Well, not an awful lot, but there are a few key differences. For one, you won’t be able to do simultaneous voice and data connections, so if you’re on the phone, you can’t load an app. However, there is one major new feature, which is incredibly cool: wireless hotspots. The Verizon iPhone 4 can function as a mini-wireless network for up to 5 devices, sharing its 3G connection between them. The only problem is that if you get an incoming call, I imagine you’ll drop the data connection, and all five of those devices will lost their internet.
The other change is a slight change to the antenna design, where the break in the top antenna has been moved from the top of the phone to the side. Check out this shot of the AT&T iPhone:
![Screen shot 2011 01 11 at 11.53.47 AM Whats Different About The Verizon iPhone? [updatedx2]](http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Screen-shot-2011-01-11-at-11.53.47-AM.jpg "Screen shot 2011-01-11 at 11.53.47 AM")
Notice that it has a small notch above the proximity sensor at the top. Now look at the Verizon one:
![Screen shot 2011 01 11 at 11.53.59 AM Whats Different About The Verizon iPhone? [updatedx2]](http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Screen-shot-2011-01-11-at-11.53.59-AM.jpg "Screen shot 2011-01-11 at 11.53.59 AM")
There are now two notches, near the top on either side. Apple and Verizon say this change in the antennae is due to the CDMA network requiring a different configuration, but we don’t know how this will effect the antenna attenuation problem — aka “Deathgrip.”
![iphone vzw hands dsc0559 rm eng Whats Different About The Verizon iPhone? [updatedx2]](http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/iphone-vzw-hands-dsc0559-rm-eng.jpg "iphone-vzw-hands-dsc0559-rm-eng")
It appears that the volume buttons have been shifted slightly down the body of the phone. This means that cases might not be compatible between versions, which is sure to be a pain.
UPDATE: here’s what Verizon’s official FAQ says:
If I have an iPhone 4 on another wireless carrier and switch to an iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, will all of my accessories be compatible?
Most accessories should work, however you may find that cases and covers could be different depending on the product manufacturer.
Early reports suggest there is no SIM slot on the Verizon iPhone, so good luck with international roaming.
What do our readers think? Is the addition of mobile hotspots enough to make you go Verizon? Or is the no data+voice a dealbreaker? Give us your thoughts in the comments.
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I thought the volume buttons moved. How can the cases fit?
Looks like you’re right. Couldn’t tell from the original shots, but they do appear to have bumped down the buttons. That sucks!
Figured they would fix it. That’s the only thing I’m jealous of with Verizon.
I only knew because of the article the other day about that parts company who had the frames.
“antenna attenuation” – redundancy at it’s utmost!
My girlfriend is really excited to finally get an iPhone, but is SUPER disappointed about not being able to use voice and data at the same time (ie. -talk and surf).
Maybe it’s just me, but voice and data at the same time is one of the things that is a MUST with the iPhone. I mean, think about this. What if you are lost and you call the people you are trying to get to. They ask where you are. On AT&T, you can put them on speaker, launch your nav or Maps app, and tell them exactly (within 30 ft or so in most cases) where you’re at. With Verizon, you’ll have to hang up, look it up, and then call the party back to give them the information.
Just a HUGE drawback for me- not that I was ever planning on leaving AT&T. I’m very happy with their service.
I just think that there are going to be a LOT of people that aren’t going to realize the drawbacks, and be highly pissed after they find out and are locked in for the next 2 years.
Chris, go ahead and get the “VZNiP4″ complaint threads ready, because I have a feeling they are going to fill up fast.
Ya I think you’re right here. I do that all of the time and I think the “average” iPhone user will be pissed. I say average because someone who knows about the setbacks probably wouldn’t buy the phone in the first place lol.
I agree! When I moved to Atlanta and switched to AT&T from verizon I was so thrilled to fInd I could maintain my data connection while on the phone. After using smartphones with Verizon for years this really opened thInge up to me that I could not do previously.
The thing is for those who are already on Verizon, it really is not that big of a deal. We haven’t been able to do it yet, so what does it matter? It is still the iPhone on America’s biggest and best network(though not the fastest).
Hmm these photos look a lot like the iPhone5 mock up pics up here last week