Related
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.
I can get the Verizon Pixel for a good deal. But I have some questions. Does the Verizon version allow side loading of updates? Also how much bloatware is on this version, and is there a ugly looking Verizon LOGO on the back of the phone? And if I wanted to put a T-Mobile sim in it, would it work? Also what about updates, does Verizon handle this or is it Google?
Thanks
falcon26 said:
I can get the Verizon Pixel for a good deal. But I have some questions. Does the Verizon version allow side loading of updates? Also how much bloatware is on this version, and is there a ugly looking Verizon LOGO on the back of the phone? And if I wanted to put a T-Mobile sim in it, would it work? Also what about updates, does Verizon handle this or is it Google?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the phone hasn't been updated to 7.1.1 you can us depixel8 to unlock the bootloader which will allow you to sideload the updates. There are no Verizon markings on the phone anywhere. When you put a Verizon sim in the phone will download 3 Verizon apps that are user removable, no other Verizon bloat. For updates, they're pushed at the same time regardless of if it's a Google store or Verizon store phone. My gf's Verizon phone receives them about a week after I do but others have stated that they come in at the same time. So as long as it hasn't been updated yet, you're good to go on all your questions. Only one I can't answer is the T-Mobile sim question but I'm pretty sure I've seen comments through the forums of people using them on T-Mobile.
falcon26 said:
I can get the Verizon Pixel for a good deal. But I have some questions. Does the Verizon version allow side loading of updates? Also how much bloatware is on this version, and is there a ugly looking Verizon LOGO on the back of the phone? And if I wanted to put a T-Mobile sim in it, would it work? Also what about updates, does Verizon handle this or is it Google?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no Verizon markings on the phone, I didn't know that I couldn't update and still root and updated to 7.1.1. I went over a friend's house though and put in her T-Mobile sim and it seemed to work and let me make a call so I think the Verizon pixel is the same but after the update is just bootloader locked.
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
I haven't purchased a new phone since before 802.11ax came out. It's been... a long time, to say the least.
I'm reading mixed signals. Can I unlock, root, and do whatever anyone else can do with this hardware - or will they strangle my balls still?
I'm on Verizon too, but purchased the unlocked version. The Verizon bootloaders have driven me nuts in the past...
Fully unlocked amas in carrier unlocked. Only way you can unlock the bootloader of a pixel 7 device in the USA is if you bought an u locked variant directly from Google. You can't unlock any Android device bought from Verizon.
Usually it means you can't unlock the bootloader but that's only after the first firmware update.
So if you don't update it and wait then it should work. That's how it went with the vzw variant of the pixel XL anyways... I bought 2 of them because like a dupe I let it update without even thinking.
Then I got another and before anything I unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp, got root and then put my sim card in and I manually installed Google's updates and everything was fine.
Dunno if that changed or not...but it will ship with the ability to unlock it, or should because it's flashed with the stock Google firmware
The above post only applies to the original Pixel 1.
When Verizon says "unlocked" they mean carrier unlocked.
You can only get a bootloader unlocked if you buy direct from Google and buy the Google version of the phone, not the Verizon one they list.
What @jdoe6783 and @TonikJDK said. When all United States carriers volunteer information about "unlocking", they only mean carrier unlocking - i.e. you can then use your Verizon Pixel 7 Pro on a different carrier.
As I say in Post 2 in my thread:
roirraW edor ehT said:
Verizon variants:
Will never be able to have their bootloader unlocked. It's like winning the lottery, and just as rare and relatively random. There is nothing that anyone on XDA can do to help you unlock your Verizon variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
The trade-in value is pretty solid. I don't value it at $700 like they say as it's really just $19/mo off my bill for 3 years. It's not clear to me what happens if I upgrade my device or decide to cancel service in that time... they just stop providing the discount?
I never felt the need to root my last phone. I did it for a while, and many of my necessary apps detected this and stopped working. I've gathered that this is something the community has addressed now, but it still speaks to the time/benefit of going through the process to root and try out different things that rooting enables. I have less time to research and try out various options than I once did. My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
mmWave sounds cool, but I'm not convinced it'll have a meaningful impact on my usage. Perhaps when I'm in a large city and there's congestion on the other bands... This is a very minor point.
shiftr182 said:
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed...
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
If anything, @SethW, if it is truly important to you to do all the additional "fun" stuff like root, tether, custom ROMs, and all the other stuff (like it is to many/most of us on this forum)...you should still be in the return period. You might want to try the route of returning it and purchasing the Google unlocked variant to be certain you can unlock the bootloader -- and therefore root and other things.
EDIT
@SethW's reply just popped up while I was replying and just got in right before my post, so I wanted to address it...
SethW said:
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
....My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's okay to be on Verizon. I've been with them for decades and okay with them. It's good that you tried out a bunch and have your reasons to use them. By all means, you can/should use the P7P with them.
But to address your other concerns about the Verizon bloatware -- I'm fairly certain if you purchased the carrier specific Verizon variant, it will have its bloatware and you will not be able to remove it. There might be tricks to hide & help ignore it, but [usually] you aren't going to be able to remove it (at least without root, which you will not be able to do since Verizon bootlocks their devices; also, if it were rootable, you would have an unlocked variant and would not have bloatware in the first place ) [fun fact: in the earliest days of Android smartphones, the whole reason to root one's phone was to get rid of said bloatware; now, one has to purchase directly from Google and get their variant to even get a chance to root outside of carrier control]. Now I've never purchased a carrier variant from Google nor have I met anyone who has, so it might be different since you purchased it from Google store and not Verizon store, but I can't imagine Verizon wouldn't hold Google to their restrictions even if it's from Google's store -- I mean, what's the difference/purpose selling a carrier variant without any of said carrier's restrictions when Google could just sell Google's unlocked variant and just load it on the carrier's network?
TL;DR If it's a carrier (Verizon) variant, it most likely will have the carrier's bloatware; and you cannot remove it; even if the OS is as customizable as Android.
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
SethW said:
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind, it's not just Verizon. All U.S. carriers, when they say unlocked, they only mean carrier unlocked. It's not just something Verizon came up with. As far as they're concerned, it will be fully unlocked.
SethW said:
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck with your return and re-purchase!
simplepinoi177 said:
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EtherealRemnant said:
Yep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, if you check the Amazon description, under "Wireless Carrier", it states "Unlocked", so it's a safe bet that it's actually unlocked like the Google variant and not the way carrier's state "unlocked" like it's not "contractually bound" or "locked" to the carrier....
If you have the Verizon model, you can disable some of the VZW bloatware with ADB, but not all of it. If you disable some of the VZW specific packages, it won't boot and you will have to go through recovery. I was really annoyed when I found out that I couldn't unlock the bootloader on the VZW model of my Pixel 3XL. On my previous phone I had relied on particular mods to make my life easier (I'm unilaterally deaf).
I would certainly return it for the unlocked Google version while the window is open, just in case you ever need to unlock the bootloader.
Refused delivery and requested FedEx return it to sender - as instructed by Google Support. In spite of this, FedEx tried to delivery every day for the past week. They're finally sending it back to Google. I suspect they'll refund it soon. I'm really annoyed that I'm apparently going to miss out on the $200 google store promotion. I was looking forward to trying out the pro earbuds for free.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's working perfectly fine with my device....it also worked with my Pixel 5 (also unlocked variant from Google Store)....