Where to buy my S8? - General Questions and Answers

OK, I lived thru the Note 7 fiasco. In the end it actually did some good things for me. I finally ditched ATT and my micro-cell completely and went with prepaid Straight Talk combined with Google Voice/Hangouts on my old Note 3 temporarily until the S8s arrive. I've found out it works well for me. Carrier IP calling is not required. I love calling from my other devices.
The question for me now is where do I buy/pre-order the S8 (more likely an S8+) when it does become available? I do not want to use ATT because of a number of reasons. I've grown to hate them over the years. I always pay cash for my phones.
One of the main reasons I don't look closer at some of the other flagship phones is I really like Samsung Pay. The popularity of Android Pay POS machines is just not there nor is it growing much. That also prevents me from rooting etc. something I've done a lot in the past, but if I don't have the bloatware it will be less painful.
Do I look at an international version? Where to buy?
Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?

Phredeee said:
OK, I lived thru the Note 7 fiasco. In the end it actually did some good things for me. I finally ditched ATT and my micro-cell completely and went with prepaid Straight Talk combined with Google Voice/Hangouts on my old Note 3 temporarily until the S8s arrive. I've found out it works well for me. Carrier IP calling is not required. I love calling from my other devices.
The question for me now is where do I buy/pre-order the S8 (more likely an S8+) when it does become available? I do not want to use ATT because of a number of reasons. I've grown to hate them over the years. I always pay cash for my phones.
One of the main reasons I don't look closer at some of the other flagship phones is I really like Samsung Pay. The popularity of Android Pay POS machines is just not there nor is it growing much. That also prevents me from rooting etc. something I've done a lot in the past, but if I don't have the bloatware it will be less painful.
Do I look at an international version? Where to buy?
Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?
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Any S8 that comes with an unlocked bootloader or a bootloader that can be unlocked. International variants are typically unlocked or can be unlocked.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
Any S8 that comes with an unlocked bootloader or a bootloader that can be unlocked. International variants are typically unlocked or can be unlocked.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
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Exactly the idea. But where?

Phredeee said:
Exactly the idea. But where?
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What do you mean where? It's not hard to find where they are/would be available. Try ordering from Samsung directly, the price will be cheaper.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
What do you mean where? It's not hard to find where they are/would be available. Try ordering from Samsung directly, the price will be cheaper.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
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Samsung does not sell unbranded phones directly. Best Buy was supposed to be selling factory unlocked phones but has pulled their pre-order ad. Name one place, besides EBAY, that someone can pre-order or purchase
(when available, May9) a fully unlocked S8.

Phredeee said:
Samsung does not sell unbranded phones directly. Best Buy was supposed to be selling factory unlocked phones but has pulled their pre-order ad. Name one place, besides EBAY, that someone can pre-order or purchase
(when available, May9) a fully unlocked S8.
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Click to collapse
So the people I've helped that bought their devices straight from Samsung to avoid all the carrier branded bloatware were just my imagination, right?
Yes, they do, in fact, offer non branded phones directly, or at least they did.
They may not offer factory unlocked devices, but they offer unbranded international models that can easily be unlocked.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, I DO NOT TAKE REQUESTS IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE

Droidriven said:
So the people I've helped that bought their devices straight from Samsung to avoid all the carrier branded bloatware were just my imagination, right?
Yes, they do, in fact, offer non branded phones directly, or at least they did.
They may not offer factory unlocked devices, but they offer unbranded international models that can easily be unlocked.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, I DO NOT TAKE REQUESTS IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
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Click to collapse
Maybe I'm just not finding it. I have searched their website high and low. Everything appears to be tied to a carrier. I would sure like to find it.

Phredeee said:
Maybe I'm just not finding it. I have searched their website high and low. Everything appears to be tied to a carrier. I would sure like to find it.
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Samsung itself might not be offering it yet but I did find these with a simple google search for unlocked international phones direct.
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...-unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-pricing-release-date
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Factory-Unlocked-Smart/dp/B06XXRX8NW
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, I DO NOT TAKE REQUESTS IN PERSONAL MESSAGE, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE

Related

Locked Bootloader

Do we know, or have we heard if the Sprint variant will have a locked bootloader?
tenorband said:
Do we know, or have we heard if the Sprint variant will have a locked bootloader?
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Click to collapse
That's the million dollar question right now. :fingers-crossed:
FYI ... Questions belong in the (Questions & Answers) section.
Good question. My guess is yes. Only because it is Samsung
My guess is yuuuuup even Samsung decided to switch from an exynos to a snapdragon processor for Canadian users.
According to Samsung Customer Support...
bootloader will be locked if ordered directly through/from Sprint
bootloader will be UNlocked if purchased from online store or brick and mortar store (Samsung Customer Support Agent specifically mentioned Best Buy)
lennykravitz2004 said:
According to Samsung Customer Support...
bootloader will be locked if ordered directly through/from Sprint
bootloader will be UNlocked if purchased from online store or brick and mortar store (Samsung Customer Support Agent specifically mentioned Best Buy)
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Click to collapse
If that is true i will be taking mine back and getting one from best buy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using XDA-Developers mobile app
brownchm said:
If that is true i will be taking mine back and getting one from best buy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using XDA-Developers mobile app
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Screenshot of chat with Samsung CS yesterday
ETA: me too. and it looks like the only way to cancel an order with Sprint is to simply not sign for it when delivered, although I'm going to call later this morning and see if that gets me anywhere.
Called to cancel order through Sprint, and basically got nowhere. Have to wait for it to show up from UPS, then take to my local Sprint store for return/refund. Going to Best Buy and purchase there with new 2 year agreement. $500 difference in price. Freebie of the sd card or Fit watch isn't as important now since price would be substantially less. If available still, I'll stick with getting the Fit like I planned.
If you're thinking about doing the same thing, Sprint rep told me to NOT OPEN THE BOX when delivered from UPS as that will require a $35 restocking fee. Just sign for it, then take it to the Sprint store by my house and the store will be able to do refund right then and there. We'll see...
International variants appear to have root capability (i.e. unlocked bootloader) already, just looking around on the web. Hopefully Sprint retail versions will be just as easy.
lennykravitz2004 said:
According to Samsung Customer Support...
bootloader will be locked if ordered directly through/from Sprint
bootloader will be UNlocked if purchased from online store or brick and mortar store (Samsung Customer Support Agent specifically mentioned Best Buy)
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I find this a little hard to believe (I usually take what reps say with a grain of salt)
Regardless of who's selling it, don't all Sprint phones originate from the same place? So they can get all their bloatware (and locked bootloader, if it is?) on there? Do the Sprint phones from Best Buy not have all of the bloatware?
I guess we'll know soon enough.
fgr said:
I find this a little hard to believe (I usually take what reps say with a grain of salt)
Regardless of who's selling it, don't all Sprint phones originate from the same place? So they can get all their bloatware (and locked bootloader, if it is?) on there? Do the Sprint phones from Best Buy not have all of the bloatware?
I guess we'll know soon enough.
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And after looking at the Best Buy page for the N7, the "unlocked" spec is labeled as "No". Maybe Samsung makes more money if sold from retailers as opposed to carriers??? I have no idea. Another reason why I'm cancelling my order, regardless at this point. Or maybe sit on it and see if anything develops once they start getting in dev's hands for a week. After waiting 4 years for an upgrade, what's another few weeks to wait and see what's really happening. Seems Samsung and/or Sprint is moving to locking down the phones for good now, or as much as possible.
lennykravitz2004 said:
After waiting 4 years for an upgrade, what's another few weeks to wait and see what's really happening.
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My guess is by Thursday or Friday night at the latest, we will know everything about what's locked and what's not.
Probably have the first reports of a brick from someone trying to root also... lol
I find it hard to believe that a best buy sprint n7 would be any different than one directly from sprint. I would imagine they are all shipped from the same place with the same setups.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Do know why you posted this here this is not DEVELOPMENT. More than likely it will have a locked boot loader get over it
Sent from my SM-N920P using XDA-Developers mobile app
jbadboy2007 said:
Do know why you posted this here this is not DEVELOPMENT. More than likely it will have a locked boot loader get over it
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Respectful posts please. Also, finding out and working towards root methods and unlocking bootloaders are at the core of Development. Thank you, and appreciate your comments which add nothing to the discussion.
Honestly as long as we get a viable root and unroot method i will be happy. I can live without having custom roms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using XDA-Developers mobile app
I think that is bs. I don't see the difference from a best buy Sprint Note 7 and one that is directly bought from Sprint. I'm almost certain that either one will be locked.
Also the s7 edge got root but no working recovery. So at some point we might get the same.
On the other hand the exynos versions of the Note 7 have a wip root and recovery.
It will be locked. Don't get your hopes up. Not going to be any different than the s7.
Silly question I presume but does locked bootloader mean we could obtain root but no custom recovery?
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anahataray said:
Silly question I presume but does locked bootloader mean we could obtain root but no custom recovery?
Sent from my SM-N920P using XDA-Developers mobile app
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Click to collapse
The way the s7 got root was from a leaked engineer firmware so if the bootloader is locked than well have to wait for someone to get their hands on the engineer bootloader or find another way to get root
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Just like zune mentioned its going to be a wait for us to get something concrete as far as boot loaders but we might have root a little earlier at least you can use rooted apps IE titanium backup with a locked boot loader is a plus. although if your a flash junky like myself it would have been great to get an unlocked boot loader for recoveries backups and new roms but only time will tell there are some of the greatest Devs here on XDA so you never know...

Crack flasher with verizon

Anyone here just give in and get the pixel 3, knowing that the bl can't be unlocked?
I've always bought my phone's from Google, but Verizon's offering me a good deal on the 3 xl. I know it's locked, and it'll be the first phone I bought that I can't modify. But I'm debating giving in and just waiting for an exploit.
Anyone in the same boat?
noidea24 said:
Anyone here just give in and get the pixel 3, knowing that the bl can't be unlocked?
I've always bought my phone's from Google, but Verizon's offering me a good deal on the 3 xl. I know it's locked, and it'll be the first phone I bought that I can't modify. But I'm debating giving in and just waiting for an exploit.
Anyone in the same boat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be waiting quite a long while my friend. There are a bunch of people in your boat with the Verizon Pixel 2 much less the P3. Hope your a patient individual
noidea24 said:
Anyone here just give in and get the pixel 3, knowing that the bl can't be unlocked?
I've always bought my phone's from Google, but Verizon's offering me a good deal on the 3 xl. I know it's locked, and it'll be the first phone I bought that I can't modify. But I'm debating giving in and just waiting for an exploit.
Anyone in the same boat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not in the verizon boat, but wait for an exploit is too risky for me i rather buy a google phine,
I guess it depends on why you want the BL unlocked other than "just because." Many rooted users do nothing more than run AdAway (there are good non-root ad blockers), Titanium Backup and TWRP (the Google backup process has got much better over the years and even some flashaholics don't restore TB or nandroids). The Verizon version of the Pixel 3 is pretty much identical to the Google version since even the Verizon apps can be removed.
You can probably count me as one of the "just because" folks, but I did honestly think hard about buying a One Plus 6T on T-Mobile and not unlock root (at least initially) because of the rebate they were offering when it 1st came out. To me, the bigger issue was that it was only being offered on payment plan phones. You could pay it off but not immediately, and I assume the Verizon price is similar.

Question Purchased a Verizon variant through Google Store, paid in full... Fully unlocked in 60 days, or is this a trick?

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.
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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.
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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...
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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....
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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?
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Click to collapse
Yep
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
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Click to collapse
EtherealRemnant said:
Yep
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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.

Question Best Buy Model

Hey all,
I saw that Best Buy has the unlocked P7P model GA03453-US while the Google store version is GE2AE. Is there a difference between the models? I can't find the BB model on Google's or anyone else's site.
Just want to make sure it's had MMW 5G and that 5G will work on AT&T's site.
Would it also be worth buying an open box model in excellent condition and over $100 off?
Thanks!
I wish that they would stop doing these confusing model numbers at stores. The GA03453-US is actually the GE2AE, it's just how Best Buy and other retailers catalog the phone. I bought one on release day and can confirm it's the standard US unlocked GE2AE model and I'm using it with a Boost AT&T network SIM with no issues.
Google GA03453 US
Google GA03453 US
device.report
• Universal Unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Also compatible with prepaid carriers including Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, Google Fi, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, and H2O.
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
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Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it. So I'm thinking Google's offering the best deal with the trade in. I'm looking at getting the 256GB Obsidian.
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
Lastly, if either of you want to PM me a referral, I'd appreciate it.
Superguy said:
Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it.
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I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
But it is indeed easiest not to have to deal with the carriers and just buy the factory carrier unlocked model direct from Google, or Best Buy, or other places that offer them.
Superguy said:
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, good to know.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
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Click to collapse
Yes. That won't affect anything like that.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
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Click to collapse
Yep. We don't have C-band here but my Boost SIM is connected to 5G Nationwide and the phone supports mmWave and C-band.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
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They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
Superguy said:
They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
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Understandable. I had to Google what AT&T FAN is. I didn't know the abbreviation off the top of my head, but Google's search results were actually helpful. I used to use a work discount too with AT&T and before that, one with Verizon. The last four years, give or take, we've just been using AT&T Prepaid, and it's been cheaper than all our previous options and works great for our usage. Every once in a while I look at other options or carriers, but there's nothing enticing enough.

Question Sweet merciful Jesus is the Verizon bootloader still permalocked?

How has nobody found a solution to this? Surely it's a software thing. You'd have thought some badass member somewhere with enough of a chip on their shoulder against Verizon would have figured a way around this.
Too bad there isn't a bounty for it.
jdkzombie said:
How has nobody found a solution to this? Surely it's a software thing. You'd have thought some badass member somewhere with enough of a chip on their shoulder against Verizon would have figured a way around this.
Too bad there isn't a bounty for it.
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I doubt it is a simple or easy as it being simply a "software thing", and I completely believe it could/would never be done...but @wr3cckl3ss1 is on the case!
you can see a bit of how he's progressing HERE and HERE and HERE
It's unfortunate; this was actually the reason I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile lol. It appears the Verizon variant of the Pixel 6 remained locked all this time so I wouldn't bet on much different with the Pixel 7 :/ Hopefully somebody finds something for those with the VZW variant.
simplepinoi177 said:
I doubt it is a simple or easy as it being simply a "software thing", and I completely believe it could/would never be done...but @wr3cckl3ss1 is on the case!
you can see a bit of how he's progressing HERE and HERE and HERE
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Nice!
Surely it couldn't be a hardware lock!?
Does anyone know how to read and interpret a Magisk log? And can show or tell me what's missing
jdkzombie said:
Nice!
Surely it couldn't be a hardware lock!?
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The issue here is 2 java applets.....nothing hardware.
Too bad we didn't have a Verizon inside agent. Tell us wtf they do to lock it. Because isn't that against Googles Tos? It's sold as an unlock able device.
jdkzombie said:
Too bad we didn't have a Verizon inside agent. Tell us wtf they do to lock it. Because isn't that against Googles Tos? It's sold as an unlock able device.
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It's Verizon that demands it. But it's Google's own code that puts the lock in place...so they're both at fault.
wr3cckl3ss1 said:
It's Verizon that demands it. But it's Google's own code that puts the lock in place...so they're both at fault.
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Weird. Strange that this would still be a thing. Not like the device was cheap to purchase.
My question is why is Verizon so "gung-ho" about it? More than any other carrier (other carriers eventually allow to unlock the bootloader)? I could understand when they used to repair their own devices (so they didn't want the liability and the headaches of when customers messed with the devices); but that's the not the case anymore. Outside of their greedy archaic grasp on tethering and to load unremovable bloatware, I don't know what they have to fear of unlocked bootloaders & root access.
Who knows.
I'm willing to throw money towards a bounty that removes Verizons strangle hold on devices. I don't mind their service, and the signal is good where I live, but I like customization. And I'd love to try some new kernals to change up the CPU scheduler and power plans to stop the phone from bringing the 4 big cores online for casual use.
Just get the unlocked version and use with Verizon service. What's the upside with having the Verizon variant?
Because it's not that simple. You can't swappa sell a phone you're making any payments towards. And the phone is too new for trade in with another carrier of any type.
VZW variants have been locked since the OG Pixel days aside from that small window before taking an OTA you could unlock if it was on a certain version. Sadly I don't see this changing anytime soon and if you want to unlock BL and root get the unlocked version from the Google Store. There's really little incentive buying Pixels from Verizon now. With Pixel Pass and Google Store financing those are good options if you can't drop all the money up front.
Just buy the unlocked model. Some retailers have awesome trade in deals coming from the 6 series or iPhones. It works just as well on Verizon and avoids the 36 month committment.
I hate how Verizon shuts down the option for unlocking the bootloader and rooting, but it is easier to purchase a device from them because your payments will coincide with your regular monthly cell bill, you already pass the credit check when you open an account with them (no need to apply for one with Google Synchrony Financing), and I just went through with this with my wife's phone but unless you qualify enough to cover the Pixel (my wife qualified for the Pixel 7, not the P7P at the storage capacity we wanted), you're stuck paying all (up to $1400 [P7P 512GB w/ 2 year protection & tax]) up front -- where there's virtually no risk of this if you purchase through Verizon (they want to lock you in to years-long contract and you already passed the credit check)! So there's (some of) the benefits....
*but it's still more worth it beyond any of these "benefits" to get it from Google Store unlocked....
Lol. Here's a simple solution. Buy the unlocked version. Who changes carriers because of a bl lock? WTF?
At this point I think we all know that Verizon isn't going to unlock the Bootloader. if you want an unlocked bootloader, it is easier, and more guaranteed to just buy the unlocked version from Google vs trying to find vulnerabilities in the bootloader and having to worry about it being patched each month.
Not sure if this is still in effect, but many years ago, if you purchased an unlocked phone instead of the Verizon branded one, WiFi calling wouldn't work. I'm not sure if there was something missing from the phone that Verizon needed to make it happen, or if Verizon was just screwing over those who purchased unlocked versions.
andygold said:
Not sure if this is still in effect, but many years ago, if you purchased an unlocked phone instead of the Verizon branded one, WiFi calling wouldn't work. I'm not sure if there was something missing from the phone that Verizon needed to make it happen, or if Verizon was just screwing over those who purchased unlocked versions.
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it's working perfectly fine with my device....it also worked with my Pixel 5 (also unlocked variant from Google Store)....

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