Related
Im wanting to upgrade with at&t, and would like to know what the expectation is for an unlocked bootloader or bypass for this device is? Switching carriers isn't an option
I currently have an s5, that I'm ditching. I just can't stand not having a stock Google ROM on it. I'm just trying to get a temperature check before I get into another device.
I know this question isn't easy, but maybe some educated guesses on how long it took for the g2 to get custom recoveries, etc. I could see myself being patient with it for a while, but I'm wanting to port android L sans theming and its hard to justify buying a dated device just to accomplish it. (Even though this is last gen 801)
Hope that make sense, maybe some of you knew something going into the purchase that reassured you. Sweeping generalizations are welcome, seriously I haven't been following much with the brand and I understand att is the worst of the carriers in this regard.
Please don't mark me as an impatient type, just trying to make am informed decision, and I certainly won't nag the devs to death, I've seen the donation thread, eek.
Thanks.
svntsvn said:
Im wanting to upgrade with at&t, and would like to know what the expectation is for an unlocked bootloader or bypass for this device is? Switching carriers isn't an option
I currently have an s5, that I'm ditching. I just can't stand not having a stock Google ROM on it. I'm just trying to get a temperature check before I get into another device.
I know this question isn't easy, but maybe some educated guesses on how long it took for the g2 to get custom recoveries, etc. I could see myself being patient with it for a while, but I'm wanting to port android L sans theming and its hard to justify buying a dated device just to accomplish it. (Even though this is last gen 801)
Hope that make sense, maybe some of you knew something going into the purchase that reassured you. Sweeping generalizations are welcome, seriously I haven't been following much with the brand and I understand att is the worst of the carriers in this regard.
Please don't mark me as an impatient type, just trying to make am informed decision, and I certainly won't nag the devs to death, I've seen the donation thread, eek.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This device is not as popular as the S5 is, there will probably less involvement from the Developer community, although this is a game changer for LG. I love the phone, Root was fast because of the S5, but a bootloader unlock may be a few months down the road. There really is no definitive answer yet, if you want pure Google I would look at Nexus devices verus this one. Verizon is annoying with locking down the bootloader because T-Mobile still doesn't do it, The T-Mobile variant is already unlocked with TWRP
Thanks, I ended up going with the one m8, since its been opened up for at&t already, and the gpe version is out. Best buy had an awesome deal on the g3, but I ended up paying a little more for the m8 to have that open flashing ability at the cost of certain lg hardware awesomeness.
I had a hard time with the width of the lg, which also influenced the decision a little, since Id likely drop the m8 less, and I don't do bumpers, just the t-glass over the screen, plus the free replacement screen for 6 mos, is hard to beat.
Thanks, I'm sure I'll be back to the lg at some point, darn at&t should at least offer a bootloader unlock to those who own the devices. T-Mobile is definitely getting a second look right now...
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Hi all!
Just picked up an M9 this week... Had an M8 prior to that. I've been reading through the forums and spent some time on the M8 forums flashing, testing, and customizing the phone with Roms. I've been reading about the M9 and have noticed some mention that Verizon is firm about a locked bootloader and all. I was curious how on the M8, S-off and unlocking the bootloader was achieved if Verizon is so strict about keeping the phone locked down? Thanks for any responses in advance Looking forward to customizing this beast of a phone. Thank you to all the Devs that make all of this possible!
Cheers,
Ren
hackjunk said:
Hi all!
Just picked up an M9 this week... Had an M8 prior to that. I've been reading through the forums and spent some time on the M8 forums flashing, testing, and customizing the phone with Roms. I've been reading about the M9 and have noticed some mention that Verizon is firm about a locked bootloader and all. I was curious how on the M8, S-off and unlocking the bootloader was achieved if Verizon is so strict about keeping the phone locked down? Thanks for any responses in advance Looking forward to customizing this beast of a phone. Thank you to all the Devs that make all of this possible!
Cheers,
Ren
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The M8 was like this when it first came out. Yes Verizon is strict. From what I have been told they are trying to find a Temporary Root Exploit to be able to S-Off and all that goodness. We just have to be patient like the First Model M8 people were. Luckily when I first got my M8 it was rootable and stuff. So just be patient, or feel free to donate to jcase and beaups to help buy them energy drinks.
Everything @Balian67 said an also one tip. Don't do any updates till you are s-off as updates could cause exploit not to work if there is a exploit released.
Tigerstown said:
Everything @Balian67 said an also one tip. Don't do any updates till you are s-off as updates could cause exploit not to work if there is a exploit released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What i said and what this guy said. Friends don't let friends take updates without it being pre-rooted.
Balian67 said:
What i said and what this guy said. Friends don't let friends take updates without it being pre-rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I read this thread, didn't even think about updates changing things for getting rooted and eventually S-Off!
chayos00 said:
Glad I read this thread, didn't even think about updates changing things for getting rooted and eventually S-Off!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as im s-off i flash Aosp style roms and never look back....but tbh...sense isnt bugging me like touchwiz did..not that ill stay on stock sense but it isnt atrocious
Balian67 said:
What i said and what this guy said. Friends don't let friends take updates without it being pre-rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Balian67 said:
As soon as im s-off i flash Aosp style roms and never look back....but tbh...sense isn't bugging me like touchwiz did..not that ill stay on stock sense but it isn't atrocious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm liking the stock setup, but I just like having that option of I wanted!
Balian67 said:
As soon as im s-off i flash Aosp style roms and never look back....but tbh...sense isnt bugging me like touchwiz did..not that ill stay on stock sense but it isnt atrocious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with this!! Oh my lord is there a difference between Touchwiz and Sense. I did go back to Nova Launcher for the actual day-to-day launcher but the framework is...I dare to say...enjoyable to use. This is my first HTC phone, although I've worked on a few for friends, but I'm loving it so far.
xgerryx said:
Totally agree with this!! Oh my lord is there a difference between Touchwiz and Sense. I did go back to Nova Launcher for the actual day-to-day launcher but the framework is...I dare to say...enjoyable to use. This is my first HTC phone, although I've worked on a few for friends, but I'm loving it so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i bought an M9 for myself and a S6 for my wife. This is first i have used touchwiz, it is not intuitive whatsoever. I am happy with my m9
aer0zer0 said:
So i bought an M9 for myself and a S6 for my wife. This is first i have used touchwiz, it is not intuitive whatsoever. I am happy with my m9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way Samsung complicates settings drives me bonkers. It just doesn't need to be that complicated.
I'm in S6 trial week. Lol. So far not impressed. The so called super snappy touchwiz has a laggy keyboard whether stock or google. Also don't get me started on Chrome browser lag. Little things here and there that are non existent on even the m8. Overall its snappy but it still has annoying hicups here and there. Gonna take a miracle for me not to exchange for an m9 next weekend.
I had an M7 but not an M8 and had put AOSP on it because Sense just didn't feel right to me.
I bought an M9 because of the retail employee deal of no-contract for $300 and trading in for the new one every year. Ditched my G3 and haven't looked back. I love Sense 7. Not only is the UI smooth and really easy to use, the whole design language flows so well with the physical design of the phone. I don't think I'll be putting a custom ROM on this but I would love root for an ad blocker. I forgot how many ads there were on phones until I had to use this M9 without root.
Is anyone planning on making a bounty thread?
PizzaSauce said:
I had an M7 but not an M8 and had put AOSP on it because Sense just didn't feel right to me.
I bought an M9 because of the retail employee deal of no-contract for $300 and trading in for the new one every year. Ditched my G3 and haven't looked back. I love Sense 7. Not only is the UI smooth and really easy to use, the whole design language flows so well with the physical design of the phone. I don't think I'll be putting a custom ROM on this but I would love root for an ad blocker. I forgot how many ads there were on phones until I had to use this M9 without root.
Is anyone planning on making a bounty thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need really. Bounty threads are worthless distractions too.
For example, one of the last ones claimed only netted the receiver 30% of all promised funds.
Sunshine will likely include vzw some time in the near future...you probably didn't use it on your m7 but it's a standalone app and costs $25.
dottat said:
No need really. Bounty threads are worthless distractions too.
For example, one of the last ones claimed only netted the receiver 30% of all promised funds.
Sunshine will likely include vzw some time in the near future...you probably didn't use it on your m7 but it's a standalone app and costs $25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth every $0.01 (2500 pennies).
dottat said:
No need really. Bounty threads are worthless distractions too.
For example, one of the last ones claimed only netted the receiver 30% of all promised funds.
Sunshine will likely include vzw some time in the near future...you probably didn't use it on your m7 but it's a standalone app and costs $25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it worked on the S5, that's for sure. Leading to the most prolific exploit in android history with Towelroot, so I wouldn't say pointless. I'm not sure the exact % that paid their pledges, but I paid mine. The ads in apps and webpages are really starting to bug me honestly, and I miss my battery-saving apps and xposed modules. I jumped to HTC from the S5 specially to restore bootloader access and ultimately CM-based ROM's to my phone experience. I guess leaving Verizon would have been a more thoughtful choice, but oh well. If anyone starts a bounty thread (and yes I know almost everyone thinks its a bad idea), I'm in.
That being said, much respect to the people working on a root method for us currently. You guys make my little phone hacking hobby possible, so thank you.
xgerryx said:
Well, it worked on the S5, that's for sure. Leading to the most prolific exploit in android history with Towelroot, so I wouldn't say pointless. I'm not sure the exact % that paid their pledges, but I paid mine. The ads in apps and webpages are really starting to bug me honestly, and I miss my battery-saving apps and xposed modules. I jumped to HTC from the S5 specially to restore bootloader access and ultimately CM-based ROM's to my phone experience. I guess leaving Verizon would have been a more thoughtful choice, but oh well. If anyone starts a bounty thread (and yes I know almost everyone thinks its a bad idea), I'm in.
That being said, much respect to the people working on a root method for us currently. You guys make my little phone hacking hobby possible, so thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know exactly how true it was, but when I first got my M8 and found out that I had to pay $25 to get S-OFF, at first I was hesitant...But I kept reading WHY and immediately understood and paid right away. It separates guys like us who pay their pledge from people who DON'T. As I am sure you would EASILY pay the $25 to get S-OFF. I know I would. I almost prefer it this way, because im pretty much sure it comes with tech support for those who need it. If only more americans stood by their word instead of promising things they would never fulfill. I know that this community has always been about contributing and free things to make all of our experiences better. I get that, but all too often, people take the work and claim it to be theirs. I remember a few devs (that I talked to a lot) had this problem with users of the Samsung Moment and HTC Evo 4G. So between all of the devs hard work not being appreciated (especially when they do this stuff for THEIR phone and they release it to us to enjoy and some people are always complaining or demanding features, yet they don't contribute by donating to the dev so they can buy energy drinks to keep their mind going, or beer to help relax them after they finished a massive update that fixed all the bugs and added features and stuff. Then people wonder why they have to pay $25. Well I have been a member of XDA for years, contributed a lot here or on irc chat, and I will gladly pay $25 to get S-OFF, Root, and Custom Recovery. Why? Because since the DAWN of xda, everyones phone has been made far better then what ANY manufacturer gives us. I mean seriously...I would have Android Lollipop on devices that Samsung or whoever has long gone moved on from. Why? Because of XDA, and the devs. I swear if everyone paid $25 these devs would be able to buy all sorts of devices to root for us. I know I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro, and an HTC. So I appreciate it, and you know what? I consider that $25 a donation to have root on devices period. Why? Because without the people who know what they're doing, I wouldn't be able to install xposed, make entire backups of my phone (so if the device fails while on warranty), I can EASILY restore my phone. I had that happen with my old HTC Evo 4G LTE. That phone broke 3 times on me and each replacement bestbuy gave me (2), all I had to do was get S-OFF flash a custom recovery, and do a "Restore" then all my texts were there, apps were there (with data), call logs were there. I can go on. That $25 is security for me. So saying all that, I will sit here as patient as I can be to get S-OFF and when the time comes to hit the pay button, there wont be a second thought. No regrets. No more stress. Any more Andybones roms to flash.
BOOM (pardon all the grammatical errors, yall get my point.............right?)
Balian67 said:
I don't know exactly how true it was, but when I first got my M8 and found out that I had to pay $25 to get S-OFF, at first I was hesitant........................
100% on point, my friend. Well said. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sdamark said:
Balian67 said:
I don't know exactly how true it was, but when I first got my M8 and found out that I had to pay $25 to get S-OFF, at first I was hesitant........................
100% on point, my friend. Well said. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just chillin with my $25 in hand (figuratively).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to unlock the bootloader on the verizon m9 yet?
wings516 said:
Is it possible to unlock the bootloader on the verizon m9 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't seem like it and at this point it probably never will.
Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk
I'm loving the update to Santod's GPE+ rom. My phone is snappy again! Thank you, Santod.
I wanted to ask about what phones people are moving to after the M7. VZW has a $100 discount and so I was ready to pull the trigger on the M9 for a great deal. Before buying, I decided to check out the VZW M9 XDA forum and find it is a ghost town. A short search later, I found the VZW M9 is too difficult to s-off (you have to send it to a guy).
I mostly want to follow Santod's development but want to upgrade my device. Any recommendations? Santod, what's your next device? I've been with you from TB, DNA, now M7 and have an overdue donation to make.
Buy a used M8?
Wait for M10 later in the year?
Move to HTC's new A9 phone?
I feel very loyal to HTC and want to remain with VZW.
cahibo said:
I'm loving the update to Santod's GPE+ rom. My phone is snappy again! Thank you, Santod.
I wanted to ask about what phones people are moving to after the M7. VZW has a $100 discount and so I was ready to pull the trigger on the M9 for a great deal. Before buying, I decided to check out the VZW M9 XDA forum and find it is a ghost town. A short search later, I found the VZW M9 is too difficult to s-off (you have to send it to a guy).
I mostly want to follow Santod's development but want to upgrade my device. Any recommendations? Santod, what's your next device? I've been with you from TB, DNA, now M7 and have an overdue donation to make.
Buy a used M8?
Wait for M10 later in the year?
Move to HTC's new A9 phone?
I feel very loyal to HTC and want to remain with VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you look to see if there's someone local for you to get s-off or are you sure you'd have to ship it?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
dottat said:
Did you look to see if there's someone local for you to get s-off or are you sure you'd have to ship it?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't look too in depth at this point for alternative methods for s-off on the VZW M9. I'm always willing to pay for Sunshine, but that's about the extent to which I'll go.
I hope there is not a similar situation if I opt to wait for the M10. Seems like HTC is more liberal with providing unlocked bootloaders (A9) but VZW isn't there yet (they don't sell the A9).
cahibo said:
I didn't look too in depth at this point for alternative methods for s-off on the VZW M9. I'm always willing to pay for Sunshine, but that's about the extent to which I'll go.
I hope there is not a similar situation of I opt to wait for the M10. Seems like HTC is more liberal with providing unlocked bootloaders (A9) but VZW isn't there yet (they don't sell the A9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You likely will have the same problem with the m10. Since we aren't allowed to unlock bootloaders and our software version is always different from everyone else you will need a temp root solution + s-off solution. No publicly available temp root solution was ever made for public consumption on the m9 hence the need to get s-off elsewhere.
I've been considering getting my next phone directly from HTC. supposedly all new unlocked phones are compatible with Verizon's network, and I am getting tired of Verizon's device restrictions. Even AT&T allowed the HTC phones to have their bootloaders unlocked (but not their Samsungs). The thought of sitting around with an unrooted phone waiting for some hacker genius to figure out a security flaw to break it-- which gets harder and harder all the time-- does not appeal to me.
My device still works great, though, aside from the pink camera. My main motivation for wanting something new at this point is that developer support for our device is rapidly fading. Kinda sad...
So I am reluctantly moving on from my Nexus 6 which I have loved and been rom-crazy with. I'm really bummed out how pricey phones have gotten, so looking for good value wherever I can. I'm looking to do the 2 XL from best buy, pretty good deal right now. My issue, and it's a big one, is that the VZW variant cannot have the bootloader unlocked (right??, man please tell me I'm wrong!), thus not root, ROM, etc. I've always loved Android for how customizable it is, but I'm worried if I got with this version I'll basically feel like I'm on a Google version of the IPhone. Is this the right way to look at it, or am I not giving a stock locked phone enough credit?
For anyone with this phone on VZW, I'd love to hear your thoughts on customizations, options that you undertake without root, if you miss root/Rom or if performance and stock are enough. Specifically, I like to be able to change color of UI/apps a la substratum, wireless tether, nav bar mods to name a few. Any locked options out there, any others I'd get without root?
Would love some experienced opinions.
You cannot unlock your bootloader. You are pretty limited with customizations. Like only Substratum with Andromeda. No ROMs, no kernels. I have read that you can sideload the P OTA. But that it's very risky and you pretty much can't go back. Go through the Google store and finance through there if you can't afford to pay for it entirely.
But I was saying in another thread that I am completely fine with this phone stock unrooted. I've when relocked my bootloader. I've had nothing but Samsung devices since their introduction. I have had better battery life and SOT than I have ever had on any phone by a long shot. I went back to my S8+ and couldn't stomach how laggy the Samsung experience is. In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this phone. But if you're wanting to rom and customize, you'll be SOL with the Verizon version.
MacTheRipperr said:
You cannot unlock your bootloader. You are pretty limited with customizations. Like only Substratum with Andromeda. No ROMs, no kernels. I have read that you can sideload the P OTA. But that it's very risky and you pretty much can't go back. Go through the Google store and finance through there if you can't afford to pay for it entirely.
But I was saying in another thread that I am completely fine with this phone stock unrooted. I've when relocked my bootloader. I've had nothing but Samsung devices since their introduction. I have had better battery life and SOT than I have ever had on any phone by a long shot. I went back to my S8+ and couldn't stomach how laggy the Samsung experience is. In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this phone. But if you're wanting to rom and customize, you'll be SOL with the Verizon version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?
ckfalls said:
Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having run the P2XL fully stock for a month after I received it, I will say that you won't miss unlocking, rooting, and modding it that much. Sure, it's great to me able to do all that stuff of course, however, it certainly won't hinder the functionality and experience of the P2XL. I was completely satisfied just being able to theme it with substratum+Andromeda, and just use it as it was intended. After all, it's just a phone ???
ckfalls said:
Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like to mention that the dual partitions on these phones make doing backups, restoring, installing ROMs, kernels and all that comes with that kind of a drag. It most certainly isn't like the s1 through the s5 where the bootloader was unlocked and flashing and modding was much simpler. But on the other side. Android has come a long way. I rooted my first week and flaked everything I could. But I always found myself returning to stock because even the custom ROMs like DU or nitrogen OS left me missing something that they just weren't achieving from the stock pixel experience. I joined here in like 2012 and for once in my time using an Android phone, I'm actually content with the device as is. They're are others that use BusyBox, XPosed and or Magisk modules. I guess I'm just able to achieve what I'm looking for without root or unlocked bootloader just fine with what third party apps I use. But if you're a bit of a more easy going user, and have only flashed to flash and to get AOSP like experience with overclocking to achieve those conveted benchmark scores. That just isn't needed with this device right now. Not for me at least. Having the freedom to unlock is nice, especially if you plan to keep this device and the support stops. But in my opinion, you would be well suited even by the Verizon model. I just got the Google unlocked just in case. Anyway, I hope this helps. Good luck on your next purchase, if your decide to join the pixel family, welcome aboard. I know I'll never be going back.
Great, thanks for that. Yeah it seems the more and more I dig the less and less necessary a phone like this is for doing the unlocking rooting and rom that was needed for say, the HTC Eris my first unlocked device haha.
Okay, think I'm going to take the plunge. Looking forward to updating several months later on my experience. Best.
ckfalls said:
Great, thanks for that. Yeah it seems the more and more I dig the less and less necessary a phone like this is for doing the unlocking rooting and rom that was needed for say, the HTC Eris my first unlocked device haha.
Okay, think I'm going to take the plunge. Looking forward to updating several months later on my experience. Best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
might wanna check out.... https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...-via-google-store-financing-free-18w-charger/
I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?
I'm in the same boat, I'm looking for a Pixel 2 XL. I keep looking for an exploit to pop up or a good deal on the Google variant. My reasons for wanting the unlocked bootloader are a little different. I'm looking for an unlocked bootloader so I can get rid of gapps and play services and run AOSP or copperhead.
The 200$ Google credit may have me pull the trigger before end of the month.
ibsk8 said:
I'm in the same boat, I'm looking for a Pixel 2 XL. I keep looking for an exploit to pop up or a good deal on the Google variant. My reasons for wanting the unlocked bootloader are a little different. I'm looking for an unlocked bootloader so I can get rid of gapps and play services and run AOSP or copperhead.
The 200$ Google credit may have me pull the trigger before end of the month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not many for sale right now, but Swappa is a great place for Pixel 2 XL's, either VZN or preferably Unlocked.
I bought the Verizon P2XL from BB with the $400 off deal a few weeks ago. No regrets. I've found nohing that I'm missing from not having root. I do love tweaking and flashing ROMs but the experience on the Pixel is so good I'm not pining for it.
As far as tweaks, the only thing I'm really doing is running an immersion mode app to hide the navigation bar and Edge Gestures to enable swipe navigation. It works great.
One of the great things about having the Pixel (my last phone was they Moto Z2 Play) is the variety of cool cases available. I'm rotating between a cloth backed case from Incipio and a real wood case from Kerf Case. Both are fantastic.
Hope you enjoy your device!
With Verizon, you don't have to deal with that messy issue of ownership.
With Verizon, you have the privilege of paying for the device of your choice but never truly owning the device.
'Oh! Do you want to unlock this device? Sorry, we don't allow you to control your device'.
So I look at things a little differently. I think you may want to look at use case of your phone and your specific needs. Yes the performance of the phones have increased dramatically, so the need to strip bloatware to optimize storage and speed isn't really there. However, for me, I have 2 must have features, Hotspot tether and Viper4A... Those are deal-breakers for me, at least. I'm sure you'll get a lot of various opinions here. Typically what I've done in the past years is keep my nose to the grind here in XDA, and then wait for an bootloader unlock method on a VZW phone. I've had to wait a bit at times, but I've balanced my needs for a new phone (if my old one is under performing), and the ability to get into a 'newer' one with full customization's. If you're willing to wait sometimes you can save considerable $$$, otherwise you lose functionality or pay more for unlocked variants. Your call completely... for example I'm on the VZW Pixel2 as there is a small window to unlock the bootloader. This doesn't exist for the 2-XL though...sorry. Good Luck!!!
uicnren said:
might wanna check out.... https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...-via-google-store-financing-free-18w-charger/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oneandroidnut said:
I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$200 off, and a 18w charger? Yeah, I'd buy the 2 XL again for that price!
Coming from the 6P I ran the 2 XL for about a month or so fully stock and was ALMOST happy to wait for cust roms.
I love this phone! It's light, it's fast. Dual front speakers. Great device, even locked.
Then I realized that I really like the flashing and modding process and ability to mess with my devices, and would miss that with a locked bootloader. I'm a simple guy, messing with phones makes me a happy, simple guy.
Could I live with a locked 2 XL? Yes. Would I want to? No.
If you can't or don't want to pay outright for the unlocked version, Google offers pretty much the same payment plan you'd get with VZW (my carrier also) so you'd pay $40/mo for 2 yrs 0% interest and you still get all the VZW services and goodies since this is a VZW offered device (unlike my 6P)..
Bottom line; could you live with the Nexus 6 another year? (heck I could probably live with my Note 3 running Alliance for another year) Probably.
But for $40 mo, and the ability to mess with, tweak, flash, root, and enjoy modding your device; do you WANT to stay on it another year?
Decisions, decisions...
I've had the phone since launch and I can honestly say I havent even looked at the ROM's being released because it is just that good. Like others have said, the battery life is just amazing on it and its just so buttery smooth still. I wouldnt hesitate to buy the VZW version knowing I cant unlock it.
Gilley said:
I've had the phone since launch and I can honestly say I havent even looked at the ROM's being released because it is just that good. Like others have said, the battery life is just amazing on it and its just so buttery smooth still. I wouldnt hesitate to buy the VZW version knowing I cant unlock it.
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I have been using a google one on verizon but havent unlocked or looked at roms either. It runs so smooth and I never think about battery. Im up at 7 am and go to bed at 10/11/midnight and never had it down under 15% unless its hours of streaming and it still lasts until I go to bed
oneandroidnut said:
I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?
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Yeah, I mean $650 definitely gets me closer, still don't love it. Can get $450 @ BBY vzw variant. Not sure if the $200 is worth the unlock, might be. Have some decisions to make.
ckfalls said:
Yeah, I mean $650 definitely gets me closer, still don't love it. Can get $450 @ BBY vzw variant. Not sure if the $200 is worth the unlock, might be. Have some decisions to make.
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If you don't plan on, or worried about rooting or modding, then save your dough and just get the Big Red version. The P2XL is still pretty darn good running full stock :good:
The Pixel 2 XL is such a great experience out of the box that I haven't had any desire to root, especially since substratum is now available for rootless phones via andromeda. FWIW, having an unlocked Pixel doesn't seem to provide many more options than a locked Pixel based on the current state of development for this phone.
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:17 PM ----------
b00ster23 said:
So I look at things a little differently. I think you may want to look at use case of your phone and your specific needs. Yes the performance of the phones have increased dramatically, so the need to strip bloatware to optimize storage and speed isn't really there. However, for me, I have 2 must have features, Hotspot tether and Viper4A... Those are deal-breakers for me, at least. I'm sure you'll get a lot of various opinions here. Typically what I've done in the past years is keep my nose to the grind here in XDA, and then wait for an bootloader unlock method on a VZW phone. I've had to wait a bit at times, but I've balanced my needs for a new phone (if my old one is under performing), and the ability to get into a 'newer' one with full customization's. If you're willing to wait sometimes you can save considerable $$$, otherwise you lose functionality or pay more for unlocked variants. Your call completely... for example I'm on the VZW Pixel2 as there is a small window to unlock the bootloader. This doesn't exist for the 2-XL though...sorry. Good Luck!!!
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Maybe it's plan specific, but I can tether just fine with my VZW Pixel 2 XL.
Thanks guys. Yeah I had no idea hotspot was included with my plan, used to not be that way but apparently it is, again another reason I don't need to root. Yeah I've heard Viper is the bomb, never looked into it but honestly I so rarely use the phone speakers, always on Bluetooth of some kind which always seems serviceable for me.
Got the vzw phone in, saved $200+, we'll see how it goes.
I'll say, this blue shift thing is no joke...jarringly noticeable. I'll check the IMEI, see if I can get a later build which I've heard had a better chance of less blue shift. Haven't taken it through it's paces yet so not sure if any of the other screen issues are present yet.
Looking to get the 3XL when it comes out through Verizon. Most likely Verizon is going to run a buy one get one with adding on a new line in.
With the phone being stock Android already but with a Verizon locked bootloader is it more beneficial to give up the buy-one-get-one and just buy an unlocked one through Verizon? If I go the buy-one-get-one route myself and my brother-in-law are going to be splitting the retail cost of the one we have to buy
EDIT 10/13/2018
Come to find out we cannot have any more smartphones on our line with it being a special plan that it is. So we can't take advantage of the buy one get one
If you want root, then do not buy the Verizon version. On all previous Verizon Pixel devices "OEM unlocking" in developer options has been disabled. With that disabled you can't unlock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader you can't install TWRP. Without TWRP you can't install Magisk. Without Magisk you have no root.
If having root is not important to you, then feel free to go for the Verizon version.
Face_Plant said:
If you want root, then do not buy the Verizon version. On all previous Verizon Pixel devices "OEM unlocking" in developer options has been disabled. With that disabled you can't unlock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader you can't install TWRP. Without TWRP you can't install Magisk. Without Magisk you have no root.
If having root is not important to you, then feel free to go for the Verizon version.
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I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?
Androider4Life said:
I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?
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There's always good reasons to root. Ad blocking is the number one thing that comes to mind. Utilities like Better Battery Stats to see what's killing your battery, Titanium Backup to backup your apps or uninstall system apps, WakeBlock to block or limit wakelocks so your phone isn't waking up every 10 seconds to send analytics data to Facebook/Twitter/Google when it should be sleeping, etc.
Google phones still come with bloat, it's just not as bad as Samsung or LG phones. For example, my 6P came with a ton of Google apps installed (Play Games, Hangouts, Play Movies, Docs, Slides, and **** ton more) that I would probably never use or have a desire to use. Sure you can disable most of them, but I'd rather remove them entirely.
These are the best reasons for rooting. Ad blocking is a good one, and I just enjoyed flashing new and different roms. It was fun - there was a new cm nightly every day to flash. I've got away from that partly because of less development and partly because stock android is pretty good as is. New features like android pay are very security conscious and don't play well with root. It's up to you if you want to give up the ability to root. Half price on the phone is pretty tempting. If you can't handle staying stock you could probably get your price out of the phone on Swappa and buy from Google. If there is any development to get in to. I've been stock the past year and am happy with that.
dmb219 said:
These are the best reasons for rooting. Ad blocking is a good one, and I just enjoyed flashing new and different roms. It was fun - there was a new cm nightly every day to flash. I've got away from that partly because of less development and partly because stock android is pretty good as is. New features like android pay are very security conscious and don't play well with root. It's up to you if you want to give up the ability to root. Half price on the phone is pretty tempting. If you can't handle staying stock you could probably get your price out of the phone on Swappa and buy from Google. If there is any development to get in to. I've been stock the past year and am happy with that.
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Did not think about the swappa thing. May be a good idea depending on what it's going for on there when it releases.
If I would stick with the Verizon variant, I would just need to stay off XDA and not read "what I could be doing with the unlocked variant" lol.
Androider4Life said:
Looking to get the 3XL when it comes out through Verizon. Most likely Verizon is going to run a buy one get one with adding on a new line in.
With the phone being stock Android already but with a Verizon locked bootloader is it more beneficial to give up the buy-one-get-one and just buy an unlocked one through Verizon? If I go the buy-one-get-one route myself and my brother-in-law are going to be splitting the retail cost of the one we have to buy
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Ill never understand why anyone would buy a device thats locked down if they dont have to.
Absolutely Id go for the nom Verizon version....its a no brainer.
Sent from my Note 9 exynos, S9 plus exynos, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!
galaxys said:
Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!
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What he said ^^
galaxys said:
Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!
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Yea, the fact that you're here is testament to the need for the unlocked Pixel. I've been mostly stock for the last couple years but tinker occasionally. I want the ability to tweak my phone even if I choose not to, especially if there is some development going on. I hope there is some life left in the Pixel community here, it's been kind of quiet. The phone is more difficult to mod and to be honest, the stock software is hard to improve on.
dmb219 said:
Yea, the fact that you're here is testament to the need for the unlocked Pixel. I've been mostly stock for the last couple years but tinker occasionally. I want the ability to tweak my phone even if I choose not to, especially if there is some development going on. I hope there is some life left in the Pixel community here, it's been kind of quiet. The phone is more difficult to mod and to be honest, the stock software is hard to improve on.
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That was my thought too about how stock software is hard to improve on to justify buying unlocked rather than the buy one get one thru Verizon ( if they offer it) and splitting the cost of the one we have to buy.
Androider4Life said:
That was my thought too about how stock software is hard to improve on to justify buying unlocked rather than the buy one get one thru Verizon ( if they offer it) and splitting the cost of the one we have to buy.
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I don't have Verizon but if I got a Pixel for half price thru my carrier I might be on that. My son has Verizon and gets his phone free from his work. He was a hacker too but has been good with a stock Pixel XL since he got it. Monthly updates - hard to beat stock on the Pixels.
As others have mentioned, having an unlocked phone generally means you are able to root the device. However, I couldn't help but noticing Google's new Titan chip that is claiming to securing passwords and the OS. My question is, how is this new "chip" going to play with "rooting" the device. Will simply having an unlocked device bypass this new Titan chip?
At this moment Verizon's 128gb model is 30$ more at 1029.99 with 9% tax 1122.69 plus $30 upgrade fee. Total $1,152.69
Google's version is 999.99 with 9% tax $1089.99
So all in all with tax one is saving over roughly 62$
Verizon is doing BOGO on the 64gb only, and offering a wireless stand. Even without the BOGO it equalizes out.
I don't need the BOGO so buying from Google is cheaper for me
I haven't rooted in YEARS. The last phone I rooted was the 1+2. OEM vanilla android is so good now I'm not even tempted. I stopped specifically when I thought about why I was installing ROMs. I wanted one that hid from Android Pay (back in the day) and allowed me to clone my phone if it broke. So, I was installing software from suspect sources to make copies of my device and perform financial transactions... Dafuq was I thinking!
This probably isn't a popular thing to say, but... how much do you really trust random dudes calling themselves "SKREET/|/KLoWnzZ", or some ****, who put together the "(-XxX[DaRTh++KriMzON ].::.KaRBoN.::.SKuLLzZzXxX-)" ROM, anyway? You've probably got some kind of banking data on that phone, right? I'm not saying Devs are crooks, but I'm certain more than one dude out there isn't on the up-and-up, I promise you. Mathematics demands it to be so. My wife would choke the piss out of me if our account got drained because I compromised our data using a hot ROM cooked up in Romania.
NOW, I get unlocked phones so I can carry a blank phone and switch carriers for trips overseas. My Pixel 2XL will replace my Nexus 6 as my travel phone, and the Pixel 3XL will be my main phone
I have been purchasing my phones directly either from Google or HTC, just so I could unlock and root. But I haven''t been rooting, even with an unlocked bootloader. I am probably not going to unlock my Pixel 3XL since I want to use Android Pay, and also play PoGo (I know Magisk can hide it, but it's always a game of cat and mouse.)
Plus, you never know. The original Verizon Pixel was unlockable for a brief time. It's unlikely, but it could happen this time as well.
Androider4Life said:
I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?
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Click to collapse
Since the Nexus? You didn't even unlock the 5X? So the question is should I spend an extra $1000 so I can possibly use Adaware? You won't need Titanium if you're not flashing roms, Better BS works perfectly without root, and there is no bloatware any longer. I understand if these things like flashing roms from Romania (lol that post above is funny) are important to you but you haven't rooted in like what, 5 years now? This is really a no brainer.
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spotmark said:
Plus, you never know. The original Verizon Pixel was unlockable for a brief time. It's unlikely, but it could happen this time as well.
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Not gonna happen like it did for that one month. That flaw has been closed. I'm just waiting for a bounty thread for temp root. And I'm wondering even with temp root if you'd be able to unlock the bootloader on this device.
bobby janow said:
Not gonna happen like it did for that one month. That flaw has been closed.
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I'm well aware of that, thanks, but I prefer to be optimistic and hope that we may get lucky. When we get them in our hands, we'll know for sure.
spotmark said:
I'm well aware of that, thanks, but I prefer to be optimistic and hope that we may get lucky. When we get them in our hands, we'll know for sure.
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I do admire your optimism but they've been at this a long time and it seems they really have it locked down this time. Unless the Pixel 3s have an exploit I just don't see it. I do hope you're right though.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app