The Real Deal

With the Verizon press release yesterday, it is not official that the iPhone will be coming to Verizon. So what are the small changes/differences between that iPhone and the one on AT&T? Well, they are minor, but they have quite an impact when in use.

• CDMA Version: It is on the CDMA network, not GSM. The main difference between the two is that CDMA does not allow data transfer (i.e surfing the web) while you are on a phone call. This limits the amount of tasks you can do while on the phone. This is different from GSM which allows data when on a call. However, the reason CDMA does what it does is because it prevents call drops. 

• Antenna Re-Cut: The antenna to the new phone has been cut differently. This may be to fix the "Antennagate" issue. However, Apple stated that it was "not the phones fault, but the networks fault'. I find something contradicting between that statement and the new phone. HHMMMMM. 

•  Mobile Hotspot: As of right now, the Verizon iPhone has the ability to become a mobile wifi hotspot, which can connect up to 5 computers. The hotspot, however, disables the rest of the phone when activated.

These differences are what separate the two phones. Out of these three, I really don't like the fact that CDMA does not do data while on the call. But, with all the perks the phone has, I would be fine with that issue. The starting price for the phone is $199.99 with a two year contract. It will go on sale on February 10th, but existing Verizon customers can reserve theirs online come February 3rd. I am still debating whether or not to upgrade because it is possible that there will be an iPhone refresh in June.

~Dave