International Version

[slwatts]

I just purchased a new Pixel 3XL from Rakuten for what I thought was a great deal (539 and 108 an Rakuten points) Now that I am taking time to look more closely, I see that it says international version. Fine print specifically stated it won't work with Sprint.

I live in US and have Verizon. Phone is for to arrive tomorrow. Should I anticipate any issues using with Verizon? Will this affect resale or tradein value?

 

[Rukbat]

Yes, you should anticipate issues. Contact them and see if you can exchange the phone for the US version.

 

[foxbat121]

International version won't work in US CDMA carriers like Verizon or Sprint.

 

[slwatts]

Darn! I thought I was being thorough. The listing claims it's compatible with Verizon, but I assume it's on a different band. Sigh.

 

[foxbat121]

It has nothing to do with bands. CDMA carriers have additional controls over which phone is allowed to be on their network. That is they need your phone be already on their database. Google makes sure all US versions are registered. But not necessarily international versions.

The LTE part will work if you have a Verizon sim card. But not necessarily voice and text. That's a lot of huddles to jump over.

GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile don't have this restriction. As long as your phone is able to pick up any bands, it will work.

 

[Morty2264]

Keep us posted on how the exchange goes! Hope it all works out!

 

[B. Diddy]

AP does specifically say it's compatible with Verizon: https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...just-540-359-off-at-rakuten-with-coupon-code/. I'm guessing this means that as long as you have good LTE signal, you can make and receive calls with VoLTE. But if you're in an area with poor LTE, then the phone won't be able to fall back to CDMA for voice calls.

 

[slwatts]

Thanks for the explanations and quick responses. I just sent an email to see if I can get a full refund.

Worst case, I guess I have to try to sale it. Do you think a new in box, unopened international version would sale easily/quickly for $540?

 

[ptkelly]

I'm in Mexico and have bought a few international models and I've never gotten one with a charger that will fit Mexico, or U.S., electrical outlets. Two came with adapters and two didn't.