What’s an unlocked bootloader worth?

[anon(847090)]

I’m debating whether I should go with an unlocked Pixel 2 or take up Best Buy on their $100 off offer. Is an unlocked bootloader worth $100? Say I don’t want to install a ROM but want to root. What else would a locked bootloader prevent me from doing?

its worth 5th and 6th year update and root if u need it. get the unlocked from google

 

[torifile]

its worth 5th and 6th year update and root if u need it. get the unlocked from google

That’s ultimately what I’m going to do, I think. The money isn’t the issue - it’s just money wasted I try to avoid.

I ordered a black 128 gig. The black looks really good in person. I didn’t get a chance to see the white (not in store) but I’ve only got 2 choices so it wins.

 

[RolandStone]

What about free tethering? Do you need an unlocked bootloader and a rooted phone to get free tethering on Verizon?

 

[torifile]

What about free tethering? Do you need an unlocked bootloader and a rooted phone to get free tethering on Verizon?

Dunno. I have tethering included in my plan already.

 

[Flexia]

What about free tethering? Do you need an unlocked bootloader and a rooted phone to get free tethering on Verizon?

Yep

 

[anon(49997)]

Rooting, ROM'ing, Unlocking is developer driven and Google likes to keep an eye on what these Dev's are doing. So instead of locking it or voiding the warranty they stipulate you must be able to return the phone to stock (factory image). If not all bets are off.
It helps them understand what some users like and dislike by seeing what they enable or disable or create.

For instance changing the battery level display icon and clock position with date /Time format options. These started on custom ROMs'.
A screen brightness slider by touching the top edge of the display and wiping left ot right to get your desired brightness.

Google listens to the masses and reacts sometimes.

So as this all evolves, the more Google/Android adopts the less Rooting/ROM'ing will be needed. But for me I keep my ear to the ground on what ROM's are developed and if one looks good and is stable having a feature I can't live without I go after it.

Down sides according to the developer capability or if it cannot be tweaked are sometimes things like Android Pay will not work on early versions. All of this is explained in the ROM description and release notes of any given custom ROM.

But ROM'ing is getting less and less necessary in baby steps. A big leap would be light and dark ROM options. I understand Google experimented briefly with one.

A similar evolution example would be Harley Davidson. Years ago they seen the custom aftermarket accessories market was booming. They proceeded to tap into the market by turning out bikes already equipped with what was trendy and raising the prices.

So I go with Google for the vanilla, and want an unlockable bootloader just in case some amazing ROM pops up with stuff I need.

Since the Galaxy Nexus my Google devices were Rooted right out of the box after I made sure it worked OK.

 

[vansmack]

They are worth the same in the used market. Get whatever is cheaper or sooner.

On Swappa, there was always a premium for the Google version vs the Verizon version ('it's $50 for XL and $100 for regular currently).

I saved about $75 on a Verizon Pixel in March ($400) to use on Fi, but Google made no distinction on trade in and gave me $350 for it, same as the Google version. I feel really good about that decision right about now. I paid $50 to use a for 8 months....