[M2inOR]

The Villages is a very large area. Some areas have great reception, while others have terrible or unusable service.

And yes, a newer phone will likely be better than an older phone.

That is why you are seeing quite a range of responses, with varying degrees of service.

When we moved to Marsh Bend in 2019, ATT sucked. I didn't change service, and learned to use WiFi calling with my Samsung and spouse's Apple iPhone.
Fast forward to 2021, and service is now great. We are by Lowlands. I've helped neighbors test reception, and I seem to be doing better with ATT. Verizon and T-Mobile aren't as good. The other companies being mentioned are called MVNO carriers, and they piggy back on the ATT, Verizon, or T-Mobile towers.

So in the end, it's location, location, location! Ask your close neighbors to find out who they use, and about the phones they are using.