Already the tech community is a buzz wondering how many AT&T customers will be jumping ship. After all, AT&T, in 2010, was awarded the title of worst network amongst competitors.
But before you go ditching Ma Bell for Big Red, let's compare the two devices and see which company stands up better in the comparables (Non-real estate comparables that is. I really like HGTV.)
Design: Really no difference. They are both iPhones 4's. There was no attempt at better battery life or making it thinner. Same display, same 6-axis space awareness, same camera, same everything really. The only difference is Apple's attempt at trying to fix the antenna problem. But being that most resources say that the antenna problem only effected around 1% of users and most people were purchasing bumpers to begin with to protect the device if it ever falls I'd say the antenna issue is a non-issue.
Winner: Tie - Like comparing apples to apples. Get it?
Price: AT&T - $199 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB. Verizon - $199 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB.
Winner: Tie
Data Plan: AT&T - $15 a month for 200MB. $25 a month for 2GB. $45 a month for 2GB plus tethering. Verizon - $15 a month for 150MB. $29.99 a month for unlimited. $49.99 a month for unlimited plus tethering.
Winner: Verizon. I put Verizon more as a cautious winner. Once upon a time AT&T had an unlimited data plan which it dropped last June for anyone who was not already an AT&T customer. Verizon followed suit by creating data tiers as well. However, Verizon has held on to an unlimited data option. But I never put it past a carrier to try and pull the rug out from under their users. Also, on the issue of tethering, I never knew AT&T to fix their issue with tethering but I also have yet to hear anything about working tethering on Verizon either.
Early Upgrades at Launch: AT&T - Yes. Verizon - No.
Winner: AT&T. If you are a Verizon customer in mid contract you will have to wait until your contract runs out before you upgrade.
Global Roaming Capability: AT&T - Yes. Verizon - No.
Winner: AT&T. Though there are some reports saying that in some select areas out of the country you'll be able to use your Verizon iPhone. Such countries as Canada, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and some others. Mainly countries where CDMA is still popular. But a trip to Europe will brick out your phone until you get back state side.
Simultaneous Voice/Data: AT&T - Yes. Verizon - No.
Winner: AT&T. The Verizon iPhone is a CDMA device. When it comes to wireless coverage your phone is either GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). The GSM vs CDMA debate is as hotly contested as the HD vs Blu-Ray debate was and the console war. Historically the difference is that CDMA is older and was first known as the American standard. Then France got into the game and attempted to create a system superior to CDMA and thus GSM was born. GSM is very popular overseas and has recently been making in roads in America. CDMA is usually seen exclusively in the United States and parts of Asia. What does any of that mean? Well, if your phone is GSM then you typically have a SIM card. If it's CDMA then you don't. In this case, because the Verizon iPhone is CDMA you will not be able to browse the web while you are talking on the phone the way you can with AT&T.
4G Data: AT&T - No. Verizon - No.
Winner: Neither. This was actually a pretty surprising turn of events. This was the area in which Verizon would have been able to get some type of upper hand. AT&T does not have any type of 4G network infrastructure to speak of. Verzion, on the other hand, just released it's LTE network at CES. This would have been the perfect opportunity to show off their new networks chops. But instead they chose to leave this out. Now, to the defense of Verizon, it may not be the companies fault. Apple had no intention on having 2 different models for their iPhone 4 for the two separate carriers. In order for the Verizon iPhone to be LTE capable a minor re-design would have been needed to allow the iPhone 4 for carry the proper chipset. So this may be another case of Apple limiting itself. This does create an opportunity in the future for an iPhone 5 divide between the carriers, though.
Rated Talk Time: AT&T - 2G Voice: 14 Hours. 3G Voice: 7 Hours. 3G Web: 6 Hours. WiFi Web: 10 Hours. Verizon - 2G Voice: None. 3G Voice: 7 Hours. 3G Web: 6 Hours. WiFi Web: 10 Hours.
Winner: AT&T. Both companies are almost identical but it's nice that AT&T has the 14 hour Edge option.
Extra Points: Verizon. There will be one really cool thing that the Verizon iPhone can do which the AT&T iPhone cannot and that is work as a Mobile Hot Spot. That means up to 5 other users can piggy back off of your WiFi from your device. You gotta give it up to Verizon for this.
Final Result: If you are a Verizon customer, enjoy! You'll finally get to see what all us "iPhone snobs" have been talking about since 2007. If you are an AT&T customer, stay true. Yes, the network is better but everything you gain with that network will be lost once you lose all the perks of going from a GSM phone to a CDMA phone. CDMA has always been Verizons achilles heel. CDMA are for carriers who would rather rely on forcing loyalty instead of earning it. I use to be a Verizon customer and the idea of customer service was an oxymoron to them. Now granted, if AT&T is unable to give me the answers I want I just give Apple a call but with Apple already having an iron fisted grip on the device, do you really want a carrier who has an iron fisted grip on your options? If my iPhone breaks and I need to use my old 3G until I get the money or I get tired of the handset, I want the freedom to be able to pop out my SIM card and throw it into an Android or RIM. Though it will likely never happen, I still want that option. I don't want Big Brother Verizon telling me what I can or cannot buy and use.
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