IPhone and AT&T

Is it okay to ask an Iphone question here? This is a likely source of good information. I would like to get the Iphone 4, but have heard that ATT's network has a hard time handling the data requests of the many Iphone users. Is this true, and if so, how big a real world problem is it? The alternative would be a Verizon Droid.

Thanks.

 

I suppose it depends on regional variations in availability and infrastructure density.

I have no problems with my "handling the data requests" use with my IPhone4.
I have been an iPhone user since day 1 of the original.

 

I know multiple people with them and no one has any type of issues. I could understand in a city or similar environment people having trouble doing certain things.

Once you have data and voice you never want to go back. When I got a company sprint phone, I was talking to someone while I waited for a text message that never showed until I hung up!

 

I switched at long last to an iPhone a few months ago.
I travel a fair amount and I have yet to find a time where mine didn't work at all.
I am pleasantly surprised by the coverage and performance and I was a Sprint user since the beginning of Sprint PCS.

I will never go back.

Ed

 

I travel a lot and have been an iPhone user since the beginning. In some places it works well and in some not so well. It's going to depend on where you spend your time.

In my most common locations the service has gotten worse over time and it's to the point my next phone will not be with AT&T even if I have to go away from the iPhone.

 

Well, based on this tiny sampling, it sounds like most people are happy with the service, but not everyone. I could see it being location specific. What tends me to the Iphone is the great Apple customer service, but I worry I may be in a universe like jim's. It stands to reason that with Iphone users coming on line at a torrid pace, AT&T could get overwhelmed.

 

ATT coverage for data for the iPhone is only going to get better and is getting better at this point. The bulk of the iPhone mass who migrated to ATT for the iphone has been during the 3G period and that was when the ATT service at its low, since then ATT has been performing upgrades and what not.

 

I've had the 3G for close to 2 years now. As others have stated before - it varies with regards to performance and location. When I travel - at times I don't have a 3G signal - but the phone operates normally.

However, there *are* times of blackout as well. True story: I went to the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race about a week ago. My iPhone could *not* dial out - signal was showing full strength - yet I couldn't dial anyone (every call I made went straight to voicemail on NUMEROUS phone dialing attempts). My wife's phone (same network - LG phone) and my cousin's phone (Verizon network - el cheapo flip phone) - were able to make calls without issue/trouble.

Some of the people I tried calling in the same area had iPhones as well (3G and 4) - and they all stated they had the same trouble. In short - whatever was affecting the calling ability appeared to be solely specific to the iPhone. There were thousands of people in the area - so of course - it could have been that the towers were flooded, etc. - however, as noted - my wife's phone and my cousin's phone both worked flawlessly (not to mention I noted at the time several other people without iPhones making calls without problems at all during the same time period).

Once we walked back up to the transit station and got back to our car - my phone started working normally.

YMMV - however - this latest of many issues with my iPhone only continues to solidify an eventual replacement with either a "normal" (i.e. basic cell phone - save some cash) or potentially a Droid X, etc. in a few months.

I was potentially looking into replacing the 3G with the 4 - however - after seeing the antenna issue in person with my boss' 4 (which he's considering to take back now) absolutely killed that urge.

Good luck with your search - my opinion - make sure whatever phone (be it iPhone, Droid, or any other comparable device) you choose does *exactly* what you want/need it to. Otherwise you'll be unhappy with the phone for the duration of your contract, etc.

 

Thanks for the feedback, jsgiv. What exactly happened with your boss's 4?

 

This is absolutely a true phenomenon FYI

 

I live in North NJ and work in Westchester, NY (30 min. north of NYC). AT&T 3G coverage around here is very good. I either have 3G service or am in a deadspot (VZW around here is pretty much the same since the whole area is a bunch of small hills that just block towers). I've had an iPhone 3G and now an iPhone 4. With the "death grip" I've seen the bars go down, but since service in this area is pretty strong I haven't been able to intentionally drop a call.

Your service will definitely depend on where you live. If I go 1hr north to upstate NY, there is practically no 3G service. Drive up the Northeast Corridor from NYC to Maine, 3G service is fine all the way up to Freeport, ME. But north of that it's 2G Edge only. My guess is population is just to sparse up there to warrant AT&T upgrading their towers to 3G. A few of the larger towns up there did have 3G.

So yeah, YMMV. Without the area you live in, I'd recommend you check AT&T's 3G coverage maps. If there's reasonable looking coverage in your area it could be worth a switch. I came over from VZW and can attest to AT&T's claims of the "fastest 3G" service. I regularly get >2mbps download on my phone which is nice.

 

I just took a look at the Droid and, again, at the Iphone. Except for connectivity, I liked the Iphone better. The Droid is getting almost too big, and while it has a bigger screen, it has fewer pixels, so the Iphone has the sharper picture. Apple's customer service will beat out anyone else's. Of course, saying except for connectivity is like saying, "except for that, how did you like the play Mrs. Lincoln." But my inclination is to bet that AT&T will catch itself up. There is too much money at stake to do otherwise. Thanks for the helpful advice.

 

I was at the Verizon store at lunch to check out the new DroidX. The thing was running on 3G (kind of surprised they didn't force it on wifi at the Verizon store..) I pulled out my iPhone4 and brought both phones to the same website. My IP4 finished loading and the Droid was just getting started, same with Google maps, my phone finished drawing the map MUCH faster than the Droid. ATT coverage is definitely more spotty than Verizon, but its 3G data is much faster than Verizon from what I've seen.

Hardware wise, I think the DroidX is a bit big to constantly have in my jeans pocket. The screen clarity there's simply no comparison. I pulled up dpreview.com on both phones. I can read all the text at 100% view on my IP4, had to zoom in on the DroidX as it doesn't have the resolution to display fine small text. Overall operations the IP4 is a much smoother experience, namely scrolling a long web page.

PS all bets are off if you're in NYC. Here's the ironic thing. I was sitting at a cafe in downtown NYC, heard my email alert from my 3GS. OH Apple sent an email saying my IP4 reservation is in (per the subject of the email). Tried to open the email, the thing went to E and was just stuck there. The signal was on and off for a few minutes before I was able to pull the whole email message. If I lived in NYC I'll definitely think twice before going ATT.

 

Thanks for the additional info, andy. It looks we have similar views, except you could do a side by side test. Is it ATT's network or the processors that account for the differences?

 

Have you compared the Droid X and iPhone 4 side by side? The resolution on the Droid X is more than enouph, it still manages 228 PPI. A 17 inch macbook's PPI is 133 to give a comparison.

A friend of mine got the Droid X so I was able to compare is side by side to the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4's screen is brighter and has slightly better viewing angles. The Droid X' screen is also very nice and had better colors. I'd say over all the iPhone 4 is slightly better side by side but the Droid X's screen is still very good.

The Droid X has the faster processor, which will get even faster with 2.2. Hardware wise the device better. In benchmarks its leagues ahead of the 1GHz snapdragon with is similar to the Apple A4. I played with it for a while and its extremely fast. The iPhone 4 is too, but having used both platforms I believe the speed plus Android makes the Droid X have the better interface, but thats more preference. The level of customization is just great. Browsing on the Droid X was noticeable faster than the iPhone 4 (wifi). And of course Verizon's 3G was much faster than AT&Ts (around 1Mbs on AT&T, 2.4Mbs dl on verizon at my house).

The iPhone 4 does have the front facing camera, however useful that may be, and the 6-axis too. It also still has the App Store and customer support (Verizon's is pretty good too, although crowded when I've been there). I have a couple friends with iPhone 4s and only 1 has had a real problem with dropped calls/slow data and he is returning it and waiting for the upcoming samsung captivate (Galaxy S for AT&T). I believe the problem is sort of overblown.

If you like the size of the Droid X go for it. But if you don't care and your used to the iPhone you may be better off with an iPhone 4. You could get the iPhone 4 and see if you have problems. If you do you can always just return it and get the samsung captivate on AT&T, or switch networks. The Captivate is a real nice phone, which has the super amoled screen and the fastest graphics of any smartphone right now.

You can't really go wrong, all these summer released phones are just great. The only thing you should do is pick your carrier first, based on coverage in your area and if you travel worldwide often.

Otherwise I'd recommend iPhone 4, Droid X on Verizon, and if you feel like 4G on Sprint you could wait for the Samsung Epic 4G which will indeed be Epic (Galaxy S Pro). I don't really recommend the HTC Incredible or EVO 4G

 

Same issues as documented - loss of signal when held a specific way (hold in left hand - palm the bottom left corner).

He's uncertain at this point - he has until next week to return the unit - at this point he's entertaining possibly going with the Droid X - or seeing what the free "bumper" will do.

 

I live near Portland, OR and my coverage is great, and I've never had a problem with data service here.

When I was in Los Angeles a few months ago though, I had problems twice with data. One of those two times, my brother had no data service available either. (He too has an iPhone).

It really depends on your area.

 

I've had a great experience with my launch day iPhone 4.

I get fantastic speeds on AT&T's 3G Network. I generally average 3Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up. I've seen my speeds go as high as 3.5Mbps on AT&T's 3G.

On wifi, I have an 802.11n router and Verizon's "slowest" FiOS service. iPhone 4 gets full 15Mbps down 10Mbps up in speed testing.

Browsing is fast. Faster than any of my friend's Android phones.

The ability to do voice and data at the same time without having to be on wifi is a HUGE plus. I still get nearly 3Mbps down while on a call.

This also means I can be on a call while driving (using a hands free device of course), while running a navigation app front and center and Trapster in the background. I also have enough bandwidth to run those two apps and LastFM or Pandora behind them for music while I drive. It also means I can check my email or look up other things that need data while I'm on a call and not driving.

I was with Verizon before the original iPhone came out. So far my AT&T 3G coverage is every bit as good as my Verizon coverage was around here in southern California.

At this point I wouldn't consider any Android phone because of market fragmentation and the fact that handset developers don't guarantee software updates. Or if they do, they sometimes go back on that promise. Look at Samsung and the Behold 2 as a perfect example. You never know what you're going to get. The manufacturer could promise an update and it never comes. Or it does 6 months after the fact and doesn't have all of the features that were promised. With an iPhone you at least know what you're getting. You know you're getting a couple of years worth of major OS revisions and countless minor revisions. You know that, at least for the term of your contract, your phone will be fully updated and supported. With Android you just don't get that.

I've also had no issues with the antenna. I've never "death gripped" a phone and don't understand why some people would.

 

I am on the wait list for the IPhone. To me the tie breakers are AT&T seems pretty good where I need it to be, the DroidX is a bit big, and as Sauron in part notes, great Apple service. If connectivity were a big problem with AT&T though, I would go with the DroidX.

 

Somewhat OT. I was able to purchase the handy little "flash light" app Handy Light before Apple quickly pulled the plug on it. Works "as advertised" on my iPhone4 I just tested it and got 2Mb download. Not bad at all. It's working great with both my Z and MBP.

Can Apple remotely kill apps on the phone like Android can? Can iTunes remove it from my library after I sync it?

 

If you think that the Droid X is too big for you, the Droid2 is coming out in 3-5 weeks and will have the same hardware as the X in a smaller package with a keyboard. I'm probably going to sell my Incredible if it gets reviewed well.

The D2 should ship with Froyo installed, so it will be one of the fastest Android phones you can buy on an American carrier at the time of release.

 

I suppose it is worth mentioning that another argument for the Droid is that with Verizon you get an unlimited data plan, but only 2G with AT&T unless you are a grandfathered IPhone user.

 

Until they actually fix the antenna issue without the need for a specific case I highly doubt I'll be getting AT&T or an iPhone. Too bad for them since I'm up for a contract renewal with Verizon and I'll probably be staying with them.

 

I've owned every iphone since the first one including iphone 4 and haven't noticed any issues.

 

I can deathgrip my old iPhone 3Gs and lose signal... I played with a demo in a store of the iPhone 4 and it didn't seem any better or worse... I don;t think its a problem with the antenna being on the outside at all, its also very minor and I have to purposefully do it. I'm thinking about upgrading to one. I thought they were pretty ugly from all the pictures, but they look a lot better in person.

 

I would encourage anyone thinking about the DroidX to amke sure they try it live. I find it less ergonomic than the Iphone 4, more of a cheesier feel. I especially liked the keyboard on the Iphone better, the DroidX merely highlights the letter, whereas the Iphone shows it to you above the keyboard. Maybe I would get used to that.

The other issue is staff. When I asked at different Verizon stores whether the Droid would synch with Outlook I was told alternatively, yes, maybe, and you need an app. Apple staff are just better trained (though to some extent you pay extra for that in the price of the products). I will likely check out Droid2 before making a final decision.

 

I'm an iPhone user... but the Samsung Captivate is lookin' pretty good.

 

That's blasphemy and Steve is watching........

Seriously though, I like the design of the new iPhone 4 better than the previous models....and did I mention the bangin' screen? Mmmmmm.....

 

I am an Apple fanboy but lets freaking face it...Apple screwed up so bad here. First they have the antennagate issue and then they go and attack the competition with this fake video crap. Really?

I tried holding a Droid Eris that way and it doesn't drop. I held my Droid X that way and it didn't drop bars. I held my sister's Bold 9700 and it didn't drop that way.

I would have more respect for them if they just admitted the issue and moved on without bringing others into it. Seems very poor in judgement of them.

As for the Droid X, I love mine. Apple's 3.5" display I think is a flaw. Not the quality but the size. The new standard in touch screen smartphones has moved from 3.5" --> 3.7" or 4.0". And my brother's iPhone 4 has been having issues with the glass back. He puts it down on a table and it scratches like hell.

 

it depend son the actual area your in... where the signal is coming from. You cannot reproduce this the same way in all areas. Just like in many areas you can take an iPhone 4 death grip it, or touch the magic button, and it will not drop at all... but in some areas it does. I can grip my iPhone 3GS and it drops form 5 to 0 bars in a couple places I've tried, though usually in most areas it doesn't lose but a bar.

 

I'm still chuggin along with a Blackberry Bold 9000 atm.

And yeah, Apple shanked this one.

If the Apple faithful continue to try and defend this fubar, it really shows their rose colored glasses are
practically melded to their faces.

I'll revisit the iPhone4 around Xmas where I'm sure the problem will suddenly be fixed with a quiet revision somewhere.

 

How's EDGE treating you? I would have probably killed myself if I had to deal with that last summer. I had a Tour for a few months before the Droid came out.

 

I don't have a data plan. I barely, if at all, used data and found it a waste of money when I am around enough WiFi when I even need to use that. I initially had data then turned it off after the first free month was up for Tmobile. I just really don't use it much, if at all. I used it more to price check in stores like Best Buy and such more than anything on the go. I do not desire being away from my computers only to sit there and surf some more on the go. When I walk out the door, phone/text is more than enough for me and many times I turn my phone to vibrate or off.

That was one of my main gripes with my original iPhone then iPhone 3G (I skipped the 3gs). I did not want a data plan ripping $20 then $30/mo out of my pocket for something I really could do without. I'm actually glad with the tier pricing now from the perspective it will save me some coin if I switch back.

I need a phone to:

Play my music
Have WiFi when needed
Make Calls
Unlimited Texting
Run a few apps here and there

That's about it...

 

You're better off without EDGE anyway.

My summer job pretty much consists of sitting around and doing nothing for six and a half hours at a time, so I pretty much need a data plan to keep me sane. Everything depends on your situation.