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Is it best to order from Google or Verizon?

From what I've heard, if you order from Verizon it's got Verizon branding, modifications and might be locked. If the price is the same, I'd go with Google.
 
when you go through the prompts to order on Google, it gives you a choice of unlocked and VZ. I have VZ service. Would I not have to check that option?
 
No.

From Google's site: Pixel is an unlocked phone and works on major carrier networks. In the US, Pixel is compatible with all GSM-based networks and two CDMA-based networks: Verizon and Sprint.

I'd order the straight up Google one and just pop my Verizon SIM in it. There is no need to get the Verizon one from either Verizon or Google.
 
The only 'benefit' to going with the VZ model from VZ would be if there are any price incentives or freebies that you can't get by going direct. But, being locked to VZ you are going to be paying for it eventually. Unlocked is really the way to go.
 
I do not mean to ask a stupid question, but what does unlocked mean? I have always had VZ so I do not know the difference. I was more concerned if VZ is limiting its capability or has bloatware. VZ is delivering their model 3-4 weeks sooner also.
 
A "locked" phone refers to SIM or Carrier lock where you cannot use the device on any other carrier's network, even though, from a hardware standpoint, the phone supports it.

Locked phones can be unlocked, but you have to meet the original carrier's requirements. It's usually something like an account has to be active for at least 90 days, the phone has to be off-contract, the account is in good standing, you were the original purchaser, etc. It can become problematic.
 
artnouveau said:
Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version will be trashed?
Click to expand...

Can't confirm but from past experience I would buy unlocked from Google. Verizon always installs bloat ware and locks down there phones. Probably will put their logo on it too. lol
 
I emailed Google and asked on their chat line these questions. Here are their responses:

There is only one difference between the Verizon variant and the Google store variant i.e the device with the Verizon will have a locked bootloader and Google store variant device will have an unlocked boot loader.

Here are the 3 apps which come installed with the verizon variant devices. my verizon, meesage + and go90

Yes, there are these three apps which will be pre installed and the boot loader will be locked. Other than this there are no other changes between the verizon variant and Google store varirant.

I can only assume this is factual, but it was direct from a google rep.
 
Let me step back a moment.

I think we've been pushing you to the unlocked version a little too hard. Is an unlocked phone with no bloatware (even if it's only three apps) better? We think so. How much better? Not a whole lot.

Will it make a difference to you? Probably not. You stated you're with Verizon and probably will be in the future. If you have no intention of flashing custom firmware, then the locked bootloader won't make a difference either.

I am an AT&T customer. I was a huge fan of Google's Nexus Phones. I bought a couple direct from Google and some through AT&T. Other than the little 'death star' logo AT&T put on the phone there really wasn't a big difference, so if you want to go for the VZ phone and get it sooner, I doubt you'll be any less happy than if you wait for the Google version.
 
There isn't any branding on the Verizon version. Look on the Verizon website and do a 360 view of the phone. Phones with Verizon branding will have a 360 degree view you can access in order to see how their branding looks for yourself.
 

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rcyphermd said:
I am returning mine. The screen is terrible on the XL.
Click to expand...
I'm willing to bet everyone who returns the phone for screen quality don't know anything about screens. Chances are they own a Samsung phone or tv too. Number one, Sony makes the best tvs for 4K and natural colors overall. If you are buying Samsung anything you're eyes are shot. My 75 inch Sony 4K can produce oversaturated colors you see by using display or vivid mode. The same settings you would see on display at Best Buy. Who watches a tv in vivid or display mode? I sure as hell don't. Sony makes movies and film equipment for movies so they have tons of experience over Samsung. Sony knows how to create popping natural colors, especially on 4K. This is exactly what Google was shooting for. Hell, they own YouTube and I can stream 4K movies through YouTube. Google has calibrated with Sony on tvs. So Google knows what natural colors the eyes should see.
 
I have a 75 inch so I understand what you are saying. But this screen is at least 1 or 2 generations behind the competition. Blue cast, green edges on people. Very dull and boring. If it is so good, why did they not use it on the smaller pixel 2?
 
I could care less about the blue tint. Who views from the side? I apparently have burn in though, so that doesn't work for me. The pixel 2 wasnt made by LG, so probably why HTC used different screen...
 
rcyphermd said:
I emailed Google and asked on their chat line these questions. Here are their responses:

There is only one difference between the Verizon variant and the Google store variant i.e the device with the Verizon will have a locked bootloader and Google store variant device will have an unlocked boot loader.

Here are the 3 apps which come installed with the verizon variant devices. my verizon, meesage + and go90

Yes, there are these three apps which will be pre installed and the boot loader will be locked. Other than this there are no other changes between the verizon variant and Google store varirant.

I can only assume this is factual, but it was direct from a google rep.
Click to expand...


Fwiw I ordered unlocked from Google and popped in the Sim from my Nexus 6. Go90 and my Verizon showed up. I did not have those on the Nexus.
 
The only advantage to buying at the Verizon store is it's a little easier to return and you can talk face to face with real people.
 
lunatic59 said:
A "locked" phone refers to SIM or Carrier lock where you cannot use the device on any other carrier's network, even though, from a hardware standpoint, the phone supports it.

Locked phones can be unlocked, but you have to meet the original carrier's requirements. It's usually something like an account has to be active for at least 90 days, the phone has to be off-contract, the account is in good standing, you were the original purchaser, etc. It can become problematic.
Click to expand...

In the pixel's case (Pixels from last year, and both the Pixel 2s), the verizon version will work just fine on any network by swapping the SIM. The only difference between the version from Google Store and the one from a Verizon store is that the bootloader can't be unlocked on the one from the Verizon store (I know that XDA folks had been able to get that unlocked initially for last year's pixels)..

T-Mobile actually had a promotion where they invited the folks on Verizon (that had a Pixel 2) to bring their device over to T-Mobile and get up to $325 back from T-Mo. (I think it expired, but you can read about it here - https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/pixel-2-offer.htm )

Also, read http://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy - "We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier."

Depending on the SIM you install, carrier apps may get installed (which can easily be uninstalled).

Disclaimer: I do not work for Google or Verizon, so please confirm with the place of purchase, before you buy :)
 
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