Switching from iPhone 6 to Pixel XL, have questions

[ardisst]

Hello all, used to be an Android user but switched shortly after the iPhone 6 came out to just check it out. Well I am ready to switch back and enjoy the new Pixel XL, but I have some questions I hope someone can answer:

1) Order from Google (I know its on backorder) or Verizon? [Currently with Verizon and buying from them gets me $300 trade-in]

2) Concerned about the updates via Verizon...I remember when I had my Droid Maxx they took forever to come in.

3) Read that the Pixel has an unlocked bootloader from Google but not from Verizon. Is this true? Does this mean I can never unlock it if purchased through Verizon? [Not really a deal sealer]

Thanks for any comments, answers or opinions. I am still on the fence, but want to jump on over!

 

[Aquila]

Verizon is cheaper if you do the deal you're describing. It seems that it will have advantages like WiFi calling.

Firmware updates will come from Verizon, monthly security updates will come more quickly from Google.

The Verizon bootloader is definitely locked and in all probability won't be unlockable. There's still no confirmation that the Google version has an unlockable bootloader, though most are expecting that it does.

This thread has some interesting details about all that if you want to check it out: http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-xl/731932-verizon-version-info-google-rep.html

 

[dpham00]

Also read the terms of the trade in... It is now usually a bill credit for 24 months. If you plan to keep the phone for that time then fine. If you upgrade early then you will forfeit the remaining credit

 

[Richard Servello]

Never buy Verizon branded handsets if it's available unlocked. Besides bloatware and slow updates. The resale value will be dramatically lower.

 

[dpham00]

Never buy Verizon branded handsets if it's available unlocked. Besides bloatware and slow updates. The resale value will be dramatically lower.

I would rather pay$200 on contract vs $650 direct from Google.

 

[jam4775]

I would rather pay$200 on contract vs $650 direct from Google.

You're paying the same price whether you do a 2 year agreement or device payments through Verizon or if you finance it through Google or buy it out right.

 

[ardisst]

Thanks all. Some interesting stuff and I feel I am all in now. Just now still undecided and where to buy it. I put myself on the Google Waitlist, but I wouldn't mind pre-ordering it from Verizon to get the Daydream headset as I will probably never buy it myself. I am assuming by simply joining the waitlist, that is not considered a pre-order?

 

[Aquila]

You're paying the same price whether you do a 2 year agreement or device payments through Verizon or if you finance it through Google or buy it out right.

With his particular plan that's not the case, but in a lot of cases you're correct it's pretty equal.

 

[anon(8444889)]

Thanks all. Some interesting stuff and I feel I am all in now. Just now still undecided and where to buy it. I put myself on the Google Waitlist, but I wouldn't mind pre-ordering it from Verizon to get the Daydream headset as I will probably never buy it myself. I am assuming by simply joining the waitlist, that is not considered a pre-order?

Benefits of Verizon:
1. Some minor features like HD voice or wifi calling may only be available with Verizon version. I have read conflicting things but chances are one or both are not available if you use Google version. This may not be a big deal for some people.
2. Verizon offers theft coverage if you get their insurance.
3. Verizon version is available as of October 20th while the Google version is may not be available until late November I believe.

Negatives about Verizon version:
1. Slower updates
2. The Verizon insurance includes theft but also costs $7 a month for the base plan that includes extended warranty. The Google warranty plan is only $99 for the 2 years. While it doesn't include theft it is much cheaper over the 2 year period compared to $168 ($7 a month for 2 yrs).
3. You can't use the phone with other phone companies (I think).

I am personally going with the Verizon version. For me I don't mind slower updates as long as I still get them eventually. In some ways it can be a blessing in disguise to avoid glitchy updates. I will live with slower updates to make sure HD voice works. I never plan on leaving Verizon so I don't need to ever use the phone with a different company.

Based on the pros and cons I can see why some would only do the Google version. The Android Central writers believe everyone should only get the Google version but I don't find the reasons big enough in my case to lose the minor features. But everyone is different in what they value.

 

[dpham00]

You're paying the same price whether you do a 2 year agreement or device payments through Verizon or if you finance it through Google or buy it out right.

On my legacy plan, I pay the same price whether on contract or not

 

[ardisst]

@Passive Sloth: Thanks that is some good info. Also Verizon just released that they "will NOT" slow updates from Google and will get at the same time (so that is good).

Someone also mentioned getting SquareTrade as insurance for the phone (think its $129 or so) compared to Verizon which is something like $11 per month (looking at my current bill). Anyone recommend any good third party insurance?

 

[dpham00]

@Passive Sloth: Thanks that is some good info. Also Verizon just released that they "will NOT" slow updates from Google and will get at the same time (so that is good).

Someone also mentioned getting SquareTrade as insurance for the phone (think its $129 or so) compared to Verizon which is something like $11 per month (looking at my current bill). Anyone recommend any good third party insurance?

It doesn't cover loss or theft.

 

[anon(8444889)]

@Passive Sloth: Thanks that is some good info. Also Verizon just released that they "will NOT" slow updates from Google and will get at the same time (so that is good).

Someone also mentioned getting SquareTrade as insurance for the phone (think its $129 or so) compared to Verizon which is something like $11 per month (looking at my current bill). Anyone recommend any good third party insurance?

Ardisst,

I guess after today you can ignore most of what I wrote since the updates will all be the same. Sounds like the main difference is the type of insurance. You mentioned that your bill said $11 for the insurance which is the price for the warranty, theft, and tech support help. If you drop the tech support you can get it for $7 and still have theft coverage.

One other difference you will read about is it will have a locked bootloader. If you are not familiar with that term then it probably doesn't matter for you anyway.

Good luck with the decision.

 

[ardisst]

Passive Sloth,

Thanks again for the good info. I am familiar with the bootloader and it is a minor concern for me. However, I think I will get the Verizon one anyways even though it is locked.

Again thanks for the help.