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Verizon Pixels locked down and updated by them

ironass

ironass

Extreme Android User
At one time, the Google Nexus phones were the ideal models to get in the U.S.A. as they came with unlocked bootloaders, no bloatware and updates direct from Google. Well, all that has changed if you get your Pixel model from Verizon or Best Buy....

"This means that Google will still push security updates to all Pixel (XL) phones including those on Verizon, while significant software updates which change the version number, will be released by Verizon on Pixel phones bought through the carrier or at Best Buy (as Best Buy only sells the Verizon-locked version). As a reminder, the Verizon Pixel phones will not come with an unlockable bootloader."

"if you want to avoid Verizon holding updates hostage, you can totally pre-order the unlocked version from the Google Store, as it works with all major carriers in the US, including Verizon. The Google Store even offers 24-month no-interest financing options."

See the GSMArena article... Verizon to manage Android updates to Pixel phones it sells

You have been warned!!! :eek:

 
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This just boggles the mind. Really, it does.

I could almost see it if Fi was through Verizon, but it's not. I just can't understand why Google would do this, it ass-backwards for them. Sure, they will sell a lot of phones to folks who don't know any better but to those that do, it's just beyond stupid.

Not that I'm getting one, way too expensive frankly, but I sure wouldn't get one from Verizon. It's all just a big 'wow' to me.
 
Clementine_3 said:
This just boggles the mind. Really, it does.

I could almost see it if Fi was through Verizon, but it's not. I just can't understand why Google would do this, it ass-backwards for them. Sure, they will sell a lot of phones to folks who don't know any better but to those that do, it's just beyond stupid.

Not that I'm getting one, way too expensive frankly, but I sure wouldn't get one from Verizon. It's all just a big 'wow' to me.
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So what phone are you getting?
 
I don't understand why anybody would buy a Pixel from Verizon given that they aren't offering any incentives and the fact that they want to add bloatware and lock the bootloader is a dis-incentive. Couple that with their poor update history you can almost hear them screaming at tech savvy customers "You don't one of these. Buy from Google instead".

I also don't plan on buying a Pixel. I just picked up a Nexus 5X and I'm too happy with that to drop $800.00 on a new phone.
 
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badcatz said:
I don't understand why anybody would buy a Pixel from Verizon given that they aren't offering any incentives and the fact that they want to add bloatware and lock the bootloader is a dis-incentive. Couple that with their poor update history you can almost hear them screaming at tech savvy customers "You don't one of these. Buy from Google instead".

I also don't plan on buying a Pixel. I just picked up a Nexus 5X and I'm too happy with that to drop $800.00 on a new phone.
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There are some reasons. I, for one, get my upgrades through work. A new Verizon pixel for me is 100 bucks. I worry about nothing but that one time payment. While I'm a huge Google enthusiast, and considering I fronted the cash for a 6p last year because it wasn't available through Verizon, paying 650 bucks for an unlocked pixel from the Google store doesn't make sense. Worse comes to worse, the locked down pixel doesn't do it for me and I'll sell it online and get more out of it than I put into it. Seems like an ok deal to me.
 
To each their own I suppose but that wouldn't be enough to sway me. Verizon's horrific update history and crapware are enough to keep me away. After owning a Nexus 5X for a short amount of time I am convinced that I will only be purchasing unlocked phones from here on in. Good luck with it though.
 
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Google and Verizon claim that the updates (security updates and significant OS upgrades) for Pixels purchased with Verizon will be pushed out the same day as the ones from the play store
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/12/verizon-says-will-not-delay-system-updates-pixel/
Also, WiFi calling/HD Voice will work on the device, even if purchased from P\lay store.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...hd-voice-will-work-pixel-phones-google-store/

Assuming all this is true, the only difference between the two would be the locked bootloader on the ones purchased from Verizon, and the "up to $300 credit for select old phones" that Verizon offers.

Personally, even if I had service with Verizon, I'd purchase from the play store to be safe.
 
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