Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.
pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.
I would think as long as it's an unlocked USA phone and not from Verizon it should be fine if your country's bands are listed.
As for the screen, the blue shift and black crushing is there but it's not that bad. My wife had the Note 4 and it was a good screen for the time of release but I would say it's worse than that.
waxjan said:
Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.
Hey there! Neighbor here, I'm Lithuanian. 3 days ago I bought mine from USA as well. Works fine, just buy a USA to EU charger adapter beforehand
By the way, switched from Note 4. Screen is a bit more dull compared to Note 4 but I kinda dig it and you can always use Saturated mode, so that's not a problem.
Also, camera, I'm shooting everything everywhere, can't get enough of it.
waxjan said:
Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
If you want to unlock the bootloader one day, you can't with Verizon. If that doesn't matter, then go ahead. The Verizon phone will work with the same SIM cards the carrier free US one does.
mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
nikhil.agrawal said:
pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my bad. I totally missed how the new phones support all bands. The band thing I said earlier used to be a thing of past. A few years back American phones didn't used to work in India or other countries due to the bands supported in states were different.
jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.
fiffan86 said:
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.
jimv1983 said:
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.
https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
EeZeEpEe said:
https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. I only have the experience of one single phone so I can't really make a general statement. All I can say is that for that one phone what is said in that Droid Life article isn't true. The phone worked with a Verizon SIM but not a T-Mobile SIM. If the phone was unlocked then maybe something else could cause that?
The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.
fiffan86 said:
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year."
What do you mean? There is a policy change on SIM locking?
Edit: Found my own answer.
https://www.cnet.com/news/verizon-will-lock-its-smartphones-to-combat-theft/
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?
Maybe. I don't know and don't care to know as I don't do silly crap like buy Verizon or AT&T devices.
jimv1983 said:
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.
TonikJDK said:
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that would cause a used Pixel XL that was already used on Verizon to work for ONLY Verizon but not for any other carrier? So when it was first activated on Verizon it was only unlocked for Verizon?
Related
...seems like a dumb question, right? Here's the deal, I broke my (Google) 64GB Nexus 6 last Saturday night... sucks, but I have insurance! So I file a claim, pay $150, and Asurion sends me a Verizon (my carrier) 32GB Nexus 6... I called them up and they told me that's all they had. After talking to a couple of people and me saying I would cancel the insurance if they couldn't give me the same device I insured, they mentioned they could give me a Pixel XL 32GB!!! Having missed the original preorders I've been trying like hell to preorder a Pixel XL with no luck, so this was a no brainer (although it sucks that it's only 32GB).
Fast forward a day, and I have my phone!!! But there are a couple of things off about it. For one, it doesn't say Verizon anywhere on the box, phone, within Android, boot up... nothing! There are also zero preloaded Verizon apps?! I thought they would at least put "MyVerizon" on it... So is there anywhere I can look to determine which version I have? Another thing, I've had a hell of a time getting it activated on Verizon. I had switched back to my old S4 after breaking my Nexus 6, and had to go to Verizon to get a micro-sim card. Nobody at Verizon has been able to register the phone with the new SIM card, after hours on hold I gave up and just cut my S4 micro-sim card - problem solved... but why couldn't Verizon activate the phone? That might be unrelated, just something I was thinking about.
One last note, I already ran depixel8 (which succeeded) on the phone. I'm not sure what would happen if this was done on a non-verizon version... but I can't test this by unlocking the bootloader since that's already done!
TLDR: Got Pixel XL from Asurion to replace my broken Nexus 6 I had previously used on Verizon, and I can't find any mention of Verizon anywhere! Did they send me a Google version of Verizon version?
Verizon versions aren't branded.
It was all just an illusion
trickster2369 said:
Verizon versions aren't branded.
It was all just an illusion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, so how do I know?
bought mine at a verizon store and it came the same way so your good lol
If you have a Verizon phone your build# will be NDE63P
N3V3RS3TTL3 said:
If you have a Verizon phone your build# will be NDE63P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then whats the Google phone on? L? jcase already commented on this and said that P is the current version regardless if it is from Verizon or Google.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pix...xel-xl-unlocking-discussions-t3484497/page109
N3V3RS3TTL3 said:
If you have a Verizon phone your build# will be NDE63P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this necessarily means that it is a Verizon model since I have a Google Store purchased Pixel XL with the same build number.
My best guess to see if the phone is a Verizon model is if the bootloader is not unlockable.
Is the toggle in settings to allow bootloader unlocking grey or can you toggle it?
Sent from my Pixel XL
imnuts said:
Is the toggle in settings to allow bootloader unlocking grey or can you toggle it?
Sent from my Pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot toggle it (and couldn't before unlocking it either). Is this really the only sign that the phone is a Verizon? Other than the boatloader (which was easily fixed) I guess Verizon deserves props for not screwing with the device! Or Google deserves props for not letting Verizon screw with it, lol.
DracoDan said:
I cannot toggle it (and couldn't before unlocking it either). Is this really the only sign that the phone is a Verizon? Other than the boatloader (which was easily fixed) I guess Verizon deserves props for not screwing with the device! Or Google deserves props for not letting Verizon screw with it, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another thing you can do is look in "My Verizon" and see if it shows up as "Other Device" or Pixel XL. Other device would indicate a play store device which I highly doubt that they sent you.
Another thing you could do is install an app on the play store. When the drop down shows up it will say Verizon Google Pixel XL.
When I sign in to my Verizon account on my laptop, it lists my Google Pixel as: PIXEL NON-VZW.
DracoDan said:
...seems like a dumb question, right? Here's the deal, I broke my (Google) 64GB Nexus 6 last Saturday night... sucks, but I have insurance! So I file a claim, pay $150, and Asurion sends me a Verizon (my carrier) 32GB Nexus 6... I called them up and they told me that's all they had. After talking to a couple of people and me saying I would cancel the insurance if they couldn't give me the same device I insured, they mentioned they could give me a Pixel XL 32GB!!! Having missed the original preorders I've been trying like hell to preorder a Pixel XL with no luck, so this was a no brainer (although it sucks that it's only 32GB).
Fast forward a day, and I have my phone!!! But there are a couple of things off about it. For one, it doesn't say Verizon anywhere on the box, phone, within Android, boot up... nothing! There are also zero preloaded Verizon apps?! I thought they would at least put "MyVerizon" on it... So is there anywhere I can look to determine which version I have? Another thing, I've had a hell of a time getting it activated on Verizon. I had switched back to my old S4 after breaking my Nexus 6, and had to go to Verizon to get a micro-sim card. Nobody at Verizon has been able to register the phone with the new SIM card, after hours on hold I gave up and just cut my S4 micro-sim card - problem solved... but why couldn't Verizon activate the phone? That might be unrelated, just something I was thinking about.
One last note, I already ran depixel8 (which succeeded) on the phone. I'm not sure what would happen if this was done on a non-verizon version... but I can't test this by unlocking the bootloader since that's already done!
TLDR: Got Pixel XL from Asurion to replace my broken Nexus 6 I had previously used on Verizon, and I can't find any mention of Verizon anywhere! Did they send me a Google version of Verizon version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reboot the phone to bootloader. Issue command "fastboot OEM getcid" that will tell for sure what do you have.
jamexman said:
Reboot the phone to bootloader. Issue command "fastboot OEM getcid" that will tell for sure what do you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay, a definitive answer, thanks!!!
The back story here is interesting...
There are so many refurbs this soon in the game that Google is already letting Asurion have them... AND, they can use them to replace other brands of phones.
The flickering screens and maybe BT issues seem to be racking up some casualties. Meanwhile many of us have been waiting near a month for XL 128's
So much blood at the bleeding edge.
Hmm I have a Verizon version but yet the unlock isn't greyed out and I'm able to enable it....
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
DracoDan said:
Yay, a definitive answer, thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. What did the command tell you?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 04:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:37 PM ----------
evobyte said:
Hmm I have a Verizon version but yet the unlock isn't greyed out and I'm able to enable it....
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than likely... You got a free for review phone no? Been discussed before...
Sent from my Pixel XL 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.
I am looking to buy a Pixel 2XL 3rd party. I use T-Mobile and this is the Verizon version. I know it'll work on T-Mobile just fine however are there any differences between the Verizon and Unlocked versions such as timely updates?
I dont think so cause from what I've read Verizon people have gotten updates faster than I have. Only thing is if you plan to Unlock/Root but there has been threads saying its able to be done for the regular Pixel but not sure about the 2, I havent looked into the threads much as I have the Google version if I ever decide to do so. To me there really isnt a point to do it because the phone works so well without it.
So far no main difference in the two both. The Verizon one is just sold to the carrier portal but when used on another carrier it works just fine GSM or another CDMA carrier.
R/S
Otechtime
~YouTuber~
The verizon device bootloader cannot be unlocked as far as I know.
That's a rather important difference to note Id say.
Dont waste money on it, buy the google version.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
I think Verizon sells all of its phones locked. Maybe the Pixel 2 XL is different.
Taking a Verizon Pixel 2 XL and using it on a network other than Verizon is probably a lot easier than taking a Pixel 2 XL bought directly from Google as an unlocked phone and using it on Verizon. So luckily you don't have to do that.
jimv1983 said:
I think Verizon sells all of its phones locked. Maybe the Pixel 2 XL is different.
Taking a Verizon Pixel 2 XL and using it on a network other than Verizon is probably a lot easier than taking a Pixel 2 XL bought directly from Google as an unlocked phone and using it on Verizon. So luckily you don't have to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
twiz0r said:
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon must have changed in the last year or so then. Last time I was looking into Verizon they were really strict.
First of all, at least in the past, the SIM card on Verizon phones only activated the LTE portion of the connection. The CDMA portion used for calls and SMS still used the standard CDMA registration process than Verizon had always used.
Another thing that Verizon does, or used to do, is not allow just any phone on its network. Verizon required (again, his might have changed recently) phones to be provisioned on their network manually and if it wasn't a phone that Verizon sold they would usually say no. That is why phones like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X were almost impossible to use on Verizon despite the fact that the hardware was fully compatible with Verizon's network.
I guess Verizon must have changed the way it does things. From what you say simply entering a Verizon SIM card into a compatible unlocked phone will work without Verizon interaction and will register both the CDMA and LTE portions on Verizon's network
jimv1983 said:
Verizon must have changed in the last year or so then. Last time I was looking into Verizon they were really strict.
First of all, at least in the past, the SIM card on Verizon phones only activated the LTE portion of the connection. The CDMA portion used for calls and SMS still used the standard CDMA registration process than Verizon had always used.
Another thing that Verizon does, or used to do, is not allow just any phone on its network. Verizon required (again, his might have changed recently) phones to be provisioned on their network manually and if it wasn't a phone that Verizon sold they would usually say no. That is why phones like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X were almost impossible to use on Verizon despite the fact that the hardware was fully compatible with Verizon's network.
I guess Verizon must have changed the way it does things. From what you say simply entering a Verizon SIM card into a compatible unlocked phone will work without Verizon interaction and will register both the CDMA and LTE portions on Verizon's network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that is great and true...but if you don't know for sure please don't spread misinformation. Have good night sir
twiz0r said:
All of that is great and true...but if you don't know for sure please don't spread misinformation. Have good night sir
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using a phone other than the Pixel 2 XL that was not bought from Verizon on Verizon's network? What I said was true as recently as early November 2017. My friend has Verizon. His old phone died and he needed a phone to get him through a few weeks until he could get a new one. I tried to let him borrow my old Nexus 5X. From a hardware standpoint the Nexus 5X is fully compatible with Verizon. He put in his Verizon SIM card in and..... nothing. He called Verizon to see what the issue was. They said they won't activate it because the phone wasn't purchased from them. He went into a Verizon store in person and was told the same thing. Again, that was less than 3 months ago.
I did notice in my original post I did say in the "last year or so". That should have said "the last month or so". Sorry for the confusion that might have caused.
jimv1983 said:
Have you tried using a phone other than the Pixel 2 XL that was not bought from Verizon on Verizon's network? What I said was true as recently as early November 2017. My friend has Verizon. His old phone died and he needed a phone to get him through a few weeks until he could get a new one. I tried to let him borrow my old Nexus 5X. From a hardware standpoint the Nexus 5X is fully compatible with Verizon. He put in his Verizon SIM card in and..... nothing. He called Verizon to see what the issue was. They said they won't activate it because the phone wasn't purchased from them. He went into a Verizon store in person and was told the same thing. Again, that was less than 3 months ago.
I did notice in my original post I did say in the "last year or so". That should have said "the last month or so". Sorry for the confusion that might have caused.
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I have bought several non verizon phones over the last several years and the only phone I had an issue with trying to get to work was a verizon pre-paid which they would not let me use on their service since it had never been activated before so they just want to get as much money as possible. I had the old unlimited plan and bought smartphones used on att and had no problem getting them activated several times.
Oh yes! Buy a Verizon phone, They all come with red handcuffs so that you can't alter the device in any way.
With a Verison phone you never really own the phone but you do have the privilege of paying for it.
Big red knows best.
CptnSpaulding71 said:
I have bought several non verizon phones over the last several years and the only phone I had an issue with trying to get to work was a verizon pre-paid which they would not let me use on their service since it had never been activated before so they just want to get as much money as possible. I had the old unlimited plan and bought smartphones used on att and had no problem getting them activated several times.
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Interesting. Maybe it was a model of phone that Verizon did sell even if that actual phone wasn't bought from them and that was enough? Or maybe you were just lucky? I just know what I/my friend have experienced and I have heard of it happening to other people over the years. Although those other cases weren't very recent and I don't know what phones they were.
Honestly, the fact that it has to be "activated" by Verizon is bull****. When I got my Nexus 5, Nexus 5X and Pixel 2 XL there was no need for for the phones to be activated by AT&T. When I switched phones AT&T didn't even know about it.
twiz0r said:
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
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I just bought a Google version Pixel 2 XL from swappa. I went to a VZW authorized retailer, bought a Sim for $10 - profit. I didn't even get slapped with the one time $3O activation fee!
When I bought my wife's Iphoe 8 plus VZW hammered me with that $30 fee, hence now I always go to side chain VZW retailers not bug red HQ in my area.
Connecting an Unlocked Pixel XL2 on Verizon - No Verizon Software Wanted
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Twinsxchange said:
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I'm amazed that Verizon allowed a Nexus 6P on its network since it never sold that phone. I tried to let my friend (who is a Verizon customer) use my Nexus 5X while he was waiting to get a new phone. Two different Verizon employees refused to register the phone on the Verizon network.
Twinsxchange said:
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just my personal experience, and not necessarily a guide. I've been on Big Red for 10+ years. When I went from a Verizon S5 to the Nexus 6p, I simply cut my micro sim card to make it a nano sim card. I booted up the 6p without the sim, and went through the Google setup process. Then I shut the phone off, installed the sim card, booted up and bang. Have full Verizon service, HD calling and Volte, and no Verizon bloat. Then, this past November when I got the P2XL, I did the same thing, with the same results. My point is, I have yet to speak with a Verizon rep, or go through an activation process. All my services work just fine, and still have no Verizon bloat. My P2XL is rooted, and when I dirty flash the monthly factory images, everything is still fine with no Verizon bloat. Hope this helps ?
I've not run a Verizon branded on big red since November of 2015, with a Moto X Pure Edition, followed by a Nexus 6P, followed by a Moto Z2 Play (not the Verizon version), followed by an OG Pixel XL(not the Verizon version), followed by an LG G6 (not the Verizon version), followed by a Pixel 2 XL (not the Verizon version).
When I got the MXPE, I had a Samsung Galaxy S4. It had a micro SIM. I bought a sim cutter and copied it down to a nano. Popped it into the MXPE and didn't look back. Eventually I got a real nano sim, but no issues.
If you wish to use a phone on Verizon, that is not on their list of authorized phones, the sim simply has to be "activated" on a Verizon phone and then you can put it in any phone. As long as the phone has the proper CDMA band support, you'll be good to go with no service issues.
jimv1983 said:
Wow. I'm amazed that Verizon allowed a Nexus 6P on its network since it never sold that phone. I tried to let my friend (who is a Verizon customer) use my Nexus 5X while he was waiting to get a new phone. Two different Verizon employees refused to register the phone on the Verizon network.
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It's not amazing. Verizon has allowed compatible phones to work on their network for years. I had a nexus 6p, google version pixel xl, and google version pixel 2 xl on verizon.
nomisunrider said:
It's not amazing. Verizon has allowed compatible phones to work on their network for years. I had a nexus 6p, google version pixel xl, and google version pixel 2 xl on verizon.
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The Google version of the Pixel's make more sense because Verizon does (or did sell those phones). The Nexus 6P and other phones that are compatible but not sold by Verizon are a different story. You must have gotten lucky being able to get a Nexus 6P working on Verizon. They wouldn't allow the Nexus 5X on Verizon and it's just as compatible with Verizon as the Nexus 6P.
jimv1983 said:
The Google version of the Pixel's make more sense because Verizon does (or did sell those phones). The Nexus 6P and other phones that are compatible but not sold by Verizon are a different story. You must have gotten lucky being able to get a Nexus 6P working on Verizon. They wouldn't allow the Nexus 5X on Verizon and it's just as compatible with Verizon as the Nexus 6P.
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I stuck an active SIM in a Nexus 5x and used it for almost a year on Verizon with full functionality. Then I took the same card and used it in a 6p. Hate your luck but I've been swapping SIM cards on Verizon for years using branded and unlocked phones and never had any trouble.
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 ?
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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.
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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.
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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
I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.
We really don't know officially yet, since it has a new CPU chip set until we get our hands on it....
But, usually Google wouldn't block Unlocking the BL.
I'll let you know, I'm kind of perpetually stuck ordering from Verizon because I get so many device dollars from my Fios account. Not really too concerned about unlocking but I'll check for you.
Oaklands said:
I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
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From Google store: Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.
I don't understand. In the chart it says it does work.
bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
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on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.
freebee269 said:
on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.
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Click to collapse
No, that is not the case. Google sells the Verizon model for some reason unbeknownst to me but likely financial. Last year for the Pixel 5 they did the same thing. The Verizon model has different promos attached and you can buy it on your Verizon account without further credit checks and over a period of 24 months rolled into your monthly bill. But you cannot unlock the bootloader in that version, on the Fi and Unlocked version you can.
As for mmWave, every single Pixel device sold in the US is capable. Naturally it depends if your carrier supports it but if they do then you have it. The unlocked P6, or any P6 sold in the states will work on 8 carriers that support mmWave according to what I'm seeing. The locked bootloader on the Verizon device sold by Google is a horse of another color and has nothing to do with 5G capabilities. I am on Verizon but have bought the last 4 Pixels from Google and they all work as if I bought them directly from Verizon. Well... other than the fact I can bl unlock them and the 3a eSim fiasco on the VZW model.
I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
bobby janow said:
I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
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Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.
From what I understand:
All Pixel 6 Pro in the US support Sub6 + mmWave, (Whether a carrier allows access on unlocked models is unclear)
Regular Pixel 6 is Sub6 Only except for the Verizon variant which adds mmWave.
This has never been an issue on Unlocked Samsung models. Each variant has a different SKU and it'd be interesting to find out if it's a different modem entirely or just software optimizations.
My only concern with the Verizon version is that it may not be bootloader unlockable.
mkhcb said:
Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.
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Click to collapse
Think it depends on the carrier really. I know this is Samsung and not Google but my unlocked Note 20 Ultra 5G is able to use Verizon mmWave. I used it on Fremont Street in Vegas the speed was insane. I don't see why Verizon would block the Pixel 6 if other unlocked phones can use it but I guess these things can happen. In my case I don't really live anywhere near any mmWave areas so it doesn't matter to me as much if I can't use it.
This is what I am seeing on the google store.
3See g.co/pixel/specs for device configuration and capability. Contact carrier for details. 5G service is carrier dependent. Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.
What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.
Oaklands said:
What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.
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Yeah it was an absolute **** show. I was fortunate and got a 512gb after literally 3 hours of non-stop trying. Hope they re-stock soon for you! I've never had issues like this the last few years pre-ordering Samsung devices.
The Verizon Pixel 6 Pro and Unlocked 6 Pro both listed the same supported bands, despite having a different SKU. When Google notes that the Pixel does not support mmWave, I think they're referring to the regular unlocked Pixel 6, not the Pro.
So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?
draexo said:
So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?
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Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?
lucky_strike33 said:
Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just getting the unlocked version. If it is an issue, I may either switch back to AT&T with my microcell (yes, I still have an AT&T microcell because wifi calling sucks) or sell the unlocked and get the Verizon. I used to be big into custom roms and unlocking bootloaders, but things are to the point where the need just is not there anymore on most phones. Except Samsung and all its bloatware. (sorry, I had to get that dig in!)
im unlocking BL .. as soon as the guide is available. then flash Verizon Factory Image. i should be good to go with (mmWave)
Pre ordered unlocked version.
I've been unlocking and modding my phones since the OG Droid. Originally I would flash ROMs all the time, but Android has evolved so much that now I just unlock for dark mode and ad blocking. Now that dark mode is baked in all I need is the ad blocking. I also want to use my banking apps and Google Pay. So, for the first time in many years, I ordered the Verizon model from Google. I'll see if it's unlockable. If it isn't, no big deal. If it is, I might, and I might not.
With the unlocked OnePlus 8 Pro, we never got native Wi-Fi calling working on Verizon, so I don't want to miss out on that again, or any data bands.
I'm amped for the 6 Pro. I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with it. My brother-in-law is one of the heads of Photoshop and AI at Adobe. I'm think he'll be interested in taking a peek at it.