New phone... Note 5 or Nexus 6P?

[OldCookie]

Hey guys. Looking into a new phone. I'm with T-Mobile. Looking to buy outright.

There's a deal for the Unlocked Verizon Note 5 currently. BUT, it seems that Tmobile users on unlocked verizon phones has a lot of bloatware, doesn't receive updates, and doesn't receive clear voice calling... Can anyone confirm this?...

If it's all good, i'd much rather choose the Note 5 over the Nexus 6P, because of it being more superior.

Any advice or comments will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Verizon phones do tend to have more carrier bloat, so you'd be stuck with that, unless you root the phone (if that's even possible--I'm not sure if there's an exploit yet). In general, carrier-specific phones need to get the OTA push from that carrier, so T-Mobile wouldn't push the Verizon update. You might be able to get around this using Smart Switch, or just flashing the firmware via Odin when it becomes available: http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...w-flash-stock-rom-via-odin-new-interface.html. I can't comment on the clear calling.

 

[OldCookie]

Thank for the quick response.
This is new to me as I never had to think about picking between a carrier brand device or a unlocked device.

Is this a usual issue that most enthusiasts consider?

So does it mean the phone will not receive software updates?

 

[B. Diddy]

It means the phone won't receive OTA system updates from T-Mobile. You could still install updates the ways I had suggested above.

I'd say that enthusiasts generally lean towards unlocked devices, because of the lesser amount of bloat, and the greater freedom of choosing carriers (although this depends on the network band compatibility of the phone).

It's also worth keeping in mind that activating a Verizon phone on T-Mobile might not be entirely smooth. I've seen threads about issues like glitchy MMS message transmission.

 

[OldCookie]

I'm new to the flashing, and roms and such. But I'm going to read more on it..
Although as of now it looks like the Verizon version is a no go.

So, if I were to get a T-Mobile version of the note 5, i don't have to flash the firnware, and should be good to go?

 

[B. Diddy]

Right. The T-Mobile version will get system updates directly from T-Mobile. An added advantage is that you'd be able to use T-Mobile's wi-fi calling feature (which will only work on T-mobile's own phones, not unlocked phones or those brought over from another carrier).

 

[OldCookie]

Thank you !