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Verizon Phones will get os updates the same day as google unlocked pixels

FYI
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/10/12/verizon-pixel-xl-updates-google-same-time/
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/10/12/13258286/verizon-google-pixel-fast-android-updates
Google also confirmed this.
From Ars
Update 2: Google agrees! The company told Ars "OS updates and monthly security patches will be updated on all Pixel devices (Verizon and non-Verizon versions) simultaneously."
Bootloader still won't be unlockable, but this is a step in the right direction.

Frankly, if software is updated quickly along with Google it makes an unlockable bootloader less important to a lot of people.
Verizon has a mixed past with this and Google. They screwed up the Galaxy Nexus but did OK with the Nexus 6.
I'm still happy to buy from Google since I see the ability to unlock the bootloader as insurance against Verizon changing it's mind a year down the road when everyone is paying attention to something new.

atlp99 said:
Frankly, if software is updated quickly along with Google it makes an unlockable bootloader less important to a lot of people.
Verizon has a mixed past with this and Google. They screwed up the Galaxy Nexus but did OK with the Nexus 6.
I'm still happy to buy from Google since I see the ability to unlock the bootloader as insurance against Verizon changing it's mind a year down the road when everyone is paying attention to something new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, with a locked bootloader, there's absolutely no way to flash the Google stock image over it, correct?
Let's say down the road someone figures out a way to root the device and unlock the one sold by VZW. Theoretically, couldn't we then flash the factory stock Google firmware, effectively turning it into the same model as the Google Store one? Then we wouldn't have to worry about VZW pushing updates that would relock it if we flashed those? Of course I know one wouldn't take an OTA on a rooted, unlocked phone, but if you had to return to stock...you could go straight to Google's firmware.
If the VZW phones are going to get updates pushed straight from Google, then those images would have to be different from all the other Google updates, right? They would have to include the VZW bootloaders...would there be a way to inject the Google Unlockable bootloader into that OTA and then flash that?

Jank4AU said:
So, with a locked bootloader, there's absolutely no way to flash the Google stock image over it, correct?
Let's say down the road someone figures out a way to root the device and unlock the one sold by VZW. Theoretically, couldn't we then flash the factory stock Google firmware, effectively turning it into the same model as the Google Store one? Then we wouldn't have to worry about VZW pushing updates that would relock it if we flashed those? Of course I know one wouldn't take an OTA on a rooted, unlocked phone, but if you had to return to stock...you could go straight to Google's firmware.
If the VZW phones are going to get updates pushed straight from Google, then those images would have to be different from all the other Google updates, right? They would have to include the VZW bootloaders...would there be a way to inject the Google Unlockable bootloader into that OTA and then flash that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming that we only have one US version (which I think has been confirmed), and the fact that verizon bloat gets installed on first boot with sim card activation, I want to say that the phones are the same. Maybe the only difference between the google phone and the verizon phone is the "oem unlock" toggle will not work on the verizon phones. Or maybe they will have different bootloaders. Then there would be multiple firmware images, one for verizon, one unlocked. If you could get root, then you could possibly get an ota for an unlocked phone and install it, thus replacing the verizon bootloader (if it is in fact different). I am growing more and more skeptical that there is any difference at all between the verizon and google phones. I wonder if this is all going to fizzle out in a week when everyone gets their phones.
I have 1 on preorder from google and an upgrade preorder from Verizon right now. I'm torn on which one to go with because I will save a good bit of money by going through Verizon. All I really want to do is root, so I "might" be worried for no reason. Time will tell.

Yeah, I canceled my order through the Google Play store to get it through VZW on my company account once I learned Big Red wasn't holding up the updates. Ultimately, I may be okay with the locked bootloader as I'm getting older and have 3 kids. I don't have to time to mess with android like I used to. :crying:
---------- Post added at 01:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 PM ----------
dbrohrer said:
Assuming that we only have one US version (which I think has been confirmed), and the fact that verizon bloat gets installed on first boot with sim card activation, I want to say that the phones are the same. Maybe the only difference between the google phone and the verizon phone is the "oem unlock" toggle will not work on the verizon phones. Or maybe they will have different bootloaders. Then there would be multiple firmware images, one for verizon, one unlocked. If you could get root, then you could possibly get an ota for an unlocked phone and install it, thus replacing the verizon bootloader (if it is in fact different). I am growing more and more skeptical that there is any difference at all between the verizon and google phones. I wonder if this is all going to fizzle out in a week when everyone gets their phones.
I have 1 on preorder from google and an upgrade preorder from Verizon right now. I'm torn on which one to go with because I will save a good bit of money by going through Verizon. All I really want to do is root, so I "might" be worried for no reason. Time will tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this phone is truly carrier unlocked, if you paid for it outright at Best Buy or where ever you decided to get it and took it to another carrier, how would future updates work? Maybe the Google store phones IMEI's are all stored as the unlocked bootloader batch and get updates from set A, while all other IMEI's get updates from set B to maintain the unlockable bootloader. If I'm on AT&T, with a phone purchased from any store other than Google, what's to keep that phone from getting the same Google update as the ones bought from the Play Store? I'm sure hoping there will be a way to flash the stock Google image over the top of the VZW phones, that would be ideal.

Jank4AU said:
If this phone is truly carrier unlocked, if you paid for it outright at Best Buy or where ever you decided to get it and took it to another carrier, how would future updates work? Maybe the Google store phones IMEI's are all stored as the unlocked bootloader batch and get updates from set A, while all other IMEI's get updates from set B to maintain the unlockable bootloader. If I'm on AT&T, with a phone purchased from any store other than Google, what's to keep that phone from getting the same Google update as the ones bought from the Play Store? I'm sure hoping there will be a way to flash the stock Google image over the top of the VZW phones, that would be ideal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. If 2 separate firmware images are in circulation, Google has to give you the ability to get updates after you leave Verizon (I hope...). The more I think about it, the more I believe that there isn't going to be any difference. Fingers crossed that evleaks and every android blog site blew this way out of proportion.
Nexus 6 was sold by Verizon and was identical to the google play store phone. Bootloader could be unlocked and any factory image could be flashed on it.

The Nexus 6 was basically this way. Verizon kept their hands off it except for the branding on the back of the phone body. If they treat the pixels the same as the Nexus 6, there is little to no reason to buy straight from Google if you want to buy from Verizon.
The only difference for me is that i would have been able to spread out payment on my bill if I went through Verizon. Buying through Google meant that I had to pay for it up front.
For me, avoiding the possibility of an non unlockable bootloader was worth paying up front for.

Just want Kinda Blue Pixel 2. Do I have to care if it's on Verizon? (not using in US)

First of all, I don't live in the US. I have a friend there who can order one and ship it to me.
The Kinda Blue Pixel 2 looks nice and I wonder if I can just order it despite being limited to Verizon option? I don't root my phone so the bootloader locking isn't really an issue for me. I have read some threads saying that it's not carrier-locked. Can someone please clarify if I can just order it and ignore all the Verizon things? Will I need to register the SIM card that is included (can I just throw it away)? With whom do I need to contact if I were to send it back for replacement later? (Google or Verizon)
Any additional info is appreciated, thanks.

You can buy the kinda blue and put your own sim in. It is not carrier locked. You will have all the Verizon bloatware on it which you can disable. But it'll work. I almost did it too, but decided to go with Google black one in case I wanted to flash it although likely hood is very low.

docmalc said:
You can buy the kinda blue and put your own sim in. It is not carrier locked. You will have all the Verizon bloatware on it which you can disable. But it'll work. I almost did it too, but decided to go with Google black one in case I wanted to flash it although likely hood is very low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can't unlock the bootloader for the Verizon version. The Pixel was that way. You had to use a hack to do it. There may be some delay as the original tool may not work this time around.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
I believe you can't unlock the bootloader for the Verizon version. The Pixel was that way. You had to use a hack to do it. There may be some delay as the original tool may not work this time around.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've seen in confirmed somewhere that you cannot unlock the bootloader on the Verizon Pixel 2 (just like with the Pixel 1). Also, I think you will be dependent on Verizon for software updates (although with the Pixel 1, I think they have just stuck to Google's schedule). I don't think it's worth it for just a color.
My understanding for the bloatware, however, is that it's on all of the Pixels (that's, I believe, how it worked with the Pixel 1). It just doesn't show up unless you put a Verizon SIM in the phone.

So from what I have read online, Verizon phones will have the bootloader locked. The bloatware will come pre-installed on "Verizon" branded phones. The unlocked phones will get Verizon crap if a Verizon sim is installed. I believe about 4 programs will be pushed down. However, it could be uninstalled vs just being disabled. As for the software updates, Google will release updates to both versions of the phone. Verizon will not be able to touch the software and will have to release it immediately to "Verizon" branded Pixels.

Carrier Unlocked vs. Verizon model?

When I purchased my Nexus 6P several years ago, I just swapped my Verizon SIM out of my Note 4 and went on my merry way. My Dad asked for a phone recommendation and I recommended the Pixel 2, thinking it would work the same way. Now I discover there's a carrier-unlocked version and a Verizon version. I don't want the Verizon bloatware on his phone and would rather not have to begin by deleting a bunch of apps (if Verizon will actually allow me to uninstall any apps [they love to install bloatware as system apps])as I'm the first step in his tech support hierarchy. I doubt I'll root his phone but I definitely don't want to have a locked bootloader which seems to be the Verizon standard.
If I get him the carrier-unlocked version and put his Verizon SIM card in, will it work on Evil Red's, I mean Big Red's network? I couldn't find any radio differentiation on Google's tech specs page.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.

Narsil007 said:
When I purchased my Nexus 6P several years ago, I just swapped my Verizon SIM out of my Note 4 and went on my merry way. My Dad asked for a phone recommendation and I recommended the Pixel 2, thinking it would work the same way. Now I discover there's a carrier-unlocked version and a Verizon version. I don't want the Verizon bloatware on his phone and would rather not have to begin by deleting a bunch of apps (if Verizon will actually allow me to uninstall any apps [they love to install bloatware as system apps])as I'm the first step in his tech support hierarchy. I doubt I'll root his phone but I definitely don't want to have a locked bootloader which seems to be the Verizon standard.
If I get him the carrier-unlocked version and put his Verizon SIM card in, will it work on Evil Red's, I mean Big Red's network? I couldn't find any radio differentiation on Google's tech specs page.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work they are all the same. Just don't put the sim in until after the setup process. From my understanding if you get the one from Verizon it will not install Verizon apps if you setup the phone without a sim in it. However you couldn't unlock the bootloader(there's a hack for it I believe).

Verizon installs the MyVerizon and go90 apps from the play store after setup if you have a vzw sim in it which can both be uninstalled. (Google store version does this too)
Only difference in versions is the verizon branded model comes with a sim in it and oem unlock is greyed out

Thank you! I've ordered the Carrier-Unlocked model from the Play Store for him and will set it up for him when it arrives.

I like the blue version, but it seems that Verizon model has it and not the carrier unlocked version. So the question is, if I will pick Verizon from google store, will the unit come carrier unlocked or it will be locked to Verizon?

Charkatak said:
I like the blue version, but it seems that Verizon model has it and not the carrier unlocked version. So the question is, if I will pick Verizon from google store, will the unit come carrier unlocked or it will be locked to Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's carrier unlocked they all are. The only thing you can't unlock is the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
It's carrier unlocked they all are. The only thing you can't unlock is the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that isn't an issue for me. All I need the phone to be sim unlocked. I have heard that original pixel phone which was purchased form Verizon had also bootloader locked. What some users did, was that when they bought the phone new, removed Verizon sim, then turned of phone without the sim card and went through the set up. After that they were able to toggle OEM unlock. I don't know if it is the same for Pixel 2 phones.

Charkatak said:
Oh, that isn't an issue for me. All I need the phone to be sim unlocked. I have heard that original pixel phone which was purchased form Verizon had also bootloader locked. What some users did, was that when they bought the phone new, removed Verizon sim, then turned of phone without the sim card and went through the set up. After that they were able to toggle OEM unlock. I don't know if it is the same for Pixel 2 phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From this point around it Sims that was fixed. You won't get the apps but the bootloader stays unlockable.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Unlocked S8+ on AT&T?

Hello all,
A friend of mine is on AT&T and thinking of getting an US unlocked S8+ to use. He asked me what he might miss out on by not getting the AT&T version. I'm thinking VOLTE, maybe wifi calling. Idk. Can anyone enlighten us?
Thanks.
-evilhunter101
P.S. I swear this is really for a friend, I'm using a Verizon S8+ on Verizon :good:

I had bought an AT&T version of the S8 plus and unlocked it, then i switched the fw to the unlocked version and now i am able to use it on any carrier i want. The only problem is that i have to activate my service on one of my older phone that used the carrier i wanted.
Honestly, won't be missing out on much

alspaugh.william said:
I had bought an AT&T version of the S8 plus and unlocked it, then i switched the fw to the unlocked version and now i am able to use it on any carrier i want. The only problem is that i have to activate my service on one of my older phone that used the carrier i wanted.
Honestly, won't be missing out on much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically nothing missing. That's good to hear. He's already on AT&T but I don't know the sim card size of his current phone. We'll deal with that when we get there.
Thanks, appreciate the information.

I think you're right about WiFi calling unless there is some other way to add it. I'm looking for a solution for that. I just switched my AT&T S8+ to an unlocked ROM and that is the thing I miss the most. Not sure about volte.

Seriously what is the advantage of T-mobile vs Unlocked?

I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?

I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it

kangi26 said:
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 "Kinds" of Unlocked, you're referring to SIM unlocked, the other is the U1 devices sold by Samsung. Which I suspect what the OP is referring to

kangi26 said:
typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked onest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That used to be true, but not for the last couple of years. The unlocked US Note10+ (N975U1), for example, has gone through 18 software releases in the 12 months it's been out. Many of its updates came out within the first few days of the month, and included that month's Android security patch.
T-Mobile has been lagging for the past few months in its updates for both the N975U and the N975U1, but you can manually download and flash the latest unlocked software immediately.

Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.

From my experience, AT&T, the branded phones have the extras like wifi calling and VoLTE enabled and the unlocked ones don't. Some of the video call features are missing. I wouldn't have a problem with the bloatware but AT&T seems to force it back on and there is no way to remove it without root (which i don't do anymore). This has been my experience from Note 5 , 2 of the 7's ,note 8 and the note 9 I currently use, all have been unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

Unlock has free caller ID builtin, Tmobile you have to pay for it. Unlock has no Tmobile branding or bloatware. Unlock version is easier to bypass tmobile hotspot apn, and usage limits
T-Mobile version has video calling on the phone app, unlock use to, but not anymore. There might be a few more things but I can't remember right now.
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

I'm on sprint/tmo but I got the unlocked for the first time because I paid outright for the phone this time

*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks [its] cellular [radios] to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on [its] network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings

*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simply isn't true with the Samsung phones. I have had both and there definitely is no difference in connectivity in either data or calls between unlocked and carrier version.
Sent from my SM-G986U1 using Tapatalk

agree - that was a bunch of talk on this forum last year when the note 10+ was shipping . lots of cats on here were trying to say this and it was just not true. i had 3 unlocked phones on tmo and service was consistent.

Gary02468 said:
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's referring to carrier aggregation. I don't know if it's a thing licked phones have that unlocked don't. I always go unlocked (so the phone feels like it's mine, lol) and can't say I've noticed a difference.

d_ganggreen said:
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.

Does anyone know if the stock firmware can be flashed on any device if it's factory unlocked? I think the answer is yes, but just want to make sure before I purchase one used. I know your can flash the carrier firmware so I assume you can do the reverse.

ccommcomm said:
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.

Compusmurf said:
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U and U1 have the same radios in them, they are made specifically for the USA market. Depending on what carrier sim card you insert those bands for said USA carrier will be made available for the user. No need to expand bands. The technical specifications of the U1 and U models are listed on samsung USA website for cross referencing.

Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..

T-Mo non-unlocked Samsung phones (maybe just the Note 20 Ultra though since I haven't been with Samsung since the Note 3 lol) have a bunch of issues. They're about one month behind on updates when compared to all of the other companies. Additionally, I saw someone mention that they have better mobile data quality. That is also true... I found that out once I manually switched to the Android 11 beta as my 5G speeds went from a constant 130mb/s down to 0.5 - 2mb/s without the firmware being specifically from T-Mo. In my settings, all of the mobile connection stuff is exactly the same as it was before...
Also, I don't have voicemail support. Yet another T-Mo problem (but you can easily add Samsung as a possible cause of that problem too)... Had to switch back to the Google Phone app just so that I could get old-school style voicemail (where you have to call your own phone number to get in).
---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
dj24 said:
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hasn't worked for me either. It's starting to seem like Samsung pushed some of their development onto the phone carriers now lol.
Hey Samsung, why not just leave Android alone when you get it from Google so you don't have to cause so many problems with your own, customized (ad filled, feature removing) version moving forward? Heck, I've already had some problems with a bunch of your apps and have gotten zero help or answers from you guys. That's the reason I've switched back to a bunch of Google apps, however, half of those didn't even work on this phone!!! But I messaged Google about these problems as well, and you know what? They fixed ALL OF THEM within two weeks.
I'll definitely be buying from a different manufacturer moving forward. Even more so since there's rumours spreading around online right now that the Note 20 was the last Note phone to be released since the upcoming S21 is going to have stylus support...

The difference between unlocked and t-mobile is that unlocked gets its updates directly from Samsung and is not branded.
While t-mobile version is branded and you receive the updates from t-mobile and not from Samsung. So delay or longer waiting time on updates would happen and maybe even won't get few of the updates.
Since t-mobile has to release them, which take longer time.
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