Is it best to buy from VZ or Google directly? What about Project Fi or unlocked?

[rcyphermd]

I am so confused. I have the Pixel 2. I bought it from VZ. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to buying it from VZ vs google? What is the deal with project Fi? Can I buy an unlocked and have it work on VZ?
Sorry for all the questions, I am just not sure I understand. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Almeuit]

Basically think of it this way -- Both versions are "unlocked" carrier wise. The Verizon one just has a locked bootloader whereas the Google ones doesn't.

 

[rcyphermd]

What is project Fi? Does the VZ one have more crap on it?

 

[Law2138]

Sure, a Pixel device purchased from Verizon (or any place identifying it as a Verizon model), you're going to get the locked bootloader. This has been a non issue for those who don't root their phones or tinker with customizable ROMs.

Google unlocked will grant you and unlocked bootloader and no other benefit above the Verizon version.

With Fi, you're getting the unlocked version and starting a service with Fi. They just offer it through Fi for customers considering making the switch.

 

[Almeuit]

What is project Fi? Does the VZ one have more crap on it?

Both phones are identical in software. The Verizon one is possible to have an app or two (some reported this) but you can fully 110% uninstall them.

 

[hal1]

how about this possibility. Buying from Google get you an unlocked phone with might be easier to resell down the road?

 

[Almeuit]

how about this possibility. Buying from Google get you an unlocked phone with might be easier to resell down the road?

Verizon is unlocked as well -- only the bootloader is locked. It will work on any carrier.

 

[rcyphermd]

I know mu pixel 2 from VZ had 3 or 4 apps that I could not uninstall

 

[Almeuit]

I know mu pixel 2 from VZ had 3 or 4 apps that I could not uninstall

I think you may be mistaken. There are no apps on the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon that cannot be uninstalled. This is coming from someone with a VZW Pixel 2 XL & using it for a year +.

 

[mgftp]

Straight from Google for me as I don't want the locked bootloader. Really sucks Google isn't offering more pre-order incentive this year though.

 

[rcyphermd]

what is project Fi?

 

[van_basten]

what is project Fi?

Google mobile service. The Fi version of Pixel 3 is the same as unlocked version. It probably just come with the Fi activation kit in the package. You do not need to use the Fi service. They are all unlocked.

 

[Torisen1]

what is project Fi?

Project Fi is Google's cell service which uses 3 carrier networks (T-Mobile, Sprint and Cellular One) plus Wi-Fi. $25.00 monthly base and $10.00 per gig. You are only billed for the data you use.

 

[Almeuit]

what is project Fi?

Google's carrier. Great for low data users.

 

[Mike Dee]

Google's carrier. Great for low data users.

Would love to see your bill if you were on Fi

 

[ndonnine]

Project Fi costs my wife and me $89 a month. Also, Project Fi includes free expedited shipping which the google store itself does not.

 

[Almeuit]

Would love to see your bill if you were on Fi

It caps at some point so you can't go over a certain $$ limit but my speeds would be throttled hard to crap after 15 GB.

 

[bstsms]

The unlocked version is always the best choice and Google has awesome customer service for their phones. The Verizon version will most likely have bloatware where the Google version, unlocked or Fi version, is pure android. You will also be in the first push for updates if purchased directly from Google.