Minimum update & support periods
Phone No guaranteed Android version updates after No guaranteed security updates after
Pixel 3a May 2022 May 2022
Pixel 3 XL October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 3 October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 2 XL October 2020 October 2020
The Verizon firmware may not support eSIM / dual SIM capabilities, but if you can truly unlock the bootloader, you could put on the non-Verizon firmware or a third-party ROM (I personally like PixelDust).
The VZW variant is physically the same as the unlocked variant, it's just the software that says what can and cannot be used (which is the reason I use PixelDust, so I can use tethering without the phone asking for permission from the carrier).
My Pixel 3 (unlocked) uses WiFi calling on Red Pocket with the CDMA-V (Verizon) network.
It hasn't been updated recently, but everything is still valid. Post #2 starts the actual how-to process, but if you're not familiar with it, I suggest you read Post #1 first.
This is my concern. It's technically capable, but I advised a friend to buy one of these back when they were ($150?) and he said Red Pocket wouldn't let him use it with VZW, that he had to purchase an AT&T SIM for $5 to keep his balance. The phone couldn't pass provisioning.
Unless someone with actual experience with this actual phone chimes in to say otherwise, this makes a kind of sense: Verizon still uses a whitelist and the IMEI / MEID fails because the phone is listed as a Verizon-specific model in their system while you're trying to use it on a cheaper MVNO (which of course they don't want you to do). Ever since Verizon launched Visible, they've been absolutely terrible with other MVNOs that use their network (for the obvious reason that they want to drive customers to their own).
I am really thinking of getting 4 of these for my parents and in-laws, but they're all on Red Pocket using Verizon and I'm afraid I'll be left with useless (to me) phones.
A major difference for Verizon unlocked vs UNLOCKED is that the VZW version does not support eSIM / dual SIM capabilities.
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06-27-2021 at 09:26 PM.
Support ends October. 2021
Minimum update & support periods
Phone No guaranteed Android version updates after No guaranteed security updates after
Pixel 3a May 2022 May 2022
Pixel 3 XL October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 3 October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 2 XL October 2020 October 2020
Absolutely love my new Pixel 3. Butter smooth, crazy good camera, solid, battery life, outstanding Amoled high rez screen, stereo speakers, it's on android 11, Nothing sub $200-250 comes close. For me it's the perfect size screen at 5.5" with very little bezel.. Very close in overall size to my iPhone SE 2020 and zero bloatware and able to use all carriers. My Pixel 1 is now 5 years old and still going strong as my reps using it.
I scored one, my current phone battery is dying on Pixel 1 and this looks like this will meet my needs until Pixel 6 or after. Also, Google support rep told me B&H is authorized reseller, unlike some other deals here. Which is not to say I am counting on the warranty, but it increases the odds. Have folks been able to unlock the bootloader if they never booted it with Verizon sim?
Would this be a good phone for international travel once that opens back up? Sorry I'm Apple fan boy and haven't used an android phone in ages and ages. Was tempted to buy an old windows phone because yeah I just think their cool. But the price on this is right.
I scored one, my current phone battery is dying on Pixel 1 and this looks like this will meet my needs until Pixel 6 or after. Also, Google support rep told me B&H is authorized reseller, unlike some other deals here. Which is not to say I am counting on the warranty, but it increases the odds. Have folks been able to unlock the bootloader if they never booted it with Verizon sim?
Same question re bootloader. Can someone knowledgeable chime in. Thanks in advance.
Would this be a good phone for international travel once that opens back up? Sorry I'm Apple fan boy and haven't used an android phone in ages and ages. Was tempted to buy an old windows phone because yeah I just think their cool. But the price on this is right.
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Minimum update & support periods
Phone No guaranteed Android version updates after No guaranteed security updates after
Pixel 3a May 2022 May 2022
Pixel 3 XL October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 3 October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 2 XL October 2020 October 2020
The VZW variant is physically the same as the unlocked variant, it's just the software that says what can and cannot be used (which is the reason I use PixelDust, so I can use tethering without the phone asking for permission from the carrier).
My Pixel 3 (unlocked) uses WiFi calling on Red Pocket with the CDMA-V (Verizon) network.
Here's the guide I wrote over on XDA: https://forum.xda-developers.com/...y.3922275/
It hasn't been updated recently, but everything is still valid. Post #2 starts the actual how-to process, but if you're not familiar with it, I suggest you read Post #1 first.
This is my concern. It's technically capable, but I advised a friend to buy one of these back when they were ($150?) and he said Red Pocket wouldn't let him use it with VZW, that he had to purchase an AT&T SIM for $5 to keep his balance. The phone couldn't pass provisioning.
Unless someone with actual experience with this actual phone chimes in to say otherwise, this makes a kind of sense: Verizon still uses a whitelist and the IMEI / MEID fails because the phone is listed as a Verizon-specific model in their system while you're trying to use it on a cheaper MVNO (which of course they don't want you to do). Ever since Verizon launched Visible, they've been absolutely terrible with other MVNOs that use their network (for the obvious reason that they want to drive customers to their own).
I am really thinking of getting 4 of these for my parents and in-laws, but they're all on Red Pocket using Verizon and I'm afraid I'll be left with useless (to me) phones.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Biliibong
Minimum update & support periods
Phone No guaranteed Android version updates after No guaranteed security updates after
Pixel 3a May 2022 May 2022
Pixel 3 XL October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 3 October 2021 October 2021
Pixel 2 XL October 2020 October 2020
Same question re bootloader. Can someone knowledgeable chime in. Thanks in advance.
Why not dual sim? Which iPhone do you have?
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Verizon unlocked, just means you can go to other carriers, but the bootloader is still locked cause it's not factory unlocked?
+ Buy a google pixel stand for $$29.99 when purchased with the pixel 3
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Yes any gsm carrier physical sim card will work.
Asking same question.
I currently have P2XL that's Verizon bootloader locked. Would absolutely jump to the 3 if I could root down the line.