Watchdog says no to iPhone 4
Consumer group UFC-Que Choisir says antenna design fault that makes calls difficult is critical for a telephone
CONSUMER watchdog UFC-Que Choisir has declined to recommend the new iPhone 4 to readers of its magazine.
The association, the equivalent of the UK's Which? group, said that despite good performance in all other multimedia criteria such as music, video and sound quality, it still could not recommend the new model.
Que Choisir said: "It is simply impossible to pass over this fault: a telephone must be able to phone."
Apple's latest mobile model has been available in France since the end of June.
The review accepted that the antenna problem would be less of a problem in France than in the United States (where the issue has also been highlighted) because network coverage was more dense.
While areas with good coverage would not have a problem, any areas with slightly weak signal could see calls cut off, the review said.
Apple has admitted a fault causes the phone to show a low signal bar especially if held in a certain manner, particularly in the left hand.
The company is offering free new cases to all buyers of the new iPhone via its website until September 30. Its after-sales service claims only 0.55% of all iPhone 4 users have complained to the company about the issue.
Photo:Yutaka Tsutano
