GSM vs CDMA

[janeauburn]

I'm going to be preordering my iPhone 7 tonight and just wondering which one should i go with. I will be going with the apple upgrade program. I currently use T-mobile and was wondering if i should preorder the ATT version or the Verizon version. I do travel over seas at time and would like to be able to use my phone world wide. Thoughts?

Wait until the sim-free version is offered. That's the only one that will work everywhere, with every carrier. The others are a crock of bull and should not be offered for sale, IMO. Apple must have some kind of deal with the big 4 carriers that prevents them from offering the sim-free at launch.

 

[C DM]

Wait until the sim-free version is offered. That's the only one that will work everywhere, with every carrier. The others are a crock of bull and should not be offered for sale, IMO. Apple must have some kind of deal with the big 4 carriers that prevents them from offering the sim-free at launch.

And if the SIM-free model turns out to the the same model as the one used for Verizon/Sprint (as SIM-free models turned out to be the same models as those used for one carrier or another in the past), then what's the downside of getting an unlocked Verizon/Sprint model at this point given that it would be the same?

 

[bmms8]

And if the SIM-free model turns out to the the same model as the one used for Verizon/Sprint (as SIM-free models turned out to be the same models as used for one carrier or another in the past), then what's the downside of getting an unlocked Verizon/Sprint model at this point given that it would be the same?

I agree. Vz no matter what is the way to go

 

[noobinator]

I'll try ordering a VZW model full price unlocked tonight but I have a feeling it's going to ask for my Verizon account info. So dumb.

 

[bufffilm]

I think it's hilarious (if true) that you have to enter Verizon credentials in order to order that phone. Anyone wanna guess that the Verizon model shows up on eBay because of this?

Blame Apple!

Until the sim-free hits the market, you'll have to play by their rules.

And yes...this is all because the carriers have first say-so.

 

[janeauburn]

And if the SIM-free model turns out to the the same model as the one used for Verizon/Sprint (as SIM-free models turned out to be the same models as those used for one carrier or another in the past), then what's the downside of getting an unlocked Verizon/Sprint model at this point given that it would be the same?

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

 

[C DM]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

How wouldn't it work with AT&T or T-Mobile or anything like that? It supports all the same things that the AT&T and T-Mobile supports: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/specs/

The "if" part is imply in relation that we haven't seen what the SIM-free model will be for iPhone 7, but going by past models, we already know for a fact that SIM-free models were simply the same ones as those used for various carriers so there's no "if" when it comes to those.

 

[IfartedInTheMaking]

I'm most likely going with tmobile because of their trade in program. Upgrade from a 5s to a 7 only cost $250, thats mean they are paying $400 for my 5s. What a steal

 

[se1000]

I'll try ordering a VZW model full price unlocked tonight but I have a feeling it's going to ask for my Verizon account info. So dumb.

It won't let you order a paid in full Verizon phone without entering a valid Verizon wireless phone number, zip code and last 4 of the account holder's SSN first. Try buying a 6s right now and it's the same thing.

 

[overfedexed]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

I see that info, but why does it say that Cricket is supported? Aren't they AT&T GSM?

 

[exi]

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Again, this is wrong.

Your link (Apple's link) is well-intentioned but unintentionally misleading to those not reading closely enough or familiar with the issue.

Step by step, with Apple sources included:

1. There are four initial models of iPhone 7 in the United States: A1660 and A1661 (Verizon/Sprint equipment), and the A1778 and A1784 (AT&T/T-Mobile equipment).

Source, directly from Apple: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/specs/ -- section entitled "Cellular and Wireless"

2. The Verizon/Sprint phones as above and the AT&T/T-Mobile phones as above have many frequencies in common. The Verizon/Sprint phones support the identical portions of spectrum as do the AT&T/T-Mobile phones and add support for TD-SCDMA and CDMA EV-DO Rev A.

Source: same as above. Compare the frequencies/bands.

3. Quoting from Apple directly:

"If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks."

Emphasis mine.

Source, directly from Apple: http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-7 -- FAQ section at bottom, question entitled "Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?"

It remains to be seen whether the SIM-free variant will work on additional frequencies used in other markets internationally but which do not appear here. Bottom line is that:

- Unlocked Verizon/Sprint iPhone 7 models can be used on all four major US carriers;
- Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile iPhone 7 models cannot be used on Verizon/Sprint, even if unlocked, as they are incapable of doing so this year due to hardware limitations;
- All models can be used internationally to a large degree (presumably save for overseas CDMA networks for the AT&T/T-Mobile models for the same reason as above).

 

[overfedexed]

Again, this is wrong.

Your link (Apple's link) is well-intentioned but unintentionally misleading to those not reading closely enough or familiar with the issue.

Step by step, with Apple sources included:

1. There are four initial models of iPhone 7 in the United States: A1660 and A1661 (Verizon/Sprint equipment), and the A1778 and A1784 (AT&T/T-Mobile equipment).

Source, directly from Apple: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/specs/ -- section entitled "Cellular and Wireless"

2. The Verizon/Sprint phones as above and the AT&T/T-Mobile phones as above have many frequencies in common. The Verizon/Sprint phones support the identical portions of spectrum as do the AT&T/T-Mobile phones and add support for TD-SCDMA and CDMA EV-DO Rev A.

Source: same as above. Compare the frequencies/bands.

3. Quoting from Apple directly:

"If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks."

Emphasis mine.

Source, directly from Apple: http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-7 -- FAQ section at bottom, question entitled "Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?"

It remains to be seen whether the SIM-free variant will work on additional frequencies used in other markets internationally but which do not appear here. Bottom line is that:

- Unlocked Verizon/Sprint iPhone 7 models can be used on all four major US carriers;
- Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile iPhone 7 models cannot be used on Verizon/Sprint, even if unlocked, as they are incapable of doing so this year due to hardware limitations;
- All models can be used internationally.

This is exactly what I believe too. I just spent over an hour waiting to talk to an Apple rep and Mac Pro rep. The info above is what they stated also. He said that the 1660/1661 would probably be the sim free model too in about three weeks.

I'm buying the 1661 at 2:59am Eastern time. I'll use it with my AT&T sim card and then my wife's Verizon sim card, because when she sees how nice the phone is she'll take it from me!!!

 

[overfedexed]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

I kind of hope that they are wrong with those specs, because I bought the Verizon 7 plus to use on Verizon and AT&T.
The specs say that it will work on Cricket. Aren't they owned by AT&T? Don't they both use the same towers?

The Mac pro rep that I spoke to said that the Verizon 1661 WOULD work on all four carriers, so that's what I ordered. He said that the reason that they don't sell the sim-free, is because of the big four carriers. Deal with the carriers is what he meant.

If it doesn't work, then I'll buy the sim-free. No big deal since Apple has a great return policy.
I'm wanting the black 128gb 7 plus, so it shouldn't be too long of a wait if I have to reorder.

 

[C DM]

I kind of hope that they are wrong with those specs, because I bought the Verizon 7 plus to use on Verizon and AT&T.
The specs say that it will work on Cricket. Aren't they owned by AT&T? Don't they both use the same towers?

The Mac pro rep that I spoke to said that the Verizon 1661 WOULD work on all four carriers, so that's what I ordered. He said that the reason that they don't sell the sim-free, is because of the big four carriers. Deal with the carriers is what he meant.

If it doesn't work, then I'll buy the sim-free. No big deal since Apple has a great return policy.
I'm wanting the black 128gb 7 plus, so it shouldn't be too long of a wait if I have to reorder.

The Verizon one will work on all those different carriers, and is unlocked as well.

 

[overfedexed]

The Verizon one will work on all those different carriers, and is unlocked as well.

That's what I think too.

The 6S plus sure was easy since it had the radio for both.
I bought it new and locked to AT&T, but I paid a guy on ebay to unlock it for $5!!! I then inserted my AT&T, Verizon and TMobile sim cards and they all worked great.

 

[C DM]

That's what I think too.

The 6S plus sure was easy since it had the radio for both.
I bought it new and locked to AT&T, but I paid a guy on ebay to unlock it for $5!!! I then inserted my AT&T, Verizon and TMobile sim cards and they all worked great.

7 is essentially like that too, it's just the Verizon/Sprint model is the one like that.

 

[cameronjpu]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

Must suck to be so sure of yourself and yet be so obviously wrong

All Verizon lte phones are unlocked, and must be, legally as part of Verizon's spectrum purchase from a few years ago. All Verizon iPhones work on all networks worldwide as long as the spectrum is compatible and that includes all USA networks out of the box. Period.

But you can't pre order the Verizon iPhone 7 without being an existing Verizon customer

 

[fastbagger]

CDMA cannot.


Incorrect info. On Verizon network for iPhone turn on "enhanced LTE" and you can talk and use data at same time works perfect.

 

[cwosigns]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

This is not even a little bit true. Verizon models will work on AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. Per the FCC, any phone they sell that uses LTE has to be SIM-unlocked. Just pop another SIM card in, and it will work just fine.

 

[Harthag]

If?

If humans could fly, we might not need airplanes.

Buy a Verizon (CDMA) phone, and it won't work with at&t, t-mobile, and more. Look here:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Buy a sim-free, when available, and it will work with everything.

This is fact, not "if" fiction.

The sim-free version will not, cannot, be the same model as the Verizon iPhone for the simple reason that the sim-free version you can use with ANY carrier. That's not the case with the Verizon model, as the link above, from Apple, proves.

Stop spreading inaccurate crap, man. You posted the same nonsense in another thread. It is a fact that the Verizon 7 and 7+ will work just fine with the other carriers. FCC mandates it as the poster above stated. Not sure if you're trolling, I assume you are.

 

[ANTAWNM26]

In other words, buy the Verizon version. It works with everything.

Nit pik: I thought we were past having different model phones tied to carriers... especially with no subsidized deals anymore. I wonder why Apple would bother to make separate phone guts anymore when one could cover all bases?

Money n supplies

 

[hgher]

I'm on T-Mobile but with Apple's IUP, can I order the Sprint/Verizon version with no problems? Will they unlock it for me at the store? Are all upgrade program phones unlocked and if so, why do they ask you what carrier you're with and give you varying store stock options?

I'm looking for CDMA as I travel a lot.

 

[kevink2]

Does anyone know if the iPhone 7 comes factory unlocked or i gotta wait

Most likely, for most models, it is like it has always been. If you buy it with an installment plan, it will be locked to the carrier until paid off. Verizon will be GSM unlocked.
[doublepost=1473551440][/doublepost]Most likely it is a combination of having the carriers being involved in selling the limited number of units available at launch, and avoiding having people buy it to resell internationally for extra profit in markets that it isn't available yet.

Also, it helps the carrier provide a benefit for their post paid accounts, which are more valuable. I switched to Verizon postpaid now rather than wait until January to get the phone at launch.
[doublepost=1473551642][/doublepost]

CDMA cannot.


Incorrect info. On Verizon network for iPhone turn on "enhanced LTE" and you can talk and use data at same time works perfect.

CDMA cannot do simultaneous data/voice. Even on a phone that supports LTE. But, in an area with LTE support, and with VoLTE support, it isn't using legacy CDMA at that point.

2G GSM can't do simultaneous voice/data either in normal configurations. It is just that GSM carriers supported a 3G technology that COULD. So with 3G and later, you didn't need VoLTE type service to get it.

 

[C DM]

Most likely, for most models, it is like it has always been. If you buy it with an installment plan, it will be locked to the carrier until paid off. Verizon will be GSM unlocked.
[doublepost=1473551440][/doublepost]Most likely it is a combination of having the carriers being involved in selling the limited number of units available at launch, and avoiding having people buy it to resell internationally for extra profit in markets that it isn't available yet.

Also, it helps the carrier provide a benefit for their post paid accounts, which are more valuable. I switched to Verizon postpaid now rather than wait until January to get the phone at launch.
[doublepost=1473551642][/doublepost]

CDMA cannot do simultaneous data/voice. Even on a phone that supports LTE. But, in an area with LTE support, and with VoLTE support, it isn't using legacy CDMA at that point.

2G GSM can't do simultaneous voice/data either in normal configurations. It is just that GSM carriers supported a 3G technology that COULD. So with 3G and later, you didn't need VoLTE type service to get it.

It can be done with CDMA as well with some parts of its 3G protocol and chipsets that support SVDO or EVDV or devices that have multiple radios where one is used for voice and one for data. But at this point it doesn't really matter much as CDMA providers mostly didn't go down that route as they switched over to LTE.

 

[janeauburn]

I kind of hope that they are wrong with those specs, because I bought the Verizon 7 plus to use on Verizon and AT&T.
The specs say that it will work on Cricket. Aren't they owned by AT&T? Don't they both use the same towers?

The Mac pro rep that I spoke to said that the Verizon 1661 WOULD work on all four carriers, so that's what I ordered. He said that the reason that they don't sell the sim-free, is because of the big four carriers. Deal with the carriers is what he meant.

If it doesn't work, then I'll buy the sim-free. No big deal since Apple has a great return policy.
I'm wanting the black 128gb 7 plus, so it shouldn't be too long of a wait if I have to reorder.

The other thing the sim-free gives you is higher resale value because anyone can use it, with no worries about compatibility. Given that Apple traditionally offers the sim-free 3 or 4 weeks after launch, why the rush to grab a lesser model now? The sim-free is the way to go.
[doublepost=1473573020][/doublepost]

It is a fact that the Verizon 7 and 7+ will work just fine with the other carriers. FCC mandates it as the poster above stated.

This contradicts Apple's own documentation.

Would your statement, then, be a case of "a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest" or of Apple inaccurately describing the capabilities of its own products? If the latter, perhaps you should submit your resume to Apple or write a letter to set the company straight instead of attacking the messenger.