Want LGV20 but VZW making difficult

[Beech_55]

My S6 battery sucks so bad that it's time for a new phone. I remember so fondly carrying a spare battery for my old BB, so I've decided on the V20 - but I'm with Verizon.

I tried first to check online for in-store pickup. No luck, but the chat rep somehow found a couple of "reserve" devices at the closest store. I went in to check it out - nothing in stock. I called CS to complain, and I was told I could order online and return it within 14 days without problem. So I went online to pull the trigger, but figured out the $65 catch. The $30 "upgrade" fee is not refundable if you activate the device, and there is a $35 restocking fee to return it. Seems pretty steep cost for trying out a phone since I can't hold it in the store. Anyone have a similar experience and have been able to get these waived?

Is the replaceable battery as great as I'm thinking?

 

[Mooncatt]

I'd still say pull the trigger. The V20 is the most complete package out today. It may not have cutting edge specs, but it is it all and does everything well. Durable, SD card, IR Blaster, flat screen, and a beast of a performer. Coming from Samsung, about the only thing you may find lacking is the cooler color tones of the display compared to AMOLED screens.

 

[Beech_55]

Thanks Mooncatt. I'm tempted to order an unlocked version via Amazon, but I'm reluctant to do so since I'd have to deal with upgrades (and I expect other stuff) on my own.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

I think the upgrade fee is refunded if the phone is returned, at least it used to be that way.

And a $35 restocking fee isn't bad IMO, phones aren't cheap and the ones returned in the 14 day window cannot be sold as a new device again. I do understand the frustration of not seeing it in store.

 

[Beech_55]

The upgrade fee is only refunded if the phone isn't activated - at least according to one of the chat reps (all of whom seemed to be named Jennifer or Jessica). All is moot because I decided to order it. Fingers crossed.

 

[AtTheHop]

I will gladly take the S6 for free to use to stream movies to my tv thru my Chromecast dongle. I will just keep it plugged into the charger. PM me if your junking it.

 

[flyingkytez]

My S6 battery sucks so bad that it's time for a new phone. I remember so fondly carrying a spare battery for my old BB, so I've decided on the V20 - but I'm with Verizon.

I tried first to check online for in-store pickup. No luck, but the chat rep somehow found a couple of "reserve" devices at the closest store. I went in to check it out - nothing in stock. I called CS to complain, and I was told I could order online and return it within 14 days without problem. So I went online to pull the trigger, but figured out the $65 catch. The $30 "upgrade" fee is not refundable if you activate the device, and there is a $35 restocking fee to return it. Seems pretty steep cost for trying out a phone since I can't hold it in the store. Anyone have a similar experience and have been able to get these waived?

Is the replaceable battery as great as I'm thinking?

Brand new.. eBay: $292 for Verizon Unlocked V20

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...pre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/232525186881

Don't buy phones that are listed as "NEW (OTHER)" because it's not actually brand new. eBay and PayPal is safe and legit, PayPal has really good buyer protection.

Are removable batteries worth it? Depends on your usage habits and lifestyle. As a traveler, removable batteries helps tremendously... especially when you're traveling on foot with no power source. Much more convenient than carrying a power bank which you still have to keep plugged in and it's bulky. After 12 months of daily usage, a phone battery will degrade so a removable battery will save you money in the long run. Glad I got the V20... tired of buying new phones every single year because the battery is no longer good... Love the V20 and wish there are more phones like it. The last phone I had with removable battery was the Galaxy S5 which was my favorite Samsung phone.

The feeling you get when you switch out the battery and instantly have 100% = winning! With 5 spare batteries, I pretty much have unlimited battery, there's no need to stop and plug it in. + The headphone jack you can charge while listen to music at the same time, other phones no longer have a 3.5mm jack.

 

[flyingkytez]

I'd still say pull the trigger. The V20 is the most complete package out today. It may not have cutting edge specs, but it is it all and does everything well. Durable, SD card, IR Blaster, flat screen, and a beast of a performer. Coming from Samsung, about the only thing you may find lacking is the cooler color tones of the display compared to AMOLED screens.

Samsung makes excellent hardware. But after using a Galaxy S6, S7, S8, the experience quickly became boring and the AMOLED screen started to look annoying to me due to the cartoony look and offwhite whites. V20 is an all in one package... honestly you don't need slim bezels because the V20 is already super slim, slimmer than an S8+ or Note... and plus it's more comfortable to hold and use unlike the impractical curves of the S8.

Oh and plus I can leave the screen on for hours and not worry about screen burn in (Waze or Google Maps?)

 

[flyingkytez]

The upgrade fee is only refunded if the phone isn't activated - at least according to one of the chat reps (all of whom seemed to be named Jennifer or Jessica). All is moot because I decided to order it. Fingers crossed.

Why not switch to T-Mobile? Rated the fastest LTE speeds in the nation, plus better pricing.

 

[flyingkytez]

Thanks Mooncatt. I'm tempted to order an unlocked version via Amazon, but I'm reluctant to do so since I'd have to deal with upgrades (and I expect other stuff) on my own.

Buy from eBay, cheaper and it's pretty much the same thing... 3rd party resellers.

 

[Beech_55]

Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback. I got the V20 today and it was awesome. I spent about 3 hours working on it and then figured out TOTAL FAIL - the device isn't supported by my company for its proprietary email and other programs that I use daily. Something to do with the LG phone security patches. TOTALLY BLOWS. Now I'm going to get whacked for the restock fee, and $30 unless they waive the activation when I get another phone. I'm pretty much limited to the S8, S8+ - or an iPhone.

 

[Mooncatt]

Wow, talk about being blindsided!

Now that you mention it, I think I saw someone else post a similar issue in another thread. Having used the phone this long myself, my suggestion would be consider keeping it for your daily driver and find the cheapest thing you can that works for your company. It's not an issue I've ever had to consider, but I can't see myself spending that kind of dough to replace a personal use device just to satisfy my company's desires. If they need me to have that ability that bad, they can give me a company phone.

 

[Beech_55]

They used to offer the BB as the work device, but that doesn't work anymore. I can't do without that access, and there isn't a cheap option - unfortunately. I'm so bummed - it was a pretty sweet device, and the removable battery!!!

 

[Ry]

My S6 battery sucks so bad that it's time for a new phone. I remember so fondly carrying a spare battery for my old BB, so I've decided on the V20 - but I'm with Verizon.

I tried first to check online for in-store pickup. No luck, but the chat rep somehow found a couple of "reserve" devices at the closest store. I went in to check it out - nothing in stock. I called CS to complain, and I was told I could order online and return it within 14 days without problem. So I went online to pull the trigger, but figured out the $65 catch. The $30 "upgrade" fee is not refundable if you activate the device, and there is a $35 restocking fee to return it. Seems pretty steep cost for trying out a phone since I can't hold it in the store. Anyone have a similar experience and have been able to get these waived?

Is the replaceable battery as great as I'm thinking?

"Return within 14 days without problem" means you'll have the option to return it, with it's associated fees.

 

[flyingkytez]

Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback. I got the V20 today and it was awesome. I spent about 3 hours working on it and then figured out TOTAL FAIL - the device isn't supported by my company for its proprietary email and other programs that I use daily. Something to do with the LG phone security patches. TOTALLY BLOWS. Now I'm going to get whacked for the restock fee, and $30 unless they waive the activation when I get another phone. I'm pretty much limited to the S8, S8+ - or an iPhone.

Are you talking about the generic push email app? Make sure you use the correct settings when setting up your email. Also, make sure you update your phone to the latest build. There was a recent security update on all LG phones.

You can also download Microsoft Outlook.. the number one most used email app for most companies:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.outlook

 

[flyingkytez]

They used to offer the BB as the work device, but that doesn't work anymore. I can't do without that access, and there isn't a cheap option - unfortunately. I'm so bummed - it was a pretty sweet device, and the removable battery!!!

So I'm guessing the only supported devices are Apple and Samsung? What app are you trying to install? Maybe there is a workaround.

 

[flyingkytez]

Wow, talk about being blindsided!

Now that you mention it, I think I saw someone else post a similar issue in another thread. Having used the phone this long myself, my suggestion would be consider keeping it for your daily driver and find the cheapest thing you can that works for your company. It's not an issue I've ever had to consider, but I can't see myself spending that kind of dough to replace a personal use device just to satisfy my company's desires. If they need me to have that ability that bad, they can give me a company phone.

Exactly. My previous company gave me a iPhone 5c, very cheap and cost effective but still runs the same operating system as the newer phone. Buy a cheap iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, or SE for work and keep your personal and work phones separate. You don't want to accidentally leak personal info on your work phone.. that's very highly possible. Plus, when you're at home you can focus on your own life, don't take work home with you.

 

[Beech_55]

Apple, Samsung, Google and the BB KeyOne. It is a proprietary app (yes, we use Outlook on the desktops, but only this email app for devices), so I was told there is no workaround. It has to do with the manufacturers not being willing to make certain reps to our company about the speed for which security patches are issued and added to the devices.

I tried to do it using a separate Keyboard app (as the proprietary app doesn't let you use certain keyboards), and was able to get past that roadblock - but then the app determines the phone model and kicks you out. I gave up and am returning the v20 today.

I used to carry two devices but got sick of it. And not all Apple phones will work - some are no longer supported, including the 5c. Thanks though!

 

[flyingkytez]

Apple, Samsung, Google and the BB KeyOne. It is a proprietary app (yes, we use Outlook on the desktops, but only this email app for devices), so I was told there is no workaround. It has to do with the manufacturers not being willing to make certain reps to our company about the speed for which security patches are issued and added to the devices.

I tried to do it using a separate Keyboard app (as the proprietary app doesn't let you use certain keyboards), and was able to get past that roadblock - but then the app determines the phone model and kicks you out. I gave up and am returning the v20 today.

I used to carry two devices but got sick of it. And not all Apple phones will work - some are no longer supported, including the 5c. Thanks though!

Why not reach out to the engineers and tell them to fix the issue?

 

[Beech_55]

It's a big company, so that's got almost zero chance of succeeding, especially if the reason given is accurate. They won't risk any security breach if there is a real or perceived risk.