Does it matter which Verizon phone I get?

I think it is something of a cr@p shoot. A number of years ago when we still had AT&T, our phones had very weak service at a remote campground in Colorado. But some friends and other RV'ers who also had AT&T got decent signals with various different phones, both flip phones and smartphones. Upon returning home we went to AT&T store, explained the problem, and they recommended specific new phones. Upon returning later to the same campground our service was even worse. And could barely even get service in the nearest town where had good service with the old phones. Long story after that but AT&T refused any help and we changed to Verizon. But it does show that phones can make a difference.

But with Verizon at the same campground we have had good service with both basic flip phones and smartphones.