After AT&T lost iPhone 4 exclusivity on January 11, 2011 Verizon's announcement and now that Verizon has launched a CDMA version of the device, you may want to consider a number of vital differences before purchasing either model or making a switch from AT&T to Verizon. For instance, pricing comparison or are there features added or deleted? Does the 4G data either of both Verizon's and AT&T's iPhone 4 support it? Let's find out!
The price on contracts are the same, $199.00 for iPhone 4 16GB and $299.00 for iPhone 4 32GB for both Verizon and AT&T. Data rate plans for AT&T are $15.00 for 200MB, $25.00 for 2GB, and $45.00 for 2GB with tethering to computer. On the other hand, data rate plans for Verizon are $15.00 for 150MB, $29.99 for data unlimited, and $49.99 for data unlimited with 2GB tethering to computer. Voice rate plans are 450 minutes at $39.99, 900 minutes at $59.00, and Unlimited minutes at $69.00 for both carriers. Messaging rate plans are 200 messages at $5.00, 1500 messages at $15.00 and unlimited messages at $20.00 for AT&T's. On the other hand, messaging rate plans are 250 messages at $5.00, 500 messages at $15.00, and 5000 messages at $20.00 for Verizon's. Early upgrades available at launch for AT&T's and not for Verizon's. Global roaming capability is good for AT&T's and not for Verizon's. Simultaneous voice and data on 3G is available for AT&T's and not for Verizon's. Wifi mobile hotspot option for Verizon's not for AT&T's. 4G data (HSPA+ / LTE) is not an option yet for both carriers since AT&T uses the 3G network and Verizon uses CDMA network. Talk time rate for 2G voice with AT&T is 14 hours but not available for Verizon. 3G voice is 7 hours, 3G web is 6 hours, and WiFi web is 10 hours for both carriers.
This denotes that if you're a heavy data user, you're going to get more value for your money from Verizon with its unlimited plans with or without tethering. You don't need to worry going over of your data usage. If you don't use data that much, you're better off with the lower data plans from AT&T, which gives you an extra 50MB for your $15.00. Both carriers offer the same options for voice plans and you'll pay the same price for the same number of minutes whichever carrier you choose. If you are to texting and sending pictures and videos and other MMS to your friends and family, you can get more of your money from AT&T, unless you choose the basic messaging package which is 250 texts for $5.00 from Verizon compared to just 200 texts from AT&T for the same price. Above the base package, will be better value for money from AT&T which offers an unlimited text bundle for $20.00 compared to Verizon you can get only 5000 texts for the same price.
If you're too eager to get the latest iPhones when they launch, a contract from AT&T means you can get early upgrade when a new iPhone is released every year. However, Verizon doesn't currently provide this option yet.
Though Verizon Iphone uses CDMA network, you cannot use a voice and data connection at the same time. For instance, if you're on a call you can't take advantage of multitasking on your device like browsing the internet while on a call. With the AT&T iPhone you can do two things at the same time. That's 3G network can do.
These comparisons may be important for you but there are a lot more to consider.
Some people who experienced better reception on antenna design with Verizon's CDMA iPhone 4 say that it is better than iPhone 3G network. If you compare Verizon iPhone 4 alongside an AT&T iPhone 4, you will notice a slight change in the placement of mute button. Whether antenna design or mute button changed placement, these will just remain a slight aesthetic change that we don't need to worry about. Anyway, everything else remains the same with the iPhone 4 form.
Though, iOS 4.2.5 firmware runs on Verizon iPhone 4, people are not sure if the current GSM iPhone 4 will get the same firmware update or not. Since they run on different technologies, people believe that there will be different sets of firmware for both CDMA and GSM iPhones.
At this point, the new feature which is exclusive to the Verizon iPhone 4 is the mobile hotspot. It let's you share iPhone's internet over Wifi with a maximum of five handheld devices including mobile devices like iPod touch and not only computers.
Moreover, Verizon's iPhone 4 CDMA network besides no voice and no data catch, issues when traveling occurs because few countries in the world use the CDMA standard. While GSM can be found anywhere cell service can be. That's why Verizon iPhone a US only affair. Other than that, AT&T iPhone 4 uses HSDPA 3G network which technically supports download speed of up to 7.2 mbps. While Verizon's is at 3.1 mbps only.
Well, everything stated above is useless including features and options if the carrier of your choice doesn't cover your area. All you want is an iPhone equipped with applications and features that you can't use because you can't get a signal at all. You need to make sure of this before considering which carrier you would go.