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Verizon vs Sprint, Help!

If you like new phones, sprint gets an upgrade every year on the primary line. I believe VZ is 2 yrs for an upgrade.
 
InTheCreek said:
I'm in the same boat...trying to decide between Sprint & Verizon.

Haven't had a cellphone in years.

We average about 700 minutes of total phone time per month, have never texted & probably never will. About half that talk time is to Verizon lines.

I want an android (Incredible or Evo) and the wife wants a basic flip phone (talk only).

With Verizon, I can get 700 minutes (which will be enough) for $70 - then add $30 for net on my line, & the total is $100

That's the cheapest route for us.

HOWEVER, for only $30 more, I could go with Sprint and get 1500 minutes, texting, and net for both phones.

I'm at a point now that I really need a phone.
Both carriers are good in my area (Verizon only slightly better)

The Incredible will be out before the Evo - so that is leading me toward VZW (that plus the cheaper plan)

I do get 20% off VZW and 22% off Sprint

What if I DO go with VZW and don't get the texting option?
If someone sends a text will I be charged for it, or do I have to accept it to be charged?

Any and all suggestions welcomed!
Click to expand...

You may want to double check your numbers. Verizon *loves* to hide charges.
 
InTheCreek said:
Okay - check what?
what type of hidden charges and where would I find them?
Click to expand...

Post the exact details of what you'd like on your plan, and the phones you will be using. I mean everything. Texting data etc etc. I'll figure it out for you =D
 
Like I said earlier, all I need is 700 minutes of talk time.
If I get more that's fine, but 700 will cover us.

I want an android device & the other phone will be a basic flip phone.

Nothing else.
 
InTheCreek said:
Like I said earlier, all I need is 700 minutes of talk time.
If I get more that's fine, but 700 will cover us.

I want an android device & the other phone will be a basic flip phone.

Nothing else.
Click to expand...

So no texting whatsoever? I'm not sure if vzw requires texting on android phones... gonna have to look into that.


Even still, talk and text on vzw is 99.99 plus $30 for your data so your looking at a baserrate of $130 per month on vzw. I am *almost* positive vzw requires text on anything that isn't a dumbphone. Even what they deem "featurephone" requires messaging, I think. So yeah $130 monthly on vzw.
 
IOWA said:
Dont forget, Sprint has free Mobile to Mobile, Any Network. So Sprint can call VZW ATT TMO CRICKET BOOST etc, any carrier for FREE. Also, Sprint has nights and weekends at 7 instead of 9.

Also: VZW charges extra for EVERYTHING.

Where are you getting $95 from with family plan on VZW?

Directly from their website:

700 Minutes Talk and Text - 99.99 (You need texting, it would cost the more for the individual add-on no?)

29.99 Data Plan add-on for your smartphone

-20% Discount

$103.98/mo + Tax.

Now dont forget, that leaves you bare bones, no gps, secondary line is on pay per mb, and no texting, etc. Also, mobile to mobile doesnt start til 9. Thats ALSO assuming your picking the bottom-of-the-line phone for your mom.

---------------------------------------------------


With the Sprint plan, heres what you would get.

129.99 Everything Data Family Share

Any Mobile, Anytime: Unlimited domestic calls from the Sprint network to and from ANY U.S. mobile phone regardless of carrier. Any network, any time.

Unlimited data: Web surfing, email, BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS), GPS Navigation, Sprint TV and Radio, NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM

Unlimited messaging: Text, pictures and video

Talk: Night calling and weekends starting at 7 p.m., nationwide long distance and no roaming charges. Lines 1-2 included. Lines 3-5 are $19.99/mo./line.

Unlimited Direct Connect: Direct Connect and Group Connect (for capable phones)

With that same 20% discount, same cost as VZW.


-BUT- Here's why Sprint makes more sense.

You DONT have to worry about going over your minutes. (Unless your going to spend over 1500 minutes talking to landlines, during peak call hours, which is hard to do, lol)

You can get any phone you want on either line.

BOTH PHONES have unlimited data.

NO hidden charges, if you or mom needs to find that restaurant, a local google search on either phone, so no need to call 411 etc.

If mom accidentally turns on the internet, or wants to explore its features, she can. At no additional cost.

Both phones have unlimited texting.

Sprint allows you to ungrade primary line EVERY YEAR instead of every two.

Loyalty Perks.

So basically, with sprint, for the same price as verizon, you get unlimited everything, and on VZW you get VERY LIMITED MINUTE bucket, no text/data on second line, and only crappy phones that don't do well for reception for mom.

So, what do you think?
Click to expand...
You pretty much covered what I was gonna ask. I've been with Verizon for 8 years and, other than the cost factor, have had few complaints. The Evo has captured my imagination and, after being overwhelmed in the Incredible thread, this section of the forum is much calmer. I am leaning towards the Incredible but that little voice in my head says: "Are you sure...you know after playing with that HD2 WinMo at T-Mobile to get a feel for the Evo, you can't be serious?" Hate that...
 
One thing that seems to be getting glossed over a bit is the impact of WiMax. Will you have WiMax in your area? This is a tie breaker unto itself! Also, you can look at phone preference. From what I can tell the EVO 4G outshines the Incredible. Each phone will have a few things in it's favor...but 4G, a larger screen, and HDMI OUT are all very nice advantages. Some people will debate the size and say it's a disadvantage. Some will say AMOLED is better...while some really like the the screen will by TFT LCD. The main thing to do is to look at your local calling area. If you can have a plan that is even the same price....but will have a faster internet connection and has an "as good as" if not better phone....then the choice is obvious.

This choice is going to be individual....but once you answer the questions about calling area, hardware, and price...it's decided!

Good luck!
 
Autosuggestion said:
You can't "accept" a text, if you receive it, you are charged for it.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about Sprint or VZW, but I have a friend on AT&T with a regular flip phone. I was sending him texts and after I sent him a few, he called me back telling me he doesn't have texting. He said it just shows him I sent a text, not what the text was though. I'm not sure if it's a setting on his phone, but he acted like it wasn't charging him.
 
You ban block txt on VZW. They also do NOT require a txt plan on anything. Watch which phone you order as data is required on some phones that it shouldn't be. THere t2t phones are solid though and don't require data. Not sure what hidden fees folks are talking about? They aren't cheap but I had way more "surprises" with my sprint bills. Granted that was a few years ago.
 
gruss said:
You ban block txt on VZW. They also do NOT require a txt plan on anything. Watch which phone you order as data is required on some phones that it shouldn't be. THere t2t phones are solid though and don't require data. Not sure what hidden fees folks are talking about? They aren't cheap but I had way more "surprises" with my sprint bills. Granted that was a few years ago.
Click to expand...

Ah ok. After some review, it was ATT who requires texting on anything considered a messaging phone.
 
Hey Droidtime, my name is BJ DeHut and represent Sprint online as their SprintCareGuide. It sounds like you have done your research. Though there are a few ways you could save even more and that is with plans like Any Mobile which allows for free mobile to mobile (most conversations these days) conversations. Also, as previously mentioned in the comments, if you go for a more barebones plan (which sounds like it will be the case) you
 
VZW and Sprint both have their strengths and weaknesses. I had Verizon, ATT, and Sprint. (in that order too). ATT is not great and I think everyone will most likely agree. I then went with Verizon. Verizon had decent coverage but I had problems where I use my phone the most. Like in my house. I would get dropped calls all the time. My texts and voicemails would come 2 hours late. My final choice was Sprint. My coverage is great and dependable. But my advice is take advantage of the 30 day trial and see what works best for you. What has the best coverage. Only YOU can decide on whats better for you. You need to experience things for yourself. Everyone has the 2 cents but its where they live thats the best and thats why they most likely use it.
 
First - thank you all for your input regarding this annoying issue. I can't decide on which smartphone to purchace or if I should switch carriers.

I have been a loyal Verizon customer forever and have never had a problem - until falling in love with the new Samsung Galaxy s II and Verizon doesn't carry it. I would need to switch to Sprint and am a bit nervous about switching... I have read everyone's input on Sprint vs Verizon and it has helped me a great deal... but I am still on the fence!

If I stay with Verizon - I am thinking about getting the HTC Thunderbolt... any suggestions?? I welcome the wisdom of the collective! Any insight regarding which of these two phones and carriers to chose from, would be most welcomed! Thanks!

Cherbear
 
Cherbear said:
First - thank you all for your input regarding this annoying issue. I can't decide on which smartphone to purchace or if I should switch carriers.

I have been a loyal Verizon customer forever and have never had a problem - until falling in love with the new Samsung Galaxy s II and Verizon doesn't carry it. I would need to switch to Sprint and am a bit nervous about switching... I have read everyone's input on Sprint vs Verizon and it has helped me a great deal... but I am still on the fence!

If I stay with Verizon - I am thinking about getting the HTC Thunderbolt... any suggestions?? I welcome the wisdom of the collective! Any insight regarding which of these two phones and carriers to chose from, would be most welcomed! Thanks!

Cherbear
Click to expand...

If you stay with verizon, i would get a different phone than the Thunderbolt. The thunderbolt has old hardware (essentially an Evo4G). The next nexus (Nexus Prime / Galaxy nexus) is probably going to be announced tonight, with the rumors coming to verizon for $299 on Nov. 10th.

I'm on Sprint sitting on an upgrade, and I will either be upgrading to the SGSII Epic Touch 4g, nexus prime (if it comes to sprint and not exclusive to verizon) or the iphone4s. 95% likely staying with android though. If you get good coverage with sprint, you can't beat the price, especially if on family plans. On a family plan with 5 phones (my 2 lines plus my sister's 3) and it's less than $50 a phone, all with TEP (23% discount though). The coverage is slightly worse than verizon (mainly building penetration) here in Philadelphia, but if i took my 2 lines to verizon, it would be like $80-90 per phone. Not going to pay $30 more dollars a month for slightly better service, although LTE does sound nice.
 
Cherbear - I have a similar problem.

I am currently on a Grandfather data plan for Verizon Wireless. I have the following plan

1400 Min with Text - $100
Line 1 Unlimited Data - $29.99
Line 1 Access Charge - $9.99
Line 2 Unlimited Data - $29.99
Line 2 Access Charge - $9.99

Total: $179.96

My discount is 15% off of the plan and 12% off of data for the primary line.

1400 Min with Text - $85 (was $100)
Line 1 Unlimited Data - $26.39 (was $29.99)
Line 1 Access Charge - $9.99
Line 2 Unlimited Data - $29.99
Line 2 Access Charge - $9.99

Total: $161.36

Sprint charges the following
1500 Min Everything Data - $129.99
Line 1 Premium Data - $10
Line 2 Premium Data - $10

Total $149.99

I get a 15% discount off of Sprint
1500 Min Everything Data - $110.49 (was $129.99)
Line 1 Premium Data - $10
Line 2 Premium Data - $10

Total - $130.49

Sprint is $30.87 cheaper than Verizon.

However my biggest concern is the technology that drives these companies.

Verizon has the largest LTE network in the nation. Sprint is about to roll out an LTE Network in 2012/2013?

If I switch to Sprint, I'll forever lose my unlimited data with Verizon but will save $740.88 over a period of 2 years. However I'm big on Apple's iPhone and one day they will get 4G Technology and I don't know if I should switch to Sprint or stick with Verizon Wireless.

I've also heard that Sprint's customer care is terrible and disorganized.

The area's that I live in or frequently visit are the following

NJ (08052, 08002, 08103, 08831, 07728, 08857)
Pennsylvania (19019, 19406)
Delaware (19702)
NYC (from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island)

Both Sprint and Verizon say that their coverage is good. Sprint has 1 area which they report as "low" and that's 08831.

Your input, personal experiences would be very helpful in helping me.
 
Cherbear said:
First - thank you all for your input regarding this annoying issue. I can't decide on which smartphone to purchace or if I should switch carriers.

I have been a loyal Verizon customer forever and have never had a problem - until falling in love with the new Samsung Galaxy s II and Verizon doesn't carry it. I would need to switch to Sprint and am a bit nervous about switching... I have read everyone's input on Sprint vs Verizon and it has helped me a great deal... but I am still on the fence!

If I stay with Verizon - I am thinking about getting the HTC Thunderbolt... any suggestions?? I welcome the wisdom of the collective! Any insight regarding which of these two phones and carriers to chose from, would be most welcomed! Thanks!

Cherbear
Click to expand...

How quickly do you need a new phone? Verizon will be getting the Galaxy Nexus next month, which is very similar to the S2 in many respects, but with a bigger, higher resolution screen and Ice Cream Sandwich.
 
wirelessrev said:
If I switch to Sprint, I'll forever lose my unlimited data with Verizon


I have to agree that this is my main concern also!! I went to the Sprint store today and to make a long story short.... I currently have a droid x and a old flip phone on VZW and my bill is a consistent 142.00 mth with a state discount and 1400 mins between the two phones, now if I flipped to Sprint I could get 2 smart phones with unlimited everything for roughly the same price. Im just worried if I decide to go back to VZW I would never be able to get the unlimited data from VZW. I dont think coverage should be a concern since im in N. Jersey about 15 mins from NYC. It is a tough decision!!
Click to expand...
 
If you know someone or research a little what kinda of data speeds you are getting with sprint. Trust me I moved up north from south in california and speeds are plain horrible, the worst service I have ever had from any provider. Sprint service is very unreliable from town to town. Trust me I would be happy with sprint down south but I am so unhappy in the north. I never hit even 500kb on any day, doesn't matter what time of the day it is. My pings are from 400-1000
 
I believe they are already rolling out their Vision network, at least here in Tennessee. Last weekend we went to Standing Stone State Park, which is way out in the boonies and was pleasantly surprised to find we actually got phone service as well as 3G. Our family members with AT& T had absolutely no service at all. I can't say about Verizon because no one who was there has them. I am very optimistic at this point about Sprint and as long as their phone plans remain unlimited and remain the least expensive then I will stay with them. Obviously you should consider coverage where you live but for my location, Sprint and Verizon are about even with Sprint being the least expensive.
 
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