So I got my phone yesterday and it did some updating while I was setting it up and noticed that the latest firmware it installed was NDE63X not V. I bought this from Google not Verizon paid all the money up front so it is fully mine. I have Verizon service, did they just hijack my phone? I have Googled a bit on it and can't find an answer. This worries me since I avoided buying from Verizon so they had no say on updates. I have not gotten any of the Verizon apps automatically added toy phone yet. Thanks for any answer.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If you have a Verizon SIM in the phone, it will get Verizon firmware images regardless of where you bought the phone.
I would recommend flashing the Google OTA's yourself when they release.
Don't worry. You got the verizon firmware because you have a verizon sim. The reverse is true for people who bought their phones from verizon and went to another carrier. Their phones updated to the US firmware automatically.
Verizon bootloaders cannot be unlocked. That is the only difference. Firmware versions are completely independent of this fact.
ahent said:
So I got my phone yesterday and it did some updating while I was setting it up and noticed that the latest firmware it installed was NDE63X not V. I bought this from Google not Verizon paid all the money up front so it is fully mine. I have Verizon service, did they just hijack my phone? I have Googled a bit on it and can't find an answer. This worries me since I avoided buying from Verizon so they had no say on updates. I have not gotten any of the Verizon apps automatically added toy phone yet. Thanks for any answer.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The software sees that you are using a Verizon sim and downloads the version that is optimized for Verizon networks.
Makes the radio work more efficiently with the bands Verizon uses and such things like that. Maybe downloads a set of unique Verizon apps you may want to use for your convenience. You can dismiss these apps or run some other firmware if you wish. It is not hijacking your phone and turning it into an evil, screwed up monster with a locked bootloader or rendering it unrootable.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Thanks, just the info I needed. If I switched carriers or traveled internationally and switched sim cards would this cause the phone issues?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
ahent said:
Thanks, just the info I needed. If I switched carriers or traveled internationally and switched sim cards would this cause the phone issues?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Thanks again, I love XDA.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
You may get slightly better performance overseas or on another carrier with different firmware due to the slight differences in the radio, but it will function the same otherwise.
Sent from my Pixel XL
If I have a Verizon version unlocked and take the Verizon firmware update is it possible for them to relock the bootloader? UPDATE - I looked on the forum and it seems like every agrees that it isn't possible for VZ to relock bootloader with firmware updates. Just want to confirm this is correct.
Related
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, no. Patience is your friend.
Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do get it from Verizon, unlock the bootloader immediately, and NEVER re-lock it. You can't really "de-verizon" it. Once you boot with a Verizon sim, the next update will push you to the Verizon version of the firmware, which is not a big deal, just different radios optimized to Verizons network. Any Verizon apps can be uninstalled.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Premium HD app
I was in the same boat as you. I went with the verizon version. Unlocked the bootloader, and popped my sim in. It downloaded the latest non verizion ota. I say go for it.
Project Fi had all variants in stock as of a few days ago. My XL is due next week from them. I'm already a Fi customer and expect to be for the foreseeable future, so their finance option at zero interest was an easy sell. You could probably start service and cancel it after you receive your phone if you have another carrier.
Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.
n3far1us said:
Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait you should still be able to unlock no matter what update they push correct? It is just radios not a new bootloader
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Hey guys,
Just have a quick question. Other than monetary reasons, is there any disadvantages to getting a pixel xl from a carrier (rogers in my case) vs from the Google store? I don't imagine there is, but I want to make sure before I make any moves!
Thanks in advance guys!
Michael
Does Rogers like to lock bootloaders like Verizon? If so then that would be a disadvantage but that's the only one. If not then no disadvantages.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If your Carrier has a super awesome way of dealing with warranty issues, that might be a reason to go with carrier.
I haven't had to warranty through Google yet but I've read some horror stories.
If you like to root or flash ROM's then buy from Google.
Last I knew(?), all carrier phones have/will have locked bootloaders.
I'm on Bell here in Canada too. Bell bootloader isn't locked...Don't think any of the carrier's is in Canada. Only real difference is Google will refer you to your carrier for warranty stuff if you get it from them. Otherwise not much difference, maybe easier to get one from a carrier if you want what they have in stock.
dragonsofcp said:
Does Rogers like to lock bootloaders like Verizon? If so then that would be a disadvantage but that's the only one. If not then no disadvantages.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogers had Sony disallow bootloader unlocks for the Xperia Z Ultra if that's anything to go by.
The only locked bootloaders in the world are Verizon and EE. It's stated on the google site. So as others have said, the only difference would be warranty service.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
This may be premature since the phones haven't shipped yet but when I go to order the phone on Google's website they give an option for a Verizon version with a sim card or an unlocked version. If both phones are the same except one has a locked bootloader then why bother to do this? Why not let Verizon sell their own variant with a locked bootloader? Are there any disadvantages or missing features when using the unlocked version on Verizon???
If both phones were the same and acted the same when on Verizon then I'd be royally pissed if I bought the Verizon pixel from Google's site only to find it had a locked bootloader. I'll bet that a lot of people will buy the Verizon version from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can still be unlocked because they bought it from Google and not at the Verizon store. I'm surprised more people aren't discussing this and warning others. In the past if you bought a gen. 1 pixel from the Google store it was guaranteed to be unlockable but now it doesn't seem to be the case and Verizon probably convinced Google to con purchasers into doing this since they get such a hard-on about locking bootloaders.
Now if the unlocked version doesn't work the same on the Verizon network (I.e. Volte does not work or signal strength isn't as good then I don't feel too bad about Google selling both variants directly from their store.
Thoughts??
I don't believe the Gen 1 Verizon pixel was ever intended to have an unlockable bootloader.
No it wasn't but there was no way to purchase a Verizon Gen 1 pixel from Google like there is for the Gen 2. If you wanted an unlocked bootloader you just bought the only pixel offered on the Google store. Now there is two options from the same store. I'm just worried that people will get the Verizon version from the Google store (not Verizon store) thinking that it's unlocked because they bought it from Google, not Verizon.
Do both phones (Verizon and unlocked versions) operate on the same bands with same features when activated on Verizon network?
The option for the version states that a SIM is included. My only guess is that they toss a SIM card in the box for you if you select Verizon.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
I was wondering the same thing, I plan on activating on Verizon when I receive my unlocked XL 2. But decided to buy the unlocked version just in case there was something stupid like a locked down bootloader or something weird.
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go in and reorder it, I switched from a Panda Verizon XL 2 128gb that was gonna get delivered Nov7-9th to just black 128gb xl 2 unlocked which said Oct 25th. The shipping dates havent really changed much.
sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me: no mention of Unlocked or Verizon on order acknowledgment...
If you are unsure, the advice to cancel and reorder is good, just with penalty of
later shipping.
I ordered mine while *slightly inebriated" last night. This morning I simply canceled my order and reordered it while 100% sober so that I knew 100% that I ordered an unlocked version and not the Verizon model. The order history didn't state unlocked or Verizon so I just wasn't sure... You can't be too sure of these types of things lol =)
Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
It would be the first time for me to order a google (pixel) phone.
Im am from Germany, will the pixel from "Deutsche Telekom" (T-Mobile) be different than the one straight from the google store? :/
@EDIT: Asked the Support from Telekom Deutschland and tehy told me, that there isnt a difference between the Telekom Device and the Google Store Device in relation to Bootloader, updates or bloatware.
Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?
mattd860 said:
Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
greencat2 said:
Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.
sabbotage said:
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this also apply if you order the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon directly?
This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.
mattd860 said:
This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get the Verizon version directly from them through my work for $350, that is why I was wondering.
Can someone who ordered the Verizon Pixel show a snippet of the confirmation page?
If VZW version is the same as the unlocked one, and Google is simply throwing in the SIM card, insert the VZW SIM card after turn on the phone and unlock the bootloader.
Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.
nomifm said:
Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well last year was the Pixel different when ordering directly from Verizon with updates?
The boot loader unlocked really is not necessary in my case because I would be happy just to be on stock Android with regular updates.
Hey fellas,
I literally just got my s8+ from Verizon. I am still within my period for about 12 more days to swap this out for a different phone.
Simple question is this: I know root is out for the s8+ but no bootloader hack yet. Does anybody think there is a better chance the pixel 2 will get the bootloader hacked before the s8+? (It's been out for a while now, I don't think it's going to happen to be honest)...
I don't think that the bootloader may get cracked on the Verizon Pixel 2/Xl. However, you will get updated for 3 yrs, that's enough for me to switch.
Hell-Razor said:
Hey fellas,
I literally just got my s8+ from Verizon. I am still within my period for about 12 more days to swap this out for a different phone.
Simple question is this: I know root is out for the s8+ but no bootloader hack yet. Does anybody think there is a better chance the pixel 2 will get the bootloader hacked before the s8+? (It's been out for a while now, I don't think it's going to happen to be honest)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not get lucky with an unlockable BL. Next question?
Sent from the UnderWorld via Pixel XL. [emoji12]
Scottay5150 said:
You will not get lucky with an unlockable BL. Next question?
Sent from the UnderWorld via Pixel XL. [emoji12]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This forum really needs to clean out the trolls.
Hell-Razor said:
This forum really needs to clean out the trolls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reality is, if you have a Verizon 2 XL chances of ever having a bootloader unlock exploit is near 0%.
If you have a Google 2 XL chances are 100%.
Hell-Razor said:
Hey fellas,
I literally just got my s8+ from Verizon. I am still within my period for about 12 more days to swap this out for a different phone.
Simple question is this: I know root is out for the s8+ but no bootloader hack yet. Does anybody think there is a better chance the pixel 2 will get the bootloader hacked before the s8+? (It's been out for a while now, I don't think it's going to happen to be honest)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter it's a Verizon phone either way the bootloader is locked like fort Knox. I ordered the Google branded unlocked version for this reason alone.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Andebad said:
It doesn't matter it's a Verizon phone either way the bootloader is locked like fort Knox. I ordered the Google branded unlocked version for this reason alone.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may just stick with my s8+. It is a decent phone and there is a working root so far. I would like to compile android though (to be honest I am not sure what you can really do without bootloader access and roms as far as I am concerned).
Explain something to me; if you have Verizon, what possible advantage is there in ordering the Verizon version when you can get the unlocked version for the same price? If you put in your Verizon SIM in an unlocked version, does the bootloader all of a sudden get locked somehow?
beezar said:
Explain something to me; if you have Verizon, what possible advantage is there in ordering the Verizon version when you can get the unlocked version for the same price? If you put in your Verizon SIM in an unlocked version, does the bootloader all of a sudden get locked somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the only difference between the two phones is Verizon locks the bootloader from the factory. Inserting a Verizon sim only triggers the play store to download 3 bloat apps which can be removed. The advantage I guess is that your getting device support / protection / warranty through Verizon in which case you are overnighted a new phone if anything goes wrong and can bring your problem to a local shop vs dealing with Google. Their deals and trade-in programs are much more robust than Google's as well. Bottom line for the average user that doesn't plan on rooting or installing custom ROMs it really makes no difference. All software updates come from Google not Verizon as well with the pixel phones so it makes no difference there.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Andebad said:
It doesn't matter it's a Verizon phone either way the bootloader is locked like fort Knox. I ordered the Google branded unlocked version for this reason alone.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here!
---------- Post added at 11:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------
beezar said:
Explain something to me; if you have Verizon, what possible advantage is there in ordering the Verizon version when you can get the unlocked version for the same price? If you put in your Verizon SIM in an unlocked version, does the bootloader all of a sudden get locked somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't.
Please mention all the differences as i am planning to buy pixel 3 from US and use in India.
I heard only difference is verizon's one - Bootloader Not Unlockable
Google's oan - Bootloader Unlockable
Rest everything is same? SW is same? features and recieve updates at the same time ? Can i use in India's Jio or Airtel VolTE ? or atleast can i flash india's OS/ROM on it? because earlier when i bought Verison S7 i could not do anything though it is SD Edition & India Exynos Edition.
Does both are identical except the Bootloader thing ?
satish.yarramsetti said:
Please mention all the differences as i am planning to buy pixel 3 from US and use in India.
Does both are identical except the Bootloader thing ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Google published a different image for Verizon, I would have to say they are not identical. My guess would be something different in the radios.
mikexda said:
Since Google published a different image for Verizon, I would have to say they are not identical. My guess would be something different in the radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
superchilpil said:
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that is certainly possible, I would like to to believe Google would not do that in a factory image. But you never know.
superchilpil said:
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only ever received the VZW apps on the first boot of my phone with the VZW SIM installed. The factory images don't install the apps again, or at least didn't on the Pixel 1 XL or Pixel 2 XL. I believe the changes are related to radio as there are usually a few different carrier variants (or have been in the past), but sometimes they are bundled into things like:
Verizon/Everyone Else
Verizon/Europe
etc.
Verizon is still considering SIM-locking the Pixel 3 lineup if purchased from Verizon. You can always put a Verizon SIM in an unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Play Store if you want to be sure you have options to change carriers at some point.
On the OG XL, I believe Radios were the only difference besides bootloader lock. Maybe the My Verizon app as well.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
You could try looking in another thread about this here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/help/verizon-vs-unlocked-google-pixel-t3870927
It may have the solution you're looking for