Slow down folks...

Nothing to do with the OS. It has EVERYTHING to do with the network.

GSM phones show 3G.
CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) phones show 1XEV.

They are different network designs.

Better is totally subjective. I have little to no use for CDMA as I travel internationally and CDMA is not as widely adopted outside of North America.

Choose the carrier that works for you. Then worry about whether the icon reads 3G or 1XEV.