Submitted by Anders Batten on
The new iPhone that Apple announced yesterday impressed some and disappointed others. Though not everyone was satisfied, the new iPhone 4S will hit the streets with a number of impressive, exclusive features. While the list of new features is long, those most touted by Apple are the new iPhone's speed improvements, hence the "S" moniker, for speed. What many customers don't realize is that a one of the main speed improvements in the iPhone 4S won't apply to Verizon and Sprint customers.
As Apple informed us at yesterday's keynote, 3G data download speeds on the iPhone 4S are up to twice as fast as the iPhone 4. This is a result of the fact that the iPhone 4S is capable of HSDPA download speeds up to 14.4Mbps, while the iPhone 4 has a max of 7.2Mbps. The important thing to note here is that Verizon and Sprint are not HSDPA networks. The iPhone 4S will run on CDMA on Sprint and Verizon, not HSDPA, and thus will have the same download speed capability as the iPhone 4.
So the new boost in download speeds will come only to AT&T, but maybe you don't care. After all, 7.2Mbps is adequate for most data users, and the fact remains that AT&T's network likely won't deliver those max theoretical speeds in many locations.
Even if you don't care about or dismiss the speed capability differences of the iPhone 4S on AT&T vs. Sprint and Verizon, the iPhone is still better on AT&T, a fact that has been true with the iPhone 4 and will continue to be true with the iPhone 4S. Why, you ask?
Like the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S will not be able to simultaneously do voice and data on Verizon (or Sprint). This means no sitting on conference calls while browsing the web or playing Words with Friends. No talking to your wife on the phone while looking up the name of a high-brow restaurant you can take her to last minute since you forgot your anniversary and boy won't simultaneous voice and data get you out of that jam which is a big relief since you're such a typical "guy". The reality is that AT&T customers have been living with this ability for years, since before the iPhone existed, and the idea that CDMA customers continue to tolerate the alternative is pretty hard to believe.Faster, more capable. The iPhone 4S, like its predecessor, is simply a better phone on AT&T. Sorry, Verizon and Sprint customers.
Comments
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Which carrier should I move to:
Faster AT&T (but horrible coverage). (Always rated "worst carrier in the country".)
Unlimited data plans with Sprint. (but slower speeds)
Verizion doesn't offer unlimited data. (But like 90% of the country... I never use >2gb anyway.)
Top-rated carrier, year after year.
All the prices around the same.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Will the Verizon version of the IPhione 4S allow the user to speak on the phone while simultaneously viewing emai, the calendar, contacts or the web?
Mark replied on Permalink
Unfortunately no. The iPhone 4 Or 4s will not do simutanious voice and data on Verizon or Sprint (Unless your connected to WiFi, Then yes it will). only AT&T (GSM) at the moment. Todays CDMA/EVDO network is capable of it but, has yet to be implemented. This benifits CDMA carriers with an extremely reliable network with a more consistant data speed (a bit slower in some cases) and less dropped calls. Although when Apple decides to incorperate 4G Lte into the iPhone, It will then be possible on all networks since Lte is a GSM technology. I personally, would rather have a more consistant 3G coverage and better call quality, than to have simutanious voice and data. Hope this answers your question. Mark
alexander replied on Permalink
iPhone 4S new 14.4 Mbps HSDPA 4G speeds won't help Americans
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/10/04/iphone_4s_new_14_4_mbps_hsdpa_4g_speeds_wont_help_americans/