Best Buy Pixel XL Experience

[imartez]

I checked my local best buy last night and they had 32GB XL's in stock (Very Silver), so I ordered one and selected store pick up. I received the confirmation this morning and it is now in my possession. Much easier process than pre-ordering from the Google Store.

I just canceled my pre order since I won't be needing it anymore (32GB XL Black). Order was placed on 10/7 and no movement.

So, a few things about the Best Buy Pixel
1. It is an unlocked device
2. The phone and packaging have no Verizon logos
3. The phone has a Verizon SIM card already installed

I have T-Mobile service and before I turned on the Pixel, I removed the Verizon SIM card and put in my T-Mobile SIM and everything works at this point. So, I think that if you turn on the phone with the Verizon SIM, it may check in with their network and begin the download of the 3 apps and the system update.

So far, on T-Mobile, there are no updates, but everything works with the Verizon Pixel that I purchased at Best Buy.

 

[klau25]

I checked my local best buy last night and they had 32GB XL's in stock (Very Silver), so I ordered one and selected store pick up. I received the confirmation this morning and it is now in my possession. Much easier process than pre-ordering from the Google Store.

I just canceled my pre order since I won't be needing it anymore (32GB XL Black). Order was placed on 10/7 and no movement.

So, a few things about the Best Buy Pixel
1. It is an unlocked device
2. The phone and packaging have no Verizon logos
3. The phone has a Verizon SIM card already installed

I have T-Mobile service and before I turned on the Pixel, I removed the Verizon SIM card and put in my T-Mobile SIM and everything works at this point. So, I think that if you turn on the phone with the Verizon SIM, it may check in with their network and begin the download of the 3 apps and the system update.

So far, on T-Mobile, there are no updates, but everything works with the Verizon Pixel that I purchased at Best Buy.

Do they have a restocking fee for return?

 

[howie]

They got rid of restocking fees for a long while, but last night in store they said they brought it back.

 

[howie]

...I have T-Mobile service and before I turned on the Pixel, I removed the Verizon SIM card and put in my T-Mobile SIM and everything works at this point. So, I think that if you turn on the phone with the Verizon SIM, it may check in with their network and begin the download of the 3 apps and the system update.

So far, on T-Mobile, there are no updates, but everything works with the Verizon Pixel that I purchased at Best Buy.

What three apps? I left the Verizon SIM in and use it on the VzW network. I got a system update, but no apps (from Verizon at least).

 

[klau25]

man, was going to buy one from best buy and return it next week. never mind they had 2 and I had to help a customer, not they are all gone.

 

[anon(98335)]

so Best Buy let you buy it without activate on VZW? wow..

 

[IncredibleJedi]

They got rid of restocking fees for a long while, but last night in store they said they brought it back.

I was a previous Note 7 user, and picked up a Moto G4 Play from Best Buy to use for two weeks while my Pixel XL arrived. Yesterday, I returned the Moto G4 and there was no restocking fee.

Is it after 14 days, then a re-stock fee is charged with Best Buy?

 

[Gdraft#WN]

My concern/question would be.... . Whete do the updates come from? The whole reason to go with an unlocked phone is to get updates directly from Google.

If the phone from BB is still a "Verizon" phone, does that mean Verizon controls the updates?

This would defeat the purpose for me. . Might as well just get whatever junk T-Mo is pushing this week.

 

[murphcid]

Thank you for that good information.

I checked my local best buy last night and they had 32GB XL's in stock (Very Silver), so I ordered one and selected store pick up. I received the confirmation this morning and it is now in my possession. Much easier process than pre-ordering from the Google Store.

I just canceled my pre order since I won't be needing it anymore (32GB XL Black). Order was placed on 10/7 and no movement.

So, a few things about the Best Buy Pixel
1. It is an unlocked device
2. The phone and packaging have no Verizon logos
3. The phone has a Verizon SIM card already installed

I have T-Mobile service and before I turned on the Pixel, I removed the Verizon SIM card and put in my T-Mobile SIM and everything works at this point. So, I think that if you turn on the phone with the Verizon SIM, it may check in with their network and begin the download of the 3 apps and the system update.

So far, on T-Mobile, there are no updates, but everything works with the Verizon Pixel that I purchased at Best Buy.

 

[imartez]

Do they have a restocking fee for return?

Yes, it is $35.

 

[imartez]

What three apps? I left the Verizon SIM in and use it on the VzW network. I got a system update, but no apps (from Verizon at least).

I believe that they are My Verizon, Verizon Messages and go90.

 

[imartez]

so Best Buy let you buy it without activate on VZW? wow..

Yes, I ordered online and did an in store pick up. I also got the free Chromecast, not sure about the $100 gift card, I have to follow up with them. I think you have to activate through Best Buy to get the gift card.

 

[imartez]

I was a previous Note 7 user, and picked up a Moto G4 Play from Best Buy to use for two weeks while my Pixel XL arrived. Yesterday, I returned the Moto G4 and there was no restocking fee.

Is it after 14 days, then a re-stock fee is charged with Best Buy?

From my experience even if it is within 14 days they still charge you the restocking fee. I'm sure they can override it, but the policy states that there is a fee

 

[kng916]

Can you verify that T-mobile wifi calling works on this Verizon device? Thanks

 

[imartez]

My concern/question would be.... . Whete do the updates come from? The whole reason to go with an unlocked phone is to get updates directly from Google.

If the phone from BB is still a "Verizon" phone, does that mean Verizon controls the updates?

This would defeat the purpose for me. . Might as well just get whatever junk T-Mo is pushing this week.

Even though they call it the "Verizon Pixel", it's still the same phone that you order from the google store. I believe that once you place a Verizon SIM in the phone and use Verizon service, that's when Verizon can push what they want to the phone. Having said that, I found this statement from Google.

Update: Verizon says its Pixels will get updates at the same time as Google’s | Ars Technica

I don't have any concerns with the Best Buy "Verizon" Pixel. It's working great with T-Mobile service. I would equate this to how Apple controls their iPhone updates. I don't believe that any carrier has control over what iPhone updates are pushed without Apple's consent. When the iPhone was first released it was solely on AT&T but Apple still controlled all the updates.

 

[imartez]

Can you verify that T-mobile wifi calling works on this Verizon device? Thanks

Yes, it does. I just made a WiFi call.

 

[Practical Performance]

Do you have to activate the included Verizon SIM in order to get the $100 GC and chromecast?

 

[PalakMi]

I am concerned about updates, since it was meant for Verizon

 

[imartez]

Do you have to activate the included Verizon SIM in order to get the $100 GC and chromecast?

I got the chromecast, but still haven't verified about the $100 gift card

 

[imartez]

I am concerned about updates, since it was meant for Verizon

Read this article. It should clear up your concerns.
Update: Verizon says its Pixels will get updates at the same time as Google’s | Ars Technica