Smartphones and cell providers..., recommendations?

[cali_beemer]

I currently have an apple iPhone, but due to a divorce my ex and I will be separating our cell plan. I am not under a contract so I am a free agent. My iPhone is a 3GS, and I am currently on unlimited data. I believe that if I stay with AT&t I can continue the unlimited data. However it seems the days of iPhone dominance are over and it's getting kicked in the rear by the newest droid phones. I looked at the droid razor by motorola and I was very impressed. It made my iPhone feel inadequate. I saw features I never knew possible like 1080p recording, 8mp camera, dual led flash, etc.... An incredible display. I have also been considering the switch to verizon since it seems that a friend of mine always has signal while my iPhone doesn't... But I would hate to give up unlimited data. However I think would probably be well within the 2gig a month by most plans since I don't tether. So, what's the latest I should look at? Opionions for customer sevice, phone models, etc...? There seems to be so many options. What's the deal with the 4g networks?

[cali_beemer]

I should note I am a casual user. Typical email, Internet, Facebook, you tube user and iTunes downloader... Nothing fancy. I take alot of pics and video with my phone and I text like crazy. Never used for work or fancy tethering stuff.

[Mrs. Caddis]

We have ATT, got the college age son a Droid phone for xmas. Was told by several folks that just the underlying operating system uses up the lowest data plan ATT offers (the $15/mo plan), so make sure if you change providers to get more than that so you can use the phone!

[Mike]

I'd at least look at the latest iPhone, the 4s. It's got many of the same features you mentioned, plus others that aren't available with the Droids. Whatever works for you, though. I'm a "believer" and find Apple's offerings to be superior, though a lot of people make other choices.

 

I occasionally need international (GSM) service, something that wasn't previously available with Verizon iPhones, so I stuck with AT&T for quite a while. Once the CDMA/GSM iPhone became available through Verizon, I switched back. My experience is that the cellular and data coverage are far, far better than AT&T's. The only downside is the fact that Verizon's system doesn't offer simultaneous data and voice capability; however, I don't remember ever actually using that capability when I was an AT&T subscriber.

 

I've found that I now have a very strong Verizon signal in many locations where I had none with AT&T. In fact, my wife noted more than once that she had better phone reception on the Serengeti than visiting her mother in SW Wisconsin. No longer an issue, now that we're both using Verizon.

 

If better signal reliability while traveling in the U.S. is a priority, it's really no contest; Verizon is much better. Of course, none are 100%.

[Ken H.]

You’re going to get antidotal replies here because few people have tried more than one, let alone several providers.

 

According to Consumer Reports, in order of most to least satisfied amongst their 4 million members:

 

Consumer Cellular

U.S. Cellular

Credo

Verizon

Sprint

T-Mobile

AT&T

 

ISFA iPhone vs. Android, both platforms are quite capable, but I prefer Android because it is open source. But it kind of depends if you are a ‘tinkerer” or a ‘don’t want to be bothered’ sort of a person.

 

[Aluminum_Butt]

I manage cell contracts with Verizon, Sprint, and (formerly) AT&T for my company - couple hundred phones. We finally gave up on AT&T - dropped calls just got out of control. I now carry a Verizon iPhone, and have hardly had a dropped call in months. With AT&T it was constant.

 

Both Verizon and Sprint have provided solid service, and decent customer service. Sprint seems to be a little more "regional" in service than Verizon.

 

Droid vs. iPhone - they're both solid as Ken H says. Do check out the 4s before you switch, and consider your investment in apps.

 

 

[barryNmarin]

You mentioned the Droid Razr so here is some info for you if you are leaning that direction. I was in the local Verizon shop today since I am also considering upgrading to a smartphone. The salesman told me Motorola was coming out with a new Razr with a larger battery in 3 days and that the current Razr which sells for $299 with a two year contract will be reduced to $199. So if you want a Razr and can wait 3 days then you can save $100.

[cali_beemer]

You mentioned the Droid Razr so here is some info for you if you are leaning that direction. I was in the local Verizon shop today since I am also considering upgrading to a smartphone. The salesman told me Motorola was coming out with a new Razr with a larger battery in 3 days and that the current Razr which sells for $299 with a two year contract will be reduced to $199. So if you want a Razr and can wait 3 days then you can save $100.

 

I am guessing that would be the 16gb razor compared to the 32gb in the stores. You can pre-order those online. I didnt see anything about longer battery life but that may be a side affect of the smaller hard drive I suppose.

[barryNmarin]

I was told the new Razr coming out in 3 days is the Razr Maxx which is only different in that it has a longer battery life and is therefore a bit thicker than the existing Droid Razr.

And you are correct that the price is based on the 16mb model.

[barryNmarin]

Oops, that's 16Gb

[barryNmarin]

OK, a techie I'm not so I've now check my notes and the 32GB Droid Razr is being reduced by 100 bucks in 3 days upon the arrival of the Droid Razr Maxx. Talk to me again next week and I'll have on and can speak from a position of authority as I'll probably have one or the other. I'm sure one can make inquiry at their own Verizon store although the salesman said they weren't supposed to talk about the Droid Razr Maxx before they hit the stores.

[cali_beemer]

I was told the new Razr coming out in 3 days is the Razr Maxx which is only different in that it has a longer battery life and is therefore a bit thicker than the existing Droid Razr.

And you are correct that the price is based on the 16mb model.

 

That sounds entertaining. The razr was already sliimmer than needed and battery life seems to be the main complaint from the reviews I have seen, so the maxx may be a better alternative. Verizon is looking better and better, and the droid phones seem to be a pretty nice option. I liked the bigger display. I just looked at the specs of the iPhone 4gs and it seems they have improved more than I realized, but a lack if playing flash videos has me turned off. I run into that issue all the time

[ESokoloff]

.... I'm sure one can make inquiry at their own Verizon store although the salesman said they weren't supposed to talk about the Droid Razr Maxx before they hit the stores.

 

Google is your friend.

[markgoodrich]

I really like the switch to 4G. It really does make a difference. I'm using a Samsung Nexus, which is a leap ahead of the Droid X I had. I'm on Verizon, with an unlimited plan, and a very low monthly rate. I dickered with the store manager when I switched from ATT, and got a much lower than advertised monthly rate, plus the unlimited data plan, which was standard then. It was right at the end of the quarter....

 

Know that whatever the kid salesperson suggests, is because the boss said to push it, not because it's the best option, moneywise or featurewise.