Help me choose a side [phone wars]

Susan Delgado

Alright, so right now I have an iphone 3g (not 3gs) and I'm finally out of contract with AT&T. So this opens a whole world of options...sorta.

I'm torn between making the leap to Verizon or sticking with AT&T. Most of my friends/family are on verizon so the friends/family network stuff is appealing. With AT&T I'm grandfathered in on the data plan rates and I've been with them since 2002 or thereabouts. I also am uncertain about switching to Verizon's older network over the AT&T GSM network

Secondly, I'm torn between the iphone4 and a droid phone. I've played around with my fiance's droid incredible and I don't much care for the interface, I do, however, care for the amount of stuff he's able to do with it.

I do love my iphone and I already have a ton of apps purchased for it. I'd have to buy everything again for the droid.

I'm planning on going to each store and asking what they can do for me to make me either stay or switch, but I'd like to hear from you guys about your preferences and why you prefer one provider over another or why you recommend one phone over another.

Thanks!

schuss

Not sure where you work, but make sure to check their employer discounts. I get something like 25% off AT&T and 20% off verizon via my workplace.

Kyougu

I'm an adroid user, and I do prefer it over the Iphone for the customazation options. I don't even do rooting or hacking my phone but thanks to the different widgets and screens I can make it look very different from day to day. Also the GPS is fantastic on my Evo, with turn by turn directions.

Apps are mostly comparable with Iphone in most departments except one: games. You're not going to find the quantity or quality of games that you would on the Iphone.

My biggest gripe with Android as a platform though is how it's split between phones. You may end up with a phone that won't get an update (often introducing a new feature) for months after a release. Just look at any Android forum and see the different people bitching about having been waiting for the newest firmware.

WildEEP

Why settle? Get an Iphone on Verizon.
Only difference is that you can't use some apps while talking on the phone - I never really used that feature tons anyway so it wasn't a big loss to me.

As for service - it'll depend on your area, but I've found that the verizon service rocks AT&T's balls off - for two reaons: First - Verizon has a much greater coverage area, which is good if you dont live in MegalopolisCityVille. Second - There is converage AND bandwidth in MegalopolisCityVille. Lets face it, if you're in NY, LA, or Seattle - Iphone users rape the bandwidth out of AT&T in certain areas and times of day.

I have yet to have my bandwidth go to crap on the verizon network in those areas.

Steel Angel

Susan Delgado wrote: »

Secondly, I'm torn between the iphone4 and a droid phone. I've played around with my fiance's droid incredible and I don't much care for the interface, I do, however, care for the amount of stuff he's able to do with it.

Even without going into the world of custom roms, there are a good many alternate UIs for the home screens you can set up. So if you're fine with getting around inside an app but not with the home screens, the latter should not be a concern.

witch_ie

Personally, I like my iPhone 3GS and will be getting another iPhone when the time is right (contract and newer iPhone version than 4). I've not really looked at any Droids though and don't really intend to.

I will probably stay with AT&T as I like the ability to surf on the net while talking - this and my grandfathered data plan are my primary reasons for staying with AT&T. If Verizon is able to make it possible to talk and surf and offers competitive plans, then I would probably switch since my family is all on their network as well.

harry.timbershaft

I have a Droid 2 Global on Verizon and love it. Had an Eris before that. Android FTW.

In all fairness, though, I do application development on the Android platform.

Lewisham

Could go for option c), and get an Optimus V Android phone from Virgin Mobile for $150, then only pay $25 a month for unlimited text, data and 300 minutes. No contract, so if it doesn't work out for you, you can walk away at any time. After 4 months or so, you'll be break even on throwing out the handset than if you had started on AT&T or Verizon anyway.