AT&T vs. Verizon for S4

[nextopdoc]

Which is better? AT&T or Verizon?

At AT&T I could get the device now, whereas at Verizon I would have to wait until the 30th and pre-order.

 

[jhawkkw]

The device should be the exact same other than network compatibility. So it comes down to which carrier you prefer or works better for your needs.

 

[sincarafan]

Phones are the same other then att runs on gsm and verizon on cdma. Really just a matter of who has better coverage where you live. Look up and see where all of the network towers are around you and who has more.

 

[rushmore]

Coverage for me is key and my legacy unlimited data lines. VZW wins both where I live and the areas I travel. An apparent trump though for folks that are indifferent about coverage is At&t has stated they intend on carrying the 32Gb version, but VZW are mum about it.

Either case, a bigger option is more likely June-ish probably for any carrier. That said, if you want something now and storage is not an issue for you (as so for many), you kind of have one option of two right now. At&t stores have 16gb in stock. I stopped messing with the demo, since makes me look at my S3 in a less flattering light.

 

[player81]

In a related question, the S4 is supposed to be a world phone. Does that mean I can buy on Sprint and drop a T-Mobile sim in it if I decide to switch carriers?

EDIT: Never mind, I forgot Sprint version won't have a sim slot. What if I buy T-Mobile version is there a way to activate the CDMA radio to use on Sprint?

 

[GatorfanDroid]

VZW hands down. Why even ask ?

 

[Rxpert83]

VZW hands down. Why even ask ?

Because unless coverage and speeds are the only thing you are interested in, verizon has a lot of very real downsides


Slow updates, high prices, non unlimited data, getting the phone later than everyone else, customer service, ect

 

[chris2k5]

Also, Verizon most likely slapped on their logo on the S4 as much as they could. If that matters to you, go AT&T.

Logos on the home button are cringe worthy. And you can bet they did it.

 

[CrimsonPride]

i wouldnt say verizon hands down, i actually dislike verizon because they have always been the slowest on updating devices. most hardcore android fans actually really hate verizon because of it. but anyway, i personally got at&t, i recommend it or tmobile to most people

 

[GatorfanDroid]

Really updating services / app? That is a big deal i dunno to me that is not a big deal. I would look towards coverage and speeds as well as customer service. Yes the unlimited plan is lacking in VZW oh well just connect to wifi the rest of the time.

Does AT & T even ave an unlimited data plan?

 

[Rxpert83]

Really updating services / app? That is a big deal i dunno to me that is not a big deal. I would look towards coverage and speeds as well as customer service. Yes the unlimited plan is lacking in VZW oh well just connect to wifi the rest of the time.

Does AT & T even ave an unlimited data plan?

Not apps, Android version updates.

Like how sprint (last month) and tmobile (last week) s3 have the premium suite update with multiview and att and verizon havent gotten there yet.

As far as the att unlimited, i dont think they have it either, but verizon had it, and is pushing everyone into the share everything plans now


Att is also gsm, which means you can switch your carrier at any time down the road. Ie you can go to tmobile and still use your old phone. No can do on cdma (verizon and sprint)

 

[rushmore]

If I did not have unlimited data, I would bail from VZW out of pure spite and in appreciation of At&t considering customers with the 32GB S4. Sure, my coverage for 4G would be compromised, but I WOULD NOT BE USING IT ANYWAY. A 2GB cap with 4G is IMO pure nuts. I would be using wifi most of the time, so no harm no foul on the data coverage.

Alas, my unlimited is coveted. I shall watch a 2GB Netflix video tonight on my S3, just for the heck of it I might not even watch it while it is playing.

Added: Yep, Titanic it is tonight! That will be an easy one to play and not watch. The theme song from that movie alone eats brain cells. Or maybe Avatar! Another large data movie that is easy not to watch. aka Dances with Smurfs

 

[trparky]

On AT&T you get 3 GB vs the 2 GB you get on Verizon for $30. Plus, there is always the $50 5 GB with Tethering plan on AT&T.

I don't use much mobile data so it doesn't really matter to me.

 

[speedlever]

Thus far I've been very happy with AT&T. Going to the store in the morning to trade in my 16GB GS4 for a 32GB unit.

I've come from VZW in one form or another to ATT.