This morning we finally heard what we’d all been waiting for – the Verizon iPhone. The iPhone 4 as we’ve known it has hit the Verizon network and many Apple fans couldn’t be happier. Many of you waited and held out for the iPhone until it became available on the network that is far more reliable in bigger cities than AT&T. Or perhaps your area has Verizon coverage only. Either way, it’s here and we got a first look at the device.
It’s exactly like the iPhone 4 for AT&T. Almost. In terms of size, shape and weight, it’s practically identical. The only thing you’ll notice – and the only thing that would distinguish the two phones from each other physically – is the lack of a SIM card slot on the site. That’s because the Verizon iPhone 4 runs on a CDMA network that doesn’t use SIM cards – otherwise both phones are the same.
There is a huge difference in terms of software capabilities, however, in that the iPhone 4 for Verizon allows you to use it as a personal mobile hotspot. While the AT&T model allows you to tether, the mobile hotspot for Verizon allows up to 5 users to connect to the Apple smartphone at once. That way you and four of your friends can connect to the Internet through a single device.
Right now there is no word on how much that feature will cost, nor will we know whether there are any data caps or limitations to the additional service. But we can expect it to be comparable to other CDMA devices on the Verizon network that have the same capabilities.
We’re also told that FaceTime will work between AT&T and Verizon users as long as you’re connected to WiFi – pretty much as expected. Also, voice and data will work as long as you’re connected to WiFi – and who isn’t these days? – so long as your WiFi connection isn’t interrupted by your voice call.
Be sure to stay tuned for more on our thoughts and some video of the device as we continue to serve up additional Verizon iPhone info!
For the time being, check out our hands-on photo gallery and video below (video will be posted shortly). Oh, and if you’re not sure if you should get the AT&T iPhone 4 or the Verizon iPhone 4, read up on the differences here.
[Update]
Video is now live, check it out below!
