Will a Verizon iPhone be better? Maybe
CNET News Poll
Since the introduction of the first iPhone model, AT&T has largely been blamed for the handset's variable call quality and data reception. Many CNET users, and even my colleagues, have blasted the carrier while largely exonerating Apple. What's more, we about said as much in our iPhone 3GS review.
At the same time, the hopes of many have turned to Verizon Wireless. Though Big Red has yet to announce that it will carry an iPhone, it's become a common assumption that a Verizon iPhone will be better. But I say not so fast. While the reasoning is mostly sound--a strong and often superior Verizon network should offer better performance--it's also somewhat simplistic.
When testing a carrier's network, the only constant is that there is no constant. Not all of the Verizon phones that CNET has tested have been exceptional. Similarly, we've reviewed many AT&T handsets that have surpassed the iPhone both in voice quality and 3G data reception. So I'm somewhat skeptical that a Verizon iPhone will be better simply because it's on Verizon.
We also can't forget that both the strength of the carrier's signal and the handset itself (its antenna and receiver) play a part in signal quality. Though I've had better reception when using the iPhone in Spain and the United Kingdom, it hasn't been that much better. So it's not illogical to suggest that Apple's design may be partly responsible for the performance that the iPhone presents.
Unfortunately, we won't know the success of a Verizon iPhone until the device lands at the carrier. Until that day comes--and I don't think it will until the carrier adopts LTE technology--we're just speculating. A Verizon iPhone may be better, but then again, it may not.
So what do you think? Will a Verizon iPhone be better?
Kent German is a senior editor for cell phone reviews at CNET. When he's not testing the newest handsets on the market, he's blogging about cell phone news for Crave. In his On Call column, he answers reader questions and gives his take on the rapidly changing mobile industry. E-mail Kent.
That's true, but what do you think is the percenage of U.S. users that need a phone that works overseas? Wouldn't you think that if thats a priority, Verizon's handset lineup is irrelevant?
My service is okay most of the time, but there are dead spots, and I live in the DC Metro area. I used to think it was my old phone and not Verizon, but the new phone didn't improve anything. People I know with AT&T and Sprint in this area never have many complaints, and Sprint HQ is about 20 minutes from where I am now, so you would think if coverage is good anywhere...it would be here.
I just don't see how two companies that love to control everything related to them would be able to coexist. AT&T seems to let Apple control the iPhone universe and are fine with that. I don't see Verizon allowing them that kind of control when it is on their network.
So the bottom line here is whether or not Apple would be willing to produce a CDMA version of an insanely successful phone to simply appease the sea of voices who are dissatisfied with AT&T's service. Remember that Apple only cares about making money and getting high scores for iPhone satisfaction. As long as people are still buying it (as they are in droves), Apple will not see a reason to make a hardware switch to accommodate a new carrier.
Now that brings me to a previous point that was made several times... When Verizon and AT&T begin the switch to LTE, Apple will begin to take notice. If and when this happens (hopefully 2011 as has been reported), Apple will probably jump ship and offer the iPhone in the flavor of LTE which will now be marketable on both carriers. At least this is all just my opinion, and who the hell REALLY knows what Apple is planning anyway?!
In honesty, although I would love a Verizon iPhone, Sprint seems less likely to ruin the experience.
I don't see Verizon being able to sell the iPhone,,,,,dont they have their own Vcast software that they are so proud of. Personally, I like the service from Verizon and would love an iPhone from them, but I cant stand the Vcast which the iPhone would have to use I assume. Correct me if I am wrong. So how would the App store work with all that?
If Verizon works closely with Apple to enable new features to the platform in a way that is more robust than AT&T the phone would definitely benefit from being on that network. But an improved signal strength without a more enthusiastic rollout of new features would land Apple in the same situation it is currently in.
Many say the exact same thing about AT&T, Sprint, etc.. In fact, if you did a search, the exact same can be said for practically every cell phone carrier on the planet. There is always someone unhappy with the service they got for some reason. Given that fact, your opinion about Verizon changes nothing.
That said, however, Verizon's history of deliberately making phone manufacturers change features or crippling them (the LG phone series "lock" feature is a prime example; I am on my third VZW LG phone, and where it used to take 1 keypress to lock the phone, it now takes a minimum of 8) means you can expect a VZW iPhone to cost more and do less.
AT&T = GSM
Verizon = CDMA
Obviously, they would take the GSM radio out and implement a CDMA radio in a iPhone on Verizon's (or Sprint's) network.
For the same reason you fail to see the irrelevence of your statement. A majority of people will rarely travel oversees let alone leave their coverage area. Those who do travel alot buy appropriate phones to deal with their particular travel situations.
Incidently, your "99%" statistic is clearly made up. Try doing some actual research instead of just making up your own facts and figures. This map clearly shows that the worldwide coverage for CDMA is not as terrible as you pretend it to be:
http://www.techandsoda.com/2009/05/gsm-or-cdmathat-is-the-question/
Also I have both VZW and ATT. Hate both of them. I have an Iphone and a Blackberry. They both have issues. And why the hell are VZW plans so high?
Sprint = CDMA
AT&T = GSM
So, now, Centro = CDMA or GSM
If Palm could pull it off pre-Pre... what makes you think Apple couldn't pull it off now....
But, I agree that the real hope lies in LTE... or MiFi and an iPod touch w/ Skype
I think it's a matter of phone+company+region=quality, and that combination has many permutations, and that's why you get so many different experiences.
Now, with my iPhone, I have to squish myself against my window while holding the phone so that it doesn't drop the signal and take 2 full minutes to get it back so that I can send a text.
I'll take Verizon's cell strength any day.
jt
Happy people don't complain about being happy...
So while you might get better coverage in some of your areas almost everywhere else gets better coverage with Vz
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by cyclonica1980
August 17, 2009 1:31 PM PDT
- I had a small issue today with my phone, Verizon reps sat on the phone with me, corrected the problem, and offered me a free ringtone for the trouble. Works for me. Gogo Verizon
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by ikramerica--2008
August 17, 2009 11:33 PM PDT
- ATT does the same with the iPhone. They are very helpful. Unlike Sprint...
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