iPhone 4S: Which is the best carrier?

Good read from cnet

AT&T iPhone 4S

Pros: Even though the iPhone 4S has a dual-mode CDMA/GSM chipset, you'll only access the GSM portion if you subscribe with AT&T. This gives you a speed advantage, as AT&T's HSPA+ 14.4Mbps data network is theoretically faster than Verizon's and Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A, which have a theoretical maximum of only 3.2Mbps. Additionally, it offers simultaneous voice and data, which the others lack.

Cons: AT&T is notorious for dropped calls, and a fast data network is of no use if you don't have access to it, depending on where you live.

In sum: If you're a multitasking speed hound who needs simultaneous voice and data, AT&T is your only option.



Verizon iPhone 4S

Pros: Verizon is known for broad and reliable nationwide coverage and steady customer service. With the iPhone 4, Verizon became the second carrier to get an iPhone, so it's proven that the network can handle both the additional iPhone 4S traffic and your customer service needs. The iPhone 4S's dual GSM/CDMA chip makes it a world phone.

Cons: Verizon's investment in 4G LTE surpasses the other U.S. carriers; the non-4G iPhone 4S is going to pale in comparison to rival Android phones that can tap into Verizon's zippy 4G speeds. (See CNET's iPhone 4 speed tests.) As a CDMA phone, you can't talk and use data at the same time.

In sum: With its proven network strength and coverage, Verizon may be the safest choice for Apple fans who haven't yet taken the plunge, but only those who don't place a premium on having the fastest data speed money can buy.


Sprint iPhone 4S

Pros: Sprint has promised unlimited data for the iPhone 4S, unlike AT&T and Verizon, which are tiered. That makes Sprint potentially the most affordable iPhone 4S provider when it comes to the most data-intense users streaming videos, downloading music, and playing online games from their devices. The iPhone 4S' dual GSM/CDMA chip makes it a world phone.

Cons: Sprint has never carried the iPhone in any form. Despite assurances that its network can shoulder the onslaught of iPhone traffic, the claim remains untested. There's the chance that Sprint could drop coverage or throttle speeds. As a CDMA phone, you can't talk and use data at the same time.

In sum: As the nation's third-largest carrier, Sprint has the most to gain from adding the iPhone to its lineup, and if Sprint can pull it off, that unlimited data plan is hard for heavy users to beat. After all, the lack of an iPhone was customers' top reason for leaving the carrier. On the other hand, Sprint's data ambition also makes it the riskiest iPhone 4S carrier choice, and Sprint will suffer more defections and derision should its network promises fail.

A word on Sprint
Sprint's pricing structure is a little different from that of AT&T and Verizon, since the unlimited option bundles data into voice plans for individuals and families. The lowest all-inclusive price starts at $79 a month for individuals, and includes 450 peak minutes. The priciest plan for single users is a $110 monthly rate, and it includes just about everything. You'll need to consider these prices as well when you shop for your iPhone 4S.


Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20116942-233/iphone-4s-which-is-the-best-carrier/#ixzz1a6KMERPJ