iPhone Switching Guide: AT&T to Verizon

Jeff Weisbein -

By now you have most likely heard that Verizon now will be offering the iPhone as of February 3rd for existing customers and then rolling it out to everyone on the 10th.  Are you considering switching from AT&T to Verizon?  Here are some things you will want to know to make switching your iPhone carrier a bit easier.

First, let’s start by discussing what is the same on both AT&T and Verizon.  No matter if you are on AT&T or Verizon your iPhone will feature the Retina display, the App Store, 5-megapixel camera with LED Flash, Safari web browser, iPod functionality, HD video recording, and the A4 processor.

Now that we have the similarities taken care of, let’s take a look at what’s different as well as any other changes.

  • Unlike AT&T’s iPhone which is GSM-based, the Verizon iPhone is a 3G CDMA phone.
  • The Verizon iPhone does not support LTE.
  • The iPhone will ship with iOS 4.2.5 which adds support for the CDMA hardware.
  • Like it or not, VZNavigator, VCast and other Verizon services will be on the device, however, they will be separate App Store downloads (thankfully).
  • The Verizon iPhone features a Personal Hotspot which allows up to 5 devices (including iPad, iPod touch and iPhones) to connect to the iPhone for wireless Internet. This is a new feature in iOS 4.2.5.  AT&T will most likely have this feature later on with iOS 4.2.5, iOS 4.3 or iOS 5.  Whether it will be an additional cost for AT&T is unknown.
  • Verizon iPhones can FaceTime over the EVDO network.  At this time, AT&T iPhone’s still require WiFi for FaceTime.
  • Unlike on the AT&T iPhone where you can use data (e.g. surf the web, check email) while on a phone call the same cannot be said for the Verizon iPhone.  Due to current limitations of the CDMA technology Verizon iPhone’s (just like every other phone on their network) will not be able to take a call and surf the web (or other data related activities – e.g. email) at the same time.
  • The Verizon iPhone does not have a SIM-card slot and has a slightly modified antenna (most likely due to Antennagate).
  • Lastly, in terms of pricing, you can pick up a Verizon iPhone for $199.99 (16GB) and $299.99 (32GB) with a 2-year contract.

Not sure if you’re eligible to upgrade yet?  Check here.  Additional information (including plan information) can be found on this page.

Are you planning on switching to Verizon?  Do you have any other advice or information for potential switchers?  Leave a comment!