Verizon iPhone: the Fine Print
I previously wrote about why you shouldn't get the iPhone on Verizon. This was before the official announcement, and now we have a lot more details about what Verizon's iPhone will offer.
For starters, I had mentioned previously that the Verizon iPhone wouldn't offer simultaneous voice and data. It turns out that in fact that's the case. It runs on Verizon's 3G, CDMA network, not Verizon's new LTE network. While that might not be that big a deal to existing Verizon customers, if you've been enjoying the iPhone on AT&T, you are used to talking on the phone and looking up something in Safari, sending or receiving an e-mail, looking up directions, and more, all while continuing to have your conversation.
Now that the announcement has come and gone, Verizon has posted up a great FAQ about the pending Verizon iPhone. I've grabbed a few highlights below:
Availability
February 10th for $199.99 for the 16GB and $299.99 for the 32GB. This price is only if you sign a new two year agreement. On February 10th you can go to an Apple Retail store or Verizon to pick up a Verizon iPhone, if there are any available.Pre-order
Existing Verizon Wireless customers can pre-order via VerizonWireless.com, on a "first come, first serve" basis on or around February 3, 2011.Can I purchase the Verizon iPhone without a contract?
Yes, at full retail price--$649.99 for the 16GB model; $749.99 for the 32GB model.Can I use my "New Every Two" credit?
Yes, though not all agent locations will honor it.Voice and Data Plans
iPhone customers will have to choose one, but the pricing has not yet been announced.Read the rest of the FAQ at Vzw.com.
I've been asked by a number of people recently if the iPhone is the best phone coming to Verizon. The answer is no, in my opinion, especially since Verizon is now adding phones that work on its new LTE, 4G, network. To that end, can you go wrong buying the iPhone? I think it's too soon to tell. We don't know what the data / voice pricing is yet. Hardware-wise, it's just about the same as the iPhone 4, so if you like what you see there, you're good.
I definitely recommend waiting to see what the data / voice package is all about first. My previous experience with the Samsung Tab on Verizon and its pricing has taught me to be a bit cautious when doing anything with Verizon.