Does it matter which Verizon phone I get?

My limited experience using 3g phones on verizon prepaid (via pageplus and later puppy wireless).

I first tried an HTC incredible phone. In my remote location, it only worked in one spot in my 1 acre yard. After some research, I got a Motorola Droid-X as I read it had better radio. It did, and still using it. Much better reception than the HTC Incredible.

I've read, but never tested, that the Samsung units are also good in weak reception areas.

Fred

If you want even better performance add a Wilson Sleek to the mix and your chances of coverage will improve greatly. These phones have poor antennas as compared to times past. More towers allow much smaller foot prints so big antennas are not needed most of the time. Nothing helps more than a good outside antenna.

The pay as you go phone is a good option. I used one on AT&T for a few years. Verizon has great coverage but is not available all over the West when you get into the coastal range for example.

TomG2 wrote:
Be aware that Verizon Prepaid is only available on native Verizon towers which is a whole lot less than where they have partnered for regular customers. Half of Oklahoma and Missouri were without service earlier this month on prepaid. I have the 4g LG Transpire which does a good job and serves as a mobile hotspot with 3gig of 4g data for $20.

Wow, thank you for the warning!! I did not know.

Naio wrote:
..............
BB TX (and everyone): Which phones, specifically, are working well for you? Sounds like it matters!

Verizon has worked will for us on iPhone4, iPhone5, iPhone 6, an older Motorola flip phone, and another older phone the DW had that I can't remember brand/model. Have not had a phone with Verizon that did not work for us as well or better than others around us with different carriers.

paulcardoza wrote:
Never been a big fan of LG phones. Samsung or Motorola, would be my choice. I assume you are looking at just a regular flip-phone........

We camp in a 3g area
I have had two LG phones and they both better than a Motorola I tried
The Motorola and it was not good at all in that 3G area. Traded it within the 14 day window for the second LG.

Have Verizon

Be aware that Verizon Prepaid is only available on native Verizon towers which is a whole lot less than where they have partnered for regular customers. Half of Oklahoma and Missouri were without service earlier this month on prepaid. I have the 4g LG Transpire which does a good job and serves as a mobile hotspot with 3gig of 4g data for $20.

We have Sprint phones and Verizon hotspot -- particularly in the western states, we often have NO service on phones, but still get a strong signal on the V-hotspot.

Genie gets a little better service on her Sprint Android - but still not as good as the V-hotspot gets in remote areas.

My Sprint service just ran out the two year contract - I'm switching to Verizon for the phone as well.

For years, we were AT&T devotees and traveled from Maine to the Midwest and once as far as Arizona. Always had spotty service. In '09 we moved south and AT&T service was scarce, so we switched to Verizon. Have had no problems unless we are in a lot of hills and mountains. This was with a Motorola Droid and now with iPhone.

Naio wrote:
I was assuming that, in low-coverage areas Verizon would be voice and text only, no data services. Is that wrong?

No, that's pretty much true for me. But nowadays, unless you're in a canyon or miles from anywhere, V is there.

Naio wrote:

Seattle Steve wrote:
What about a Verizon MIFI as a backup? That way you could still use your smartphone on WIFI when its primary coverage is not available but Verizon is.

Well that is an interesting idea!

I was assuming that, in low-coverage areas Verizon would be voice and text only, no data services. Is that wrong? I know it's true for my current non-Verizon phone.

BB TX (and everyone): Which phones, specifically, are working well for you? Sounds like it matters!

I find I can get better reception with the mifi than phone in spotty areas. But that could just be a better antenna in the mifi. But would you pay a monthly fee for the mifi? Could be more costly based on how you intend on using it.