Pixel 3 From Best Buy

[rockitdog23]

I apologize if its been asked before but if I buy the Pixel 3 unlocked from Best Buy - is there a difference between that device and what Google would send me if I purchase through Google or will it literally be exactly the same? Any reason to buy from Google over Best Buy?

 

[mustang7757]

I believe best buy is the Verizon model with its preinstalled apps.

 

[pkcable]

I don't believe you can buy an unlocked one from Best Buy, they sell the Verizon model. As I understand it, the Verizon Pixel 3 is locked to Verizon, BUT once you activate it on Verizon, and after a day has passed, it becomes unlocked and can be used on other carriers.

Other than the lock issue, it's the same phone as the Google one.

 

[foxbat121]

Usually you don't get any discount buying unlocked from Best Buy. You have to sign contract with Verizon to get discounts on the phone.

Also, since Best Buy only sells Verizon version, it was initially locked to Verizon only. There is a way to unlock it via Verizon but extra hassle if you don't use it on Verizon. Not sure if this behavior has changed recently.

 

[mustang7757]

I don't believe you can buy an unlocked one from Best Buy, they sell the Verizon model. As I understand it, the Verizon Pixel 3 is locked to Verizon, BUT once you activate it on Verizon, and after a day has passed, it becomes unlocked and can be used on other carriers.

Other than the lock issue, it's the same phone as the Google one.

I believe Verizon model dont come with unlocked bootloader as the unlocked version if someone interested in that.

 

[pkcable]

I believe Verizon model dont come with unlocked bootloader as the unlocked version if someone interested in that.

Yes that could be. The OP is probably much better off buying from Google. One way to make it NOT sting so much is to use Google Financing. Then pay it off monthly. I did this with the original Pixel, way back when.

 

[rockitdog23]

I'm an Android noob so excuse the dumb question but what is point of an unlocked bootloader?

 

[mustang7757]

I'm an Android noob so excuse the dumb question but what is point of an unlocked bootloader?

Never dumb question, it's so you can install different rom if you want custom OS

 

[Mike Dee]

I don't believe you can buy an unlocked one from Best Buy, they sell the Verizon model. As I understand it, the Verizon Pixel 3 is locked to Verizon, BUT once you activate it on Verizon, and after a day has passed, it becomes unlocked and can be used on other carriers.

Other than the lock issue, it's the same phone as the Google one.

The Verizon Version still has a locked bootloader. Not critical for most people.

 

[Mike Dee]

I believe best buy is the Verizon model with its preinstalled apps.

The apps get installed with a Verizon SIM anyway.

 

[GSDer]

I'm an Android noob so excuse the dumb question but what is point of an unlocked bootloader?

Never dumb question, it's so you can install different rom if you want custom OS

It's not just for installing other ROMs though; if you ever want to root your phone, so that you can have control over certain aspects of the OS (for example - being able to leave the charger plugged in overnight but having the phone stop charging at 80%) you have to have an unlocked Bootloader (completely different from being carrier unlocked, which is what all the previous discussion is about), and you can't do that with the Verizon variant.

 

[mustang7757]

It's not just for installing other ROMs though; if you ever want to root your phone, so that you can have control over certain aspects of the OS (for example - being able to leave the charger plugged in overnight but having the phone stop charging at 80%) you have to have an unlocked Bootloader (completely different from being carrier unlocked, which is what all the previous discussion is about), and you can't do that with the Verizon variant.

Definitely that's another thing you can do.

 

[mustang7757]

The apps get installed with a Verizon SIM anyway.

Yeah figured either way it's going be on phone but you can delete them ?

 

[jlp0209]

The apps get installed with a Verizon SIM anyway.

This is not true. I just bought a Pixel 3XL two days ago from Best Buy and there isn't a single Verizon app on my phone. Previously bought an unlocked one from Google that I returned due to notch-ears burn in, the apps installed and overall setup process are both identical.

Re: OP's questions, you can't order the phone online from BB without a Verizon account. You may be able to go in person and pay full retail for the device. I seriously doubt they will match Google's $150 off promo. I would never buy any phone from BB unless I'm getting a serious discount, like the current $300 off promo w/ Verizon. OP, just buy it from Google if you don't have Verizon.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yeah figured either way it's going be on phone but you can delete them ?

Yes...you can delete them. It's not many like it used to be and it depends on whether you are doing a fresh activation or just transferring SIMs. I kept the My Verizon app though because it makes sense.

 

[digitalbreak]

I apologize if its been asked before but if I buy the Pixel 3 unlocked from Best Buy - is there a difference between that device and what Google would send me if I purchase through Google or will it literally be exactly the same? Any reason to buy from Google over Best Buy?

From someone who owns a 3XL bought from Best Buy :

1) Go directly to the store and they will gladly sell you one for full price- their website requires activation

2) Except for the locked boot loader (which is how every phone should be) there isn’t any difference between this and the one Google sells (though the one you get from BB will be branded as Verizon Pixel)

3) Just remove the SIM it comes with and insert your SIM - no bloatware and it’s the same as what you get from Google.

 

[mustang7757]

Yes...you can delete them. It's not many like it used to be and it depends on whether you are doing a fresh activation or just transferring SIMs. I kept the My Verizon app though because it makes sense.

Yeah carriers cut down on their apps that they want on the phones.

 

[Michael Detwiler]

I believe best buy is the Verizon model with its preinstalled apps.

What pre-installed apps? I have Verizon Pixel 2 XL and only see an NFL app, which I use, and the My Verizon app, which is necessary. Am I missing something?

 

[lcneed]

You would only buy from Best Buy if you are planning to use it on Verizon. If not, why not get it from Google for $150 cheaper? I believe the $300 off on Best Buy is only if you activate a new line on Verizon.

 

[mustang7757]

What pre-installed apps? I have Verizon Pixel 2 XL and only see an NFL app, which I use, and the My Verizon app, which is necessary. Am I missing something?

Whatever Verizon puts on once you put your sim card , you didn't read what Mike and I was talking about ?