VERIZON or Unlocked?

[Coug]

Verizon. Got $300 trade and do not plan on switching carriers.

 

[gabbott]

The only thing I will add to that is that the Google model has a slightly higher resale value but it's not by a lot and over time it is possibly less significant. On a personal level rooting is not important to me. Been there, done that. Not knocking the rooting crowd... I just see less use for it especially with a Pixel.

Just remember that an unlockable bootloader's use isn't only for rooting. One can't flash the factory image either if something happens to the phone, the only option then is replacement if you can't unlock the bootloader. It gives the user a bit more flexibility to potentially fix certain issues on their own.

 

[Lilybell2]

Just remember that an unlockable bootloader's use isn't only for rooting. One can't flash the factory image either if something happens to the phone, the only option then is replacement if you can't unlock the bootloader. It gives the user a bit more flexibility to potentially fix certain issues on their own.

Exactly! To me, that's a very important difference. If your back is against the wall, and your only way out is to flash a factory image, you need an unlocked bootloader. I want that option available to me.

 

[PowrDroid]

If a person can stick the sim card from their Verizon phone in an unlocked Pixel 2 and get all of Verizon's features without the bloat, why would anyone buy the Verizon version instead of getting unlocked? For the payment plan?

 

[paradroid]

If a person can stick the sim card from their Verizon phone in an unlocked Pixel 2 and get all of Verizon's features without the bloat, why would anyone buy the Verizon version instead of getting unlocked? For the payment plan?

People were in a rush to order and wanted Verizon so they figured they needed a locked Verizon version.

 

[ultravisitor]

If a person can stick the sim card from their Verizon phone in an unlocked Pixel 2 and get all of Verizon's features without the bloat, why would anyone buy the Verizon version instead of getting unlocked? For the payment plan?

Because I don't want to pay outright and I only want one bill.

 

[tmm1964]

Making the switch from iPhone 5c to a Pixel 2 (64 GB, Black). This will be my first Android phone and I ordered it through the Google Store. After reading this thread I think I messed up. I am a Verizon customer in the US and selected Verizon under the "Carrier" section (made sense at the time). Sounds like I should have selected Unlocked and then just swap the sim card from my iPhone to the Pixel. Will I have any issues swapping a sim card from an iPhone to an Android? I can get the phone a month earlier if I cancel my order and order an Unlocked phone instead.

Cheers.

 

[Ca_lvn]

Either phone will work the same, unless you want to root or use the bootloader, you will need to delete your iPhone, on your iTunes account or Apple account, for messaging to work or you won't get your texts.
And have patience with the change from iOS to Android it's a positive change but it takes a few days to get used to

 

[openwheelracing]

Making the switch from iPhone 5c to a Pixel 2 (64 GB, Black). This will be my first Android phone and I ordered it through the Google Store. After reading this thread I think I messed up. I am a Verizon customer in the US and selected Verizon under the "Carrier" section (made sense at the time). Sounds like I should have selected Unlocked and then just swap the sim card from my iPhone to the Pixel. Will I have any issues swapping a sim card from an iPhone to an Android? I can get the phone a month earlier if I cancel my order and order an Unlocked phone instead.

Cheers.

You are fine with Verizon version unless you want to root and tinker the crap out of it. They are the same.

 

[tmm1964]

OK thanks. I guess it just comes down to whether I want to get the phone a month earlier by cancelling my "Verizon" order and ordering an "Unlocked" phone.

 

[Lilybell2]

I don't root my phones, and certainly don't "tinker the crap" out of them. But I absolutely do value the ability to unlock the bootloader if it should ever become necessary to flash a factory image. I look at it as insurance... I might not need it, but it sure makes me feel good to know it's there.

As an unlocked phone from the Google store works just fine on Verizon, as well as all other major carriers, I personally have neither need nor inclination to purchase a phone with a bootloader that cannot be unlocked if need be. YMMV

 

[Ron Copsetta]

I plan to use the phone on Verizon, but chose the UNLOCKED version because I may want to move to another carrier soon. Is that ok? Or should I cancel and reorder the verizon version?

It doesn't matter which one you buy, I bought the Verizon edition pixel XL on Swappa and used it on sprint.

 

[bjrosen]

I always buy unlocked even though I'm on Verizon at the moment. Do the Verizon versions get their updates through Verizon or direct from Google? Keeping Verizon out of the loop is my main reason for buying direct from Google. I had the Galaxy Nexus which got even fewer updates on Verizon then it did on the other carriers, and those updates were always months late. Ever since I've bought unlocked phones, Nexus 5 which I had on AT&T, Nexus 6P I'm running on Verizon, and now I've ordered the Pixel 2 XL which I'll probably keep on Verizon.

 

[Mike Dee]

Just remember that an unlockable bootloader's use isn't only for rooting. One can't flash the factory image either if something happens to the phone, the only option then is replacement if you can't unlock the bootloader. It gives the user a bit more flexibility to potentially fix certain issues on their own.

How many times has that happened to you?

 

[Mike Dee]

Exactly! To me, that's a very important difference. If your back is against the wall, and your only way out is to flash a factory image, you need an unlocked bootloader. I want that option available to me.

You have the option.

 

[gabbott]

How many times has that happened to you?

Had a Nexus 6 that bootlooped fairly recently and the only fix was to flash the factory image. If I didn't have the bootloader unlocked it would have been a brick since the warranty had expired.

Might not happen often but if cost is the same for a Google phone I'd always opt for the unlocked version for reasons such as that.

 

[anon(49997)]

To have an not need is better than needing and not having.

 

[tmm1964]

OK, so here is my dilemma. My "Verizon" order through Google does not ship until late November. If I cancel that order and re-order an "Unlocked" phone it will ship next week. Are there any benefits to getting the "Verizon" version? I am currently a Verizon customer and will be switching from an iPhone 5c. I have no intention of rooting the phone or "tinkering" with it in any way. I just want a new phone with a great camera and unlimited storage, and it would be nice to have it in hand next week.

So, should I cancel and re-order an unlocked phone? (leaning that way, just need a push to do it!)

Thanks.

 

[ChuckG73]

I have gotten one of my Pixels from Verizon and had an issue with the phone and got in back and forth on who needed to fix the phone or replace it, VZW or Google. Now I buy only from Google....

 

[Jaycemiskel]

I always buy unlocked even though I'm on Verizon at the moment. Do the Verizon versions get their updates through Verizon or direct from Google? Keeping Verizon out of the loop is my main reason for buying direct from Google. I had the Galaxy Nexus which got even fewer updates on Verizon then it did on the other carriers, and those updates were always months late. Ever since I've bought unlocked phones, Nexus 5 which I had on AT&T, Nexus 6P I'm running on Verizon, and now I've ordered the Pixel 2 XL which I'll probably keep on Verizon.

They get them direct from Google. Every update on the OG Pixels came out at the same time as the unlocked ones. The only difference you're gonna have between the two phones is the bootloader.