Sprint or AT&T: Who Has the Better iPhone?

Sprint’s new Samsung Instinct, the most feasible competition for the iPhone, is not only being launched first but will also be less expensive, so a writer for the Washington Post is launching a comparison.

The first comparison revolves around launch dates. As mentioned, Sprint is launching the Samsung Instinct in June 20, whereas the iPhone will not be available until July 11. As for price, with a two year contract and a $100 mail in rebate, Sprint’s phone will cost $129.99. Monthly contacts can be anywhere from $70 per month for a plan which features 450 voice minutes and unlimited data, to $99 per month for Sprint’s Simply Everything Plan, which also includes GPS navigation, email, Internet capabilities, Sprint Music Premier, and Sprint TV Premier. In contrast, the cost of the iPhone depends on the character but ranges around $199. Monthly plans begin at $70 per month for the cheapest voice and unlimited data.

Although the Washington Post’s writer has not been using the Samsung Instinct for very long, there are quite a few different features up for review. The Instinct mimics the iPhone in appearance, with a sleek exterior and a substantial feel. The GPS navigation works well and quickly. It offers turn by turn directions, which can either be spoken or written, and the phone features a touch screen which allows users to get traffic conditions, among other things. The phone is overall praised for being easy to use, even without having read the instructions.

The pricing plan is simple and easily understood as well. It includes expensive features – though the iPhone wins this one, as there are dozens of well price applications being developed for it, and many are already available. Any application which comes out for the Instinct is going to have to be developed especially for it, and then approved by Sprint.

(June 17, 2008)