Verizon iPhone versus AT&T iPhone: The top three differences

Both carriers get the iPhone 4, but the Verizon iPhone will be a little different from what AT&T customers have grown used to. Some are obvious changes, such as the switch from GSM (AT&T's network of choice) to CDMA (the technology used by Verizon). But several of the differences may come as a surprise. Click through to learn them all.

JOHN ANGELILLO/UPI/Newscom

1. Personal Wi-Fi hotspot

San Jose Mercury News by Troy Wolverton
The Verizon iPhone also works as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Unlike the AT&T iPhone, Verizon's will let subscribers use the device as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

Essentially, the special mode turns your iPhone into a Wi-Fi router. Assuming that you have 3G connection in a given area, the iPhone will take that cellular signal and turn it into Wi-Fi signal for up to five other devices.

The feature is great for using laptops on the road or Web surfing on iPads that don't have 3G antennas.

Nota bene: While 3G connections are often more than enough for a single iPhone, data speeds may slow to a trickle when shared across five devices. "Personal hotspots" are a Verizon convenience, not loophole for power users.

Also, Verizon has kept mum on data rates. AT&T discontinued its unlimited data plan, after its network struggled to keeping up with demand. If Verizon decides to imposes usage caps – such as AT&T's two gigabyte-a-month max – then this personal hotspot could quickly drain your monthly allotment.

Still, it's a pretty cool feature.

SEE RELATED: Verizon iPhone release date closing in fast

1 of 3
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us