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 variation between adjacent modes of a plurality of antenna modes at each of a plurality of angles. The method can include obtaining a signal strength variation between the adjacent modes at each of the plurality of angles. The method can include determining a difference value based, at least in part, on the gain variation and the signal strength variation. The method can include determining an angle of arrival of the signal based, at least in part, on the difference value.