With the launch of the iPhone 4 on the Verizon network, consumers have made the switch despite previous reports of lackluster sales. Estimated at a million sales in the first week alone, Verizon appears to have made the right moves with its launch of pre-orders. Many users on Verizon’s network were able to order their phones ahead of time, thus avoiding the usual long lines for new Apple releases. Some say the lack of long lines at the Verizon store is somewhat disappointing, but analysts say the numbers indicate that about 38 percent of iPhone buyers visited its pre-order page hoping to avoid the hassle. Other analysts have suggested that many users are looking forward to the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 5 due later this year.
What can new iPhone users expect with iPhone 4 from the Verizon network? Some slight modifications have been made to the casing of Verizon’s new version of the iPhone 4. Most likely, this was done to correct the previous antenna problem that the AT&T model had in its infancy. The internal differences can also be seen in a side-by-side comparison where there have been some design changes to correct the antenna problem. What this means for users is still unclear, though early reports don’t mention any antenna or reception issues with Verizon mode.
Other iPhone models have been dropping in price with some models like the 3G in the $50-$99 range with a contract on the AT&T network. This may be just the beginning for Apple, as until now most models have hovered around the $199 range with a contract. Offering a phone at a lower price may turn out to be the right tactic for Apple in keeping an entry-level model for consumers to jump on.
For iPhone 4 users on either of the two cellular networks, many people are still faced with the concern of keeping the device in optimal condition. Repair centers across the US have seen an increase in iPhone 4 repairs in recent months as these sensitive devices become damaged from drops and falls, water, and basic wear and tear. It looks like repair centers will have to restock their inventory with new parts for Verizon’s new model due to internal design changes. As with the original iPhone 2G, the front glass and LCD screen are fused together in a clean room environment. This method eliminates dust build-up between the touch panel digitizer and the LCD screen, but also greatly increases repair costs due to the addition of parts that are not necessarily necessary for the repair. If the touch panel or front glass breaks, consumers will also need to replace the LCD screen. This has been somewhat of a shock to people as repair costs have skyrocketed. What consumers generally don’t know is that the real cost of buying an iPhone outright without a contract from AT&T or Verizon is extremely high. The thing to remember is that Apple products come at a high premium and when you invest in an Apple product, you also need to consider the high cost of replacing that product. Unfortunately, as many of us have been used to lesser technology in the past, this is a shocking revelation when such a technologically advanced product breaks down.
Overall, Verizon’s new iPhone 4 is just as impressive as its AT&T counterpart. The iPhone is sleek and stylish and offers many advanced features. New iPhone lovers are taking advantage of apps like Facetime, which enables video chat. The main camera is 5 megapixels just like the AT&T version and offers amazing image quality from a device of this size. This phone is recommended for anyone who wants to combine ease of use and high-tech features in a small form factor. There are appealing qualities to both the younger and older crowds given its capabilities and the operating system and feature set it’s built around.
