VZW Exclusive? - Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers

Hey all - I haven't seen anything regarding carrier exclusivitivity. I'm on T-Mobile, and would get this at launch - assuming it's still a VZW Exclusive?
TIA!
David

dilandsman said:
Hey all - I haven't seen anything regarding carrier exclusivitivity. I'm on T-Mobile, and would get this at launch - assuming it's still a VZW Exclusive?
TIA!
David
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Well don't make the mistake everyone else made with the pixel 2.... If you want an unlocked bootlloader and plan on doing custom ROMs and stuff don't get Verizon version.... buy the unlocked version from Google store.

dilandsman said:
Hey all - I haven't seen anything regarding carrier exclusivitivity. I'm on T-Mobile, and would get this at launch - assuming it's still a VZW Exclusive?
TIA!
David
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Not sure if it is a VZ exclusive but T Mobile said yesterday they would not carry it. I would be surprised if any other US carrier does. I expect the exclusive deal VZ and Google have will carry on for some time.

It is a Verizon Exclusive. Only sold through Verizon's stores and even at Best Buy's it is sold through Verizon. You could order it unlocked from Google though and activate it on any network

I was hoping that at least this year the google store in New York would have the unlocked version. Seems silly that the googlle store would only have Verizon version.... That's the purpise of the Verizon store!!

bsg411 said:
I was hoping that at least this year the google store in New York would have the unlocked version. Seems silly that the googlle store would only have Verizon version.... That's the purpise of the Verizon store!!
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Yes, but Google may have an agreement with VZ to only sell unlocked versions online only for the exclusive (just speculating).

sunNsnow said:
Yes, but Google may have an agreement with VZ to only sell unlocked versions online only for the exclusive (just speculating).
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True but whats the purpose of a google store then....you could just go to best buy or Verizon to see the google displays.

Related

UK guy thinking of getting a HTC 10 while on holidays in Chicage July 2016

Hi, I was intending of getting a Pay as Go sim while in USA for my M9 but now that the 10 is out I thought I might get one whilst out there. Do you think the 10 will be readily available {July 8th - 27} and do I go for a unlocked version and get a Pay as Go sim or a carrier based one and unlock later.
My personal preference would be to purchase the unlocked version. Unfortunately, it would be unlikely that you would be able to find an unlocked version in a retail store, but time will tell if any retail stores will offer it. (It should be available through the HTC web site by then.) You would probably be stuck with getting a carrier branded model. (T-Mobile would be the GSM variant here in the United States.)
Wolf said:
My personal preference would be to purchase the unlocked version. Unfortunately, it would be unlikely that you would be able to find an unlocked version in a retail store. You would probably be stuck with getting a carrier branded model. (AT&T and T-Mobile would be the GSM variants here in the United States.)
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There will not be an AT&T model for this device.
jollywhitefoot said:
There will not be an AT&T model for this device.
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Yes, I realized that after I responded and edited my answer. (You were just too quick to point that out.)
Wolf said:
Yes, I realized that after I responded and edited my answer. (You were just too quick to point that out.)
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Sorry. Just waiting around for my 10 to ship and trying to avoid work right now.
Two BestBuy reps claimed they would be carrying/able to order unlocked HTC 10's. I hope so, because I spent my saved phone cash on my wedding. If they do not carry it, I'll be forced into an unlocked S7.

Where to get Pixel XL in USA?

May I know where can I get Pixel XL in USA? Any shop selling?
Thanks
I know Verizon stores is selling them, not sure about other carriers. You can do what I did and just order online on the Google Store.
OK thanks. But that will be locked down. Any shop selling other than carrier? I am in USA for holiday.
angka8 said:
OK thanks. But that will be locked down. Any shop selling other than carrier? I am in USA for holiday.
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Best buy is your only chance I think..
angka8 said:
OK thanks. But that will be locked down. Any shop selling other than carrier? I am in USA for holiday.
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Sorry, there are no USA resellers for the bootloader unlocked Pixel.
You can only purchase it from Google Store or Project Fi.
OK thanks.
CZ Eddie said:
Sorry, there are no USA resellers for the bootloader unlocked Pixel.
You can only purchase it from Google Store or Project Fi.
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Here in New York City can buy them Unlocked Pixel. Google open a new store (Like Apple store) in Spring St but its all sold out.
They found a way to unlock the bootoader for Verizon, so it's only a matter of time where you can buy them from any retailer. However the exploit will only last so long....
I had forgotten that Google wanted to start opening brick'n'mortar stores. Thanks for the reminder. :good:
CZ Eddie said:
I had forgotten that Google wanted to start opening brick'n'mortar stores. Thanks for the reminder. :good:
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That's correct.
TechBSwift said:
They found a way to unlock the bootoader for Verizon, so it's only a matter of time where you can buy them from any retailer. However the exploit will only last so long....
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Per Jcase: "If you want any chance at unlocking your verizon pixel in near future, go into developer options and disabled automatic system updates"
Google store is always out of stock

What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 for Verizon?

I'm trying to figure out why the Verizon S9 is $80 more than the unlocked one. I used to have the unlocked S7 on Verizon and I understand that some carrier features such as VVM and VoLTE will not work. You also lose some of the Verizon specific apps that are preinstalled. I'm trying to find out if the unlocked phone will support all frequency bands used by Verizon for the best speed and coverage. I tried contacting Samsung through thier web site and here is my conversation:
Murtuza MD, SAMSUNG Care Pro
Them - Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
Me - What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 to use on Verizon. I understand that VVM will not work but will the phone support all of the bands used by Verizon to get the best call reception and data speeds?
Them - Please give me a few minutes to review the information you have shared.
Them - I see that the Unlocked S9 phone will be compatible with all the carrier's including Verizon.
Me - I understand that it will be compatible but will it perform the same as the Verizon branded S9? Why is the Verizon S9 $80 more expensive? What does the additional $80 buy for me?
Them - It will get you the Verizon specific feature's and applications that will be Pre installed on the phone.
Them - Please let me know if you have any more questions or queries for me.
Me - So the unlocked S9 will support all available Verizon radio bands?
Them - Yes, you are right.
Me - OK Thank you.
So it appears that the unlocked phone will work properly. Do anyone else find it ridiculous that the carrier locked phone would cost more? I would expect it to cost less unless there is some advantage to the carrier branded phone I am missing. Can anyone think of any other drawbacks to buying the unlocked phone? I could also note that the updates for the unlocked S7 were actually slower than the Verizon branded S7's updates.
unlocked bootloader is the must as well as aosp !!
usa and Canada will get the worst version again !!
I used a prepaid Verizon SIM on an Verizon S8 and lost VVM and WiFi calling but had HD Calling and I then purchased the unlocked Unlocked Pixel 2 XL directly from Google and it worked with with the Verizon prepaid SIM with the same downfalls of no VVM or WiFi calling but again I had HD calling. Not sure if this info helps but I WILL be buying the unlocked version S9 because I don't gain anything due to me using my prepaid SIM.
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
For those that had HD calling still usable with the unlocked versions of other devices, were you able to take calls and browse the web at the same time? I used an unlocked S7 with Verizon service for a while, but every time I was on a call I was not able to browse the web at the same time. Unfortunately for the kind of work I do I need to be able to do both.
That may be a drawback from not having the Verizon version of the S9 on their network.
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
xgman said:
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
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If it is a Verizon postpaid (contract) SIM? Yes
If it is a Verizon prepaid SIM? NO
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
xgman said:
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
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No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Throwinrocks said:
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
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It is not a pre paid sim. It is a contract sim, but it won't make any difference. VVM won't work on a locked Verizon phone since the actual app won't even be on the phone and can't even be downloaded from the app store apparently.
When you put that post paid SIM into a Verizon S8 the VVM will appear on that phone along with 2 or 3 other apps plus Verizon phones aren't locked. My Verizon S8 had the VVM icon on my phone but it would not let me use it because I have a prepaid SIM. I have that icon on my phone.
There are two levels of VVM one is free with postpaid and the other is premium that cost $2.99 a month
Try this. Log in:
My Verizon>My Plans and Services>Blocks>Block Services>Block Visual Voice Mail>ON
Reboot and try a test call
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
xgman said:
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
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I agree. You'd think no matter if it's locked or unlocked phone or a post paid or prepaid SIM they would want to keep you as a customer and allow us to have a simple feature. I still remember when you had to buy text messaging like minutes. LOL
---------- Post added at 12:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
RossTeagan said:
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
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Wait for what? What details and specific features are you talking about?
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
skiddingus said:
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
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Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
Josh LaCelle said:
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
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From what I'm hearing Verizon hasn't started locking them yet but what difference does it make? AT&T and Sprint have been doing it for years. Once you activate the phone you can unlock it and in some cases they unlock once activated. They are locking them so when people steal them they're unable to use them. There's a ton of articles explaing why and I can't understand why everyone gets upset about it.
Now I take everything samsung says with a grain of salt and some hot sauce but the lady I just talked to (I recorded it) said that the snapdragon verizon s9+ had a unlockable bootloader (but she highly recommended against it). Has anyone else called samsung and asked them?
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
droideris1 said:
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
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I was told something similar by the first person I talked to at Verizon. When I started to ask specific questions, they transferred me to tech support and then I was told the opposite. The tech confirmed that VVM will not be available on the unlocked version. I guess we will find out for sure in a couple weeks.
Find me one person with an unlocked S8 on Verizon that has normal visual voice mail? S9 is no different. I need the VVM for my business, don't need or want a new activation, so I have no choice but to pay the ransom.

leaving pixel environment

I need a device that I can root n ROM. Verizon wireless customer here. Pixel too locked down for my taste . Any suggestions I know the Moto g5 plus was getting a lot of love.
aaronrw said:
I need a device that I can root n ROM. Verizon wireless customer here. Pixel too locked down for my taste . Any suggestions I know the Moto g5 plus was getting a lot of love.
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Everything not Verizon.....
buy a pixel 2 xl off google. buy a used pixel 2 xl and sell yours. #profit
Uh, the Pixel 2 man, you already have the current best Android phone, but you got the wrong version, need to only buy from Google, you bought the red Nazi version from the evil V.
aaronrw said:
I need a device that I can root n ROM. Verizon wireless customer here. Pixel too locked down for my taste . Any suggestions I know the Moto g5 plus was getting a lot of love.
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Verizon locked your phone, and locked you in at the same time. Like others have said you bought the wrong variant of the P2XL. Maybe you feel you were/are forced to buy the wrong variant because you cannot buy an unlocked phone to escape the clutches of the Red Devil, but you would be wrong. Buying a phone subsidized by Verizon (getting the phone up front and paying for it on-contract for 2-3 years) is no different than just financing it from a reputable source. Finance any unlocked phone you like. At that point you are free to stay with Verizon until your contract is up and then go to any other carrier you like. Hardware good. Verizon bad.
What device you guys think is getting the best development at this point?
What device you guys think is getting the best development at this point?
aaronrw said:
What device you guys think is getting the best development at this point?
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Anything 1+ related.
Badger50 said:
Anything 1+ related.
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They aren't Verizon compatible. I don't think
aaronrw said:
They aren't Verizon compatible. I don't think
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No, they're not. Was just answering the question generically. If your talking strictly Verizon compatible phones, then probably the google version of any pixel device.
aaronrw said:
What device you guys think is getting the best development at this point?
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Pixel 2 XL (Google version, unlocked) maybe not BEST, but as good as anyone else...
aaronrw said:
They aren't Verizon compatible. I don't think
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There are exceptions, as VZW did not carry the Huawei 6P but it does work, very well I might add, on their network. The downside of using a non-VZW device on their network is you lose some of the goodies that come with a VZW supplied device (free vzw cloud, asurion insurance, etc).
Badger50 said:
No, they're not. Was just answering the question generically. If your talking strictly Verizon compatible phones, then probably the google version of any pixel device.
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Pixel 2 XL (Google version, unlocked)
As a VZW user myself, I found that in order to root / mod any recent device offered by Verizon, you MUST buy from the manufacturer (unlocked).
Google has many offers similar to VZWs payment structure with 0% interest for two years, or you can buy it outright as I did and not mess with payments.
If you're stuck using only the devices offered through a VZW retailer, I don't think you're going to be rooting / modding your device anytime soon.
aaronrw said:
They aren't Verizon compatible. I don't think
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I guess it really comes down to your priorities. If you are willing to consider phones not sold by Verizon (but still CDMA compatible) you could start by looking HERE for some ideas. Although being unlock-able is a requirement, it doesn't guarantee dev popularity... so you would need to cross check your top choices here on XDA. Just go into the respective forums and have a look around at the number of ROM's/Kernels, etc. (TWRP/Magisk support is critical, too) for each respective phone. If Android 9.0 and regular functionality and security updates are important, you may find yourself circling back to the Pixel2 again. Prices will drop even more when the P3's hit. If you go this route I strongly recommend you buy directly from Google as your warranty experience will be far superior across the board than if you buy from anywhere else. Financing is available.
Thanks everyone, I got the Verizon edition for half price from Best buy, on payment plan. I'll be looking at Motorola or something like that now. The pixel is great but I miss my themes and ROMs
aaronrw said:
Thanks everyone, I got the Verizon edition for half price from Best buy, on payment plan. I'll be looking at Motorola or something like that now. The pixel is great but I miss my themes and ROMs
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Sell it on swappa. I bought another 2xl on swappa for 560$ you can probably get 450 then only a little bit more to get Google version.
aaronrw said:
Thanks everyone, I got the Verizon edition for half price from Best buy, on payment plan. I'll be looking at Motorola or something like that now. The pixel is great but I miss my themes and ROMs
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Just totally ignoring what everyone has said lol
Gilley said:
Just totally ignoring what everyone has said lol
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U are an idiot
aaronrw said:
U are an idiot
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You buy the wrong version and get mad at the "pixel" for it and when people tell you that you need google version you still just plan on Moto. Anything that comes out of verizon will be locked.
Gilley said:
You buy the wrong version and get mad at the "pixel" for it and when people tell you that you need google version you still just plan on Moto. Anything that comes out of verizon will be locked.
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I'm not buying from Verizon, nor did I say I was. Thanks for your very non insightful posts
aaronrw said:
I'm not buying from Verizon, nor did I say I was. Thanks for your very non insightful posts
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If you're getting the G5 plus you will definitely miss the Pixel. The G5 has middle of the road hardware.
Az Biker said:
There are exceptions, as VZW did not carry the Huawei 6P but it does work, very well I might add, on their network. The downside of using a non-VZW device on their network is you lose some of the goodies that come with a VZW supplied device (free vzw cloud, asurion insurance, etc).
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When you say Huawei 6P do you mean the Huawei built Nexus 6P? If so I'm pretty sure that won't work. Verizon is notorious for not allowing phones that they don't sell to be actived on its network even if the phone fully supports the network. I know for a fact that Verizon won't allow the Nexus 5X on its network. Unless Verizon has changed things since last November.

Question Unlocked vs Verizon

I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.
We really don't know officially yet, since it has a new CPU chip set until we get our hands on it....
But, usually Google wouldn't block Unlocking the BL.
I'll let you know, I'm kind of perpetually stuck ordering from Verizon because I get so many device dollars from my Fios account. Not really too concerned about unlocking but I'll check for you.
Oaklands said:
I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.
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That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
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From Google store: Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.
I don't understand. In the chart it says it does work.
bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
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on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.
freebee269 said:
on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.
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No, that is not the case. Google sells the Verizon model for some reason unbeknownst to me but likely financial. Last year for the Pixel 5 they did the same thing. The Verizon model has different promos attached and you can buy it on your Verizon account without further credit checks and over a period of 24 months rolled into your monthly bill. But you cannot unlock the bootloader in that version, on the Fi and Unlocked version you can.
As for mmWave, every single Pixel device sold in the US is capable. Naturally it depends if your carrier supports it but if they do then you have it. The unlocked P6, or any P6 sold in the states will work on 8 carriers that support mmWave according to what I'm seeing. The locked bootloader on the Verizon device sold by Google is a horse of another color and has nothing to do with 5G capabilities. I am on Verizon but have bought the last 4 Pixels from Google and they all work as if I bought them directly from Verizon. Well... other than the fact I can bl unlock them and the 3a eSim fiasco on the VZW model.
I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
bobby janow said:
I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
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Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.
From what I understand:
All Pixel 6 Pro in the US support Sub6 + mmWave, (Whether a carrier allows access on unlocked models is unclear)
Regular Pixel 6 is Sub6 Only except for the Verizon variant which adds mmWave.
This has never been an issue on Unlocked Samsung models. Each variant has a different SKU and it'd be interesting to find out if it's a different modem entirely or just software optimizations.
My only concern with the Verizon version is that it may not be bootloader unlockable.
mkhcb said:
Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.
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Think it depends on the carrier really. I know this is Samsung and not Google but my unlocked Note 20 Ultra 5G is able to use Verizon mmWave. I used it on Fremont Street in Vegas the speed was insane. I don't see why Verizon would block the Pixel 6 if other unlocked phones can use it but I guess these things can happen. In my case I don't really live anywhere near any mmWave areas so it doesn't matter to me as much if I can't use it.
This is what I am seeing on the google store.
3See g.co/pixel/specs for device configuration and capability. Contact carrier for details. 5G service is carrier dependent. Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.
What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.
Oaklands said:
What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.
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Yeah it was an absolute **** show. I was fortunate and got a 512gb after literally 3 hours of non-stop trying. Hope they re-stock soon for you! I've never had issues like this the last few years pre-ordering Samsung devices.
The Verizon Pixel 6 Pro and Unlocked 6 Pro both listed the same supported bands, despite having a different SKU. When Google notes that the Pixel does not support mmWave, I think they're referring to the regular unlocked Pixel 6, not the Pro.
So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?
draexo said:
So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?
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Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?
lucky_strike33 said:
Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?
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I am just getting the unlocked version. If it is an issue, I may either switch back to AT&T with my microcell (yes, I still have an AT&T microcell because wifi calling sucks) or sell the unlocked and get the Verizon. I used to be big into custom roms and unlocking bootloaders, but things are to the point where the need just is not there anymore on most phones. Except Samsung and all its bloatware. (sorry, I had to get that dig in!)
im unlocking BL .. as soon as the guide is available. then flash Verizon Factory Image. i should be good to go with (mmWave)
Pre ordered unlocked version.
I've been unlocking and modding my phones since the OG Droid. Originally I would flash ROMs all the time, but Android has evolved so much that now I just unlock for dark mode and ad blocking. Now that dark mode is baked in all I need is the ad blocking. I also want to use my banking apps and Google Pay. So, for the first time in many years, I ordered the Verizon model from Google. I'll see if it's unlockable. If it isn't, no big deal. If it is, I might, and I might not.
With the unlocked OnePlus 8 Pro, we never got native Wi-Fi calling working on Verizon, so I don't want to miss out on that again, or any data bands.
I'm amped for the 6 Pro. I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with it. My brother-in-law is one of the heads of Photoshop and AI at Adobe. I'm think he'll be interested in taking a peek at it.

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