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17140382]
What else should I try before returning the phone?
Perform clean tests, swap SIMs, and confirm APN settings. Test in multiple locations and times. If upload remains 0 or speeds stall, open a ticket with your operator. In this thread, the operator fixed the issue. Keep return as a last resort. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17228841]
How do I compare fairly with another phone like Samsung J5?
Use the same SIM, same location, and the same Speedtest server. Run back‑to‑back tests and log results. Also try another location to remove local quirks. Differences in antennas and housings can skew results. [Elektroda, BILGO, post #17140346]
The seller listed B20/B7 support. How can I verify my unit?
Cross‑check your device’s LTE bands via its documentation or with a radio info app. Compare to the seller’s listing. In this thread, the seller listed B20/B7 among others. Keep screenshots for any warranty or return claim. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17140232]
Why do I have full bars but slow browsing on the Mi A1?
Signal bars show radio strength, not network capacity. The user saw full 4G near a BTS yet experienced slow performance. Congestion or upstream faults can cause delays. Test upload and download to pinpoint the bottleneck. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17140382]
Who is this FAQ for, and what problem does it solve?
It’s for Xiaomi Mi A1 owners who see no LTE/4G, unstable speeds, or mismatches versus phones like the Samsung J5. It explains quick diagnostics, band awareness, and when to escalate to your carrier. The thread ended with an operator‑side fix. [Elektroda, darek2341, post #17228841]
