Develop Bugs

T-mobile 600 MHz LTE band 71 on U.S. carrier unlocked LG V30 US998

UPDATE: after two separate tweets from the U.S. T-mobile company official Twitter account stating (or implying) that LTE band 71 (600 MHz) would also be included in the "carrier unlocked" version of the LG V30, now the U.S. "T-mobile Help" (customer service) Twitter teams says they don't know. Please note this is a different department than those "T-mobile" Twitter team (management) who said yes.
But thanks to @Septfox for trying to pin down the answer, even if it's "we don't know".
Since the LTE band 71 has NOT shown up on US998 in FCC documentation, this probably means no. UNLESS:
1) LG submits a revised spec sheet to the FCC, which can be done. It would actually be in T-mobile's best interest for LG to enable that band on the "carrier unlocked" model. While T-mobile would not make money off hardware sales, they would gain additional customers who are considering switching. (Many people want a phone NOW, but need to get their ducks in a row family-wise to switch over to a new carrier.)
2) T-mobile radio can be flashed onto rooted "carrier unlocked" LG V30 US998. All the LG V30 hardware (antennas, etc) should be the same. At least from manufacturing efficiency it should be the same. Then it just depends on the firmware to enable specific bands.
_________
ORIGINAL POST:
T-mobile LTE band 71 (600 MHz) will also be available on "carrier unlocked" LG V30, not just on T-mobile's LG V30
LG V30 US998 will have ALL the U.S. carrier bands, so you can take it to any carrier you wish -- even T-mobile. Otherwise it would be pointless to have a U.S. unlocked carrier version if there were any carrier bands it did not have.
This is also the LG V30 model number that will be eligible for REAL bootloader unlock, unlike the recent T-Mobile LG G6.
______
T-mobile has LTE band 71 on their newly implemented 600 MHz spectrum and the LG V30 is the first phone to use that band.
While LG also releases "carrier unlocked" versions of their flagship phones, which qualify for REAL bootloader unlock and thus root, TWRP, custom ROMS, etc., no spec websites have listed LTE band 71 (600 MHz) on the upcoming carrier unlocked LG V30 US998. (While not yet announced, we know the model number because B&H Photo has a placeholder page and it matches previous "carrier unlocked" model sequences. It's also the model given to reviewers during the pre-announcement embargo period back in August.)
So, people assume and even T-mobile customer service reps have stated that to get LTE band 71, you must buy the T-mobile variant of the LG V30.
For people who want dev work, this was disappointing, because while T-mobile previously was dev friendly with either unlocked bootloaders or easily unlocked bootloaders, this has changed in the past year. I could give multiple examples, but the most relevant is the recent LG G6... The T-mobile LG V6 bootloader is ostensibly able to be unlocked, but not really. LG/T-mobile removed all ADB flash commands except for bootloader unlock.
johndc7 said:
All the fastboot commands have been removed on this device other than lock and unlock. Until there is a method to flash a custom recovery we can't really do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like having the keys to the car, but there's no car. In effect, the phone is still locked down. So, months later still NO root, no TWRP, nothing can be done.
Six months later, there's still no root (even with a 22 page root bounty thread), no usable TWRP and no usuable ROMs. Yes, some devs have ported ROMS for the T-mobile LG G6, but no one can use them. Meanwhile the UNLOCKED LG G6 phones have tons of dev work, because they qualify for REAL bootloader unlock.
A second subset of stakeholders are people who are considering switching to T-mobile (or T-mobile affiliated MVNOs) in the future. They would have to buy T-mobile LG V30 now to be future proof, as T-mobile will roll out more of this 600 MHz spectrum in coming years. The "carrier unlocked" model (which can be taken to ANY carrier) would not work for them, if it didn't have LTE band 71...
Then, yesterday, from the official T-mobile Twitter account, T-mobile stated that to get full 600 MHz experience, you could buy their LG V30 OR buy the unlocked version direct from LG.
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Well, the unlocked version is LG V30 US998. And yes, while you can buy unlocked versions straight from LG if it makes you feel better, you can also buy them online at B&H, Amazon, even eBay.
IF TRUE, this is great news for the dev community and for LG V30 users. This is also NEWS because no other websites are stating this. And if T-mobile is officially stating this through Twitter -- just like they have officially announced many other things, why wouldn't it be true?
I've contacted one spec website for them to correct their now outdated information, and sent it to XDA News as it's big news.
SOURCE:
https://mobile.twitter.com/TMobile/status/906909686682624000

I must be the only person reading that Twitter quote as buyers having the option of purchasing either 1) from tmobile to get 600mhz support or 2) from lg to get the unlocked phone ( but no 600mhz support). This from the sentence structure. I hope I am wrong.

anl2304 said:
I must be the only person reading that Twitter quote as buyers having the option of purchasing either 1) from tmobile to get 600mhz support or 2) from lg to get the unlocked phone ( but no 600mhz support). This from the sentence structure. I hope I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad I'm not the only one who read it like this, thought I was just being paranoid :v
I did send them a tweet myself, but because I'm an idiot and tired, I didn't word it so that the "yes" replay was explicitly for the unlocked variant.
https://twitter.com/Xoftpes/status/907867685613998081
Someone else tweet'em, ask if the unlocked, non-carrier variant will have 600mhz support without having to mess with it. Just that, don't mention the T-Mobile variant at all. I'm going to bed : |

Septfox said:
I'm glad I'm not the only one who read it like this, thought I was just being paranoid :v
I did send them a tweet myself, but because I'm an idiot and tired, I didn't word it so that the "yes" replay was explicitly for the unlocked variant.
https://twitter.com/Xoftpes/status/907867685613998081
Someone else tweet'em, ask if the unlocked, non-carrier variant will have 600mhz support without having to mess with it. Just that, don't mention the T-Mobile variant at all. I'm going to bed : |
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, this seemingly twice via Twitter they've stated/implied the unlocked carrier version of the LG V30 will also have 600 MHz LTE band 71. IF they are NOT saying that, it's very misleading. Yeah, I also parsed the original tweet, but decided it made more sense to take it at face value... Why would you have a carrier unlocked phone if it didn't have all the carrier bands? I may be wrong, and if so, I'll be the first to update the the first post.
NOTE: Please, NO ONE quote any online or phone T-mobile customer service reps. Those people don't really know about stuff like this. Yes, even at the "highest levels". And I mean that in the nicest way. [emoji14] I don't know how many times I have seen transcripts posted here on XDA "proving" something from from various customer service "chats" (escalated to the "highest level") -- which of course were totally wrong.
One example specifically was Samsung online customer service reps saying the Galaxy S8/S8+ Snapdragon U.S. "carrier unlocked" version would also have bootloader unlock? We KNEW that was wrong, even before the phone was released.
"But I have the transcripts!" Doesn't prove a thing.
At least Twitter posts from company account are considered official company statements. And I happily accept those as proof. Even the president of T-mobile re-tweets the company's Twitter posts.
https://twitter.com/Xoftpes/status/907867685613998081
Septfox said:
I did send them a tweet myself, but because I'm an idiot and tired, I didn't word it so that the "yes" replay was explicitly for the unlocked variant.
https://twitter.com/Xoftpes/status/907867685613998081
Someone else tweet'em, ask if the unlocked, non-carrier variant will have 600mhz support without having to mess with it.
Just that, don't mention the T-Mobile variant at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone wants to have another crack at pinning down the language, please do so. But again, only from trusted sources! Please, NO online carrier customer service reps!
From another thread, where we're discussing the same topic:
Septfox said:
Hopefully I'm just reading too much into it, but the FCC documentation supports only the T-Mobile variant getting band 71 iirc. We'll see in a couple weeks.
In other news, apparently the 128gb variant isn't going to be that much more expensive, something like $50...but I can't remember where I saw that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no explanation for the FCC findings unless there's going to be a "revised" submission or something before the US998 model is officially announced.

Other related questions are whether the unlocked V30 will support volte and/or wifi calling.
Based on the info in this link, it appears that unlocked LG devices do not have a good track record of supporting these features. I hope that changes with the V30.
http://www.spectrumgateway.com/compatible-phones

Copying this over here:
Septfox said:
ChazzMatt said:
I have no explanation for the FCC findings unless there's going to be a "revised" submission or something before the US998 model is officially announced.
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Click to collapse
That would be my guess, yea. Someone over on reddit has suggested that if what T-Mobile says is true, it might mean that LG has/is going to file a class 2 permissive change so they don't have to go through all the hoops again.
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----------
spocko said:
Other related questions are whether the unlocked V30 will support volte and/or wifi calling.
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Click to collapse
I read somewhere earlier that someone successfully used VoLTE on Verizon using an unlocked g6, no screwing around needed. No wifi calling, though.
The g6 is probably the closest thing to an actual predecessor for the v30, and as far as I've seen Verizon sets the bar highest for "how much of a pain in the ass do we want to make it for non-native-variant phones to use our features". So I would expect carrier-agnostic VoLTE/HD Voice/etc at the least, and extras like wifi calling requiring some custom tweaking to get working.

At this point in smartphone history, the V30 (i.e. US Unlocked) not having wifi calling would be epically stupid. I find it hard to fathom LG would not include wifi calling on this device but then again some of these companies have a history of omitting "no-brainers" .
I'm not fond of 18:9 but will accept it. If on top of that LG leaves out wifi calling it would give me pause...
I'm with mintsim (tmo) so 600 mhz is great but wouldn't a deal breaker.

I really hope this is wrong but...
This is what they said to me.
T-Mobile Help‏Verified account @TmobileHelp 18m18 minutes ago
More
Replying to @lovetechMedia1
Great question! You would need to purchase the T-Mobile LG V30 when it comes out in order to take advantage of our Band 71. *RickK
I am a new user so I cannot link directly to this but feel free to look it up. Maybe RickK doesn't know what he is talking about, right??

jhill110 said:
At this point in smartphone history, the V30 (i.e. US Unlocked) not having wifi calling would be epically stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is, wifi calling requires support from the carrier end, probably their special app, and maybe even some special RIL and framework stuff depending on the carrier. You're on a phone that you went out of your way to not buy from them, so they're not exactly inclined to provide any of that for inclusion in the OEM's ROM.
And that's the impression I get of using unlocked phones here in the US: technically you can go to any carrier you want, but getting features beyond voice and data working pretty much depends on whether or not they decided to make things easy and use AOSP implementations (like what looks to be the case with VoLTE), or an enterprising dev manages to spackle something workable together.
... or maybe I'm full of crap, who knows. I'm on Tracfone, MVNOs don't get all this fancy stuff :v
iworthin said:
I am a new user so I cannot link directly to this but feel free to look it up. Maybe RickK doesn't know what he is talking about, right??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://twitter.com/LoveTechMedia1/status/908560025165086720
Considering the ambiguity of the other tweets, and the FCC entry lacking b71, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he were right.
Sure would be great if LG would respond on Twitter. I know it's an unreleased product, but come on. I really don't see the issue with providing potential customers a bit of basic information that could make or break their decision to purchase said product.
Pointing out again that, regardless of official support, it's not terribly unlikely that the hardware is the same, making enabling b71 manually a possibility. We should get one of the review unit people to try screwing with service menu settings, to start.
---------- Post added at 08:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------
(double post because editing isn't working right)
Can't sleep, going at this again.
Between canned responses and conflicting tweets, I'm getting the impression that T-mobile doesn't actually have the information.
https://twitter.com/Xoftpes/status/908608113124577281

Finally. As I suspected, T-Mobile (or at least, their Twitter team) doesn't actually know.
And it makes sense that they wouldn't; T-Mobile quite frankly doesn't need to know anything about the unlocked variant, and it's not as if LG is particularly keen on volunteering information at the moment.
They're concerned about their own variant having support, and rightfully so considering it's the first and currently only phone that does (on a somewhat related note: FCC filing says that the Pixel XL2 doesn't have it).
If it's not already in the works, I would expect LG to file a C2PC after people start complaining that their unlocked phone has an incomplete set of important bands, and failing that...aforementioned other options.

iworthin said:
This is what they said to me.
T-Mobile Help‏Verified account @TmobileHelp 18m18 minutes ago
More
Replying to @lovetechMedia1
Great question! You would need to purchase the T-Mobile LG V30 when it comes out in order to take advantage of our Band 71. *RickK
I am a new user so I cannot link directly to this but feel free to look it up. Maybe RickK doesn't know what he is talking about, right??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I told you we would laugh at any online support rep transcripts. The NEVER know stuff like this or give completely the wrong answer.
ChazzMatt said:
NOTE: Please, NO ONE quote any online or phone T-mobile customer service reps. Those people don't really know about stuff like this. Yes, even at the "highest levels". And I mean that in the nicest way. [emoji14] I don't know how many times I have seen transcripts posted here on XDA "proving" something from from various customer service "chats" (escalated to the "highest level") -- which of course were totally wrong.
One example specifically was Samsung online customer service reps saying the Galaxy S8/S8+ Snapdragon U.S. "carrier unlocked" version would also have bootloader unlock? We KNEW that was wrong, even before the phone was released.
"But I have the transcripts!" Doesn't prove a thing.
At least Twitter posts from company account are considered official company statements. And I happily accept those as proof. Even the president of T-mobile re-tweets the company's Twitter posts.
If anyone wants to have another crack at pinning down the language, please do so. But again, only from trusted sources! Please, NO online carrier customer service reps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Septfox said:
Finally. As I suspected, T-Mobile (or at least, their Twitter team) doesn't actually know.
And it makes sense that they wouldn't; T-Mobile quite frankly doesn't need to know anything about the unlocked variant, and it's not as if LG is particularly keen on volunteering information at the moment.
They're concerned about their own variant having support, and rightfully so considering it's the first and currently only phone that does (on a somewhat related note: FCC filing says that the Pixel XL2 doesn't have it).
If it's not already in the works, I would expect LG to file a C2PC after people start complaining that their unlocked phone has an incomplete set of important bands, and failing that...aforementioned other options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that's actually more helpful that the silly online customer support reps who give wrong answers. The company Twitter team statements are considered official, in that the T-mobile president often retweets them for new features/plans, etc. Which is why the first two tweets were NEWS, that seemingly LTE band 71 (600 MHz) would also be included in the "carrier unlocked" version of the LG V30.
_____________
UPDATE: after two separate tweets from the U.S. T-mobile company official Twitter account stating (or implying) that LTE band 71 (600 MHz) would also be included in the "carrier unlocked" version of the LG V30, now the U.S. T-mobile Twitter teams says the don't know.
Since the LTE band 71 has NOT shown up on US998 in FCC documentation, this probably means no. UNLESS:
1) LG submits a revised spec sheet to the FCC, which can be done. It would actually be in T-mobile's best interest for LG to enable that band on the "carrier unlocked" model. While T-mobile would not make money off hardware sales, they would gain additional customers who are considering switching. (Many people want a phone NOW, but need to get their ducks in a row family-wise to switch over to a new carrier.)
2) T-mobile radio can be flashed onto rooted "carrier unlocked" LG V30 US998. All the LG V30 hardware (antennas, etc) should be the same. At least from manufacturing efficiency it should be the same. Then it just depends on the firmware to enable specific bands.

I'm laughing at you than. Because that's a tweet I shared.
Wow. Very condescending and rude. I am a new member so I couldn't link directly to my tweet and you jumped off one Chazzmatt. You started this whole thread sharing tweets and the end result.... apparently Twitter support reps know as much as online support reps. Do your just wasting everyone's time frankly. So who's laughing now? #deleteyourpost #deleteyouraccount
ChazzMatt said:
I told you we would laugh at any online support rep transcripts. The NEVER know stuff like this or give completely the wrong answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

iworthin said:
Wow. Very condescending and rude. I am a new member so I couldn't link directly to my tweet and you jumped off one Chazzmatt. You started this whole thread sharing tweets and the end result.... apparently Twitter support reps know as much as online support reps. Do your just wasting everyone's time frankly. So who's laughing now? #deleteyourpost #deleteyouraccount
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not condescending or rude to reiterate customer support reps statements will not be accepted as proof.
I said that earlier in the thread, and gave proof why. Go read the hyperlink post I gave as one example. And over the years I've seen many more. Customer service reps are notoriously ill informed on technical matters.
Then customer support transcript was posted anyways? If you read the thread, I clearly asked please do not offer something like that as proof.
For me, only T-Mobile or LG official company statement is acceptable, of which company Twitter account is an example.

Your not reading what I am telling you!!
[/COLOR]"This is also NEWS because no other websites are stating this. And if T-mobile is officially stating this through Twitter -- just like they have officially announced many other things, why wouldn't it be true?" -Chazzmatt
I'm Chazzmatt. When I share TMobile tweets it's big news...when Junior members do it I laugh at them. Seriously, idiot.
Dude. You're right. Your not those things. You're just an idiot. Read my post. I shared a tweet. Which is what you shared. So you are full of it. Do people become senior members around her posting garbage or what?
​
ChazzMatt said:
Not condescending or rude to state customer support reps statements will not be accepted as proof. I said that earlier in the thread. You just didn't read the thread.
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---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------

iworthin said:
[/COLOR]"This is also NEWS because no other websites are stating this. And if T-mobile is officially stating this through Twitter -- just like they have officially announced many other things, why wouldn't it be true?" -Chazzmatt
I'm Chazzmatt. When I share TMobile tweets it's big news...when Junior members do it I laugh at them. Seriously, idiot.
Dude. You're right. Your not those things. You're just an idiot. Read my post. I shared a tweet. Which is what you shared. So you are full of it. Do people become senior members around her posting garbage or what?
​
---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
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I'm not talking about tweets. If you shared a T-Mobile company tweet, that is legit.
I'm talking about online customer chats.
Which was it?
It was news because in two separate company tweets T-Mobile stated or implied the carrier unlocked version of the LG V30 would have LTE band 71.
Now @Septfox has pinned them down further and they say (via Twitter) they do not know.
That's where it stands.
If you have a company tweet clearly saying no on this question, then post it. Because your first post sounded very much like online customer support chat or something.
My replies have been detailed and clear on acceptable proof.

It is a tweet!
Dude, read what other people write. I have only ever shared valid tweets. I am beginning to suspect you have learning difficulties which prevents you from reading correctly. And I am actually going from anger and annoyance to feeling sorry for you and bad about bashing this around your head. But dude! Please just read more carefully. I am honestly baffled by this exchange. Another guy on here even linked directly to my tweet. The article that was posted based on your original response features my twitter exchanges in full color. If you paid attention, you would know this. I may be new to XDAdevelopers but I wasn't born yesterday.
ChazzMatt said:
I'm not talking about tweets. If you shared a T-Mobile company tweet, that is legit.
I'm talking about online customer chats.
Which was it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

iworthin said:
Dude, read what other people write. I have only ever shared valid tweets. I am beginning to suspect you have learning difficulties which prevents you from reading correctly. And I am actually going from anger and annoyance to feeling sorry for you and bad about bashing this around your head. But dude! Please just read more carefully. I am honestly baffled by this exchange. Another guy on here even linked directly to my tweet. The article that was posted based on your original response features my twitter exchanges in full color. If you paid attention, you would know this. I may be new to XDAdevelopers but I wasn't born yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw @Septfox Twitter post, where T-Mobile now says they don't know.
I initially did not see where he posted YOUR Twitter link also. I thought that was still his and since he posted screenshot of his, there was no need to click on it. But I went looking for it and found it.
Look, we're all here looking for information and trying to help each other. All you had to say was, "it's not customer support transcript". I clearly thought it was, and said so in my post.

Septfox said:
Finally. As I suspected, T-Mobile (or at least, their Twitter team) doesn't actually know.
And it makes sense that they wouldn't; T-Mobile quite frankly doesn't need to know anything about the unlocked variant, and it's not as if LG is particularly keen on volunteering information at the moment.
They're concerned about their own variant having support, and rightfully so considering it's the first and currently only phone that does (on a somewhat related note: FCC filing says that the Pixel XL2 doesn't have it).
If it's not already in the works, I would expect LG to file a C2PC after people start complaining that their unlocked phone has an incomplete set of important bands, and failing that...aforementioned other options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Original posts (plural) saying yes or implying it were from "T-Mobile" account while these two latest are from "T-Mobile Help". I KNOW T-Mobile customer service ("Help") has been told to say you have to buy T-Mobile branded phone.
I was hoping "T-Mobile" knew something "T-Mobile Help" did not.
And yes, I hope LG files C2PC with FCC to enable that band on the carrier unlocked version. It would benefit both LG and T-Mobile.

Septfox said:
on a somewhat related note: FCC filing says that the Pixel XL2 doesn't have it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. But that's just crazy.
http://www.droid-life.com/2017/09/13/lg-made-google-pixel-xl-2-hits-fcc/
Why would LG/Google do that? Leave that off the Pixel XL 2? They don't need T-Mobile "permission" to include that LTE band 71, and LG already has the test data, etc.

How can I tell if my cell carriers Z2's are eligable for unlocking the bootloader?

I've been out of the game for a bit so I'm a little lost, are ALL the z2 phones boot loaders unlockable through the Motorola Devs site, or only the ones from Sprint and T-Mobile? I haven't been to my store to see which particular version of the Z2 they sell yet, but I'm also looking at the LG V30 which I know I need a specific version number (998). What do I need to look for before I buy the Z2 to make sure I can unlock it and flash TWRP?
I used to be an android tweaker back when I was in middle school (about 2009-ish) and then switched to apple. Now I'm done with that and want to get back into android so I'm looking into what phones are out and my tiny local cell carrier offers the V30 and the Z2 Force which are both contenders. I'm particularly interested in using Magisk which wasn't around back in the day
Thanks!

I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.

Uzephi said:
I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks would like to know myself. I'm on Verizon but would like maybe to root and wondering which bootloaders can be unlocked and which can't. Verizon isn't to friendly in that respect.
Thanks.

wooddale said:
Thanks would like to know myself. I'm on Verizon but would like maybe to root and wondering which bootloaders can be unlocked and which can't. Verizon isn't to friendly in that respect.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stay away from the LG phones if you want an unlocked bootloader. unless you get an international variant they will not be what you want. I just got rid of my G6 because of this. They allow you to unlock your BL on Tmobile but guess what? No fastboot commands work!!! Seems all the new Lg's are doing this now

mattlowry said:
stay away from the LG phones if you want an unlocked bootloader. unless you get an international variant they will not be what you want. I just got rid of my G6 because of this. They allow you to unlock your BL on Tmobile but guess what? No fastboot commands work!!! Seems all the new Lg's are doing this now
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Click to collapse
Thanks but I was thinking on the Z2 Force from Motorola. Wondering if the Verizon Z2 Force bootloader bcan be unlocked.

wooddale said:
Thanks but I was thinking on the Z2 Force from Motorola. Wondering if the Verizon Z2 Force bootloader bcan be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not unless someone finds an exploit. so i wouldnt hold your breath

Uzephi said:
I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Is there a way to differentiate between those that can be unlocked and those that can't based on serial number of something? I need to be able to know before I leave the store because if I can't root, I don't want to switch back yet.

ctrl+alt+pasta said:
Thanks! Is there a way to differentiate between those that can be unlocked and those that can't based on serial number of something? I need to be able to know before I leave the store because if I can't root, I don't want to switch back yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
att and verizon = not unlockable
sprint and tmobile = unlockable

mattlowry said:
att and verizon = not unlockable
sprint and tmobile = unlockable
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Click to collapse
Well I'm not on any of those four lol, thats why I want to know if I can tell by serial number or something. Otherwise I suppose I can go buy the thing, try the moto website, and if it's not eligible I'll just tell my carrier I didn't like the phone and since the warranty should still be good they'll let me "test drive" it for two weeks.

(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular

Uzephi said:
(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I read there is a process to carrier unlock any phone correct? So can I buy a TMobile phone carrier unlock it unlock the bootloader and use it on Verizon. Thanks

wooddale said:
So I read there is a process to carrier unlock any phone correct? So can I buy a TMobile phone carrier unlock it unlock the bootloader and use it on Verizon. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a friend who has TMobile buy it outright, after 7 days you can carrier unlock it via calling in to TMobile and them giving you the SIM unlock code. The T-Mobile account must be current, phone be active, and must be purchased, you can't carrier unlock (via carrier) unless it is purchased and not leased, rented, amount owed on device. Will it work on Vz? I wouldn't know to be honest.

Uzephi said:
Have a friend who has TMobile buy it outright, after 7 days you can carrier unlock it via calling in to TMobile and them giving you the SIM unlock code. The T-Mobile account must be current, phone be active, and must be purchased, you can't carrier unlock (via carrier) unless it is purchased and not leased, rented, amount owed on device. Will it work on Vz? I wouldn't know to be honest.
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Click to collapse
Thanks I thought I had something going lol. I did read about getting the code but it didn't go through the details. That is probably why Moto is.not selling an unlocked version. I'm not so much interested in a custom.rom but would like root. I'm in a tough signal area in Wisconsin and the only phones that work well here are Motorola. I've tried the Note 8, Pixel2XL even the Essential none of them are worth a darn signal wise. I have the original Z Force but Verizon so no root. Oh well back to the boards. Thanks Again.

wooddale said:
Thanks I thought I had something going lol. I did read about getting the code but it didn't go through the details. That is probably why Moto is.not selling an unlocked version. I'm not so much interested in a custom.rom but would like root. I'm in a tough signal area in Wisconsin and the only phones that work well here are Motorola. I've tried the Note 8, Pixel2XL even the Essential none of them are worth a darn signal wise. I have the original Z Force but Verizon so no root. Oh well back to the boards. Thanks Again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I left Vz. Great signal but I want unlock options. Having to use rumrunner on my HTC M7 was a pain compared to just going to HTCdev and accepting the voided warranty. HTCdev, Motorola unlock site, etc will always work. Programs like rumrunner, Sunshine, etc can be patched via update and not work on newer firmwares. No bueno in my book.

I first bought the VZW Z2 Force and fell in love with it but I couldn't live without root. I sent it back and went to TMO and got one. TMO signal in my area is terrible, many dead spots. I don't own this phone but I'd pay it off in a heartbeat if I knew I could carrier unlock it and then throw my Verizon SIM card in it. Nobody has tried yet?

LGtMgG2t said:
I first bought the VZW Z2 Force and fell in love with it but I couldn't live without root. I sent it back and went to TMO and got one. TMO signal in my area is terrible, many dead spots. I don't own this phone but I'd pay it off in a heartbeat if I knew I could carrier unlock it and then throw my Verizon SIM card in it. Nobody has tried yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually it would require the Verizon flash all and then it depends if Lenovo went cheap and put the Verizon specific frequencies for LTE in all models. Most of the time each phone for different carriers are from different batches with tiny hardware differences. Some times the radio is the exact same and the modem firmware file depicts what frequencies are unlocked. (Most of us modders went away from Verizon for what my previous post explains, so possibly no one who has Verizon has tried to bite the bullet).

If I didn't have Verizon I wouldn't be able to make a call from my.house. That's how bad it is right here and that's only because of a Network extender. You could still try it all you have to do is carrier unlock it and try. Anybody's Verizon sim will work.
---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 PM ----------
wooddale said:
If I didn't have Verizon I wouldn't be able to make a call from my.house. That's how bad it is right here and that's only because of a Network extender. You could still try it all you have to do is carrier unlock it and try. Anybody's Verizon sim will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry missed the part about not owning I guess they won't carrier unlock unless you own

Uzephi said:
(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm. It's weird that ATT and TMO have the same serial if ones unlockable and one isn't. I guess the serials won't really help me then

ctrl+alt+pasta said:
hmm. It's weird that ATT and TMO have the same serial if ones unlockable and one isn't. I guess the serials won't really help me then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What MVNO do you use?

Uzephi said:
What MVNO do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not going to lie I had to look MVNO up but Wikipedia says Verizon. ****...so I guess that means I'm out of luck
EDIT: My company does sell the snapdragon Galaxy devices though. I know the boot loader is locked but they can still get root and I can still run exposed then right? It'll really suck not having a custom recovery but Xposed should give me enough to play with. I'll have to jump over to those forums

POLL: Which first, LG release North America G7 bootloader unlock code or Pie update?

Not sure which I prefer first anymore but anyone care to guess which will happen first?

mr3p said:
Not sure which I prefer first anymore but anyone care to guess which will happen first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its LG something will happen only if they decide it

mr3p said:
Not sure which I prefer first anymore but anyone care to guess which will happen first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will never release bootloader unlock code for any US carrier based model.. You can bet on that.

doubledragon5 said:
They will never release bootloader unlock code for any US carrier based model.. You can bet on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no fan of LG and I can appreciate your dissatisfaction based on your experiences trying to unlock your G7 (Sprint) however LG released bootloader unlock codes for the G6 USA carrier free model somewhere around this time last year. It's anyone's guess what they will do going forward.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/how-to/official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-t3614719
Currently supported devices which can be unlocked:
https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev

mr3p said:
I'm no fan of LG and I can appreciate your dissatisfaction based on your experiences trying to unlock your G7 (Sprint) however LG released bootloader unlock codes for the G6 USA carrier free model somewhere around this time last year. It's anyone's guess what they will do going forward.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/how-to/official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-t3614719
Currently supported devices which can be unlocked:
https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great for those who have it.. But I still believe for any phone, Samsung, LG, Google, if it is for a carrier then bootloader unlock his highly doubtful. I wish they never bowed to the carriers in the first place.. They should have said NO period.. But it is what it is...

doubledragon5 said:
That's great for those who have it.. But I still believe for any phone, Samsung, LG, Google, if it is for a carrier then bootloader unlock his highly doubtful. I wish they never bowed to the carriers in the first place.. They should have said NO period.. But it is what it is...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree totally.

Even though I use Mint Mobile (US-based prepaid plan that uses the T-Mobile network), I picked up a 2nd-hand G710ULM (vs G710TM) in hopes that LG would offer an unlocked bootloader code at some point (I like to use my phones for 4+ years and after ~2 all phones seem to get sluggish given dev targets if you stay on stock).
That being said I hope and am betting on Pie getting pushed out first (hopefully before Q official release) because I think it'd benefit the most amount of users (Pie really does have some unique and useful features, even though I've seen others say that they are purely gimmicks).
I went from flip-phone, to HTC Incredible (great phone with a great hacking community), to hand-me-down Samsung G3 (same, although Knox sux), and finally a 2nd-hand LG G7 (unaware of LG's history and actually believing their "Quick Update Program" or whatever they called it). Just because I'm able, doesn't mean I'm willing to pay ~$1,000 USD just to buy an unlocked Pixel device. Maybe some more feature-rich Android One entries will join the bunch. I can see how/why people get into the Apple ecosystem x.x

DeeBG said:
Even though I use Mint Mobile (US-based prepaid plan that uses the T-Mobile network), I picked up a 2nd-hand G710ULM (vs G710TM) in hopes that LG would offer an unlocked bootloader code at some point (I like to use my phones for 4+ years and after ~2 all phones seem to get sluggish given dev targets if you stay on stock).
That being said I hope and am betting on Pie getting pushed out first (hopefully before Q official release) because I think it'd benefit the most amount of users (Pie really does have some unique and useful features, even though I've seen others say that they are purely gimmicks).
I went from flip-phone, to HTC Incredible (great phone with a great hacking community), to hand-me-down Samsung G3 (same, although Knox sux), and finally a 2nd-hand LG G7 (unaware of LG's history and actually believing their "Quick Update Program" or whatever they called it). Just because I'm able, doesn't mean I'm willing to pay ~$1,000 USD just to buy an unlocked Pixel device. Maybe some more feature-rich Android One entries will join the bunch. I can see how/why people get into the Apple ecosystem x.x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a pixel 3a XL now, which is on Sprint.. I do not care about the unlock status of this phone.. Reason. It has every thing I want, a good camera, and absolutely no bloat of any kind...

doubledragon5 said:
I have a pixel 3a XL now, which is on Sprint.. I do not care about the unlock status of this phone.. Reason. It has every thing I want, a good camera, and absolutely no bloat of any kind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the reviews make it look like my ideal phone; I hope Google keeps making a midtier phone like the 3a as they release new lines. 3a/3a XL even reintroduced a standard headphone jack

Quick question regarding software updates. Also, a warning about buying a G8S

So I'm from Europe and bought the G8 from eBay (US seller). It hasn't arrived yet, but I'd rather know now. It says it's GSM unlocked and it should work with my carrier, so no problem there apparently.
But regarding software updates, will I get OTA updates even when I'm using a completely different carrier? I'm not gonna be using AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint SIM card. I will be using an European SIM. so will I still receive over-the-air updates normally or will I have to flash a different KDZ? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Also I must warn people about the G8S. I think everyone knows by now it's the crappier version of the G8. I've had it for a while but unfortunately I dropped it once and now there's a huge crack on the back. The fall also appeared to have affected the wide angle camera which is unusable now (there's some white dots all over when taking pictures or filming videos). It's a VERY fragile phone so just think twice and perhaps consider buying the G8 (which has the MIL-STD-810G rating) instead, from sellers on Ebay that ship internationally.

jericho246 said:
So I'm from Europe and bought the G8 from eBay (US seller). It hasn't arrived yet, but I'd rather know now. It says it's GSM unlocked and it should work with my carrier, so no problem there apparently.
But regarding software updates, will I get OTA updates even when I'm using a completely different carrier? I'm not gonna be using AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint SIM card. I will be using an European SIM. so will I still receive over-the-air updates normally or will I have to flash a different KDZ? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Also I must warn people about the G8S. I think everyone knows by now it's the crappier version of the G8. I've had it for a while but unfortunately I dropped it once and now there's a huge crack on the back. The fall also appeared to have affected the wide angle camera which is unusable now (there's some white dots all over when taking pictures or filming videos). It's a VERY fragile phone so just think twice and perhaps consider buying the G8 (which has the MIL-STD-810G rating) instead, from sellers on Ebay that ship internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should recieve otas, but for some reason people here have had problems. You probably bought a Sprint phone, and I also bought that and recieved otas while being on a different network. I don't know if being in Europe makes a difference

jericho246 said:
So I'm from Europe and bought the G8 from eBay (US seller). It hasn't arrived yet, but I'd rather know now. It says it's GSM unlocked and it should work with my carrier, so no problem there apparently.
But regarding software updates, will I get OTA updates even when I'm using a completely different carrier? I'm not gonna be using AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint SIM card. I will be using an European SIM. so will I still receive over-the-air updates normally or will I have to flash a different KDZ? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Also I must warn people about the G8S. I think everyone knows by now it's the crappier version of the G8. I've had it for a while but unfortunately I dropped it once and now there's a huge crack on the back. The fall also appeared to have affected the wide angle camera which is unusable now (there's some white dots all over when taking pictures or filming videos). It's a VERY fragile phone so just think twice and perhaps consider buying the G8 (which has the MIL-STD-810G rating) instead, from sellers on Ebay that ship internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and Sprint versions won't receive updates
But T-Mobile and Verizon will

Lediju said:
AT&T and Sprint versions won't receive updates
But T-Mobile and Verizon will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
source?

jericho246 said:
source?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presently own a LG v40 ATT and LG G8 T-Mobile my LG v40 never get an ota update but my LG G8 does

Lediju said:
I presently own a LG v40 ATT and LG G8 T-Mobile my LG v40 never get an ota update but my LG G8 does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Thanks for the info.

I have the Sprint version with an AT&T sim and I have received all ota updates so far.

jericho246 said:
Interesting. Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they should all work. That's just wierd glitches by chance that guy is talking about. I even uninstalled all Sprint stuff and still recieved otas

In the case of AT&T models, it is not a glitch: They are known to only provide updates if you're an AT&T postpaid customer or on one of a few AT&T MVNOs. Strangely, AT&T-owned Cricket isn't one of them (last I heard). AT&T also doesn't publish KDZs, so you cannot update manually. Check the V30, V35 and V40 forums, you'll find lots of threads discussing this.
T-Mobile models generally get OTA updates no matter which network you're on. They also publish KDZs, so you can update manually. Same with Verizon. Sprint doesn't publish KDZs, but I believe their models do receive OTA updates, even on other networks.
While it would seem that T-Mobile models are more attractive because of this, the opposite is generally true, since they are very hard to carrier unlock: They can ONLY be unlocked with T-Mobile's Device Unlock app, NOT with codes from 3rd parties. Even if you buy a carrier unlocked T-Mobile phone on eBay or Amazon, it will be re-locked if you ever send it to LG for repair or replacement. And T-Mobile will NOT grant unlock in those cases, unless you are a T-Mobile customer in good standing and the phone has been on their network for some time (40 days postpaid or 1 year prepaid).
There is a reason why AT&T and T-Mobile models ("GSM unlocked") are generally cheaper on eBay and elsewhere.

TheDannemand said:
In the case of AT&T models, it is not a glitch: They are known to only provide updates if you're an AT&T postpaid customer or on one of a few AT&T MVNOs. Strangely, AT&T-owned Cricket isn't one of them (last I heard). AT&T also doesn't publish KDZs, so you cannot update manually. Check the V30, V35 and V40 forums, you'll find lots of threads discussing this.
T-Mobile models generally get OTA updates no matter which network you're on. They also publish KDZs, so you can update manually. Same with Verizon. Sprint doesn't publish KDZs, but I believe their models do receive OTA updates, even on other networks.
While it would seem that T-Mobile models are more attractive because of this, the opposite is generally true, since they are very hard to carrier unlock: They can ONLY be unlocked with T-Mobile's Device Unlock app, NOT with codes from 3rd parties. Even if you buy a carrier unlocked T-Mobile phone on eBay or Amazon, it will be re-locked if you ever send it to LG for repair or replacement. And T-Mobile will NOT grant unlock in those cases, unless you are a T-Mobile customer in good standing and the phone has been on their network for some time (40 days postpaid or 1 year prepaid).
There is a reason why AT&T and T-Mobile models ("GSM unlocked") are generally cheaper on eBay and elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint are the cheapest always

antintin said:
Sprint are the cheapest always
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When talking used G8 units on eBay, I found that too. But if you're looking for new units (warrantied) and/or outside eBay those "GSM unlocked" models (G820TM and G820UA) seem to dominate and have the lowest prices.
It generally varies with the phone models: In the V30 market the Sprint LS998 has become one of the most attractive among US models (other than the rare open-market US998U and US998R) and thus often they're more expensive. In the V35 market, AT&T models flood the market (V350AWM).

I really don't know what you're doing with your phones but I've been using my G8s since release day and even though it fell hard SEVERAL times the only issue I have is a little deep scratch on the display.
The case it shipped with I only used 50% of the time because I love the glossy, mirror-like finish of the back glass.

Frau Son said:
I really don't know what you're doing with your phones but I've been using my G8s since release day and even though it fell hard SEVERAL times the only issue I have is a little deep scratch on the display.
The case it shipped with I only used 50% of the time because I love the glossy, mirror-like finish of the back glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean to post in this thread, which is about software updates?

Question Will T-Mobile carry the new Pixels?

Hoping they do, and there are decent trade-in values as well. This OnePlus 9Pro should cover a majority of a P6P 256gb model to make the transition easy. First time Pixel buyer trying to get off the OnePlus train after 4 models.

94b20gsr said:
Hoping they do, and there are decent trade-in values as well. This OnePlus 9Pro should cover a majority of a P6P 256gb model to make the transition easy. First time Pixel buyer trying to get off the OnePlus train after 4 models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, that makes two of us in the same T-Mobile/OnePlus 9 Pro boat!

94b20gsr said:
Hoping they do, and there are decent trade-in values as well. This OnePlus 9Pro should cover a majority of a P6P 256gb model to make the transition easy. First time Pixel buyer trying to get off the OnePlus train after 4 models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same bout. Il be treating my 9p as well. It was a true disappointment, especially in the batty department

Stopped by a local store today, they will definitely stock the devices. They estimated the deals (Trade-in or other) would be available to store employees on Thursday evening or Friday morning.

So buying at Tmobile store, will they add all their spam and crap as opposed to buying unlocked ?

aviatordoc said:
So buying at Tmobile store, will they add all their spam and crap as opposed to buying unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, they will.

aviatordoc said:
So buying at Tmobile store, will they add all their spam and crap as opposed to buying unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should be bloated big time....

Saw the preorder availability on the T-Mobile site. Can't decide if I want to just order unlocked from Google or go thru TMobile. This is the hardest decision!

If you look at the news postings you will find an article on where to get the best deals on the Pixel 6. It has links to T-mobile's site, so I guess it is already up. There are some deals available, with Magenta Max IIRC. It also can be bought from Best Buy (unlocked) and of course Google (free Bose earbuds).
I don't want any phone that doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. While there may be great deals on the 6 from T-mobile I simply wouldn't put up with the crapware that is included, as well as the poor after sale firmware support. It seems to me one of the best reasons for a Pixel is to get regular security and OS updates direct from Google, when first released. It may be that the TM 6 can get security updates direct from Google - I don't know as that has been developing. And there may be a way to unlock the bootloader, which would allow installing a North American unlocked firmware. But if not both then I would buy direct. FWIW I just bought a 5a from Google and am downloading 12 right now.

I'll probably JOD! my 4a 5G for the Pixel 6 as I have the Pixel 6 Pro on pre-order from Google.
What colorway are people most interested in?

Ended up buying the black 256GB from Google directly after seeing my OnePlus 9 Pro wasn't even listed on the trade-in deals and even if it was I'm not changing my plan just for that. Not to mention they are only stocking the 128GB.

People need to be careful where they're ordering from as there is currently a lot of confusion with the 5g bands for the 6 pro. The google support page shows sub-6 missing but according to the Cnet article below most of the other carriers have confirmed that their version will have all the 5g bands that they'll be selling. I've decided to hold off until t-mobile clarifies what their 6 pro will cover compared to the unlocked version before I pull the trigger.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
Google's new Pixel phones have a lot of promise, but also plenty of unanswered questions about 5G support.
www.cnet.com

dj24 said:
People need to be careful where they're ordering from as there is currently a lot of confusion with the 5g bands for the 6 pro. The google support page shows sub-6 missing but according to the Cnet article below most of the other carriers have confirmed that their version will have all the 5g bands that they'll be selling. I've decided to hold off until t-mobile clarifies what their 6 pro will cover compared to the unlocked version before I pull the trigger.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
Google's new Pixel phones have a lot of promise, but also plenty of unanswered questions about 5G support.
www.cnet.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a non-issue. That page merely omitted the listed of sub-6. Here is a snippet from another Google support page showing what is covered by model. There won't be a new phone like this released without 5G compatibility as it would make no sense, especially given newer modems cover almost all the required bands without any add-on's other than mmWave. Here is the page and shows carrier by carrier compatability:
Pixel Phone Simulator
support.google.com
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

aviatordoc said:
So buying at Tmobile store, will they add all their spam and crap as opposed to buying unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious...I've been buying my Pixels directly from Google for convenience, because I always prefer max internal storage and carriers don't always offer those.
This year, I wanted to make sure I got the 512 GB model.
Back in 2014, TMobile was running one of those promos where they offered to buy out your contract if you tried them out. They also had the Nexus 6 available for sale, so I decided to give them a shot.
At the time, the Nexus 6 was in high demand, and Tmobile shipped mine the next day. They also tweeted that their Nexus didn't come with all that carrier bloat, poking fun at AT&T.
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/536580024997249024
From what I remember, my Tmobile Nexus 6 64 GB was identical to ones shipped from Google.
I am a Sprint/Tmobile customer and have considered buying through my carrier to get a better deal, but go through Google to insure it is bootloader unlockable and unbloated.
Question: Does Tmobile add bloat/carrier apps to most of their Android devices?
I was just curious because of their stance on the Nexus 6 in 2014, but, of course that was 7 years ago and things change.

The (unlocked) 5a works fine on T-Mobile 5G. It does not support mmWave but that is not very useful for mobile applications anyway (mmWave doesn't have much range and doesn't penetrate walls well). If you are buying a MiFi then you would want mmWave if there is a tower close by. What you are losing is that you won't get the extremely high bandwidth when using the phone as a hotspot, but since there are only a handful of cities with this band available that is more theoretical at this point. BTW I am getting better 5G coverage than 4G LTE in my marina - TM put 5G on a nearby tower that they hadn't been using before. TM 5G is widely available, although not really much faster than 4G LTE.
Even if TM doesn't add bloatware (I'm not sure) it is still locked and probably not going to get the updates as often as the unlocked phone. Google has been working on bypassing the networks and directly upgrading phones but don't know if we are there yet.

Tmo is only carrying the 128gb variant...I pre-ordered the unlocked version from Google.

diesteldorf said:
Just curious...I've been buying my Pixels directly from Google for convenience, because I always prefer max internal storage.
I am a Sprint/Tmobile customer and have considered buying through my carrier to get a better deal, but go through Google to insure it is bootloader unlockable and unbloated.
Question: Does Tmobile add bloat/carrier apps to most of their Android devices?
I was just curious because of their stance on the Nexus 6 in 2014, but, of course that was 7 years ago and things change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you stated, that was then, when John Legere was just beginning the "Uncarrier" hype. I enjoyed the ride, but, now that the ultimate goal has been achieved (merger/acquisition), T-Mobile has been gradually backsliding, the Uncarrier has one foot out the door.
Count on T-Mobile bloatware being pre-installed & not all of it can be uninstalled &/or disabled.
The T-Mobile system apk for diagnostics can have the permissions denied, but, it's the one apk that can't be disabled, even w/an ADB command, or, app freezer.
If you're wanting to root/ROM, I'd steer clear of the T-Mobile branded Pixel 6/Pro.
If T-Mobile Pixels can be converted to US unlocked models (for development), it's news to me...........

KOLIOSIS said:
If T-Mobile Pixels can be converted to US unlocked models (for development), it's news to me...........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect that a TMO 5a or 6xxx can be flashed with the U.S. unlocked firmware, after having been SIM unlocked and then bootloader unlocked. But until someone does it I would consider this a risky proposition, and not worth doing considering that it is easy to buy an unlocked pixel and we know how to root it.

CarinaPDX said:
I suspect that a TMO 5a or 6xxx can be flashed with the U.S. unlocked firmware, after having been SIM unlocked and then bootloader unlocked. But until someone does it I would consider this a risky proposition, and not worth doing considering that it is easy to buy an unlocked pixel and we know how to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so. I'm getting the T-Mobile Pixel 6 Pro.
We'll know soon enough, I'll definitely be following this thread & any how-to threads for B/L unlocking.
It's not a deal breaker for me, but, definitely prefer the option to flash unlocked firmware, akin to doing the same w/T-Mobile OnePlus devices........

KOLIOSIS said:
I hope so. I'm getting the T-Mobile Pixel 6 Pro.
We'll know soon enough, I'll definitely be following this thread & any how-to threads for B/L unlocking.
It's not a deal breaker for me, but, definitely prefer the option to flash unlocked firmware, akin to doing the same w/T-Mobile OnePlus devices........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KOLIOSIS said:
As you stated, that was then, when John Legere was just beginning the "Uncarrier" hype. I enjoyed the ride, but, now that the ultimate goal has been achieved (merger/acquisition), T-Mobile has been gradually backsliding, the Uncarrier has one foot out the door.
Count on T-Mobile bloatware being pre-installed & not all of it can be uninstalled &/or disabled.
The T-Mobile system apk for diagnostics can have the permissions denied, but, it's the one apk that can't be disabled, even w/an ADB command, or, app freezer.
If you're wanting to root/ROM, I'd steer clear of the T-Mobile branded Pixel 6/Pro.
If T-Mobile Pixels can be converted to US unlocked models (for development), it's news to me...........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting and confirming what I was already suspecting. 7 years ago, Tmobile was the dark horse that was working to be seen as a legitimate alternative to the big 3. Former Sprint execs have even admitted they didn't consider T-Mobile to be true competition, compared to Verizon and AT&T.
I can't complain too much. I've have some Tmobile stock that has appreciated quite nicely over the years, and the old "uncarrier" initiatives and increased competition forced carriers like Verizon to allow 3rd-pary unlocked devices to run on their network, yet Tmobile Tuesday "gifts" are also not nearly as generous.
Hoping you can clarify something you mentioned earlier. You said Tmobile phones come with a diagnostic app that can't be removed or disabled. Does that mean that you could use the phone on Verizon/AT&T and still have a Tmobile app unable to be uninstalled, potentially collecting data?
I'm assuming if the the bootloader can be unlocked and rooted that any app can be disabled, but, as you stated, having a Tmobile variant no longer guarantees unbranding and bootloader unlockability.
Some people don't differentiate between whether a phone can be sim unlocked (to use on different carriers) or bootloader unlocked (to root or run custom firmware). That's not a huge deal for most people, but it gives me pause if I was buying a device on the secondary market, like Swappa.
The only way for a buyer to be sure they are getting a bootloader unlockable device is to ask the buyer where they purchased it from. To be fair, Androiid is more polished and no loner requires root to copy and paste or take screen shots, but I still like having the extra freedom and control to install my own updates.
In the future, if Tmobile ever gets all variants of the Pixel, including the 512 GB or 1 TB versions, with fantastic trade-in offers, it may make my decision more difficult, but I like being able to buy my devices directly from the manufacturers, especially for warranty situations, and use the carriers specifically for phone service.