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.
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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.
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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.
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Related
Anyone heard anything about verizon Note 7 being unlocked in BestBuy?
What he probably meant is that it is SIM unlocked. Almost all Verizon smart phones now are classified as World Phones which means they are SIM unlocked to be used anywhere in the world on a GSM network. This does not mean that they will have the bootloader unlocked.
Yeah as mentioned above he probably just meant carrier unlocked. Even as far back as the S5 Verizon phones have been unlocked to use any carrier, apart from sprint because they suck.
Best Buy employees don't even know a bootloader exists.
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neyenlives said:
Best Buy employees don't even know a bootloader exists.
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Click to collapse
When I was an SES at a few different best buys, we had a guy that was telling Customers that if he liked iOS, he could just install it on a Samsung. After calling him out on it, he told me I was an idiot and that he has done it. LOL
Gargamel198024 said:
When I was an SES at a few different best buys, we had a guy that was telling Customers that if he liked iOS, he could just install it on a Samsung. After calling him out on it, he told me I was an idiot and that he has done it. LOL
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The idiot probably thought an iOS theme for nova is the same as iOS. Unless it actually has been done, I remember years ago my friend had to dual boot Android on his iPhone 3G to jailbreak his ps3 lol.
Lmfao that's hilarious
4G Verizon phones are always sim unlocked but that's the only unlocked we'll have. No bootloader unlocked or anything else
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So question would be is it or would it be best to buy from Samsung or Verizon? because i am hoping if i buy from Samsung then i will get all the missing stuff that verizon took away?
Part of Samsung's new security features, unlocked bootloaders will never be offered on major carrier networks in USA regions. This is why TMO devices have locked bootloaders today.
PartyDroid said:
So question would be is it or would it be best to buy from Samsung or Verizon? because i am hoping if i buy from Samsung then i will get all the missing stuff that verizon took away?
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If you buy a Verizon phone from Samsung it will still be the same as any other Verizon N7. If you want it to work on Verizon and have all the original features you'll need to wait on the N930U to be released.
So the question... The oem unlock toggle doesn't do anything.. Just curious.. Mine toggles
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I'm getting a VZ Pixel XL (hold the "you're buying it from where" comments, please) because I need to move rather quickly from a Note 7 to a less hostile phone. I'm paying full price, so I can avoid VZ's 2-year lockdown via contract. I'm hearing that, even for those that ordered right away from Google, their deliveries are extending into November, and I need a new phone before then (even assuming the reordering process reopened).
Is it possible to put the Stock Google Pixel software on this phone (assuming, if I understand this correctly, that either someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader, or VZ lets me do it, since I own the whole phone)?
I don't fully understand this 'locked bootloader' thing, even though I've been reading XDA for quite a while, so I don't even know if I'll attempt to do this - for now my question is academic. "Can it be done?"
Verizon locked the bootloader and I am not sure if @jcase or @beaups will try to unlock the bootloader. The phone has yet to be released. It has HTC drivers and we will in the near future find out if it can be unlocked or not. Jcase mentioned to buy the google phone from google if you want unlocked bootloader.
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
n4ogl said:
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel you buy from Verizon has the "google software" . The only two differences it has from the one sold directly from Google is a locked bootloader and several Verizon apps that can be uninstalled. The locked bootloader will prevent you from installing custom software or rooting.
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
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neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
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perhaps this.
neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
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Click to collapse
All bootloaders are locked when shipped. The difference is the Verizon bootloader will be encrypted, rendering it unlockable without the key.
It was all just an illusion
jcase said:
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
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Click to collapse
@jcase what are the odds of both the Google sold Pixel and VZW sold Pixel having the exact same hardware and software out of the box and then the process of activating either phone on VZW is what renders the bootloader not unlockable (not sure if this is even possible), pushes the bloat from the play store (that can be done) and controls the software update process (this can be done as well)?
If this is true, then buying a Pixel from VZW and activating it on a non-VZW network would be the equivalent of buying it from Google.
uicnren said:
perhaps this.
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Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
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neyenlives said:
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
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I have the evidence in hand, I've been studying the firmware for weeks
Does anybody think that vzw will block features in their phones that will not be in a Google bought phone?
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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.
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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.
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Thanks, just the info I needed. If I switched carriers or traveled internationally and switched sim cards would this cause the phone issues?
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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?
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No.
Thanks again, I love XDA.
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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.
I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model.
Unfortunately I cannot root the phone so I can't use xposed for the ad blocking capabilities.
I was told that there was a virtural exposed that does similar things yet I used it and I cannot use it on youtube to block ads.
Without rooting is there any way I can block youtube ads and app ads similar to exposed?
I am using firefox with ublock so that helps but I would very much enjoy blocking youtube and other ads?
Also is there something similar to Air android for Pixel 2? I cannot use Air android for pixel 2 it keeps force closing. Not sure if its because of the phone or Android P?
Phone other wise is extremely great and I am using it on Android P
Would love suggestions for good cases and tempered glass
Thanks!
Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.
TonikJDK said:
Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where would I find the DNS66?
A small search using uncle google reveal the answer
js2shanks said:
I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model....
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Click to collapse
I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...
simplepinoi177 said:
I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...
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Click to collapse
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.
fiffan86 said:
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.
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aaahhh...thank you for the clarification...
wait.....unless it's a verizon model, wouldn't they all be "carrier unlocked"? And, if so, it's only bootloader unlocked if it's a Verizon model, right?
Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.
Good story! Most Verizon emp's don't know what a bootloader is! ???
Youtube Vanced. Get the unrooted version.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, trying to understand this all correctly, you could purchase a "Verizon model", and bring over to another US carrier (let's say AT&T) and it would work? Or even an EU carrier (although I've heard that there is a carrier lock for the first number of months [I think 9 months] before you can activate your US Pixel 2 in another country)?
And so, the only thing different between Verizon model and any other is only the bootloader? As you can supposedly activate the VZ model in other networks (not exclusively the use of Google's model) and/or it's not like you can't use/activate Google's model on Verizon's network?
...Outside of Verizon's exclusive deal with Google, I wonder why Google didn't just advertise is as Locked-Bootloader version and Unlocked-Bootloader version -- other than Verizon pulling the bait-and-switch locking the bootloader of a phone that's initially and naturally unlocked and/or didn't want it advertised that way due to negative connotation...
Verizon may also have it carrier locked. I don't have one and I'm not about to find out either since I steer far clear of Verizon. However, the only difference I can recall between the Google and Verizon P2XL is the bootloader. So if Verizon doesn't also SIM lock the P2XL, then you could buy a Verizon P2XL and use it on AT&T, T-Mobile, or any of their MVNOs like Straight Talk or Cricket just by swapping SIM cards.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the fact Verizon locks the bootloader at all means you're better off with buying direct from Google, even though the deals are not nearly as significant as with Verizon/Best Buy.
You can get Verizon Motorola devices direct from Motorola. Unlike Motorola, Google doesn't offer the Verizon models in their store. Therefore Google doesn't have to advertise something that only appeals to a select group of owners. As for Verizon, there is no bait and switch here. Bait and switch involves substituting a product for a product the merchant has no intention of selling. Verizon isn't doing that, as all their devices are bootloader locked.
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..
awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still supported and still a great device. At the moment you have your pick of ABC, DU, Colt os, Pixeldust, Bliss rom. More on the way.
Just make sure you don't get a Verizon model.
Then you'll be sol
awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay....
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Click to collapse
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.
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Click to collapse
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS.
Unlocked CAN mean the device is available to go on any carrier.
MAKE sure the BOOTLOADER is unlockable or you WILL be a frustrated locked, Verizon Pixel 2 XL owner.
A good way to make sure it is not a Verizon model and the bootloader can be unlocked is to have the seller post a screenshot of the info from this site (minus the redacted parts)...
https://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html
Under the "Buyer name" it should say Google. If it says Verizon, don't get it (see screenshot below).
Google Pixels are great phones and have the best OS support (kind of like Apple where they are (more) involved with both the hardware and the OS). If there ever are issues you dont have the very common problem where the hardware manufacturer blames the OS for any problems and vice versa. They also get updates faster and over a longer period even the original Pixels got Android 10 and they run it very well.
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