As of this morning, the long awaited Verizon iPhone 4 is available for pre-order for existing Verizon Wireless customers. As the handsets will soon see public availability, embargoes on initial reviews have been removed. Macrumors has compiled a series of early reviews, and though feedback seems generally positive, the phone does have a few weaknesses compared its AT&T counterpart. All Things Digital and Engadget both reported that while the phone gets remarkably better reception and drops calls less frequently, data speeds are generally weaker. In fact, it was reported that AT&T’s network permitted download speeds up to 46% faster than Verizon in areas of good reception.
Though it’s been known since the phone’s announcement, nearly all reviewers commented on the phone’s lack of true multi-tasking. Due to a limitation of CDMA wireless technology, the Verizon iPhone 4 cannot make or receive a call and access data simultaneously. In their review, Macworld reported: “if you’re using the Internet and your phone rings, your Internet connection immediately drops.” The trade off mentioned in every review, is the phone’s improved reception. Potentially due in part to a combination of the rumored reworking of the phone’s antenna and Verizon’s network, all reviewers commented that the device did not drop calls. TechCrunch’s reviewer claimed to be able to place a call in an area of his building which had previously been impossible with AT&T.
The Verizon iPhone 4 has been subject to an increasingly large amount of hype building towards its public launch. However, as with any product, it has pros and cons. There are several trade offs to consider, especially if you’re switching from AT&T. While better reliability may seem enticing, early adopters will have to weigh it against slower data and the inability to multi-task while on a phone call.
Verizon has posted full plan pricing and details for the iPhone 4 here.