Should I "update" from Naked Android to T-Mobile Software?

I got an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8+ from Samsung, and currently have Android 8.0 (Oreo) on it. I recently switched from Verizon to T-Mobile and put the T-Mobile SIM card in. Now, T-Mobile is prompting me with a software "update."

I am not an expert in Android or anything else, but I am very suspicious of Cell carriers and their operating systems, since the Galaxy S6 and S7 I have with the Verizon Android OS on them seems to be proprietary (even though it is supposedly "unlocked") and has rendered the phones otherwise unusable on T-Mobile.

T-Mobile is suggesting I need the "update" to ensure that my Factory Unlocked S8+ from Samsung operates properly on their networks. I'm not so sure about this .... Any advice whether I should "update" would be most welcome.

The reason that they give for the update is plausible.

I'm sure that's what Ted Bundy's victims all thought as well, Belodion. However, the word "plausible" is generally followed by the word "deniability" where I come from. Therefore, I'd really appreciate some advice from somebody who has experience in this area. Thank you.

Originally Posted by Dr_Chaos

I'm sure that's what Ted Bundy's victims all thought as well, Belodion. However, the word "plausible" is generally followed by the word "deniability" where I come from. Therefore, I'd really appreciate some advice from somebody who has experience in this area. Thank you.

No reason to get snippy -- he was just answering the question you had.

The answer you are seeking really isn't out there. It is up to you. Is the phone working on T-Mobile? Keep using it then. Want the T-Mobile features? Install their stuff then.

As for you saying software that is proprietary and renders the phone useless on another carrier I can honestly say in the many years of smartphone use I have never heard of this. Yes they install some things and tweak some things but they don't cripple a phone from going to another network once it is unlocked. If anything the phone may have not had the right bands (radios) inside it to work fully on T-Mobile hence you thinking they did some kind of sabotage when they didn't.

Originally Posted by Dr_Chaos

I'm sure that's what Ted Bundy's victims all thought as well, Belodion. However, the word "plausible" is generally followed by the word "deniability" where I come from. Therefore, I'd really appreciate some advice from somebody who has experience in this area. Thank you.

Not sure how Ted Bundy fits into this.

Plausible means to allude to be possible. More specifically, links to Dictionary: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/plausible or Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plausible
Plausible deniability is a phrase to mean the idea of denying something is possible.

Do I believe it....kind of. TMo most likely adds band updates to software updates. Probably due to that's easiest behind the scenes. If a band update breaks the OS update, it's best to find out at the same time.

Should you update it? Up to you. Be advised: security updates are packaged in OS updates sometimes.

Oh, I know what the word "plausible" -- standing alone -- means, Golfdriver. That's why I specified its customary usage where I come from. It is only used alone when tongue in cheek, akin to the word "ugly," which is generally followed by "truth" in my environment. I could engage in a lengthy discussion of why people around me find truth ugly, but I will spare you the details of the Byzantine intrigue I maneuver on a daily basis. Nonetheless, I thank you for your advice.

And I apologize for being snippy, Almeuit. I was tired from searching forum after forum on another issue, where people with questions similar to mine (on another challenge I was facing) were offering all sorts of unfounded opinions rather than actual, pragmatic guidance on a matter of substantial import. I therefore also apologize to Belodion who I'm sure was attempting to be helpful in his own way. I thought I was very specific in my request for advice but it seems I was not.

No need to apologise. I took no offense. All I meant was that the reason offered by the carrier made sense and seemed believable and harmless. Whether actually true, I don't know, but in the UK, where I am, carriers tend to conduct themselves decently, so far as I know. It may be different in the US, so you are right, more specific knowledge and experience would be helpful to you.
Anyways, welcome as a new member. :)

Originally Posted by Android Central Question

I got an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8+ from Samsung, and currently have Android 8.0 (Oreo) on it. I recently switched from Verizon to T-Mobile and put the T-Mobile SIM card in. Now, T-Mobile is prompting me with a software "update."

I am not an expert in Android or anything else, but I am very suspicious of Cell carriers and their operating systems, since the Galaxy S6 and S7 I have with the Verizon Android OS on them seems to be proprietary (even though it is supposedly "unlocked") and has rendered the phones otherwise unusable on T-Mobile.

T-Mobile is suggesting I need the "update" to ensure that my Factory Unlocked S8+ from Samsung operates properly on their networks. I'm not so sure about this .... Any advice whether I should "update" would be most welcome.

There are very few reasons not to, and many that you should, as stated above. Do you want to get security patches? Software updates(I'm waiting for the one to put notifications back how they were)? Want to use visual voice mail?
Link your devices through Digits? Install your updates.

Okay, going to pull the trigger tonight. Is there any risk that their update will install unremoveable bloatware or hidden apps, or otherwise prevent the installation or operation of other apps available on the Play Store (which is what Verizon did)?