Develop Bugs

Is this phone pretty much dead on launch as far as the dev community goes?

I got this phone mostly because the hardware specs were top notch and my old Zenfone 2 (Z00A) had amazing CM support and even an official bootloader unlock. The ZS570KL still has yet to get so much as a root. Going from CM to the bloated, ugly stock ROM hasn't been fun and I can't wait to get something better. I've prodded ASUS for info on a bootloader unlock and they have basically just said that they can't comment on a release date, or if it's even coming at all.
Is there any active development for this phone or is it just dead?

it's active, but what you see here, is all answered questions that we ask already, so there isn't much we can do , until we get from asus. And then alert every develop out there to start making custom roms for this phone.

I think many people like myself are waiting on the bootloader unlock before buying. If they are going to release it, it better be soon. Else they risk newer phones coming out that trump the specs of this phone that ARE developer friendly. This ship had almost sailed to be honest. What are they waiting for?

Rhokk said:
This ship had almost sailed to be honest.
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Yeah, I'm almost regretting buying it to be honest. I really expected it to be popular in the dev community especially given ASUS' history and that bootloader unlocks are already available for the non deluxe ZF3 and even the ZS550KL. The LG V20, the other phone I was heavily considering waiting for, came out almost a month after this phone already has some ROMs coming out.
This phone has amazing specs and design but is just let down so much by terrible firmware and a completely dead dev community. It's a shame.

Your absolutely correct. Such a shame that a beast of a phone goes quietly in the night. It would've been such an upgrade from my Nexus 6P.
My wild guess is that Asus will release our unlock around April-June when phones are starting to come out with the next snapdragon chipset and 6gig ram is all over the market. At that time, the qualities that make this special will be gone. I don't understand this logic at all.

I really like this phone but all the ways Asus tried to kill its success boggles my mind. The lack of an official bootloader when all their other models have one is just another nail in the coffin of an otherwise really good phone. I thought Asus had learned their lesson... guess not.
The 3 biggest reasons for failure in the dev community:
1. No Bootloader (yet)
2. Price
3. Availability

Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.

freestyla85 said:
Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.
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Seems like a surefire recipe for failure to me....
I have the SD821 versian, I had to pay through the teeth to get it then when it gets shown to others thet all want to know where to get it and how much it cost. Word of mouth is a great way to do business but the product MUST be available.

I had the subforum tab open to check up on this later, but I'm updating some software right now and noticed this post title... I still have the phone unopened in the box Amazon shipped it in. I guess this is Asus' loss releasing a phone during the only extended return period of the year. I've read a few negatives on the ZF3 Deluxe like low headphone volume and intermittent Bluetooth, but unlocking is what I want.
Since I have until the end of next month to return it to Amazon I figured I would pick up the OnePlus 3T and give it a try - free 15 day return period. I thought, what the heck - I paid more for the ZF3 so why not get the 128GB 3T? Added it to my cart and on the checkout page it gave an estimated date (was within 9 days). I wanted to see what I said the ETA would be on the 64GB model that was listed as shipping within 3 weeks and removed the 128GB model. Went to add the 128GB model back in less than a minute after checking the 64GB model...sold out and it's been like for the last 2 weeks. Talk about frustrating! I ended up ordering the 64GB model and figure I can just send it back to OnePlus when the 128GB's are back in but I'm afraid they still won't be available to order at the end of January. So here is this ZF3 D I don't think I really want. :/
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
If it made any sense, there would be no doubt Asus wanted the ZF3 to fail.

Toki_Wartooth said:
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
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Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.

jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
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Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...

ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...
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On Asus site it is said that the zs550kl as a Qualcomm s625 so be careful with what you write...
Sent from my ASUS_Z016D using XDA-Developers mobile app

jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
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I love the phone only had it a week but so far i have had only 1 issue with the BT disconnecting from my gear S3. only reason i want to unlock is so i can use titanium backup, if there is a good back up without root please let me know.

ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820
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It does not. The ZS550KL has a single version and it is a snapdragon 625. It has the same processor as the non deluxe ZF3 (Z3520KL) which came out before the deluxes. They probably already made the unlock for the non deluxe and it required very little work to make it work for the 5.5 deluxe. The 820/821 versions did not have that luck and they likely have to make the unlock from scratch.

Hey, I agree with all on this thread. I have the Zen 2 deluxe SE with Cyangenmod and its a great phone. Purchased the Zen 3 but have yet to use it because I cannot root. I also read that Cyangenmod is no longer offering custom ROM or am I not understanding their changes? Does this mean the chances of a custom rom for Zen 3 is out? I also upgraded my wife's phone (S5) to the same Zen 3 deluxe (ZS570KL / 256gb hd / 6gb ram / 821 chip) and she hates it... calls keep dropping signal is low and it does not even say LTE. I did a speedtest comparison betwen her Zen 3 and my Zen 2 and it was faster. Hers is also disconnecting from cellular (AT&T) data and does not show 4G anymore along with no push notifications of emails.
Anyone else having these issues?

Joining in on the bandwagon to vent (really)... This was my # 1 phone to get in 2016, despite the lack of Quad HD screen (especially for the price), but Asus botched it BIG TIME! The price on the SD821 model, even more frustrating, the lack of availability, even during the holiday season, and of course, now announcing their new 2017 models, with no unlocked BLs or Root... what an opportunity missed! Would have been such a strong jab against the 3T, but they ruined it!

I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
"Temporary we haven't got the accurate time the unlock tool would be released for this ZS570KL.
But we will transfer customers' wishes to the related department for further development.
Also please note that ASUS does not actually asssit with unlocking of the Android Bootloader. I must advise that you do so at your own risk, as once the boot loader is unloked it will void your warranty."
I'm just hoping there is an unofficial unlock at this point. The stock ROM seems to somehow get more buggy and slow day by day. Is anyone else having issues with the screen taking forever to turn on after using fingerprint/pressing the side button?

jsheradin said:
I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
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Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all

autoreleasepool said:
Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all
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I used this form to submit it: https://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery?lang=en-us
I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:

I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:
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The biggest question we should all ask ourselves... "Why did ASUS build this phone in the first place if they didn't have a bootloader unlocker for it?"

Verizon bootloader unlock???

my dumbass screwed up and purchased the verizon one by accident. and was wondering if anyone has heard or seen the bootloader unlocked anywhere. ive googled but keep getting pixel 1 threads

Nope.
Return it for refund, then order a non VZW version.

Ah. The tragic tales continue. Return it.

wtherrell said:
Ah. The tragic tales continue. Return it.
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ya looks like thats the plan. re ordering today. using my note 8 in the mean time i guess.....

Guess no one is buying from verizon since they cut the price down by 50%.....lol

lucky_strike33 said:
Guess no one is buying from verizon since they cut the price down by 50%.....lol
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They could not give me me one free of charge (if I had to keep it for my DD.) If I can't unlock the bootloader, I don't want it. But that's just me and a bunch of other people. YMMV.

imtjnotu said:
ya looks like thats the plan. re ordering today. using my note 8 in the mean time i guess.....
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How did you like it in comparison to the note 8? I currently have the note (despite always being a nexus guy and a Samsung hater) and I love it. But still tempted by the pixel.

wtherrell said:
They could not give me me one free of charge (if I had to keep it for my DD.) If I can't unlock the bootloader, I don't want it. But that's just me and a bunch of other people. YMMV.
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I really don't think you have much to worry about then. Personally, I'd take a dozen of them and give them out to everyone I know since no one I know even knows what a bootloader is, no less root.
I have a VZW Pixel locked bootloader and I have no regrets. I recently had to return the one I got for $240 over 2 years for a warranty replacement. They sent me another Verizon model but I could unlock it this time. Must have slipped thru the cracks. I did flip the switch but I won't unlock it until I no longer have it on a network at which point I'd play around with stuff and not worry about performance or soft bricks. I've found no real reason to unlock it while using it as my DD.
But as you say, that's just you and this is just me. Neither of us is right or wrong, it's just how we do things these days. I will not pay $650 just to have a device that I can bl unlock when I won't unlock it anyway. Under $300 and $360 for the 2 XL is a tremendous deal. Other than on XDA I doubt there are many who even care about bl at those prices. You won't get that from Google and maybe not even from Verizon this year. We'll see.
---------- Post added at 09:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 AM ----------
lucky_strike33 said:
Guess no one is buying from verizon since they cut the price down by 50%.....lol
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Not yet but hopefully soon.

My bet is there will never be a bootloader exploit for the VZW bootloader's. This time I went direct with Google.

I ordered a Pixel 2 XL from Verizon last night about 9:00pm and already have it in my hands and activated. I'm not one of those that has to have an unlockable bootloader either. I purchased from Verizon because it was 50% off by trading in my Verizon Moto Z Force. Lately I've switched camps from must have unlockable bootloader to don't want unlocked bootloader. I prefer to remain stock and take OTA's without issues. My past experiences have taught me that the stock software untampered with performs better and more reliably than any 3rd party ROM ever will. My only reason for unlocking to begin with was ad blocking and removing unwanted apps. You can block ads with "VPN Hosts" app on an unrooted phone and I don't feel the need to remove software any more. I just don't open what I don't use. I haven't tried to unlock the bootloader on this new phone but I suspect you cannot.

pieman13 said:
How did you like it in comparison to the note 8? I currently have the note (despite always being a nexus guy and a Samsung hater) and I love it. But still tempted by the pixel.
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You just described me! I have both right now and honestly I think my pixel xl 2 is going back, never thought id be thinking like that

capsnbottles said:
You just described me! I have both right now and honestly I think my pixel xl 2 is going back, never thought id be thinking like that
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I know, the note is an amazing device. I keep thinking I'm nuts by sticking with it but it's kinda flawless.

pieman13 said:
I know, the note is an amazing device. I keep thinking I'm nuts by sticking with it but it's kinda flawless.
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I use the pixel as a toy and to play around with roms. Ill probably save a few hundred bucks and buy the 5t this week, and use the note for my dd

capsnbottles said:
I use the pixel as a toy and to play around with roms. Ill probably save a few hundred bucks and buy the 5t this week, and use the note for my dd
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That's what I use my op3t for. I just went into a Verizon store and played with the pixel, took a few indoor shots and compared them. I'm no longer looking for a pixel.

pieman13 said:
That's what I use my op3t for. I just went into a Verizon store and played with the pixel, took a few indoor shots and compared them. I'm no longer looking for a pixel.
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I've never owned a one plus, excited about the 5t. How are they?

capsnbottles said:
I've never owned a one plus, excited about the 5t. How are they?
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Very hit or miss. The quality control is poor. If had each except the five. Two of my kids still using my old ones and they are holding up well but it's a total lottery. That's been my experience with every model they have released.

foopy said:
I ordered a Pixel 2 XL from Verizon last night about 9:00pm and already have it in my hands and activated. I'm not one of those that has to have an unlockable bootloader either. I purchased from Verizon because it was 50% off by trading in my Verizon Moto Z Force. Lately I've switched camps from must have unlockable bootloader to don't want unlocked bootloader. I prefer to remain stock and take OTA's without issues. My past experiences have taught me that the stock software untampered with performs better and more reliably than any 3rd party ROM ever will. My only reason for unlocking to begin with was ad blocking and removing unwanted apps. You can block ads with "VPN Hosts" app on an unrooted phone and I don't feel the need to remove software any more. I just don't open what I don't use. I haven't tried to unlock the bootloader on this new phone but I suspect you cannot.
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I'm strongly considering ordering one from VZW because of the current promotion. I had resided to keeping my Pixel XL, but now that I know I can take an old spare phone and get 50% of a new pixel 2 XL, I'm very tempted. I have a Pixel XL with an unlocked bootloader, but it's been unrooted for at least the last 8 months and I haven't otherwise taken advantage of the unlocked bootloader so I don't think I'd miss it. I love the stock ROM, the seamless update process, and decreased vulnerability.

mlin said:
I'm strongly considering ordering one from VZW because of the current promotion. I had resided to keeping my Pixel XL, but now that I know I can take an old spare phone and get 50% of a new pixel 2 XL, I'm very tempted. I have a Pixel XL with an unlocked bootloader, but it's been unrooted for at least the last 8 months and I haven't otherwise taken advantage of the unlocked bootloader so I don't think I'd miss it. I love the stock ROM, the seamless update process, and decreased vulnerability.
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There is one thing about the Pixel 2 XL you need to be aware of. The screen colors are pale and not very vivid. As a result the display does not look as good as other phones. Do some research on that before you buy to make sure you can live with it. I'm ok with it but I'm sure others may not be.

foopy said:
There is one thing about the Pixel 2 XL you need to be aware of. The screen colors are pale and not very vivid. As a result the display does not look as good as other phones. Do some research on that before you buy to make sure you can live with it. I'm ok with it but I'm sure others may not be.
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With saturated color mode, it definitely is not too pale. Actually, that mode is too saturated to me, but some people like it that way

beezar said:
With saturated color mode, it definitely is not too pale. Actually, that mode is too saturated to me, but some people like it that way
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LOL I just got the update a few minutes ago.that's the first thing I tested. Saturated mode does improve the colors, at least in my opinion.

Pixel 2 XL on VZW, thoughts?

So I am reluctantly moving on from my Nexus 6 which I have loved and been rom-crazy with. I'm really bummed out how pricey phones have gotten, so looking for good value wherever I can. I'm looking to do the 2 XL from best buy, pretty good deal right now. My issue, and it's a big one, is that the VZW variant cannot have the bootloader unlocked (right??, man please tell me I'm wrong!), thus not root, ROM, etc. I've always loved Android for how customizable it is, but I'm worried if I got with this version I'll basically feel like I'm on a Google version of the IPhone. Is this the right way to look at it, or am I not giving a stock locked phone enough credit?
For anyone with this phone on VZW, I'd love to hear your thoughts on customizations, options that you undertake without root, if you miss root/Rom or if performance and stock are enough. Specifically, I like to be able to change color of UI/apps a la substratum, wireless tether, nav bar mods to name a few. Any locked options out there, any others I'd get without root?
Would love some experienced opinions.

You cannot unlock your bootloader. You are pretty limited with customizations. Like only Substratum with Andromeda. No ROMs, no kernels. I have read that you can sideload the P OTA. But that it's very risky and you pretty much can't go back. Go through the Google store and finance through there if you can't afford to pay for it entirely.
But I was saying in another thread that I am completely fine with this phone stock unrooted. I've when relocked my bootloader. I've had nothing but Samsung devices since their introduction. I have had better battery life and SOT than I have ever had on any phone by a long shot. I went back to my S8+ and couldn't stomach how laggy the Samsung experience is. In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this phone. But if you're wanting to rom and customize, you'll be SOL with the Verizon version.

MacTheRipperr said:
You cannot unlock your bootloader. You are pretty limited with customizations. Like only Substratum with Andromeda. No ROMs, no kernels. I have read that you can sideload the P OTA. But that it's very risky and you pretty much can't go back. Go through the Google store and finance through there if you can't afford to pay for it entirely.
But I was saying in another thread that I am completely fine with this phone stock unrooted. I've when relocked my bootloader. I've had nothing but Samsung devices since their introduction. I have had better battery life and SOT than I have ever had on any phone by a long shot. I went back to my S8+ and couldn't stomach how laggy the Samsung experience is. In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this phone. But if you're wanting to rom and customize, you'll be SOL with the Verizon version.
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Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?

ckfalls said:
Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?
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Having run the P2XL fully stock for a month after I received it, I will say that you won't miss unlocking, rooting, and modding it that much. Sure, it's great to me able to do all that stuff of course, however, it certainly won't hinder the functionality and experience of the P2XL. I was completely satisfied just being able to theme it with substratum+Andromeda, and just use it as it was intended. After all, it's just a phone ???

ckfalls said:
Hey thx for the reply. You know back in the early days of Android, smoother experience was exactly why I got into unlocking; OC the processor, get rid of bloatware, etc. Obv that's not as much an issue, I wonder how much I'd miss the other customization. Good to hear there's at least some substratum.
I'm certainly worried about being locked into a phone with so few options relative to what I'm used to. But if it's a solid phone with no need for fixes that root/ROM provides that the manufacturer isn't providing, then I guess I'd be ok...right?
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I would also like to mention that the dual partitions on these phones make doing backups, restoring, installing ROMs, kernels and all that comes with that kind of a drag. It most certainly isn't like the s1 through the s5 where the bootloader was unlocked and flashing and modding was much simpler. But on the other side. Android has come a long way. I rooted my first week and flaked everything I could. But I always found myself returning to stock because even the custom ROMs like DU or nitrogen OS left me missing something that they just weren't achieving from the stock pixel experience. I joined here in like 2012 and for once in my time using an Android phone, I'm actually content with the device as is. They're are others that use BusyBox, XPosed and or Magisk modules. I guess I'm just able to achieve what I'm looking for without root or unlocked bootloader just fine with what third party apps I use. But if you're a bit of a more easy going user, and have only flashed to flash and to get AOSP like experience with overclocking to achieve those conveted benchmark scores. That just isn't needed with this device right now. Not for me at least. Having the freedom to unlock is nice, especially if you plan to keep this device and the support stops. But in my opinion, you would be well suited even by the Verizon model. I just got the Google unlocked just in case. Anyway, I hope this helps. Good luck on your next purchase, if your decide to join the pixel family, welcome aboard. I know I'll never be going back.

Great, thanks for that. Yeah it seems the more and more I dig the less and less necessary a phone like this is for doing the unlocking rooting and rom that was needed for say, the HTC Eris my first unlocked device haha.
Okay, think I'm going to take the plunge. Looking forward to updating several months later on my experience. Best.

ckfalls said:
Great, thanks for that. Yeah it seems the more and more I dig the less and less necessary a phone like this is for doing the unlocking rooting and rom that was needed for say, the HTC Eris my first unlocked device haha.
Okay, think I'm going to take the plunge. Looking forward to updating several months later on my experience. Best.
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might wanna check out.... https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...-via-google-store-financing-free-18w-charger/

I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?

I'm in the same boat, I'm looking for a Pixel 2 XL. I keep looking for an exploit to pop up or a good deal on the Google variant. My reasons for wanting the unlocked bootloader are a little different. I'm looking for an unlocked bootloader so I can get rid of gapps and play services and run AOSP or copperhead.
The 200$ Google credit may have me pull the trigger before end of the month.

ibsk8 said:
I'm in the same boat, I'm looking for a Pixel 2 XL. I keep looking for an exploit to pop up or a good deal on the Google variant. My reasons for wanting the unlocked bootloader are a little different. I'm looking for an unlocked bootloader so I can get rid of gapps and play services and run AOSP or copperhead.
The 200$ Google credit may have me pull the trigger before end of the month.
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Not many for sale right now, but Swappa is a great place for Pixel 2 XL's, either VZN or preferably Unlocked.

I bought the Verizon P2XL from BB with the $400 off deal a few weeks ago. No regrets. I've found nohing that I'm missing from not having root. I do love tweaking and flashing ROMs but the experience on the Pixel is so good I'm not pining for it.
As far as tweaks, the only thing I'm really doing is running an immersion mode app to hide the navigation bar and Edge Gestures to enable swipe navigation. It works great.
One of the great things about having the Pixel (my last phone was they Moto Z2 Play) is the variety of cool cases available. I'm rotating between a cloth backed case from Incipio and a real wood case from Kerf Case. Both are fantastic.
Hope you enjoy your device!

With Verizon, you don't have to deal with that messy issue of ownership.
With Verizon, you have the privilege of paying for the device of your choice but never truly owning the device.
'Oh! Do you want to unlock this device? Sorry, we don't allow you to control your device'.

So I look at things a little differently. I think you may want to look at use case of your phone and your specific needs. Yes the performance of the phones have increased dramatically, so the need to strip bloatware to optimize storage and speed isn't really there. However, for me, I have 2 must have features, Hotspot tether and Viper4A... Those are deal-breakers for me, at least. I'm sure you'll get a lot of various opinions here. Typically what I've done in the past years is keep my nose to the grind here in XDA, and then wait for an bootloader unlock method on a VZW phone. I've had to wait a bit at times, but I've balanced my needs for a new phone (if my old one is under performing), and the ability to get into a 'newer' one with full customization's. If you're willing to wait sometimes you can save considerable $$$, otherwise you lose functionality or pay more for unlocked variants. Your call completely... for example I'm on the VZW Pixel2 as there is a small window to unlock the bootloader. This doesn't exist for the 2-XL though...sorry. Good Luck!!!

uicnren said:
might wanna check out.... https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...-via-google-store-financing-free-18w-charger/
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oneandroidnut said:
I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?
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$200 off, and a 18w charger? Yeah, I'd buy the 2 XL again for that price!
Coming from the 6P I ran the 2 XL for about a month or so fully stock and was ALMOST happy to wait for cust roms.
I love this phone! It's light, it's fast. Dual front speakers. Great device, even locked.
Then I realized that I really like the flashing and modding process and ability to mess with my devices, and would miss that with a locked bootloader. I'm a simple guy, messing with phones makes me a happy, simple guy.
Could I live with a locked 2 XL? Yes. Would I want to? No.
If you can't or don't want to pay outright for the unlocked version, Google offers pretty much the same payment plan you'd get with VZW (my carrier also) so you'd pay $40/mo for 2 yrs 0% interest and you still get all the VZW services and goodies since this is a VZW offered device (unlike my 6P)..
Bottom line; could you live with the Nexus 6 another year? (heck I could probably live with my Note 3 running Alliance for another year) Probably.
But for $40 mo, and the ability to mess with, tweak, flash, root, and enjoy modding your device; do you WANT to stay on it another year?
Decisions, decisions...

I've had the phone since launch and I can honestly say I havent even looked at the ROM's being released because it is just that good. Like others have said, the battery life is just amazing on it and its just so buttery smooth still. I wouldnt hesitate to buy the VZW version knowing I cant unlock it.

Gilley said:
I've had the phone since launch and I can honestly say I havent even looked at the ROM's being released because it is just that good. Like others have said, the battery life is just amazing on it and its just so buttery smooth still. I wouldnt hesitate to buy the VZW version knowing I cant unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using a google one on verizon but havent unlocked or looked at roms either. It runs so smooth and I never think about battery. Im up at 7 am and go to bed at 10/11/midnight and never had it down under 15% unless its hours of streaming and it still lasts until I go to bed

oneandroidnut said:
I am using unlocked google store pixel on verizon why cant you just buy from google store with $200 off deal?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I mean $650 definitely gets me closer, still don't love it. Can get $450 @ BBY vzw variant. Not sure if the $200 is worth the unlock, might be. Have some decisions to make.

ckfalls said:
Yeah, I mean $650 definitely gets me closer, still don't love it. Can get $450 @ BBY vzw variant. Not sure if the $200 is worth the unlock, might be. Have some decisions to make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't plan on, or worried about rooting or modding, then save your dough and just get the Big Red version. The P2XL is still pretty darn good running full stock :good:

The Pixel 2 XL is such a great experience out of the box that I haven't had any desire to root, especially since substratum is now available for rootless phones via andromeda. FWIW, having an unlocked Pixel doesn't seem to provide many more options than a locked Pixel based on the current state of development for this phone.
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:17 PM ----------
b00ster23 said:
So I look at things a little differently. I think you may want to look at use case of your phone and your specific needs. Yes the performance of the phones have increased dramatically, so the need to strip bloatware to optimize storage and speed isn't really there. However, for me, I have 2 must have features, Hotspot tether and Viper4A... Those are deal-breakers for me, at least. I'm sure you'll get a lot of various opinions here. Typically what I've done in the past years is keep my nose to the grind here in XDA, and then wait for an bootloader unlock method on a VZW phone. I've had to wait a bit at times, but I've balanced my needs for a new phone (if my old one is under performing), and the ability to get into a 'newer' one with full customization's. If you're willing to wait sometimes you can save considerable $$$, otherwise you lose functionality or pay more for unlocked variants. Your call completely... for example I'm on the VZW Pixel2 as there is a small window to unlock the bootloader. This doesn't exist for the 2-XL though...sorry. Good Luck!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's plan specific, but I can tether just fine with my VZW Pixel 2 XL.

Thanks guys. Yeah I had no idea hotspot was included with my plan, used to not be that way but apparently it is, again another reason I don't need to root. Yeah I've heard Viper is the bomb, never looked into it but honestly I so rarely use the phone speakers, always on Bluetooth of some kind which always seems serviceable for me.
Got the vzw phone in, saved $200+, we'll see how it goes.
I'll say, this blue shift thing is no joke...jarringly noticeable. I'll check the IMEI, see if I can get a later build which I've heard had a better chance of less blue shift. Haven't taken it through it's paces yet so not sure if any of the other screen issues are present yet.

is the unlocked version worth the price over Verizon buy one get one?

Looking to get the 3XL when it comes out through Verizon. Most likely Verizon is going to run a buy one get one with adding on a new line in.
With the phone being stock Android already but with a Verizon locked bootloader is it more beneficial to give up the buy-one-get-one and just buy an unlocked one through Verizon? If I go the buy-one-get-one route myself and my brother-in-law are going to be splitting the retail cost of the one we have to buy
EDIT 10/13/2018
Come to find out we cannot have any more smartphones on our line with it being a special plan that it is. So we can't take advantage of the buy one get one

If you want root, then do not buy the Verizon version. On all previous Verizon Pixel devices "OEM unlocking" in developer options has been disabled. With that disabled you can't unlock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader you can't install TWRP. Without TWRP you can't install Magisk. Without Magisk you have no root.
If having root is not important to you, then feel free to go for the Verizon version.

Face_Plant said:
If you want root, then do not buy the Verizon version. On all previous Verizon Pixel devices "OEM unlocking" in developer options has been disabled. With that disabled you can't unlock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader you can't install TWRP. Without TWRP you can't install Magisk. Without Magisk you have no root.
If having root is not important to you, then feel free to go for the Verizon version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?

Androider4Life said:
I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's always good reasons to root. Ad blocking is the number one thing that comes to mind. Utilities like Better Battery Stats to see what's killing your battery, Titanium Backup to backup your apps or uninstall system apps, WakeBlock to block or limit wakelocks so your phone isn't waking up every 10 seconds to send analytics data to Facebook/Twitter/Google when it should be sleeping, etc.
Google phones still come with bloat, it's just not as bad as Samsung or LG phones. For example, my 6P came with a ton of Google apps installed (Play Games, Hangouts, Play Movies, Docs, Slides, and **** ton more) that I would probably never use or have a desire to use. Sure you can disable most of them, but I'd rather remove them entirely.

These are the best reasons for rooting. Ad blocking is a good one, and I just enjoyed flashing new and different roms. It was fun - there was a new cm nightly every day to flash. I've got away from that partly because of less development and partly because stock android is pretty good as is. New features like android pay are very security conscious and don't play well with root. It's up to you if you want to give up the ability to root. Half price on the phone is pretty tempting. If you can't handle staying stock you could probably get your price out of the phone on Swappa and buy from Google. If there is any development to get in to. I've been stock the past year and am happy with that.

dmb219 said:
These are the best reasons for rooting. Ad blocking is a good one, and I just enjoyed flashing new and different roms. It was fun - there was a new cm nightly every day to flash. I've got away from that partly because of less development and partly because stock android is pretty good as is. New features like android pay are very security conscious and don't play well with root. It's up to you if you want to give up the ability to root. Half price on the phone is pretty tempting. If you can't handle staying stock you could probably get your price out of the phone on Swappa and buy from Google. If there is any development to get in to. I've been stock the past year and am happy with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did not think about the swappa thing. May be a good idea depending on what it's going for on there when it releases.
If I would stick with the Verizon variant, I would just need to stay off XDA and not read "what I could be doing with the unlocked variant" lol.

Androider4Life said:
Looking to get the 3XL when it comes out through Verizon. Most likely Verizon is going to run a buy one get one with adding on a new line in.
With the phone being stock Android already but with a Verizon locked bootloader is it more beneficial to give up the buy-one-get-one and just buy an unlocked one through Verizon? If I go the buy-one-get-one route myself and my brother-in-law are going to be splitting the retail cost of the one we have to buy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill never understand why anyone would buy a device thats locked down if they dont have to.
Absolutely Id go for the nom Verizon version....its a no brainer.
Sent from my Note 9 exynos, S9 plus exynos, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!

galaxys said:
Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!
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Click to collapse
What he said ^^

galaxys said:
Don't get a locked device, especially if you're hanging out on XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, the fact that you're here is testament to the need for the unlocked Pixel. I've been mostly stock for the last couple years but tinker occasionally. I want the ability to tweak my phone even if I choose not to, especially if there is some development going on. I hope there is some life left in the Pixel community here, it's been kind of quiet. The phone is more difficult to mod and to be honest, the stock software is hard to improve on.

dmb219 said:
Yea, the fact that you're here is testament to the need for the unlocked Pixel. I've been mostly stock for the last couple years but tinker occasionally. I want the ability to tweak my phone even if I choose not to, especially if there is some development going on. I hope there is some life left in the Pixel community here, it's been kind of quiet. The phone is more difficult to mod and to be honest, the stock software is hard to improve on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my thought too about how stock software is hard to improve on to justify buying unlocked rather than the buy one get one thru Verizon ( if they offer it) and splitting the cost of the one we have to buy.

Androider4Life said:
That was my thought too about how stock software is hard to improve on to justify buying unlocked rather than the buy one get one thru Verizon ( if they offer it) and splitting the cost of the one we have to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have Verizon but if I got a Pixel for half price thru my carrier I might be on that. My son has Verizon and gets his phone free from his work. He was a hacker too but has been good with a stock Pixel XL since he got it. Monthly updates - hard to beat stock on the Pixels.

As others have mentioned, having an unlocked phone generally means you are able to root the device. However, I couldn't help but noticing Google's new Titan chip that is claiming to securing passwords and the OS. My question is, how is this new "chip" going to play with "rooting" the device. Will simply having an unlocked device bypass this new Titan chip?

At this moment Verizon's 128gb model is 30$ more at 1029.99 with 9% tax 1122.69 plus $30 upgrade fee. Total $1,152.69
Google's version is 999.99 with 9% tax $1089.99
So all in all with tax one is saving over roughly 62$
Verizon is doing BOGO on the 64gb only, and offering a wireless stand. Even without the BOGO it equalizes out.
I don't need the BOGO so buying from Google is cheaper for me

I haven't rooted in YEARS. The last phone I rooted was the 1+2. OEM vanilla android is so good now I'm not even tempted. I stopped specifically when I thought about why I was installing ROMs. I wanted one that hid from Android Pay (back in the day) and allowed me to clone my phone if it broke. So, I was installing software from suspect sources to make copies of my device and perform financial transactions... Dafuq was I thinking!
This probably isn't a popular thing to say, but... how much do you really trust random dudes calling themselves "SKREET/|/KLoWnzZ", or some ****, who put together the "(-XxX[DaRTh++KriMzON ].::.KaRBoN.::.SKuLLzZzXxX-)" ROM, anyway? You've probably got some kind of banking data on that phone, right? I'm not saying Devs are crooks, but I'm certain more than one dude out there isn't on the up-and-up, I promise you. Mathematics demands it to be so. My wife would choke the piss out of me if our account got drained because I compromised our data using a hot ROM cooked up in Romania.
NOW, I get unlocked phones so I can carry a blank phone and switch carriers for trips overseas. My Pixel 2XL will replace my Nexus 6 as my travel phone, and the Pixel 3XL will be my main phone

I have been purchasing my phones directly either from Google or HTC, just so I could unlock and root. But I haven''t been rooting, even with an unlocked bootloader. I am probably not going to unlock my Pixel 3XL since I want to use Android Pay, and also play PoGo (I know Magisk can hide it, but it's always a game of cat and mouse.)

Plus, you never know. The original Verizon Pixel was unlockable for a brief time. It's unlikely, but it could happen this time as well.

Androider4Life said:
I know the whole locked bootloader, TWRP stuff. It's probably been since my Google Nexus and I believe my Note 4 or 5 that I messed with rooting, unlocked bootloaders and roms LOL
But with it being stock pure Google is there really anything truly beneficial to having the unlocked bootloader to allow for rooting possibilities. I used to root my phone's just to run custom roms to get rid of them bloatware that other manufacturers put on it. But since the pixel doesn't have a bloat or skin overlay, is there a real reason for rooting capabilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the Nexus? You didn't even unlock the 5X? So the question is should I spend an extra $1000 so I can possibly use Adaware? You won't need Titanium if you're not flashing roms, Better BS works perfectly without root, and there is no bloatware any longer. I understand if these things like flashing roms from Romania (lol that post above is funny) are important to you but you haven't rooted in like what, 5 years now? This is really a no brainer.
---------- Post added at 11:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 AM ----------
spotmark said:
Plus, you never know. The original Verizon Pixel was unlockable for a brief time. It's unlikely, but it could happen this time as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not gonna happen like it did for that one month. That flaw has been closed. I'm just waiting for a bounty thread for temp root. And I'm wondering even with temp root if you'd be able to unlock the bootloader on this device.

bobby janow said:
Not gonna happen like it did for that one month. That flaw has been closed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm well aware of that, thanks, but I prefer to be optimistic and hope that we may get lucky. When we get them in our hands, we'll know for sure.

spotmark said:
I'm well aware of that, thanks, but I prefer to be optimistic and hope that we may get lucky. When we get them in our hands, we'll know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do admire your optimism but they've been at this a long time and it seems they really have it locked down this time. Unless the Pixel 3s have an exploit I just don't see it. I do hope you're right though.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Question Bugs? Should I send my Verizon pixel back?

Just received my p6p in the mail from Verizon. But I'm reading and seeing a ton of bug issues all over the internet. Should I swap mine out for a iPhone 13 pro max or something before I'm locked in?

Razuuu said:
use s10 then use aosp rom of @Linux4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I use an S10?

Nickdroid86 said:
Just received my p6p in the mail from Verizon. But I'm reading and seeing a ton of bug issues all over the internet. Should I swap mine out for a iPhone 13 pro max or something before I'm locked in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you have 15 days to decide? Run through the updates and mess with it for a week. You don't like it send it back. This is kind of an open ended question that no one but you can decide on. Why would anyone here be able to tell you if you should buy an iPhone?

bobby janow said:
Don't you have 15 days to decide? Run through the updates and mess with it for a week. You don't like it send it back. This is kind of an open ended question that no one but you can decide on. Why would anyone here be able to tell you if you should buy an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that extreme my friend lol. Just conversation based on all the horror stories I heard

For what it's worth for the hundreth time it seems this question has come up in the last few months:
I haven't had any of the major issues others have had on any months' update to the Pixel 6 Pro (October, November, December, January, and now February). A few very minor things, but nothing with signal like some less fortunate folks, and absolutely no problem with the fingerprint reader, ever.

Nickdroid86 said:
Just received my p6p in the mail from Verizon. But I'm reading and seeing a ton of bug issues all over the internet. Should I swap mine out for a iPhone 13 pro max or something before I'm locked in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you know or not, but if you got your P6P from Verizon, you know you cannot unlock the bootloader right?
Outside of that, I have had very little problems with my P6P (Google unlocked bootloader version, on Verizon).
I'd say use the majority of you "return period" to play with and see if your device has any of the bug/issues. or shortcomings you don't want to deal with until fixed.
If you have a VZW bootlader locked device, many of the problems associated with rooting and flashing factory images you won't have to deal with.
As far as the other issues, only you can decide whether you have any of the issues, whether you're willing to deal with them until they're addressed, or if they make your new device no fun to have.
tl;dr
some users have a ton of issues with their P6P, others, like myself, have very, very few issues. I love the device, I expect hiccups with cutting edge tech so I'm not miffed about the learning curve

Az Biker said:
Not sure if you know or not, but if you got your P6P from Verizon, you know you cannot unlock the bootloader right?
Outside of that, I have had very little problems with my P6P (Google unlocked bootloader version, on Verizon).
I'd say use the majority of you "return period" to play with and see if your device has any of the bug/issues. or shortcomings you don't want to deal with until fixed.
If you have a VZW bootlader locked device, many of the problems associated with rooting and flashing factory images you won't have to deal with.
As far as the other issues, only you can decide whether you have any of the issues, whether you're willing to deal with them until they're addressed, or if they make your new device no fun to have.
tl;dr
some users have a ton of issues with their P6P, others, like myself, have very, very few issues. I love the device, I expect hiccups with cutting edge tech so I'm not miffed about the learning curve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can never unlock the bootloader, even when it's paid off?

Nickdroid86 said:
I can never unlock the bootloader, even when it's paid off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to inform you, if you purchased the device through Verizon, that bootloader is locked pretty much forever.
My advice: return that puppy faster than the speed of light, get an unlockable bootloader P6P from Google. They have 0% financing available if you don't purchase it outright.

Nickdroid86 said:
I can never unlock the bootloader, even when it's paid off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify further, Verizon's devices have for the entire life of Android not allowed the bootloader to be unlocked. The more common cases of Verizon devices being rooted were without unlocking the bootloader - they were worked around by vulnerabilities that were found in those devices. Later on, there were two or so devices that either had a time-limited window where folks stumbled on a way to get the bootloader unlocked on a Verizon device (I did so on my Pixel 1 on Android 7.10 - Android 7.11 patched the vulnerability - just for an example), or other outright hacks that usually have to be paid for someone to remotely access your computer and phone in order to root them.
My Verizon LG G3 VS985 and LG Tablet 8.3 VK810 used a method called "Stump" to work around the unlockable bootloader, for another example.

Nickdroid86 said:
I can never unlock the bootloader, even when it's paid off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 95% of the population, they'll never unlock their bootloader, which is fine. My grandparents and my family will never unlock their bootloaders. But the one thing I always bring up is repairability. what happens in 2 years when you need to re- flash the phone? Nope. Not Possible with a Verizon model (only ota updates, where most of the time it won't fix your issue).
But I agree with the other comments, use it for 10 days and see how you like it. Only you can decide. If we said that 7% of people experience some small issues and 3% experience one major issue, what would you do then? Not try out one of the best phones ever made? Only you can decide. and this question comes up a lot on reddit because people read the bad and not the good.
(6 Pro - No issues except for Bluetooth Hi-res LDAC 990kbps Playback which will be fixed in 2 months)