Methods directed to finding algorithms designed to estimate the angle of arrival of signals incoming to a communication device by using a modal antenna having multiple radiation patterns are provided. In particular, a method can include obtaining a gain of the modal antenna at each of a plurality of angles. The method can include obtaining a gain variation at each angle. The method can include obtaining a signal strength variation at each angle. The method can include determining a difference between the gain variation and the signal strength variation at each angle. The method can include determining a difference value based at least in part on the difference between the gain variation and signal strength variation.