I'm buying a Pixel from a third party, is there any difference between the Verizon variant and Google Play boxes ? Maybe some Verizon branding on the box itself? Is there a way to find out before opening the sealed box?
Thanks in advance!
If no one chimes in before hand I'll check boxes in a little bit. GF has the Verizon version and I the Google. From what I remember at quick glance they were identical though.
maxon_yalta said:
I'm buying a Pixel from a third party, is there any difference between the Verizon variant and Google Play boxes ? Maybe some Verizon branding on the box itself? Is there a way to find out before opening the sealed box?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Ask the seller and get it in writing. Then pay with PayPal for the guarantee. Get the IMEI number and do a check on that as well if you are not trusting the seller. Verizon might have an IMEI check to tell if it's been registered with them. Just a thought with nothing concrete, but I would think it's a Verizon model just because it's still boxed and they were selling for $240 on Black Friday. Then again it depends on how much you're paying. Once you open it it's easy. Ask to open it first, why not?
---------- Post added at 02:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------
fritzgerald said:
If no one chimes in before hand I'll check boxes in a little bit. GF has the Verizon version and I the Google. From what I remember at quick glance they were identical though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent call. Put in the SKU in Google and it will tell you if it's a Verizon model or not. Here is the Pixel 32GB in Silver Verizon:
G-2PW4100-021-B
bobby janow said:
Yes. Ask the seller and get it in writing. Then pay with PayPal for the guarantee. Get the IMEI number and do a check on that as well if you are not trusting the seller. Verizon might have an IMEI check to tell if it's been registered with them. Just a thought with nothing concrete, but I would think it's a Verizon model just because it's still boxed and they were selling for $240 on Black Friday. Then again it depends on how much you're paying. Once you open it it's easy. Ask to open it first, why not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Directed at the OP...
IMEI check should be your first stop. If the phone was reported lost, stolen, or never received, Google and Verizon both will blacklist the IMEI leaving you SOL on your purchase. Google the SKU like stated above and run the IMEI BEFORE giving any money. If you're buying in person, meet at a store so you can activate it on your line before handing money over.
bobby janow said:
Yes. Ask the seller and get it in writing. Then pay with PayPal for the guarantee. Get the IMEI number and do a check on that as well if you are not trusting the seller. Verizon might have an IMEI check to tell if it's been registered with them. Just a thought with nothing concrete, but I would think it's a Verizon model just because it's still boxed and they were selling for $240 on Black Friday. Then again it depends on how much you're paying. Once you open it it's easy. Ask to open it first, why not?
---------- Post added at 02:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------
Excellent call. Put in the SKU in Google and it will tell you if it's a Verizon model or not. Here is the Pixel 32GB in Silver Verizon:
G-2PW4100-021-B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers guys.
I'm pretty sure that it's not stolen or anything so that is not the case.
It is a big store and they are not sure which variant they are selling, not to mention that they don't know anything about bootloaders )
And if I open the box, it contains some Verizon adverts or a sim card inside? Or no difference again?
I've read that Verizon has some preinstalled bloatware on the Pixel, but does it download the apps from Play Stote on first boot or this apps are already installed out of the box?
maxon_yalta said:
Thanks for the answers guys.
I'm pretty sure that it's not stolen or anything so that is not the case.
It is a big store and they are not sure which variant they are selling, not to mention that they don't know anything about bootloaders )
And if I open the box, it contains some Verizon adverts or a sim card inside? Or no difference again?
I've read that Verizon has some preinstalled bloatware on the Pixel, but does it download the apps from Play Stote on first boot or this apps are already installed out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put in the SKU and find out if it's a Google or Verizon edition. Then we can answer your questions. They are different and a boxed VZW unit might have a preinstalled sim. Don't sweat the bloatware, it's uninstallable. Bootloader is another story.
maxon_yalta said:
Thanks for the answers guys.
I'm pretty sure that it's not stolen or anything so that is not the case.
It is a big store and they are not sure which variant they are selling, not to mention that they don't know anything about bootloaders )
And if I open the box, it contains some Verizon adverts or a sim card inside? Or no difference again?
I've read that Verizon has some preinstalled bloatware on the Pixel, but does it download the apps from Play Stote on first boot or this apps are already installed out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing extra from VZ. Anything it might download can be uninstalled in settings. There is no permanent bloatware.
The only way to tell is to start it up and check the CID. It will have a VZ in it.
Now here is the issue, if you let it update to 7.1.1 before you unlock it and it is a VZ phone it will be forever locked. Or if it comes preinstalled with 7.1.1. But so far we have not seen a single VZ phone come pre updated.
So don't put a sim in it and don't allow it to update until you get it unlocked. Once it is unlocked, test it like a regular Google version.
I totally spaced checking the boxes earlier, sorry. Aside from that though, if you're planning to root and unlock it, just be ready to do it as soon as you power it on. Despite being Google or Verizon, once it's unlocked you're good. If they've had it in stock for a bit then it's highly doubtful that it's already on 7.1.1. As far as bloatware goes, mine and the GFs are identical except the unlocked bootloader. Neither have any VZ bloat and both on VZ service.
Related
Hi!
Thanks to VZW deals on Google Pixel, eBay is currently full of listing for brand new Pixels for less that $600. Most sellers claim phones to be factory sealed.
Question is: Can I buy this never opened Pixel and successfully activate and use overseas?
Thanks for your wisdom!
bige93 said:
Hi!
Thanks to VZW deals on Google Pixel, eBay is currently full of listing for brand new Pixels for less that $600. Most sellers claim phones to be factory sealed.
Question is: Can I buy this never opened Pixel and successfully activate and use overseas?
Thanks for your wisdom!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't receive my Pixel yet, but I bought an unlocked device from google's website. I did talk to a seller on eBay who has many Verizon Pixel phones and he claim that they are unlocked. Another thing he mentioned that these phones may have Verizon's bloatware apps. So if phone you are trying to purchase is unlocked, then it should work, but check the GSM bands if they are compatible with your carrier.
All Pixel phones are unlocked (we're not talking bootloader unlocked) no matter where you get it from. But good point in checking GSM bands to see if it's compatible in your country and carrier. As for bloatware there are only 2 apps from VZW and you can delete them easily.
So, no need for first activation with vzw SIM or something like that?
bige93 said:
So, no need for first activation with vzw SIM or something like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need. Just take it out if the box and put your sim in. I bought mine from best buy and it's technically for Verizon but I just took out the Verizon sim that was in it, put my T-Mobile sim in and booted it up.
If you plan on using it overseas I suggest you unlock the bootloader and flash the international system images.
Hi, I would like to buy a used Pixel 2 off Craigslist and since I am not familiar with the Pixel 2 I hope you can help me make sure I don't get scammed.
I know I need to check that the IMEI is not blacklisted (can run it through the swappa IMEI checker). I can also probably put my SIM card in it before I pay to make sure.
I would like to buy the Unlocked (non Verizon) one. Is there a way to identify that they are giving me the non Verizon version?
Anything else I should check when I get to physically inspect the phone?
Thank you!
P
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Pilot1000 said:
Hi, I would like to buy a used Pixel 2 off Craigslist and since I am not familiar with the Pixel 2 I hope you can help me make sure I don't get scammed.
I know I need to check that the IMEI is not blacklisted (can run it through the swappa IMEI checker). I can also probably put my SIM card in it before I pay to make sure.
I would like to buy the Unlocked (non Verizon) one. Is there a way to identify that they are giving me the non Verizon version?
Anything else I should check when I get to physically inspect the phone?
Thank you!
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One suggestion is to check the OEM unlocking toggle, and see if it can be used. If it's greyed out, it's almost assuredly a Verizon model.
Pilot1000 said:
Hi, I would like to buy a used Pixel 2 off Craigslist and since I am not familiar with the Pixel 2 I hope you can help me make sure I don't get scammed.
I know I need to check that the IMEI is not blacklisted (can run it through the swappa IMEI checker). I can also probably put my SIM card in it before I pay to make sure.
I would like to buy the Unlocked (non Verizon) one. Is there a way to identify that they are giving me the non Verizon version?
Anything else I should check when I get to physically inspect the phone?
Thank you!
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest mate it is always risky when you have no warranty, the phone may not be blocked when you buy it but there is nothing stopping the person blocking it afterwards
What could they possibly stand to gain by doing that?
jdisco1 said:
What could they possibly stand to gain by doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people just suck.
Also, be careful that it's not one of the refurbs that you can't unlock the bootloader. Lots of folks have complained about this issue, and I don't believe it was ever resolved.
Amazon or Swappa would be safer options since there's some buyer protection. I'd also only buy a used Pixel 2 if the seller had the original receipt from Google to transfer ownership/ warranty.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Agrre, be careful or use Amazon, etc.
jdisco1 said:
What could they possibly stand to gain by doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they have insurance, they can claim they lost it and get a replacement. The claim would get the original phone blocked. I work in a second hand retailer trust me happens a lot.
I really appreciate all this important information! Thank you.
Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks
If it's bought from eBay, you're SOL - invalid IMEI is invalid IMEI. You will want to refund it and buy the virgin OnePlus 8T to ensure you don't run into problem.
It will be tough to remove the IMEI from the blacklist, as it's usually death sentence for that ID number, not to mention it's illegal to mess with it.
Especially for this reason, I don't buy used phone anymore unless it won't see network service (usually as a Linux hacking plaything), and I mainly buy new phones ever since to guarantee that I don't run into any problems.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk
it doesnt give any error, through the tmobile unlock app it says "not eligible" which all unlock sites say that's what you want to get..
THEY say that they cant find the imei anywhere and that maybe I gave them invalid imei, but I'm sure I did not... this happened with more than 1 service site. any clues? i don't want to return it unless absolutely neccessary
Alright, double check your IMEI to ensure you don't make any mistake. There are three ways to check the IMEI, of course; 1. dial *#06#, browse into Settings, and go through "About phone", and 2. touch "Network Status" if the IMEI is not shown or 3. reboot your phone into Fastboot and scroll the UEFI Fastboot bootloader option down to "Show barcodes". It's easy to make mistakes with long numbers like IMEI - had to triple check mine before submitting the application for the bootloader unlock token.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk
I checked, the imei i gave them was the correct one, I wish that was the problem. how can an imei be invalid (not blocked/blacklisted)?isn't there any way to flash something on the phone to sim ulock it? thanks
even services that CHECK if its blacklisted doesnt work with phones IMEI. what is going on here?! thanks
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..
Alright, if you have Straight Talk or maybe a T-Mobile SIM, test it to make sure it's alive.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk
You have to have it so long before T-Mo will unlock the device.
Three days minimum if I recall. I had mine unlocked in a week after the purchase, and only have unlocked its UEFI bootloader a few days ago once the LineageOS 18 ROM matured just enough for my liking. Otherwise it's a 40 days wait.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk
Proneous said:
Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there!
can you PM me a screen shot of your IMEI, please? I really want to look in this. I have a oneplus 8t. Thanks.
I am outside of the usa at the moment so the T-Mobile SIM card that came with the phone is unable to activate... I'm starting to wonder if that's the only problem
I have found a rather expensive service provider that has full confidence that he can unlock my phone. Will update you further when I have more details.
Is it safe giving my imei to other forum members? can it be used for malicious activity?
Many thanks.
Alrighty, keep us posted.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk
try this https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
---------- Post added at 10:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------
Why did you buy a t-mobile phone if you're outside of the usa?
Proneous said:
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then use it on TMobile for minimum 3days then unlock it via tforce on facebook or twitter T-Mobile help. But this requires you to have TMobile service. That's the only way you will unlock that phone those unlocking site aren't connected to get the 8t from T-Mobile unlocked that's mainly for samsung devices trust me I run a repair shop and use the unlocking sites. If you can't get TMobile service then you best bet is to return the device if you can't return your SOL until a simunlock bypass come
I'm not from the USA . Anyone got suggestion how to get it activated ? Thanks
Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!
Proneous said:
Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.
jcsww said:
Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?
Proneous said:
Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is more of a buyer beware statement about buying cheap devices from other countries.
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.
TPMJB said:
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.
granazias said:
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170
TPMJB said:
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.
granazias said:
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Wish we could root the V60 because that phone is like $20 more. I only use rooted phones.
I haven't purchased a new phone since before 802.11ax came out. It's been... a long time, to say the least.
I'm reading mixed signals. Can I unlock, root, and do whatever anyone else can do with this hardware - or will they strangle my balls still?
I'm on Verizon too, but purchased the unlocked version. The Verizon bootloaders have driven me nuts in the past...
Fully unlocked amas in carrier unlocked. Only way you can unlock the bootloader of a pixel 7 device in the USA is if you bought an u locked variant directly from Google. You can't unlock any Android device bought from Verizon.
Usually it means you can't unlock the bootloader but that's only after the first firmware update.
So if you don't update it and wait then it should work. That's how it went with the vzw variant of the pixel XL anyways... I bought 2 of them because like a dupe I let it update without even thinking.
Then I got another and before anything I unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp, got root and then put my sim card in and I manually installed Google's updates and everything was fine.
Dunno if that changed or not...but it will ship with the ability to unlock it, or should because it's flashed with the stock Google firmware
The above post only applies to the original Pixel 1.
When Verizon says "unlocked" they mean carrier unlocked.
You can only get a bootloader unlocked if you buy direct from Google and buy the Google version of the phone, not the Verizon one they list.
What @jdoe6783 and @TonikJDK said. When all United States carriers volunteer information about "unlocking", they only mean carrier unlocking - i.e. you can then use your Verizon Pixel 7 Pro on a different carrier.
As I say in Post 2 in my thread:
roirraW edor ehT said:
Verizon variants:
Will never be able to have their bootloader unlocked. It's like winning the lottery, and just as rare and relatively random. There is nothing that anyone on XDA can do to help you unlock your Verizon variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
The trade-in value is pretty solid. I don't value it at $700 like they say as it's really just $19/mo off my bill for 3 years. It's not clear to me what happens if I upgrade my device or decide to cancel service in that time... they just stop providing the discount?
I never felt the need to root my last phone. I did it for a while, and many of my necessary apps detected this and stopped working. I've gathered that this is something the community has addressed now, but it still speaks to the time/benefit of going through the process to root and try out different things that rooting enables. I have less time to research and try out various options than I once did. My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
mmWave sounds cool, but I'm not convinced it'll have a meaningful impact on my usage. Perhaps when I'm in a large city and there's congestion on the other bands... This is a very minor point.
shiftr182 said:
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed...
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
If anything, @SethW, if it is truly important to you to do all the additional "fun" stuff like root, tether, custom ROMs, and all the other stuff (like it is to many/most of us on this forum)...you should still be in the return period. You might want to try the route of returning it and purchasing the Google unlocked variant to be certain you can unlock the bootloader -- and therefore root and other things.
EDIT
@SethW's reply just popped up while I was replying and just got in right before my post, so I wanted to address it...
SethW said:
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
....My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's okay to be on Verizon. I've been with them for decades and okay with them. It's good that you tried out a bunch and have your reasons to use them. By all means, you can/should use the P7P with them.
But to address your other concerns about the Verizon bloatware -- I'm fairly certain if you purchased the carrier specific Verizon variant, it will have its bloatware and you will not be able to remove it. There might be tricks to hide & help ignore it, but [usually] you aren't going to be able to remove it (at least without root, which you will not be able to do since Verizon bootlocks their devices; also, if it were rootable, you would have an unlocked variant and would not have bloatware in the first place ) [fun fact: in the earliest days of Android smartphones, the whole reason to root one's phone was to get rid of said bloatware; now, one has to purchase directly from Google and get their variant to even get a chance to root outside of carrier control]. Now I've never purchased a carrier variant from Google nor have I met anyone who has, so it might be different since you purchased it from Google store and not Verizon store, but I can't imagine Verizon wouldn't hold Google to their restrictions even if it's from Google's store -- I mean, what's the difference/purpose selling a carrier variant without any of said carrier's restrictions when Google could just sell Google's unlocked variant and just load it on the carrier's network?
TL;DR If it's a carrier (Verizon) variant, it most likely will have the carrier's bloatware; and you cannot remove it; even if the OS is as customizable as Android.
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
SethW said:
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind, it's not just Verizon. All U.S. carriers, when they say unlocked, they only mean carrier unlocked. It's not just something Verizon came up with. As far as they're concerned, it will be fully unlocked.
SethW said:
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck with your return and re-purchase!
simplepinoi177 said:
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EtherealRemnant said:
Yep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, if you check the Amazon description, under "Wireless Carrier", it states "Unlocked", so it's a safe bet that it's actually unlocked like the Google variant and not the way carrier's state "unlocked" like it's not "contractually bound" or "locked" to the carrier....
If you have the Verizon model, you can disable some of the VZW bloatware with ADB, but not all of it. If you disable some of the VZW specific packages, it won't boot and you will have to go through recovery. I was really annoyed when I found out that I couldn't unlock the bootloader on the VZW model of my Pixel 3XL. On my previous phone I had relied on particular mods to make my life easier (I'm unilaterally deaf).
I would certainly return it for the unlocked Google version while the window is open, just in case you ever need to unlock the bootloader.
Refused delivery and requested FedEx return it to sender - as instructed by Google Support. In spite of this, FedEx tried to delivery every day for the past week. They're finally sending it back to Google. I suspect they'll refund it soon. I'm really annoyed that I'm apparently going to miss out on the $200 google store promotion. I was looking forward to trying out the pro earbuds for free.