What cell phones have the most robust reception? (Motorola, update, towers)

[ncole1]

In poor signal areas like basements, parking garages, etc.?

[tobiasra]

It's a highly difficult question to answer as I don't know where you live or what cellular technologies you may be using. Essentially you are looking for a phone with a large/optimized antenna and a sensitive radio chipset.

Sometimes phone reviews with reception rating are done.

[elnina]

Best reception phones are those with smaller 850-900 MHz frequency, most are not cheap:
Best Reception Cell Phone of 2014
http://www.best5list.com/best-reception-cell-phones
http://www.stelladoradus.com/2013/04...e-reception-2/
Motorola Tundra has great reviews about reception, but I am not sure you would like the design.

Sometimes it has nothing to do with the phones, but the distance to the next tower, dead zone ( improperly aligned towers), type of construction materials used in your home or office. Materials like wire mesh, sheet metal, types of insulation, reinforced concrete - all contribute to signal degradation and loss.
However, it may be caused by damaged antenna, or when your phone's roaming software has not been updated recently or if it has been corrupted in any way.
In this situation, a cell phone signal booster is going to be your best bet for increasing the cell phone signal inside the building, or basement.
A Guide to Cell Phone Signal Boosters
If you experience bad reception, but other people near you with the same carrier do not, then contact your carrier for diagnostics and servicing. They'll be able to test whether you have a bad antenna, software or if it's some other problem.
How to Cure Bad Cell Phone Reception In Rural Areas | eHow