My comparison of iPhone 4 on AT&T and Verizon

[Travisimo]

I've been toying with the idea of switching to Verizon because of the service in my area (Galesburg, IL), but think I will stick with AT&T. The 3G service up in the cities and down in Peoria is great and fast, and I am in both of the areas quite often, so I can deal with the slow Edge network in Galesburg I suppose. But my mom just got an iPhone 4 on Verizon and it definitely loads pages faster than my iPhone 4 on the poor edge network

No 3G in Galesburg? Bummer, I've been there a number of times (usually just passing through). AT&T is supposed to be finishing their 3G rollout soon, I wonder if you'll be getting it sometime soon?

Here's another interesting tidbit when comparing the two phones again this evening after attending a movie. After the movie was over, I whipped out both phones to see how they would do inside the theater complex (yes, I had the phones on vibrate during the movie, haha). Both phones had a relatively weak signal (1 bar on AT&T, 2 bars on Verizon). And though the AT&T speed tests were considerably faster (~2mbps down vs ~300kbps), web pages were still showing the same trend where they appeared first on Verizon but finished loading first on AT&T.

I'm still convinced that for 90% of data use, there really is no discernable difference between the two networks. It's that 10% when viewing HD video streams or very heavy web sites that the AT&T iPhone shines. And of course, when you want to do voice & data at the same time.

 

[mpossoff]

No 3G in Galesburg? Bummer, I've been there a number of times (usually just passing through). AT&T is supposed to be finishing their 3G rollout soon, I wonder if you'll be getting it sometime soon?

Here's another interesting tidbit when comparing the two phones again this evening after attending a movie. After the movie was over, I whipped out both phones to see how they would do inside the theater complex (yes, I had the phones on vibrate during the movie, haha). Both phones had a relatively weak signal (1 bar on AT&T, 2 bars on Verizon). And though the AT&T speed tests were considerably faster (~2mbps down vs ~300kbps), web pages were still showing the same trend where they appeared first on Verizon but finished loading first on AT&T.

I'm still convinced that for 90% of data use, there really is no discernable difference between the two networks. It's that 10% when viewing HD video streams or very heavy web sites that the AT&T iPhone shines. And of course, when you want to do voice & data at the same time.

Although AT&T didn't appear first but loaded faster... You're saying that isn't significant for you and you consider that equal in that regard?

 

[mpossoff]

Travisimo just some insight....

Really the bottom line is whether you can access data 3G or not. This should really be the primary reason for switching carriers.

Since you have been with AT&T the question is are you able to access 3G data in the places you frequent? If the answer is yes I can access AT&T 3G data in the places I frequent then why the reason to switch?

I think people are getting hung up on download speeds although important in your streaming comparison.

My assessment is that AT&T works for you well except a minor hiccup in your office where it seems you get a 'hiccup' but then it gets fixed.

Verizon doesn't seem better in regards to accessing 3G or not. So I don't understand the justification to switch to Verizon unless I'm missing something?

So let's say they are equal in regards to accessing data. Let's look at perks with both. I'm really loving unltd mobile to any mobile with AT&T. I'm not sure what perks there are with Verizon. If you don't have unltd data with AT&T I'm positive you can get it if you go about it right.

 

[Travisimo]

Although AT&T didn't appear first but loaded faster... You're saying that isn't significant for you and you consider that equal in that regard?

"Equal" as in a "wash". One could make an argument either way that a webpage starting to appear first is better OR a webpage that finishes loading first is better. Which would you prefer? For me, it would depend on the site. For example, if it were a mobile site, then I would be able to click on a link faster. However, let's say I was browsing the Macrumors forum.... then I would probably prefer to be on AT&T because the threads would all show up faster.

So in other words... it's a notable difference for sure, but no, I don't find the difference "significant" to be honest.

 

[Travisimo]

Verizon doesn't seem better in regards to accessing 3G or not. So I don't understand the justification to switch to Verizon unless I'm missing something?

Thanks for your comments. However, I'm not switching from AT&T to Verizon. It would actually be the other way around because I'm with Verizon right now with a Droid X. I bought both iPhones at full retail in order to compare them. When I am done comparing, I will return one and keep one and it really doesn't matter to me which carrier I am with (I have no loyalty to either and will just finish out a few months of contract on Verizon if I do switch).

The major considerations for me are 1) which carrier will I enjoy the most with the iPhone 4 right now, 2) which carrier has the best long-term outlook for the switch to LTE, and 3) which carrier has the plans and prices that best fit my needs. And there's also the big question of whether both AT&T and Verizon will be getting the new iPhone in June!

 

[mpossoff]

"Equal" as in a "wash". One could make an argument either way that a webpage starting to appear first is better OR a webpage that finishes loading first is better. Which would you prefer? For me, it would depend on the site. For example, if it were a mobile site, then I would be able to click on a link faster. However, let's say I was browsing the Macrumors forum.... then I would probably prefer to be on AT&T because the threads would all show up faster.

So in other words... it's a notable difference for sure, but no, I don't find the difference "significant" to be honest.

If it's not significant then what is the justification to switching? If you aren't able to access 3G then I can see. Is the one minor hiccup the deal breaker?

 

[patp]

Travisimo thanks for your thorough analysis. You made a lot of valid points and seem to be approaching from an unbiased view. I don't sense any fan boyisms here.

 

[mpossoff]

Thanks for your comments. However, I'm not switching from AT&T to Verizon. It would actually be the other way around because I'm with Verizon right now with a Droid X. I bought both iPhones at full retail in order to compare them. When I am done comparing, I will return one and keep one and it really doesn't matter to me which carrier I am with (I have no loyalty to either and will just finish out a few months of contract on Verizon if I do switch).

The major considerations for me are 1) which carrier will I enjoy the most with the iPhone 4 right now, 2) which carrier has the best long-term outlook for the switch to LTE, and 3) which carrier has the plans and prices that best fit my needs. And there's also the big question of whether both AT&T and Verizon will be getting the new iPhone in June!

So far which carrier do you enjoy the most with the iPhone is most important question. The other considerations are important but until an LTE iPhone comes out it's irrelevant cause you are not under contract. Pricing seems more attractive with AT&T. If you approach it right I bet you can get unltd data.

 

[Moyank24]

Very thorough. I'm interested in hearing what your decision will turn out to be.

Did you ever say what your location is? I'm interested in seeing comparisons in all of the major markets. Especially the ones where Verizon and AT&T have seemingly equal coverage. We know that Verizon would be much better choice for NY & SF, but I'm wondering about everywhere else.

 

[mpossoff]

Very thorough. I'm interested in hearing what your decision will turn out to be.

Did you ever say what your location is? I'm interested in seeing comparisons in all of the major markets. Especially the ones where Verizon and AT&T have seemingly equal coverage. We know that Verizon would be much better choice for NY & SF, but I'm wondering about everywhere else.

We're in Philly and deep south Jersey.

Like Travisimo Verizon and AT&T are pretty much equal in regards to uploads but when it comes to download speed AT&T smokes Verizon. But who downloads massive downloads?

 

[Travisimo]

Very thorough. I'm interested in hearing what your decision will turn out to be.

Did you ever say what your location is? I'm interested in seeing comparisons in all of the major markets. Especially the ones where Verizon and AT&T have seemingly equal coverage. We know that Verizon would be much better choice for NY & SF, but I'm wondering about everywhere else.

I'm in a medium sized metropolitan area called the "Quad Cities". It is a consortium of several cities that span the Illinois and Iowa border along the Mississippi River. I don't travel a whole lot, so I doubt I will encounter areas with poor AT&T reception. I don't think 3G congestion on AT&T is a problem here because I have been getting rock solid download speeds between 2-3 mbps at any time of day. On Verizon, my speeds have fluctuated greatly but I haven't noticed a pattern yet (time of day, location, etc). Sometimes on the Verizon iPhone, I'll have a steady 1-1.5 mbps download, but many times it's also in the 300-500 kbps range. However, even when the latter occurs on Verizon, the phone still feels snappy when loading websites, streaming audio, etc.

If AT&T officially announces the Personal Hotspot and 4GB tethering plan for iPhone within the next week or two, then I'm probably leaning towards AT&T. After using the Hotspot feature on the Verizon model, I am sold on it! I plan on dropping my iPad 3G subscription and just using the Hotspot on my phone. I usually only use 3G on my iPad in short time periods, so I think the battery hit will be minor. In this way, my wife (who has the WIFI iPad) can also hop onto my WIFI when she's with me in the car, etc.

 

[Pared]

Great thread. Thanks for sharing.

 

[4Gis$]

Loved my Verizon iphone4 but the new mobile to mobile made me go back to att.

 

[zenio]

I am doing the exact same side by side comparison as the OP. His review is excellent.

The results I'm getting are nearly identical. Having been a customer of both these carriers concurrently for years you cannot go wrong with either. I just happen to live in an area where both are exceptionally strong, therefore the only difference of substance is AT&T's faster data network.

Kudo's to the OP for a stellar report...

 

[Travisimo]

I am doing the exact same side by side comparison as the OP. His review is excellent.

The results I'm getting are nearly identical. Having been a customer of both these carriers concurrently for years you cannot go wrong with either. I just happen to live in an area where both are exceptionally strong, therefore the only difference of substance is AT&T's faster data network.

Kudo's to the OP for a stellar report...

Thanks! Do you plan on keeping iPhones on both carriers, or will you eventually choose? I think I have a bit of obsessive compulsive disorder because this comparison is literally driving me insane! One minute I think I'm going to go with the AT&T phone, and the next minute I'm cradling the Verizon! LOL. As you said, you truly can't go wrong with either one....

I'm going to try to keep my patience a few more days as it is rumored that iOS 4.3 may come out around 2/14 along with an announcement by AT&T regarding the Personal Hotspot feature. However, I would have thought AT&T would have already said for sure that it was coming for iPhone in order to keep customers from moving to Verizon just for that feature??? Unless they just have some kind of exclusive with the 4G Android phone that is getting Hotspot first on 2/13?

 

[mpossoff]

Thanks! Do you plan on keeping iPhones on both carriers, or will you eventually choose? I think I have a bit of obsessive compulsive disorder because this comparison is literally driving me insane! One minute I think I'm going to go with the AT&T phone, and the next minute I'm cradling the Verizon! LOL. As you said, you truly can't go wrong with either one....

I'm going to try to keep my patience a few more days as it is rumored that iOS 4.3 may come out around 2/14 along with an announcement by AT&T regarding the Personal Hotspot feature. However, I would have thought AT&T would have already said for sure that it was coming for iPhone in order to keep customers from moving to Verizon just for that feature??? Unless they just have some kind of exclusive with the 4G Android phone that is getting Hotspot first on 2/13?

Well they did do something to keep customers and looks like it's working for some; unltd mobile to any mobile.

Both iphone versions have their strong points and weak points.

What's important is are you able to access 3G on both equally?

Then once you answer that question move on to important for yourself.

So the 1st question is....

Are you able to get 3G data on both?

 

[Travisimo]

So the 1st question is....

Are you able to get 3G data on both?

Yes of course. My original post bears that out quite well. On the other hand, the Personal Hotspot is very important to me and we don't yet know for sure whether AT&T will enable it once iOS 4.3 comes out. We certainly hope so, and it's probably a safe assumption it will, but I'd hate to return the Verizon phone only to find out that you can't do it on AT&T!

So I will wait...

 

[mpossoff]

Yes of course. My original post bears that out quite well. On the other hand, the Personal Hotspot is very important to me and we don't yet know for sure whether AT&T will enable it once iOS 4.3 comes out. We certainly hope so, and it's probably a safe assumption it will, but I'd hate to return the Verizon phone only to find out that you can't do it on AT&T!

So I will wait...

Ok so the deal breaker is if AT&T gets the hotspot you'll go with AT&T?

On another note.... I never regarded 3G speed until the debates came up recently. Why? Because my first is always wifi because it's faster than 3G. However since I'm on unltd data with AT&T I've been trying to use it more to get my money's worth.

 

[Travisimo]

Ok so the deal breaker is if AT&T gets the hotspot you'll go with AT&T?

I see what you did there! You're trying to lock me down to a decision! The Hotspot feature would certainly be a deal-breaker for me if AT&T doesn't get it. In that case, I would certainly stick with the Verizon. But if AT&T offers the Personal Hotspot with the 4GB of pooled data at $45/mo, then yes I would probably be leaning towards the AT&T (especially with the recently announced mobile-to-mobile option).

On another note.... I never regarded 3G speed until the debates came up recently. Why? Because my first is always wifi because it's faster than 3G. However since I'm on unltd data with AT&T I've been trying to use it more to get my money's worth.

I am admittedly on WIFI quite a bit: at home, at restaurants, family, etc. However, I am not on WIFI at work, which is where I do a good deal of streaming audio while working and web browsing while on break/lunch. In this particular case, the Verizon actually has an Edge (pun intended) because AT&T will sometimes switch over to Edge and cut me off during audio streaming in certain areas of the building. So that too is a consideration I need to test further.

 

[mpossoff]

I see what you did there! You're trying to lock me down to a decision! The Hotspot feature would certainly be a deal-breaker for me if AT&T doesn't get it. In that case, I would certainly stick with the Verizon. But if AT&T offers the Personal Hotspot with the 4GB of pooled data at $45/mo, then yes I would probably be leaning towards the AT&T (especially with the recently announced mobile-to-mobile option).

Not locking you into a decision just reiterating what you said and I could be wrong?

I am admittedly on WIFI quite a bit: at home, at restaurants, family, etc. However, I am not on WIFI at work, which is where I do a good deal of streaming audio while working and web browsing while on break/lunch. In this particular case, the Verizon actually has an Edge (pun intended) because AT&T will sometimes switch over to Edge and cut me off during audio streaming in certain areas of the building. So that too is a consideration I need to test further.

It didn't sound like it bothered you much. But does it?

 

[Krevnik]

Did you ever say what your location is? I'm interested in seeing comparisons in all of the major markets. Especially the ones where Verizon and AT&T have seemingly equal coverage. We know that Verizon would be much better choice for NY & SF, but I'm wondering about everywhere else.

I'm doing similar experiements as the OP in the "Eastside" area of Seattle. I'm coming from the other direction though (AT&T customer dipping toes into the realm of Big Red).

The rough experience after 24 hours is certainly telling in a few ways:
- Verizon beats AT&T on sheer signal strength. With the number of large trees outside of the metro area (even in suburbia), building penetration is quite poor. Going to a place for food, or getting signal in my house is actually a problem. 1-2 bars on AT&T versus 4-5 on Verizon. Because of this, Verizon actually speed tests better than AT&T in many indoor places that don't have repeaters or have large windows.
- There is definitely something different going on between the two networks. I can use the speedtest.net app, have AT&T win that at 2Mbps to 1.4Mbps with similar pings, and then run a battery of web page loads. Verizon comes out faster on average for a complete load, usually being less 'jerky' in the loading. Verizon does seem to do better on Upload than I expected compared to AT&T, which may be part of it.

A couple random notes that influence my decision, but aren't strictly due to the network itself:
- Verizon's corporate IL offers for my employer are better than AT&T's on the iPhone.
- I work in the mobile phone industry, so we have a few specialized signal sites for a couple networks at my building. The Verizon site we have doesn't support EVDO, and can force the iPhone down to 1xRTT while I'm in the building.

In general, the 3G performance of both in the area is pretty similar to each other with an edge to Verizon. Hopefully I can do some more wide-scale testing in the areas where AT&T's network was letting me down.

 

[zenio]

Thanks! Do you plan on keeping iPhones on both carriers, or will you eventually choose? I think I have a bit of obsessive compulsive disorder because this comparison is literally driving me insane! One minute I think I'm going to go with the AT&T phone, and the next minute I'm cradling the Verizon! LOL. As you said, you truly can't go wrong with either one....

I'm going to try to keep my patience a few more days as it is rumored that iOS 4.3 may come out around 2/14 along with an announcement by AT&T regarding the Personal Hotspot feature. However, I would have thought AT&T would have already said for sure that it was coming for iPhone in order to keep customers from moving to Verizon just for that feature??? Unless they just have some kind of exclusive with the 4G Android phone that is getting Hotspot first on 2/13?

I plan on using both my iPhone 4's, and my 2 Androids for some time, since I have a really good deal on the rate plans and unlimited data on all four. Also I like to have an spare phone or two in case something happens, I'm not having to setup a phone in a hurry.

Currently I'm waiting for ver 2.4 of Android to arrive, and then I will buy two new Android phones, as I'm currently running Froyo 2.2 right now, on a Droid X on Verizon, and Captivate on AT&T.

As far as iPhones, I'm going to wait it out till they increase the display size (if they ever do). The larger displays like my Android phones have, are simply so nice.

However if Apple stays with the little 3.5" displays I may be forced to retire them and not use an iPhone until they put a full size display on them.

Finally these four that I'm currently using are all working really well, so I may enjoy that fact before getting rid of any of them...

 

[frank33v]

Similar decision process...

Thanks for the thorough review.

We are considering upgrading our non smartphones to iPhones with VZ but are tempted by ATT for a couple of reasons. The primary one is concurrent voice and data as we want to use it for credit card processing as well as a phone and don't want that to be interrupted. Secondly the faster download speeds are attractive.

But considering we would be a new ATT user we would only be able to get 2GB of data not the unlimited plan. This seems way too little for me. If you have a network capable of streaming HD videos at a decent rate what's the point if you only have 2GB/month. So this speedier data network is actually of no significance to me especially when you consider over the life of a two year contract 2GB of data per month is going to be quite minimal and I forsee using much more than 2GB/month.

I think we are leaning towards VZ as the unlimited data seems to outweigh the data and voice concurrency for me.

 

[Travisimo]

Thanks for the thorough review.

We are considering upgrading our non smartphones to iPhones with VZ but are tempted by ATT for a couple of reasons. The primary one is concurrent voice and data as we want to use it for credit card processing as well as a phone and don't want that to be interrupted. Secondly the faster download speeds are attractive.

But considering we would be a new ATT user we would only be able to get 2GB of data not the unlimited plan. This seems way too little for me. If you have a network capable of streaming HD videos at a decent rate what's the point if you only have 2GB/month. So this speedier data network is actually of no significance to me especially when you consider over the life of a two year contract 2GB of data per month is going to be quite minimal and I forsee using much more than 2GB/month.

I think we are leaning towards VZ as the unlimited data seems to outweigh the data and voice concurrency for me.

Yep, that's the tough choice we have to make right now. Just be aware of a few things:

- Verizon already said that Unlimited will only be available for a "limited" time. One can assume that you'll be able to stay grandfathered like you can on AT&T, but nothing has been said of it yet. You would at least be okay through the life of your contract.

- Both AT&T and Verizon will certainly be switching to tiered data with LTE. It will be even easier to chew through 2GB of data with the much faster speeds, so let's hope they increase that limit when LTE is rolled out. The point is, Unlimited is likely going away for good in the near future and Verizon's current Unlimited offer on iPhone is a ticking time bomb!

- If you plan on tethering, you'll actually have a 4GB pool of data to use on AT&T. So you'd pay $45/mo for 4GB of data that can be used on the phone or the Personal Hotspot. Of course, they haven't officially announced this for iPhone yet, but everyone assumes it's going to happen since iOS 4.3 will have it in there.

- Also, you can always add an additional GB of data for $10. While pricey, it does give you some leeway if you find yourself in a pinch in a given month. And during the months that you don't go over 2GB, you're actually saving yourself $5/mo on AT&T.

- Furthermore, Verizon already announced two initiatives to relieve network strain: the first is compression of all data through the web that could result in lower quality images, etc. And secondly, they plan on throttling the speed of the top 5% of data users, which could mean a good portion of iPhone and Android users. No one really knows how prevalent this will be, nor how slow your connection will be when they do throttle. However, they did say the throttle would be for the rest of your current month AND the following month. If you routinely use over 2GB of data per month, you very well could be one of those that gets throttled. So "Unlimited" is really only Unlimited with a Catch!

Just some things to consider. I too find the Unlimited data plan attractive, but unless you plan on doing a lot of video streaming, 2GB will most likely be enough. If I end up going with AT&T, I will certainly be adding the tethering plan and will then have a total of 4GB, which is somewhat more reasonable.

 

[mpossoff]

Hi Travisimo,

Was thinking... There's alot of discussion on who's got the fastest network. But in reality is speed as important as reliability. What I mean by realibilty is are you able to access 3G data or not. Accessing data IMO should be the most important.

I've been testing the AT&T and Verizon network in a much wider range because I'm able to because of the nature of my job. I would say Verizon has been more reliable in being able to access data but I'm not significantly more reliable. The test has been in the tri state area(PA, NJ and DE). I didn't do speed tests because I believe it's more important than speed. I did this test today on web browsing and email only based on my user experience on how both networks browse the web and access email. Again for this area I would say that Verizon is more reliable but not significantly reliable. As far as voice from a user experience both are equal, no drop calls on either. In some spots Verizon felt faster and smoother and in other spots AT&T felt faster and smoother.

So for me if I would recommend a carrier I'd feel confident recommending either AT&T or Verizon for the area I tested. These areas are pretty populated metro area maybe that makes a difference.