Should You Switch to the Verizon iPhone?

It was only months after the first Apple iPhone came out in 2007 that rumors of a non-AT&T iPhone started to spread on the web. Now, we finally have one here in the United States.

Verizon on Tuesday formally announced that it will have the iPhone beginning Feb. 10, 2011. AT&T will continue to offer the device, as well.

According to Engadget , the announcement comes after Verizon talked up its new LTE network at the Consumer Electronics Show last week. LTE is its version of 4G, but Verizon’s iPhone 4 will not be LTE/4G. Instead, the phone itself will be a lot like the AT&T version. It’s still an iPhone 4 running on a 3G network, which means Internet speeds will be relatively the same.

Why no 4G iPhone on Verizon?

MobileBurn.com reports that Apple chose to go with Verizon’s CDMA network because using the faster LTE network would require “design compromises that Apple would not make.” It’s assumed some of those compromises would have included making the phone heavier and with shorter battery life. Secondly, “Verizon users wanted the iPhone now,” and making an LTE phone would have taken longer.

So what are the differences?

The phone has a new i antenna design, which should put to bed any lingering complaints of “holding the phone wrong will cause the connection to drop.” The new antenna configuration was necessary to “convert” the phone from AT&T to Verizon.

Engadget.com has a photo slideshow comparing the AT&T iPhone to the Verizon iPhone. You'll see they look exactly the same other than the Verizon logo instead of AT&T and a missing slot for a SIM card (since CDMA does not use SIM cards). The website points out the volume/mute buttons on the side of the phone have been moved slightly, which means some existing iPhone 4 cases may not work with the Verizon version.

A software change for Verizon’s iPhone lets users share the Internet connection with five other devices via WiFi. Previously, Apple restricted the tethering capability to one device (like a laptop or tablet computer).

Contrary to rumors, using Verizon's existing CDMA network means the phone will not work overseas. AT&T's iPhone will, however. In addition, it means Verizon iPhone users will not be able to talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time like you can on AT&T.

What does it cost? When can you buy it?

Pricing for the Verizon phone is the same as AT&T's: $200 for the 16gb, $300 for the 32gb on a two-year contract. Anyone can sign up to receive a "limited supply" of the phones early by using a form on  VerizonWireless.com . Existing customers will be able to pre-order starting Feb. 3. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until Feb. 10.

Should you switch?

AT&T’s tenure with the iPhone has not been flawless, but that kind of comes with the territory when millions of people switch to your network with a new device. What it comes down to is YOU. Clearly, there aren’t enough to new features with the Verizon iPhone to just blatantly say “it’s a better phone, and you should switch.” If you’re not happy with AT&T, ask your neighbors and co-workers if their Verizon reception is any better. Mobile phone service can change from neighborhood to neighborhood. What works well on the north side may not work well on the south side. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve had the iPhone since it was launched in 2007, and have had relatively few problems with AT&T. I won’t be switching anytime soon.

What did AT&T say about today's announcement?

“For iPhone users who want the fastest speeds, the ability to talk and use apps at the same time, and unsurpassed global coverage, the only choice is AT&T.” Verizon, on the other hand, released this statement : "AT&T iPhone customers should come on over. We have built a network that will ensure their calls go through. What a nice change for iPhone lovers."

>> Read more (non-mobile): iPhone Headed to Verizon   | Can You Get Out of Your AT&T Contract?
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Originally reported on MyFoxHouston.com | Should You Switch to the Verizon iPhone?