Should i purchase the USA Variant? - Sony Xperia XZ Premium Questions & Answers

Found a good price on a site but it's the US Variant of the device. Will i be able to flash a firmware that supports the bands of us and enable fingerprint scanner without loosing the precious drm keys?
thread that stated you will not lose anything i suppose?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xz-premium/help/flashing-xperia-xzp-t3642049
You will make my faith on purchasing this phone if i can do this without loosing drm and safely flash the phone.

As long as it is cheaper than the version you can get from the UK then go ahead. You will not lose the DRM keys when you flash. I got mine from the UK just so I would not have to flash and everything works great on AT&T. Also, I saved mucho $$$$$ by buying from the UK (without VAT) instead of from the US.

I had the same experience as jaseman above. I live in Florida and bought the UK version (no VAT), works fine on AT&T. My pre-order (about two weeks before shipping) included a nice freebie of a Sony Bluetooth speaker. Can't imagine using now any phone without power-button fingerprint reader.

jaseman said:
As long as it is cheaper than the version you can get from the UK then go ahead. You will not lose the DRM keys when you flash. I got mine from the UK just so I would not have to flash and everything works great on AT&T. Also, I saved mucho $$$$$ by buying from the UK (without VAT) instead of from the US.
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JamesMiami said:
I had the same experience as jaseman above. I live in Florida and bought the UK version (no VAT), works fine on AT&T. My pre-order (about two weeks before shipping) included a nice freebie of a Sony Bluetooth speaker. Can't imagine using now any phone without power-button fingerprint reader.
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That is the question i had. There is a good deal here where i live and im going for it. USA Version but wanted to make sure 100% it can be flashed without loosing drm keys for nice photos and features thanks you saved me a lot of money atm.
Was going to get a UK version or any international from Amazon as well. but i found a good deal on CL. Meeting up the person making sure the person is really has a functioning xperia premium and also that i won't get fudge over. Will test the phone on sight and see if the imei is good and everything before i make this purchase.

CKkio23 said:
That is the question i had. There is a good deal here where i live and im going for it. USA Version but wanted to make sure 100% it can be flashed without loosing drm keys for nice photos and features thanks you saved me a lot of money atm.
Was going to get a UK version or any international from Amazon as well. but i found a good deal on CL. Meeting up the person making sure the person is really has a functioning xperia premium and also that i won't get fudge over. Will test the phone on sight and see if the imei is good and everything before i make this purchase.
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Check Swappa - see some good xzp deals there too. CL ensure everything is alright before you finish the deal

Related

[Q] Where to buy in UK?

Where did many of you buy your O3D from in the UK?
Looking on network sites I could only find 3, Tmobile and Orange offering the phone so far and all 3 of them on their websites say "coming soon".
I got mine from Handtec,they are UK based.
Got mine from earphone warehouse , should be available through orange direct in the next 2 weeks
I got mine from Carphone Warehouse aswell.
Try popping into the stores of the various networks rather than checking the websites. You might find the stores have it in stock even if the websites don't.
Tesco Mobile are also doing it too I believe.
I got my from http://www.mobiles.co.uk
they've good deals, usually better than carphone
Got mine from the link below free phone £25.54 a month with 600 mins and 500 texts and unlimited internet and you get £10 cash back also, this is the best deal I have seen, also looked at mobiles.co.uk but they wanted £99 for the phone on the same sort of deal.
www.buymobilephones.net/mobile-phon...e/T-Mobile-25-(24mths)-inc.-Internet/10035998
I also had a issue with my phone after trying lcd density on it played up after a few days and wouldn't boot up , I sent it back to them and I had a replacement phone sent out the next day, great service, but if you after sim free not sure.
double post sorry, couldn't find how to delete
Jabbypants said:
Got mine from the link below free phone £25.54 a month with 600 mins and 500 texts and unlimited internet and you get £10 cash back also, this is the best deal I have seen, also looked at mobiles.co.uk but they wanted £99 for the phone on the same sort of deal.
I also had a issue with my phone after trying lcd density on it played up after a few days and wouldn't boot up , I sent it back to them and I had a replacement phone sent out the next day, great service, but if you after sim free not sure.
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Got same deal from these guys.
Have bought from them in the past too, never had any issues.
HTCtouchuk said:
Got same deal from these guys.
Have bought from them in the past too, never had any issues.
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I got from there also but chose the 18 month contract instead of 24 as I did not need that many minutes and it works out a lot cheaper in the end, even though I had to pay £29.99 up front.
Would have been cheaper still but I was in such a rush to order I forgot to check if they were on Quidco, which of course they are.
Thanks guys for the links, have to admit some great deals!
buymobilephones.net seems to have the best deal however mobiles.co.uk are slightly more expensive because the phone is apparently unlocked.
An unlock isn't an issue for me yet but what about after the contract? Would I be able to request from say tmobile an unlock? I heard they must give this to you by law once your contract expires?
And speaking of unlock, is there a software unlock out for this device yet? Would be very handy to get it on contract and then unlock it via software or something
My phone from buymobilephones.net was unlocked and the original I sent back was unlocked also and no branding on either, they don't lock phones there am sure others will say the same thing.
Just as a test for you I am on T-Moible and just put a O2 pay as you go sim in and it works fine.
The buymobilephones.net phones are not locked as far as I am aware. There is no T-Mobile stuff on the one I have.
Pete
Yes same with me phone is unlocked (tryed 3 sim), only mod i noticed was the homepage was set to t-mobile in the browser.
I purchased mine from http://www.gummobile.com/phones/LG_Optimus_3D_P920_Sim_Free.aspx
both carphone warehouse and phones 4 u have it here to buy...
dopeypopey123 said:
both carphone warehouse and phones 4 u have it here to buy...
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Both the more expensive option buymobilephones.net is still the best offer around.
I bought mine from Carphone warehouse yet there's no mention of T-Mobile branding anywhere on the box or on the phone's software. I might see if I can borrow an O2 sim card tonight just to try it out and see if it really is locked or not.

BestBuy / Sprint N5 comes with a locked SIM slot?

I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Sprint sim cards. Also Sprint brochure in box, and no pin-tray key in the box. In other words, the phone is packaged for Sprint specifically.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile (which is who I want to use) and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?
dozyaustin said:
I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Spring sim cards.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?
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Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
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it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying
jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
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Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.
I really hope that being simlocked to Sprint doesn't affect Android updates down the line. It shouldn't, because it's technically not a "Sprint variant" of the phone, but you never know.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dozyaustin said:
it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying
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dozyaustin said:
Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.
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Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.
That's pretty crappy. I'd return it.
No, Flashing the stock image will not remove the SIM lock. The SIM lock is stored in a different place.
jj14 said:
Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.
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As he stated in the OP, he bought the phone from Best Buy and got the info right from the box.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Update
Sprint Tech Support confirmed the phone is locked. The problem is that they COULD unlock it, but the phone needs to be activated first. To activate the phone, I have to add it to a plan (a 2 year contract). Without that, they cannot do anything with a "cold" phone. Thus far I got nowhere .. the plan is definitely to return it if they do not budge.
I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
freshlysqueezed said:
I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Well sure, I understand that with the subsidized phones, but I paid it up front - I paid the full $450 for a Nexus. I wanted an unlocked phone ... it's a bum deal.
I am trying to find out whether a friend of mine could activate it on his account, I get it unlocked, and then we re-activate his iPhone back ... not sure Sprint will go for it.
Ugh .. I just want a Nexus 5 you know? ... and this seemed like a fine way of getting it (My old Captivate died finally for good on Tuesday. and I do not really have $350 just siting around, so the $100 markup was my financing "cost" to get 18 month of payments (I have no interest financing through best buy; my other card has high interest .. it was not a bad financing plan). Ugh .. if only Sprint let me unlock it.
Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.
dozyaustin said:
Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.
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Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.
STXInnovation said:
Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.
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I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.
capathy21 said:
I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.
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That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!
STXInnovation said:
That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!
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Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.
capathy21 said:
Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.
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Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:
STXInnovation said:
Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:
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It seems like there was another link but this one also breaks it down.
http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-5-models-whats-different-between-two
I am using one right now with my AT&T sim and everything is working. The device even has an imei number which Sprint phones usually do not have(or at least didn't used to when I had Sprint). They only made one version of the device for North America and it is compatible with Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T.
That is very strange. The T-Mobile did not work. Makes me sad.
Sent from my LG-P659 using xda app-developers app
Weird, I just got 2 sprint N5's and they are both unlocked. Though I did get them from the Sprint store.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

How to keep unlimited data.

This worked for me. I upgraded to the HTC m8 on black Friday weekend 2014 through best buy. I hope it helps you. I used method #6
www.droid-life.com/2014/09/25/upgrade-verizon-keep-unlimited-data/
Darn! I used Method One and paid $500. Using Method Six would have required me to cut down my S3 MicroSIM to a NanoSIM. I thought I might have to that anyway so I bought a SIM cutter. Method Six would have saved me $500 but if caught I imagine I would definitely have lost my unlimited data.
I am starting to understand why the Japanese are going back to Flip Phones.
I've used method 6 in the past with no issues. I purchased through BB.
Sent from my HTC One M8
schneid said:
Darn! I used Method One and paid $500. Using Method Six would have required me to cut down my S3 MicroSIM to a NanoSIM. I thought I might have to that anyway so I bought a SIM cutter. Method Six would have saved me $500 but if caught I imagine I would definitely have lost my unlimited data.
I am starting to understand why the Japanese are going back to Flip Phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You live in Japan?
chowner said:
You live in Japan?
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No but I get it.
I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.
The Stig 04 said:
I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.
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And then can you S-Off it?
schneid said:
And then can you S-Off it?
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If something like the sunshine method is available yes. Verizon likes to play the difficult one and not allow their phones be unlocked via htcdev.
The Stig 04 said:
I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just used option 5 a couple months ago. Caveat: if you purchase a smart phone with the extra line, you have to keep a smartphone data plan on that line for 2 years or pay ETF. If you aren't going to be using that extra line, it's cheaper to just buy a new phone for full retail.
I bought my last two phones off of Swappa. Still rolling strong with Unlimited Data here.
Has anyone tried (lately) getting a device via BestBuy dot com, and doing the "keep current plan" option, to upgrade a device without losing Unlimited Data? I'm trying to help a friend update his device (to a Galaxy S5, currently available for $1), and I'm not seeing any place to keep current plan. I suspect they (at Verizon's behest) fixed the loophole, but I'm looking for confirmation.
Freedom First said:
Has anyone tried (lately) getting a device via BestBuy dot com, and doing the "keep current plan" option, to upgrade a device without losing Unlimited Data? I'm trying to help a friend update his device (to a Galaxy S5, currently available for $1), and I'm not seeing any place to keep current plan. I suspect they (at Verizon's behest) fixed the loophole, but I'm looking for confirmation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might see what happens for a few different devices. I bought my m8 that way and a few months later I bought my wife's 2013 Moto X and saw that the galaxy s4 mini (I think) didn't give the keep-your-existing-plan option while the Moto X and m8 still did.
I just got one from best buy and one from Amazon. I swapped the sim cards between the devices, activated online and still have unlimited on both lines so far.
Sent from my HTC6535LVW using XDA Free mobile app
I have no idea how they're still allowing this to happen, yet are closing other loopholes like having extra lines for dummy phones. It seems like it shouldn't even be a thing. Can't Verizon just get the info from best buy when someone buys a phone at subsidized rate and then make the change on their end? Likewise, when a phone gets returned Verizon would restore the previous plan.
It must not be that simple, because if so it would have been long resolved by now. I'm definitely not complaining as I still have unlimited and hope this loophole is still around next year but I guess I'm worried it won't be. It seems too obvious for them to fix.
Echo5Kilo said:
I bought my last two phones off of Swappa. Still rolling strong with Unlimited Data here.
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Ditto to Swappa, 2nd phone from there now and both good so far. New phone requires a NanoSim, old phone has MicroSim. The new phone came rooted with custom rom, and I didn't want to take it in to show the Verizon tech, so I got on Verizon Live Chat, they are mailing me a NanoSim. Also ordered a Nano to MicroSim adapter off Amazon so I can switch between phones if I want.
And yes I know I could have cut my MicroSim down, but figured I'd be safe and wait 2 days for a new sim.

Where to purchase the S7 unlocked?

I'm looking to purchase the S7 at full price without any catch. I was looking into T-Mobile but need to purchase a plan with the phone and needs to be activated for 40 days for them to unlock it.
Apparently US Cellular has the lowest price currently; are they known to lock bootloaders? I use Cricket so I only need a phone that uses AT&T network if I can't sim unlock it.
Cricket has finally added a banner to their website for the S7. No details yet if they will have them on launch day or not, price should be the same as anywhere. https://www.cricketwireless.com/samsung-galaxy-s7.html
Andybaby said:
Cricket has finally added a banner to their website for the S7. No details yet if they will have them on launch day or not, price should be the same as anywhere
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Thanks but I was hoping to pre-order for the headset.
TehPirate_ said:
Thanks but I was hoping to pre-order for the headset.
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Click to collapse
you could try clove or handtec. ships from UK. I've done this for the xperia series before and they worked perfect on ATT. Clove has mention of samsung locking their phones since 2013 though. May want to read everything carefully and make sure you know what you're getting into. I really wanted to do this as well. I hate the ATT bloatware. ATT address book and yellow pages drive me insane!

Unlocked pixel 3 at bestbuy same as from google? For use on ATT.

Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
bobby janow said:
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can live with the waiting if need be. (although it would be nice to take pics of the kids with something alot less beat than my s7)
But out of curiosity, any particular reason you feel this way?
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon deal for $499.99 is only if activated on Sprint. They sell an "activate later" phone that should be unbranded since it is not available on an installment plan, but that is $599.99. The one with in-store AT&T activation may or may not be branded and is $549.99 Notice the "starting at" $499.99 disclaimer on the main phone page. Either way, if branding (or lack of) is important to you I would want to see it come out of the box in person. Also keep in mind that none of these are definitely the same as the Google version with unlockable bootlader. They might be, but only way to find out for sure is to try unlocking or to at least see the imei number to get an idea.
https://www.bestbuy.com/wireless/tr...aseType=FULL_SRP&numberOfPayments=1#/carriers
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google...e-unlocked-just-black/6319226.p?skuId=6319226
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
jcar302 said:
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
bobby janow said:
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the advice, i ordered through google this morning.
Says delivery 14-15th so that's not too bad.
I'm also not feeling real guilty about $500. Phones have gotten so expensive, but the reality is that i only go on the internet, make phone calls and use apps that control other devices. Not really some kind of power user and i'd bet any phone feels good coming from a 3+ year old s7.
Just didn't want something $1000+
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
jakdillard said:
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
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That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
bobby janow said:
That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
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Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
jakdillard said:
Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
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That's good information for us, thanks. I'd not seen that posted here before, at least not in the entirety like you just did.

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