The rumored and often fantasized CDMA iPhone is finally hitting Verizon Wireless next month. The Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 is just like the current model available around the globe (no 4G support), but drops GSM support in favor of CDMA. Now that the phone is official let’s learn a bit more, shall we?
It seems like an eternity since the first rumblings of a CDMA iPhone began nearly 18 months ago. Almost every month a new “unnamed source” came forward to tell a major publication that a CDMA iPhone was imminent. Like the story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf, that proclamation eventually came true — today.
So what makes this CDMA iPhone 4 so special? Well, at the core of the phone is the same A4 processor, five megapixel camera, Retina display, Facetime and 16GB or 32GB capacities. On the top, the SIM card slot has been removed as well as the GSM radios inside. Instead, there’s a CDMA radio — this means no world roaming unless you plan to pay Verizon Wireless service fees. A huge blow to the globe trotting superstar, but then again why use a CDMA carrier in the first place, right?
Looking at the Verizon iPhone 4 you’ll notice a slight change in design. Instead of having the separation of the metal band at the top, you’ll have two separations on the left side of the phone — one above the volume switch and one at the bottom.
The other key difference is that Verizon’s iPhone 4 runs iOS 4.2.5, a version which features a personal hotspot option. This allows the iPhone to function as a WiFi hotspot, simultaneously sharing data with up to five WiFi-enabled devices. There’s no word on whether this feature is part of all iOS 4.2.5 builds or whether Verizon has locked down this as an exclusive feature.
As Peter Park knows best, with great power comes great responsibility. Verizon’s network has yet to be tested by tens of millions of iPhone users simultaneously eating away at 3G data while using their phones as mobile hotspots. Only time will tell whether their network can sustain the added workload. For now, today is a great day for Verizon Wireless. If you can live without the ability to simultaneously use voice and data services, but want improved reception in the US — this is your meal ticket.
The Verizon iPhone 4 goes on pre-order for existing Verizon Wireless customers on February 3, followed by national availability (to non-customers) on February 10th. There’s a sign up page on both Verizon Wireless and Apple’s website.
February 10 | Apple | $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB
