I'm ready to replace my Nexus 6P and I'm looking at the Pixel 2. I'm already a Verizon customer. Is there any difference between going through Google or Verizon? Do both phones get updates about the same time? Any bloatware?
The Verizon (Bootloader locked) variant and the Google (Bootloader unlocked) variant have been getting updates at the same time.
The only real bloatware on the Verizon variant are the 'My Verizon' and 'go90' apps (maybe Message+ - perhaps I installed that one). And you can uninstall those if you wish.
I chose to get the Verizon variant because there was a great deal at the time I was seriously thinking about getting one: Verizon was offering a $300 bill credit (spread out over 24 months) and Target was offering a $250 gift card. YMMV.
What happens if you sell the device within 24 months?
I'm ready to replace my Nexus 6P and I'm looking at the Pixel 2. I'm already a Verizon customer. Is there any difference between going through Google or Verizon? Do both phones get updates about the same time? Any bloatware?
It's very tempting to go unlocked: no carrier bloatware or payment plans associated with a two-year contract. However, if you can get a Pixel 2 when there's a great sale going on with your carrier, I'd say go for it.
I agree.. although I think it's always best to go unlocked. I'm getting away from jump on demand with T-Mobile for this very reason. No point in leasing a phone in my opinion..
Stay away from the Google Trade in plan. The company that is handling it has had multiple complaints.
Argh! I've think I've reached decision paralysis. I went by Verizon today and checked out both models. The locked bootloader isn't a deal breaker for me. I don't foresee switching from Verizon any time soon (we get a corporate discount through work and I'm happy with the service), so that's also not an issue.
I can get a $100 trade-in for my Nexus 6P from Google; no trade-in value at Verizon.
The Pixel 2 is the same price buying through Google ($650-$100 trade) or Verizon ($550 on sale, no trade). It's a little smaller than my Nexus 6P, but I could live with that; it's a little bigger than my previous phone (4.7").
Then comes the part where I'm waffling. The Pixel 2 XL at Google is $850-$100 trade, but Verizon has it on sale for $550 (no trade). So, for the same price I could get the bigger model. However, I've been reading lots of concerns about the screen on the XL. I didn't notice any issues with the store's demo model, but I am a bit concerned about potential burn in. I'm also not sure about the curved edges. I usually get a Rhinoshield Bumper.
I've also been reading that Google seems to have a better extended warranty plan than Verizon. In that case I'd go with the P2 because of price.
Decisions, decisions.