The IPhone 4S On AT&T Vs. Sprint Vs. Verizon: Which Network Is Best?

The iPhone 4S went up for pre-order late Thursday night, and for the first time ever the new iPhone will be available on the three largest cell phone networks in America: Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. Perhaps, with these mobile carrier options, you're trying to decide which network to choose for your new Apple phone; the information below should help.

For Talkers: VERIZON and AT&T

Are you a talker? A recent survey suggests that you probably aren't, but if you are a chatty Cathy, the cheapest voice plans for anytime minutes are on Verizon and AT&T. For 450 minutes of talk time, Verizon and AT&T charge $39.99, compared to $69.99 on Sprint. Upping your minutes, you get the same price spreads, with Verizon and AT&T being $30 cheaper than Sprint:

Verizon: $39.99 for 450 minutes, $59.99 for 900 minutes, $69.99 for unlimited minutes
AT&T: $39.99 for 450 minutes, $59.99 for 900 minutes, $69.99 for unlimited minutes
Sprint: $69.99 for 450 minutes, $89.99 for 900 minutes, $99.99 for unlimited minutes

For Data Hogs: SPRINT

With the iPhone 4S, Sprint has famously become the only U.S. mobile carrier to offer unlimited data with Apple's smartphone. While AT&T and Verizon have canceled their unlimited data plans for new customers, Sprint recently announced its plans to keep unlimited data plans even with the iPhone 4S. Savings for those who use a lot of data--people who stream movies on their phones, download and send graphics-heavy web pages or photos, or generally do anything that requires constant web refreshing--could be huge on Sprint:

AT&T Data Plans: 2GB for $24, 4GB for $45, 5GB for $55, 7GB for $75, 10GB for $105, 12GB for $125
Verizon Data Plans: 2GB for $30, 4GB for $50, 5GB for $50, 7GB for $70, 10GB for $80, 12GB for $100
Sprint Data Plans: $10 unlimited

Fastest Network: AT&T

This is surprising, considering that AT&T is consistently ranked as the worst network in most parts of the United States by J.D. Power and Associates. But thanks to a new chipset in the iPhone 4S that only works on AT&T's HSPA+ network, the much-maligned carrier stands poised to have the fastest network of the three iPhone carriers.

Here's the thing: The iPhone 4S chipset, as noted during the Apple media event where the device debuted, can supposedly get close to 4G speeds. But that chipset only works on the HSPA+ network that AT&T has deployed (while its competitors have been building up their 4G networks). According to AT&T, this means wireless speeds that are twice as fast as those on Verizon and Sprint; according to cnet, we should believe this claim when we see it, saying AT&T still has some mechanical work to do before these speeds will be seen by their entire network. It will be interesting to see whether these HSPA+ speed claims hold true and could certainly bolster AT&T's reputation if they do.

Most Reliable 3G Network: AT&T

PCMag did some testing on mobile networks in America earlier this year, and while Verizon's 4G network defeated its competitors nationally, the iPhone 4S is not a 4G LTE device. On 3G networks, AT&T was judged to be the best in terms of "3G Success" (simply, its ability to connect to the Internet where a 3G network is present) edging out Verizon's 3G network and fairly well destroying Sprint's 3G network. Again, if these test results hold up on a national level (and, fair warning, certain cities are notorious for having poor 3G coverage from AT&T), then AT&T could be the most reliable and fastest mobile Internet network for the iPhone 4S.

Text Messaging: Sprint

The release of iMessage for Apple's new iOS 5 means that iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch owners will be able to text each other over 3G or WiFi in real-time for free, a la BlackBerry's popular BBM feature. Using iMessage will eat up data, however, rather than your monthly text messages, which is one reason to search out good text message rates when choosing a network, especially if u r a big-time txtr.

The underdog Sprint once again has the best prices, by a long shot, for text messaging plans. It's almost not even worth comparing, but here it goes:

AT&T: 20 cents per text message, and 30 cents per picture or video message; $20 for unlimited
Verizon: $5 for 250 texts, $10 for 500 texts, $20 for unlimited
Sprint: Free unlimited text messaging with voice plan

Customer Service: Verizon

According to the most recent U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance study from J.D. Power, published in July 2011, Verizon has the strongest and most highly-rated customer service among full contract U.S. mobile carriers, defeating Sprint and AT&T handily. Verizon received 5 out of 5 "Power Circles," while both Spint and AT&T were awarded 2 each. In the February 2011 survey, Sprint and AT&T received 2 out of 5 Power Circles while Verizon got 4, losing out to T-Mobile; Verizon won the overall customer care survey for all of 2010.

Talk & Surf: AT&T

You may have seen the commercials: AT&T is the only carrier that allows you to talk and surf the web on the iPhone, and the addition of Sprint to the competition does not change that. It is one of the biggest differentiators and advantages over Verizon and Sprint.

Early Termination Fees: AT&T or Sprint, depending

If you decide you don't like the service you're getting with your iPhone, how much will it cost you to jump ship? AT&T and Sprint are the winners here, with:

AT&T is $325 minus $10 for each full month you've had your iPhone.
Verizon is $350 minus $10 for each full month you've had your iPhone.
Sprint is $350 minus $20 for each full month you've had your iPhone after four months.

***

To be very reductive, when it comes to the iPhone 4S, Sprint is the cheapest, AT&T has the best network and Verizon has the best customer care and, statistically, you're probably already on their network, as they have the most customers in the United States by a margin of tens of millions. Which network you choose should largely be decided by what you value in your phone--cost, or service, or reliability, or speed--and all of these carriers have both their pros and their cons for prospective iPhone 4S buyers. There is not one "best" network for the iPhone 4S, and you should be very skeptical of anyone who tells you otherwise.

Quick Poll

Would you rather have an iPhone 4S on Verizon, Sprint or AT&T?

Verizon.

Sprint.

AT&T

Share your vote on Facebook so your friends can take this poll

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article listed incorrect prices for AT&T's voice plans, citing prices at $20 higher than they actually were. The story has been updated.

Comments

[markmurphy]

06:17 PM on 10/19/2011

Misleading. Sprint's 69.99 plan includes unlimited everything (text and picture mail). Verizon nor ATT do not. That part should have been mentioned. You can't really compare ATT/Verizon's plan to Sprint without mentioning that. My two cents.......

[Passport 88]

10:35 AM on 10/15/2011

Poor quality article. Spring has 450 anytime minutes for $39.99, same as Verizon and AT&T. Seems like many people have pointed it out to author/HuffPo. But no corrections were made.

[SKT67]

04:12 PM on 10/14/2011

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Since I already have the unlimited data plan, I can renew my contract and still get the unlimited data plan through AT&T for $30. Granted, I will pay an additional $10 more per month than Sprint, but with AT&T's network, I can talk and surf at the same time. Also, when buying the 4S, I can now purchase the AT&T insurance plan for $7 per month, whereas with Sprint, I'll have to shell out $100 for a year's of AppleCare.... So, unless someone can give me a good reason, I might just stick with AT&T to avoid shelling out more money right now.... Anyone?

[superducky951]

11:33 PM on 10/10/2011

Gee. I looked at the specs no different than the regular IPhone 4. Just a scam to get money out of your pocket. Read the specs before you buy it. You will save more money. Greed is what this is about. It just cost more. $450. Than you can feel better about buying it, because it just says iphone4s. Sort of like SD TVs. They died out quick and burned alot of holes in people's pockets. So if you want to feel special buy it.

[Andrew Jarrell]

05:35 PM on 10/13/2011

Specs no different that regular iphone 4? Are you kidding me? The outside build/look is the same yes but the processor is a dual-core (same as in ipad 2) vs a single core in the iphone 4, 8mp camera vs the 5mp in the 4, new faster antenna for AT&T users.

Was it a huge upgrade? Not really. But HARDLY no different than the original 4.

[ipv4]

07:35 PM on 10/10/2011

When the hell did att get a better network then verizon??

[juls1314]

12:18 PM on 10/10/2011

I have to say, for me - ATT is the best. I have never had a dropped call and can always get coverage. I have no idea where all the hate for ATT comes from.

However, if Sprint were to support talking and browsing at the same time - I would think about switching. I use data WAY more than I use phone.

Another hugely importanly item for me is the cost of international data plans. I am out of the country about 1 month out of the year and I rely on my phone for data. And while you would think there is wi-fi all over - you usually have to pay for it.

[Wuud52]

05:47 PM on 10/10/2011

Not sure where you live, but in populated cities like San Jose, San Francisco, LA and New York, people with iPhones and AT&T would drop calls all of the time. I would call my friend in San Jose, and after 3 dropped calls in 5 minutes, he would switch to his house phone. It may be better now, but it was terrible. In New York, if you listen to Howard Stern, you would hear all of their complaints. They finally got iPones when they could do it without AT&T. Again, it might be better now.

[Dan 000]

01:47 PM on 10/11/2011

Hey Wuud52! I'm not sure either where you use your att iphone service, I live in nyc, travel all over, country and so far haven't had drop calls or anything else, seem to me you guys are a bunch of att haters or better verizon adverstiser. Verizon wasn't and isn't better at all than att, I gueess you are following too much the blinded minds and short brains on news. cool down. att is the best.

[rex068]

10:04 AM on 10/10/2011

The main reason I use Sprint is because the online interface is really basic & logical. I was able to switch from another carrier, preserve my phone number, get my work/company discount, set up plan/payments, and never had to talk to a person. The Verizon interface made me want to puke and doing basic things like setting up automatic payments was not as easy as entering a CC# and checking a box.

Sprint's main issue is in some smaller cities where they are not scheduled to have 4g until 2012 or even 2013. I have family in 200,000 population midwest town that is only 3g, 4g not scheduled until 2013. In NYC and Washington DC I always connect with very fast 4g speeds (probably because Sprint overbuilt equipment and has way more capacity then they need... sorry stock holders who have seen a -80% return in the last 5 years lol).

The attempt to make Sprint look more expensive for talkers is silly- they offer the exact same $40/mo for 450min, $60/mo 900min plans. Consumer Reports 2011 customer service review said Sprint was #1, Verizon #2, and AT&T waaaay behind. I've been able to talk & surf on my Sprint Android phone that I got earlier this year. iPhone 4Gs can talk & surf on Sprint as well.

[WeWillWin]

09:29 AM on 10/10/2011

Sprint is not only cheaper than AT&T, their network is better. Verizon still has the best network IMO, but in cities and suburbs Sprint is just as good. Sprint's achilles heels has always been their phones which are forced to use CDMA and limits available offerings. This seems to have changed though as the best Android phones are on sprint these days.

[jb510]

07:23 PM on 10/09/2011

Personally I'd prefer T-Mobile over any of these three, but sadly still no iPhone for Tmo.

It's a bit misleading to point out Sprint's 450 minute package is $70 at the beginning of the article without pointing out that it includes unlimited text messaging, which would add $20 to AT&T and Verizon's price and that Sprint's data add on is way cheaper than ATT & Verizon's mandatory data plans meaning in the end Sprint is on par or cheaper than AT&T and Verizon. Personally I disabled text messaging on my AT&T iPhone a year ago when they jacked their rates for the 3rd time so it wouldn't matter to me... although Verizon having text plans plans cheaper than $20 might sway me back into having text messaging on my phone.

P.S. What is your aversion to organizing data like this in a table? long strings of numbers and data is a PITA to read like this.

[CaptainObvvious]

08:00 AM on 10/10/2011

Sprint is indeed cheaper.

However I found it to be only $10 a month cheaper. Which adds up of course.

I am sticking with AT&T as it has great coverage where I am and I can talk and surf at the same time. PIVOTAL for me.

[WeWillWin]

09:38 AM on 10/10/2011

I have never thought about the benefit of that. That would be great even for casual situation when you are searching for that restaurant etc. Hmmm. I will admit the first thought that came to my mind was an idiot on the road, driving, talking, and surfing the internet at the same time. lol

[superducky951]

11:37 PM on 10/10/2011

Sorry I am a cheap skate. I have Metro PCS. Have no problems and pay $70 a month for me and my wife. No dropped or miss calls. Could get an android for the both of us and pay $90 for 2 of them.

[justwhendoesitend]

01:05 PM on 10/09/2011

One thing in rates/minutes missed is the Friends and Family minutes that do not count against your minutes. This is actually a big deal for my family, may allow one to go with cheaper plan.

[justwhendoesitend]

01:03 PM on 10/09/2011

I have Verizon and have been very pleased we have 3 Droids in our family and 4 standard phones. I have signed up for 4s. I have worked for both Verizon and ATT. Why I use Verizon is simply coverage. I do not know how ATT is rated as being most reliable. Even though I am in a supposed very good reception area I can not get ATT/Bellsouth at my home. Myself and neighbors have registered complaints with ATT. Next I have been leader in BSA and of course camp. ATT is terrible outside metro or major roads, I get Verizon most every where.

[Erik Estrada]

11:22 AM on 10/09/2011

Everyone has their own stores, be good or bad, but in my opinion and at the end of the day, its all about budgets. We go with what we can afford and who offers the most for less. Being the the Customer Service industry for over 24 years now, it's not what it used to be and despite what you might think, the customer isn't always right. I have had my share of customers be as rude as what they portray reps to be and it's ridiculous but we all learn to deal and try to come up with an acceptable solution. We all have the power of freedom and choice. I choose price and what I can get more of for less. Sprint has offered me extraordinary rates and corporate discounts. I live in the suburds of New York and know where all of the Cell phone dead zones are. Question is, if you're experiencing dropped calls in you car while driving and NOT using a hands free device, then what the HELL are you doing on your phone to begin with?

[J0E1]

09:46 AM on 10/09/2011

Oh and correct your article for "talkers". Sprint 450min includes unlimited minutes to any cell phone on any carrier. Unless you are spending over 450 minutes talking to landlines, you will never use it all. I might use maybe 10 min a month.

You're also deceiving your readers when you say sprint costs $70, and the other two only cost $40. The $70 includes text and data. The other two don't. Go to sprints website. It takes only 2min to see that you can get 450 min without text and data for the exact same $40/mo as Verizon and att without text and data.

[BP007]

01:40 PM on 10/09/2011

I emailed him to correct the article about same thing..instead he put correction at bottom something about ATT. he probably owns ATT stock.

[CaptainObvvious]

08:08 AM on 10/10/2011

I put together a Sprint plan for a two line family plan with unlimited data and texting and a similar plan with AT&T and Sprint was only $10 cheaper.

AT&T with unlimited texting also includes unlimited mobile to any mobile.

Sprint IS cheaper but not by a LOT.

[MIKEinNYC]

09:28 AM on 10/09/2011

I switched from ATT to Sprint and never looked back.

I don't know what I mess the most, dropped calls, indifferent customer service or their high prices.

[J0E1]

09:27 AM on 10/09/2011

Uh... unless you like to constantly watch your data usage, than Sprint is the clear winner.

[CaptainObvvious]

08:09 AM on 10/10/2011

Sprint is the clear winner if you ignore that you can't browse the internet and talk on the phone at the same time.

[rex068]

03:17 PM on 10/10/2011

Except with Spring you can browse the internet and talk at the same time...