Verizon Alternatives to the iPhone

Define "phone"....

Okay, you’d think this would be a no-brianer, but really there are different levels of phones.  The iPhone is considered a Smartphone, and it does basically what the name implies.  While the phone industry cannot define what exactly makes a phone a smartphone, the basic components of what make one are: email, internet connectivity, and “advanced features”.  What’s becoming more popular on smartphones is a complete operating system and the ability to add applications.  Basically, you can consider a smart phone to be like a handheld computer.

The second level of phones I’ll discuss are just that, phones.  With people asking more and more out of their phones, it is becoming harder to tell the difference between some phones and smartphones.  However, the lack of a dedicated operating system is one of the main differences — especially now that many providers, Verizon included, are offering java applications for their standard phones.

Which is better?  Well, really it just depends on what you need your phone to do for you.  If you’re looking for an iPhone alternative, you don’t necessarily have to go for a smartphone.

Gimme, gimme, gimme!

We always want more from our phones.  This is one of the main draws to phones such as the iPhone.  Now, since the explosion of iPhone, AT&T is definitely leading in the apps department.  For some people, that could be a deal breaker.  However, I’m not deterred by VW’s lack of apps — most of them are time wasters, but some are awesome (if you want a lowdown of iPhone apps and accessories, check out freeandflawed’s guides; she’s awesomely geeky).

So what can you expect from Verizon’s phones?  V Cast.  V Cast brings you videos and television straight to your phone. V Cast has also partnered with Rhapsody to bring you all your favorite music as well.  So you’ll be able to watch your favorite movies and tv shows right from your phone.  And if you’re out and about and an awesome song comes on and you want to know what it is — no problem.  V Cast’s song ID tells you the song title and gives you the option to download it.

Verizon does have it’s own set of games and apps available for download — and a large variety of ringtones, ringback tones, and custom wallpapers.  What are ringback tones?  Rather than just listening to the phone ring when someone calls you, they’ll hear whatever music you’ve selected.  I personally don’t use this feature, but my brother is fond of it.  It is sort of entertaining to call and get “Please enjoy the music…” while I’m waiting for him to answer.

Personally, I feel it won’t be too long before VW’s app library is comparable to the iPhones.  What we’re really waiting for is Verizon to allow for more third party apps — this is really the true reason why the iPhone is leading the app market.

But, but.... I want Google Maps....

No worries!  Seriously.

VW recently lifted it’s block of Google Maps and it’s GPS feature for the smartphones — and yes, you can access Google Maps on your regular phones too.  What it won’t do?  Work like a navigational GPS unit for you and give you audio directions.  Personally, I’m okay with that.

Touch me! Touch me!

 I’m still trying to figure out the actual appeal to touch phones, but regardless, it’s there.  However, not all touchscreen phones are equal.

The iPhone is a heat-sensitive touchscreen.  This means that it relies on your body heat for the touch function to work.  It doesn’t take much to make your selections.  However, come winter, this means you need skin-to-screen contact if you want to use your phone.

Most Verizon phones are pressure-sensitive touchscreens.  This means you need to actually apply a little bit of pressure to navigate your phone.  Yes, this means that while all the iPhone users are freezing off their fingertips, you can navigate with ease in your gloves all winter.

I’ve tested out my own touchscreen phone, and yes, it does work!  For me, this is an amazing bonus.  I love fingerless gloves, but I love having feeling in my fingers more.

The small & large....

It’s more than just advertising… Verizon is a top leader in networks.

When thinking about this guide, I was looking for a replacement for my enV 2 that I broke (apparently I was too excited for a date, and dropped my phone multiple times in a short period of time).  This led me to the Verizon store on State Street in downtown Chicago.  I definitely got the service, and more, that VW boasts about.  Not only did I get a new phone (with insurance and a silicone case this time), but my sales associate Tony made sure I had the plan and features that would work best for me given what I needed and wanted from my phone.  (Tony also took the time to walk me through all of the phones and a few more than you see in this guide.)

It’s true, when the iPhone came out, thousands of people jumped ship to get in on this trendy new phone.  However, given the service (or lackthereof in a lot of areas), many Verizon customers came back.  It doesn’t matter how shiny a phone is, if the service isn’t there to match, it’s not really worth it in the end.  So no matter how much the iPhone appeals to the geek in me, I just can’t justify losing the service that I’ve become so expectant of.

So while you might not be able to get an absurd number of apps, there are plenty of phones from Verizon that are more than adequate for even the most gadget-loving geek out there.  And if you’re in Chicago’s loop — stop by the State Street store and say hey to Tony and the gang.  They’ll be more than happy and willing to help you with any of your mobile needs.