Want To Know How Verizon Tests Their Phones?

Yesterday we were fortunate enough to get invited to Verizon's Device Labs out in Bedminister, NJ.  Where we and other bloggers/journalists were able to see all of the steps taken in their device testing.  Verizon wants to make sure their subscribers have a great experience as it is one of the most important things for them as a company.  All testing must meet VZW requirements before moving onto the next phase.  Let's get started then.  

• Our 1st stop was their echoic chamber or quiet room.  Is is completely sound-proof.  Its a great room to record a podcast or your album due to the zero sound when inside w/ the door closed.  Anyways, this is where they measure the device's voice quality when there is zero background to compete against.  They do so by completing phone calls using an upper torso of a dummy w/ a phone harnessed to its head.  The room is sound dampening foam on the walls + ceiling as the floor is supported by  springs to combat highway traffic close by.  
• Across from the quiet room as it was the opposite.  There were 4 audio monitors in each corner of the room w/ a speaker in the center. This is where they test how well the device holds up against background noise in a variety of volume settings.  They played music, restaurant chatter, subway sounds, and more as we were able to test it by listening in on a VoLTE phone call.  Despite it being at a good level, it was able to block most of it out.  

From yesterday, how @verizonwireless tests their phone's RF signals. #instacool #techlife #tech #VZWBuzz

A video posted by TGSB (@techguysmartbuy) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:52am PST

• Next up was the antenna room where they test the device's signal strength.  It specifically sees how well a single can transmit bad radio frequencies (RF) or dense areas like basements and such.  They utilized a dummy head holding a phone for this one as the room has foam spikes to keep the signal inside. 
• Then we have the room to test against drops.  They test devices by placing them into a machine that sort of replicates a washer/dryer.  It simulates a drop form 1 meter or 3 ft 3/8inches while phablets get tested at half that distance.  They make a call placed on speaker and throw it in to spin around at least 10 times.  If the call is dropped they stop to check immediately.  The 2nd part of this is a drop test simulated by dropping it on a steel plate on top of concrete.  All components + radios are tested to work afterwards as well.  
• And lastly is the shield room.  This is where they test the different scenarios of when you may lose service (over 500 system determination tests to be exact) like landing from a flight, coming topside form the subway, as well as transitions from 3G to 4G LTE and vice-versa.  as their goal is to make sure you can reconnect as quickly as possible.  

A video posted by TGSB (@techguysmartbuy) on Dec 12, 2014 at 1:08pm PST

After passing everything, the device moves onto the next steps in the long road it takes before making its way into your hands like actual real-world field testing.  Verizon tests rigorously before their devices see the light of day.  Once everything has been cleared, the manufacturers can begin its mass production.  While you know there is some sort of testing that goes on for testing devices, it is good see the process firsthand.