[Q] How many people are buying the T-Mobile model to get the unlocked bootloader? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 5

Subject says (asks) it all. I'm wondering how many of you are actually going for the T-Mobile variant just to get the unlocked bootloader. History tells me there will probably be some kind of root exploit for the AT&T model in the not-so-distant future, but I also only have about 12 days to return mine to AT&T and I'm not fond of how locked down it is currently.
Also, those of you who actually bought one from T-Mobile: How did you do it? I can't seem to do it online without adding a month of service and I'm wondering if they'll even sell me one in a store if I don't have an account with them.

I got one, went into a store and bought it outright, used cellunlocker.net to sim unlock, then rooted, recovery, custom rom.

No thanks -- I'll keep my AT&T model. I don't care about custom roms, only want root...which will happen soon enough. I used to wait anywhere from 3-6 months for an iPhone jailbreak, so this waiting game doesn't phase me. Besides, you can do much more than the iPhone even without root, so I'm a happy camper.

djkinetic said:
I got one, went into a store and bought it outright, used cellunlocker.net to sim unlock, then rooted, recovery, custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And they didn't give you any pushback at all about buying the device without service?

karmuh said:
No thanks -- I'll keep my AT&T model. I don't care about custom roms, only want root...which will happen soon enough. I used to wait anywhere from 3-6 months for an iPhone jailbreak, so this waiting game doesn't phase me. Besides, you can do much more than the iPhone even without root, so I'm a happy camper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just want to root to block ads and tether. I don't care about custom roms, but the way this thing is locked down, it seems like root will be a long time coming, if at all.

To answer the OP question. I am waiting for the T-Mobile 32Gb S5. If they do get it then I have another choice to decide, stay with ATT or make the move fully to T-Mobile. I am DONE buying ATT locked bootloader phones.
I love HAVING A CHOICE of Roms, flashing kernels flashing modems, making and flashing themes, or ANYTHING I want to do with MY PHONE
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

RockRatt said:
To answer the OP question. I am waiting for the T-Mobile 32Gb S5. If they do get it then I have another choice to decide, stay with ATT or make the move fully to T-Mobile. I am DONE buying ATT locked bootloader phones.
I love HAVING A CHOICE of Roms, flashing kernels flashing modems, making and flashing themes, or ANYTHING I want to do with MY PHONE
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. I may or may not pick up the T-Mobile S5 off contract either tonight or maybe sometime this week. Only thing is the high price. Spending $700+ on a Samsung doesn't sit that well with me for some reason, despite doing it the past without giving it a second thought.
But yea, no more AT&T devices. I'm not supporting their horrible business tactics anymore. Locking phones down like that is horrible. These Samsung phones NEED root and custom roms because they are not great out of the box. PERIOD.

RockRatt said:
To answer the OP question. I am waiting for the T-Mobile 32Gb S5. If they do get it then I have another choice to decide, stay with ATT or make the move fully to T-Mobile. I am DONE buying ATT locked bootloader phones.
I love HAVING A CHOICE of Roms, flashing kernels flashing modems, making and flashing themes, or ANYTHING I want to do with MY PHONE
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. I have till Thursday to return my ATT S5. I think I'm definitely going to get a TMO device but I can't decide if I can switch to TMO. Looking at their coverage maps they definitely don't have the coverage area AT&T has but they also appear to be a tiny bit cheaper than AT&T even with the corporate discount.

greyhulk said:
And they didn't give you any pushback at all about buying the device without service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope sold it to me outright. No questions asked.

RockRatt said:
To answer the OP question. I am waiting for the T-Mobile 32Gb S5. If they do get it then I have another choice to decide, stay with ATT or make the move fully to T-Mobile. I am DONE buying ATT locked bootloader phones.
I love HAVING A CHOICE of Roms, flashing kernels flashing modems, making and flashing themes, or ANYTHING I want to do with MY PHONE
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might as well do it while you can, because even T-mobile will be locking their bootloaders soon as well. Every major US carrier will have locked bootloaders from now on. It'll be up to the phone manufacturers to provide an unlock or not, similar to what HTC does.

karmuh said:
Might as well do it while you can, because even T-mobile will be locking their bootloaders soon as well. Every major US carrier will have locked bootloaders from now on. It'll be up to the phone manufacturers to provide an unlock or not, similar to what HTC does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This information is based on what?

It's probably not based on anything except history & common sense. Just about all the other carriers are doing it & they're all tired of warrantying phones over rooting & custom Rom's.

enigma99a said:
This information is based on what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just common sense. Every major carrier already locks every devices bootloader. The only exception is T-Mobile, only because they want to grab as many customers as they can. That's also why they kept the download booster, while every other major US carrier disabled it. They're standing out from the crowd looking to scoop up the on-the-fence people...and it's working, for the most part.
It's obvious they'll be forced to step in line with other carriers soon. You can have the wishful thinking they won't...but it'll just be wishful thinking, unfortunately.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

karmuh said:
Just common sense. Every major carrier already locks every devices bootloader. The only exception is T-Mobile, only because they want to grab as many customers as they can. That's also why they kept the download booster, while every other major US carrier disabled it. They're standing out from the crowd looking to scoop up the on-the-fence people...and it's working, for the most part.
It's obvious they'll be forced to step in line with other carriers soon. You can have the wishful thinking they won't...but it'll just be wishful thinking, unfortunately.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint doesn't lock their bootloader either. AT&T and Verizon are the only ones that do.

karmuh said:
Just common sense. Every major carrier already locks every devices bootloader. The only exception is T-Mobile, only because they want to grab as many customers as they can. That's also why they kept the download booster, while every other major US carrier disabled it. They're standing out from the crowd looking to scoop up the on-the-fence people...and it's working, for the most part.
It's obvious they'll be forced to step in line with other carriers soon. You can have the wishful thinking they won't...but it'll just be wishful thinking, unfortunately.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. In the world, the only two carriers who locked theirs are Verizon and AT&T. AT&T has locked their RAT lock for a while now (not allowing you to change bands/technologies) and I think this is the next evolution of control.
For T-mobile, they have never locked their RAT or their boot loaders. So it's not a ploy to grab customers

Ordered my T-Mobile SM-G900T in black this morning. Yeah, I paid $700 for it on eBay, unlocked, from a reputable seller. Buying outright here in NJ would have been $702 (unless I went to Vineland where it's 3.5% tax it would have been $681) so I just went on eBay and got it.
I bought my AT&T SGS5 outright (through the financing, but it's still considered outright) but hopefully I can sell it and make up part of the loss of needing to "upgrade" to the T-Mobile version.
Well, here's my reasoning: I'm plain unhappy with the SGS5 I have now. I would rather have my SGS3 back. The level of customization and non-touchwiz elements used before actually made both play and practical day to day usage of the phone way better on the SGS3. I can't stand being stuck using the phone as if I'm a n00b who's never seen a smartphone before. I do like the new screen, and it's not that much bigger (I had a beast Body Glove on the S3 so it was pretty much the same size as the S5 with the Spigen Neo Hybrid haha).
So... Considering I was happy with the SGS3 for nearly 2 years, and now would STILL BE HAPPIER WITH THE SGS3 THAN THE SGS5 NOW, I figure it's worth paying a few extra bucks to actually have 2+ years of enjoyable use out of the phone.
My only next obstacle is selling the one I have now.. freakin brand new with skinomi screen protector (best job I ever did putting a wet protector on lol) from day 1. Oh well, totally worth it for me.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I like the phone. Not quite as smooth as my nexus 5, but pretty good, and who knows when we'll get the next Android update.
Really like the gear 2 neo that I bought at the same time, and unless I want to wait for another smart watch and go back to the nexus, then I will stay with this.
Don't want to pay full price for a T-Mobile version, so I might just deal with no root and a locked bootloader.
The screen is absolutely the best phone screen I've ever used, and it would be hard to go back to the nexus after using this just because of the screen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------
And the battery life is so much better as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Related

S5 Bootloader locked?

I hear the S5 has a locked bootloader on AT&T. Is this rumor valid or a ton of baloney? I dont really want to go through all the safestrap crap again as I did with the S4
XxSHaDoWxSLaYeRxX said:
I hear the S5 has a locked bootloader on AT&T. Is this rumor valid or a ton of baloney? I dont really want to go through all the safestrap crap again as I did with the S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont believe anyone has the AT&T variant in hand, but if history has taught us anything its that AT&T will have it locked down.
AT&T will 99.99% lock the bootloader on the S5. They stated they will lock the bootloaders: "To ensure a safe and consistent experience on your wireless device, we do not support unlocked bootloaders."
I just wish T-Mobile would improve in my area because they are doings things right. Like selling the 32GB S5.
MattMJB0188 said:
AT&T will 99.99% lock the bootloader on the S5. They stated they will lock the bootloaders: "To ensure a safe and consistent experience on your wireless device, we do not support unlocked bootloaders."
I just wish T-Mobile would improve in my area because they are doings things right. Like selling the 32GB S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This time around it looks like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile will have S5 with locked bootloader
AT&T started with S4 and continued the tradition there after (G2, N3 etc.)
T-Mobile started with LG G Flex and looks like it will continue the tradition with S5. (Source: https://twitter.com/Anthony_J_Fox/status/446759896017420288)
Verizon started who knows when ?
Doubt we will have anything like lokidoki this time around also. Which is why I sold my s4 and got a nexus 5
Might pick up a HTC one m8 unlocked variant though if it supports LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Jonnyredcorn said:
Doubt we will have anything like lokidoki this time around also. Which is why I sold my s4 and got a nexus 5
Might pick up a HTC one m8 unlocked variant though if it supports LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LokiDoki was bad ass lol. I had kept it on my s4 all the way to the end. Everyone kept saying there would be another exploit, but there never was. The AT&T S4 doesn't see much development nowadays. Safestrap is good, but not the same. Maybe there will be a developer who can actually UNLOCK the bootloader instead of finding a way around it. These devices have become so hard to root, flash, and restore to stock with these locked bootloaders. Glad T-Mobile is getting in for the fun. It's almost sickening how much they publicly hate AT&T and Verizon, then they go and lock the S5 bootloader just like them.
Walter.White said:
This time around it looks like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile will have S5 with locked bootloader
AT&T started with S4 and continued the tradition there after (G2, N3 etc.)
T-Mobile started with LG G Flex and looks like it will continue the tradition with S5. (Source: https://twitter.com/Anthony_J_Fox/status/446759896017420288)
Verizon started who knows when ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im guessing T-mobile started because people were buying their devices for use on AT&T because of the unlocked bootloader. They dont make money on the devices they make it on the service and locked bootloaders will discourage this practice. My theory, not fact.
Walter.White said:
This time around it looks like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile will have S5 with locked bootloader
AT&T started with S4 and continued the tradition there after (G2, N3 etc.)
T-Mobile started with LG G Flex and looks like it will continue the tradition with S5. (Source: https://twitter.com/Anthony_J_Fox/status/446759896017420288)
Verizon started who knows when ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry but I put 0 credibility behind the "SOURCE" for this statement that TMOBILE will have a locked bootloader - I have not even been able to confirm that the LG is locked - it may be that I am looking at the world thru rose colored glasses but I need to see something more than converstationwith an unknown person who may or may not know what they are talking about. The odds are that the S5 will be unlocked on TMOBILE - as an ATT customer using a TMOBILE NOTE 3 - I sure hope that is the case as I plan to buy the S5 when it comes out - if it is locked, I guess I will return it - but until I see more definitive proof - I don't believe it will be
mocsab said:
I am sorry but I put 0 credibility behind the "SOURCE" for this statement that TMOBILE will have a locked bootloader - I have not even been able to confirm that the LG is locked - it may be that I am looking at the world thru rose colored glasses but I need to see something more than converstationwith an unknown person who may or may not know what they are talking about. The odds are that the S5 will be unlocked on TMOBILE - as an ATT customer using a TMOBILE NOTE 3 - I sure hope that is the case as I plan to buy the S5 when it comes out - if it is locked, I guess I will return it - but until I see more definitive proof - I don't believe it will be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the actual tmobile response clearly stating the lg bootloader is locked isnt enough to convince you that the lg bootloader is locked?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using XDA Premium HD app
cloudraker said:
So the actual tmobile response clearly stating the lg bootloader is locked isnt enough to convince you that the lg bootloader is locked?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about the excerpt of the chat session the insurance guy posted online - then no, that is not enough to convince me. Do you have something more official from TMOBILE that says it is locked? I would love to see it if you do - I don't know who that person was at TOMOBILE - if it was a customer care person from the web site - I give them no credibility at all - you wouldn't believe the number of things they have said that have turned out to be totally untrue -
or are you talking about some sort of official notice that I have not seen?
mocsab said:
If you are talking about the excerpt of the chat session the insurance guy posted online - then no, that is not enough to convince me. Do you have something more official from TMOBILE that says it is locked? I would love to see it if you do - I don't know who that person was at TOMOBILE - if it was a customer care person from the web site - I give them no credibility at all - you wouldn't believe the number of things they have said that have turned out to be totally untrue -
or are you talking about some sort of official notice that I have not seen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't that T-Mobile's official twitter account? Anyway, I hope it is unlocked because everyone has the right to do what they want with their phone, as they own it. As an AT&T customer who used the T-Mobile Note 3, I can tell you that I will not be doing that again in the future. T-Mobile's Note 3 fully supported all of AT&T's bands, but I found LTE reception to be very bad. It was awful in places with low signal, and often would sit on HSPA+.
But my flashing days are over with. I pay for my devices at full price, and I won't risk bricking it with these very hard rooting/flashing procedures. Its just too risky nowadays. Maybe I got spoiled with the easy rooting/flashing methods we had before.
Back to the bootloader... I can see them locking it for the reason that many bought their device for use on AT&T. If the S5 bootloader is locked on T-Mobile then that's a shame. Looks like the "uncarrier" just made a selfish "carrier" move.
MattMJB0188 said:
Wasn't that T-Mobile's official twitter account? Anyway, I hope it is unlocked because everyone has the right to do what they want with their phone, as they own it. As an AT&T customer who used the T-Mobile Note 3, I can tell you that I will not be doing that again in the future. T-Mobile's Note 3 fully supported all of AT&T's bands, but I found LTE reception to be very bad. It was awful in places with low signal, and often would sit on HSPA+.
But my flashing days are over with. I pay for my devices at full price, and I won't risk bricking it with these very hard rooting/flashing procedures. Its just too risky nowadays. Maybe I got spoiled with the easy rooting/flashing methods we had before.
Back to the bootloader... I can see them locking it for the reason that many bought their device for use on AT&T. If the S5 bootloader is locked on T-Mobile then that's a shame. Looks like the "uncarrier" just made a selfish "carrier" move.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly don't know if that was an Official Tmobile Tweet or not - I guess I do wear rose colored glasses - always half full and all of that. I purchased a preorder of the S 5 so I will find out soon enough - if it is locked I will probably return it.
One reason I can think of that t mobile has decided to lock bootloader (if they have) is to cut down on the amount of returns they get from people who brick their device and then return it for a new replacement, hiding the fact that they were rooted or whatever. We may have become o our own worst enemy. I don't knnow how many hundreds - maybe thouhsands of phones have been returned at one time or another from someone claiming the phone was broken when in reality it was bricked because they tried something they shoulnd't have - or flashed a bad file or whatever. If you consider their side of things - you can understand why they might want to plug that hole....
regardless - I am a flashaholic - it is a disease - I need help desperately - lol - but seriously - I do hope we find that these are just rumours and that Tmobile has taken the high road and kept our phones open and "flashable"
mocsab said:
I honestly don't know if that was an Official Tmobile Tweet or not - I guess I do wear rose colored glasses - always half full and all of that. I purchased a preorder of the S 5 so I will find out soon enough - if it is locked I will probably return it.
One reason I can think of that t mobile has decided to lock bootloader (if they have) is to cut down on the amount of returns they get from people who brick their device and then return it for a new replacement, hiding the fact that they were rooted or whatever. We may have become o our own worst enemy. I don't knnow how many hundreds - maybe thouhsands of phones have been returned at one time or another from someone claiming the phone was broken when in reality it was bricked because they tried something they shoulnd't have - or flashed a bad file or whatever. If you consider their side of things - you can understand why they might want to plug that hole....
regardless - I am a flashaholic - it is a disease - I need help desperately - lol - but seriously - I do hope we find that these are just rumours and that Tmobile has taken the high road and kept our phones open and "flashable"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was official and VERIFIED TMobile's twitter account. Click on their twitter handle and you will see what I happen.
Will they sell develper editions of the S5? Like the S4? I havent seen any for sale yet. I really dont want to shell out $600 for a phone just so i can customize it.. Might as well wait on the Nexus 6:crying: or maybe i will jump ship to the New one m8 google edition (even tho imo its ugly and still costs alot of $$)
XxSHaDoWxSLaYeRxX said:
Will they sell develper editions of the S5? Like the S4? I havent seen any for sale yet. I really dont want to shell out $600 for a phone just so i can customize it.. Might as well wait on the Nexus 6:crying: or maybe i will jump ship to the New one m8 google edition (even tho imo its ugly and still costs alot of $$)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The standard AT&T HTC m8 version has been confirmed to have an unlockable bootloader via the htc dev tool if you are concerned about having to buy off contract.
This is why I'm only buying Google edition phones now.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Enough said
Sent from my Nexus 5
Walter.White said:
It was official and VERIFIED TMobile's twitter account. Click on their twitter handle and you will see what I happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't stop laughing at your sig
XxSHaDoWxSLaYeRxX said:
Can't stop laughing at your sig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that dude wasn't even drunk.
mircury said:
The standard AT&T HTC m8 version has been confirmed to have an unlockable bootloader via the htc dev tool if you are concerned about having to buy off contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And an S-OFF tool has been released...the phone can now be fully and completely unlocked.
Combine that with a microSD slot and I'm hitting AT&T tomorrow like a fat kid through a cookie store.
Get em while you can!

So, should I abandon all hope for an unlocked bootloader for my att s5?

I regrettably bought the att version of the s5. And sadly didn't realize how much att ruined it until it was too late. My fault though, I didn't do my research.
So should forget about being able to have complete freedom with this phone?
starclassic said:
I regrettably bought the att version of the s5. And sadly didn't realize how much att ruined it until it was too late. My fault though, I didn't do my research.
So should forget about being able to have complete freedom with this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With increased security with every update and how long bootloaders have been locked, you shouldn't maintain any expectations if that is what you mean. You can always hope though. Perhaps sell your phone on swappa and get a Nexus to regain your freedom? The days of being a flashaholic on Sammy devices are passed. AT&T and Verizon has killed development with the lock downs. At least T-Mobile can use international ROMs.
I've given up hope. I thought I couldn't live without the Xposed framework (Amplify and Wanam specifically) but, to my surprise, the user experience, battery life, and functionality on this device is good enough for me not to mind.
I get a workplace discount on AT&T and I need data and voice in my locale and rural areas...so I'm not switching carriers anytime soon, if ever.
mwrobe1 said:
I've given up hope. I thought I couldn't live without the Xposed framework (Amplify and Wanam specifically) but, to my surprise, the user experience, battery life, and functionality on this device is good enough for me not to mind.
I get a workplace discount on AT&T and I need data and voice in my locale and rural areas...so I'm not switching carriers anytime soon, if ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can just do what many of us here do, buy an unlocked G900T (T-Mobile variant) and use it on AT&T. Works flawlessly and has unlocked bootloader!
@Sean89us +1. That's what i did
Ps-G900az can be bought brand new cheaper than the 900t fwiw
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Swimguy14 said:
Ps-G900az can be bought brand new cheaper than the 900t fwiw
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure the 900az is bootloader locked too.
starclassic said:
I regrettably bought the att version of the s5. And sadly didn't realize how much att ruined it until it was too late. My fault though, I didn't do my research.
So should forget about being able to have complete freedom with this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use safestrap.

[Q] Differences between Non-Branded Nexus 6 and Verizon Nexus 6

I've been doing research for the past couple of days and I have seen that when the Nexus 6 came out that there were basically just 2 different models out. The International and the North American models. I'm coming from a Galaxy S4 from Verizon and I honestly can say that I just find TouchWiz ugly. I have rooted it but it was too late, the damage Verizon has done already left a huge enough impact that I am too afraid to put a rom on it in fear of the consequences. It was my first smartphone and I was happy with it when I first got it and now I am not to fond of it any longer. With the way Verizon's new plans are, I'm hoping of buying the Nexus 6 from them and slowly paying it off.
I apologize for long intro so i'll get to the point. I am curious about the differences of the Nexus 6 straight from Google and the Nexus 6 straight from the Verizon store if I buy it from them. I would prefer to buy straight from Verizon since I'm a college student and money is very tight and the slow payments seem to work out better in the long run even though I will be paying more if I buy it straight from Verizon. , but if getting the "clean" Nexus 6 is worth the better investment then i'll save up more money and pay for it all right then and there.
I've also read that there have been issues in the past where people have bought a Nexus 6 elsewhere and when they came to Verizon to activate it, that Verizon turned them away and that it wasn't possible. Is this still happening ?
Lastly, if any of you have a Nexus 6 straight from Verizon:
- How has it held up to this point ?
- What are the different things Verizon has done to the phone that weren't there in the past ?
and any other advice you can give to me to make a good purchase decision.
I just want a smartphone that I can root, put roms on, experiment with on XDA, has near-vanilla android but also works with Verizon.
I apologize for such a long post and this is my first ever thread on XDA and i'm new so I hope you may bear with me. I just want to make sure I am giving enough information to where some of you guys can help get my questions answered so I won't resent purchasing a Nexus 6 straight from Verizon if I do.
Thank you very much for reading and helping if you choose to.
P.S. I'm unsure whether to post this in the General Forum for the Nexus 6 or the Help and Troubleshooting forum of the Nexus 6 . I apologize if I posted this in the wrong forum.
Iandrew124 said:
I've been doing research for the past couple of days and I have seen that when the Nexus 6 came out that there were basically just 2 different models out. The International and the North American models. I'm coming from a Galaxy S4 from Verizon and I honestly can say that I just find TouchWiz ugly. I have rooted it but it was too late, the damage Verizon has done already left a huge enough impact that I am too afraid to put a rom on it in fear of the consequences. It was my first smartphone and I was happy with it when I first got it and now I am not to fond of it any longer. With the way Verizon's new plans are, I'm hoping of buying the Nexus 6 from them and slowly paying it off.
I apologize for long intro so i'll get to the point. I am curious about the differences of the Nexus 6 straight from Google and the Nexus 6 straight from the Verizon store if I buy it from them. I would prefer to buy straight from Verizon since I'm a college student and money is very tight and the slow payments seem to work out better in the long run even though I will be paying more if I buy it straight from Verizon. , but if getting the "clean" Nexus 6 is worth the better investment then i'll save up more money and pay for it all right then and there.
I've also read that there have been issues in the past where people have bought a Nexus 6 elsewhere and when they came to Verizon to activate it, that Verizon turned them away and that it wasn't possible. Is this still happening ?
Lastly, if any of you have a Nexus 6 straight from Verizon:
- How has it held up to this point ?
- What are the different things Verizon has done to the phone that weren't there in the past ?
and any other advice you can give to me to make a good purchase decision.
I just want a smartphone that I can root, put roms on, experiment with on XDA, has near-vanilla android but also works with Verizon.
I apologize for such a long post and this is my first ever thread on XDA and i'm new so I hope you may bear with me. I just want to make sure I am giving enough information to where some of you guys can help get my questions answered so I won't resent purchasing a Nexus 6 straight from Verizon if I do.
Thank you very much for reading and helping if you choose to.
P.S. I'm unsure whether to post this in the General Forum for the Nexus 6 or the Help and Troubleshooting forum of the Nexus 6 . I apologize if I posted this in the wrong forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a N6 I bought in March from Verizon and I love it. Other than the small Verizon branding on the back, and two Verizon apps pre-installed (My Verizon Mobile and Verizon Visual Voicemail), I don't believe there is anything different between it and a Google bought Nexus.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
The preinstalled apps can likely be uninstalled as they were probably pulled in automatically based on your SIM card. From what I've read, the shipping firmware is the same as the Play Store/Motorola model.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Othoric said:
I have a N6 I bought in March from Verizon and I love it. Other than the small Verizon branding on the back, and two Verizon apps pre-installed (My Verizon Mobile and Verizon Visual Voicemail), I don't believe there is anything different between it and a Google bought Nexus.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear honestly. If there is no difference other than two Verizon apps then this is officially my first choice for when I get a new device with Verizon. I'm hoping I am smart enough to root it, flash Pure Nexus and make it my own.
Thank you for the response.
imnuts said:
The preinstalled apps can likely be uninstalled as they were probably pulled in automatically based on your SIM card. From what I've read, the shipping firmware is the same as the Play Store/Motorola model.
Sent from my Nexus 6
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That's also great to hear. Definitely going to get the Nexus 6 soon then once I can get a new phone. Getting really tired of my Galaxy S4.
I just bought a new 32gb unlocked blue nexus 6 at best buy today for $350 + tax
It was the best deal I could find. I traded in some games and got the total down to $317. The phone is amazing, I came from a verizon S5 and it was well worth the purchase not to see that TouchWiz **** all over my phone
Thanks for starting this discussion. I have a GS5, and I'm fed up with the Verizon crap but it's the best network around where I live.
My question, can you root the N6 purchased from Verizon?
oneseeker said:
Thanks for starting this discussion. I have a GS5, and I'm fed up with the Verizon crap but it's the best network around where I live.
My question, can you root the N6 purchased from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. One of the few on Verizon you can have your way with. Can get device from anywhere. They all the same. Get whichever the cheapest and best warranty.
oneseeker said:
Thanks for starting this discussion. I have a GS5, and I'm fed up with the Verizon crap but it's the best network around where I live.
My question, can you root the N6 purchased from Verizon?
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Click to collapse
Yep. 100% bootloader unlockable. I use wugs toolkit to unlock and flash custom recovery. Plus it's relockable if you need service.
Sent from my Nexus 6
ffchampmt said:
Yep. 100% bootloader unlockable. I use wugs toolkit to unlock and flash custom recovery. Plus it's relockable if you need service.
Sent from my Nexus 6
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Click to collapse
What do you mean re-lockable if I need service?
Does anyone know if I can buy the Nexus 6 (unlocked) from Best Buy with the special they are having right now and use it on Verizon ? I was going to wait for 2 months to get an early upgrade by turning my phone in and getting the Nexus 6 but if I can buy it for 350 right now then I definitely want to jump on it. I am just curious if I can buy it from Best Buy and use it on Verizon without any issues. If I do buy it then what do I need to do in order to make it work with Verizon ?
I really want a phone I can root easily, flash roms and experiment with. The Nexus 6 seems like the perfect device and with it at $350 right now, its a steal !
Does anyone know if this is just a special and for how long ? Or is it indefinitely?
Iandrew124 said:
What do you mean re-lockable if I need service?
Does anyone know if I can buy the Nexus 6 (unlocked) from Best Buy with the special they are having right now and use it on Verizon ? I was going to wait for 2 months to get an early upgrade by turning my phone in and getting the Nexus 6 but if I can buy it for 350 right now then I definitely want to jump on it. I am just curious if I can buy it from Best Buy and use it on Verizon without any issues. If I do buy it then what do I need to do in order to make it work with Verizon ?
I really want a phone I can root easily, flash roms and experiment with. The Nexus 6 seems like the perfect device and with it at $350 right now, its a steal !
Does anyone know if this is just a special and for how long ? Or is it indefinitely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Service meaning repairs in case you have to send the phone in for some reason. It will work fine on Verizon. You can either activate it through Verizon and get a new SIM card or just switch an existing (already activated) nano SIM from an existing Verizon device into your new Nexus 6. Either method works fine.
patmw123 said:
Service meaning repairs in case you have to send the phone in for some reason. It will work fine on Verizon. You can either activate it through Verizon and get a new SIM card or just switch an existing (already activated) nano SIM from an existing Verizon device into your new Nexus 6. Either method works fine.
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Click to collapse
Oh ! Okay, I see. Thank you.
On the best buy website it says its doesnt support CDMA but thanks for telling me otherwise. It gives me hope that I can get a decent phone for cheap and love it.
Iandrew124 said:
What do you mean re-lockable if I need service?
Does anyone know if I can buy the Nexus 6 (unlocked) from Best Buy with the special they are having right now and use it on Verizon ? I was going to wait for 2 months to get an early upgrade by turning my phone in and getting the Nexus 6 but if I can buy it for 350 right now then I definitely want to jump on it. I am just curious if I can buy it from Best Buy and use it on Verizon without any issues. If I do buy it then what do I need to do in order to make it work with Verizon ?
I really want a phone I can root easily, flash roms and experiment with. The Nexus 6 seems like the perfect device and with it at $350 right now, its a steal !
Does anyone know if this is just a special and for how long ? Or is it indefinitely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$350-399 the going rate now. They on clearance for the new ones probably in November. Best Buy will match Internet price. So as long as Amazon and others have that price can just tell them and they will look it up on their PC. If you have a Verizon nano sim can just pop it in. They have the IEMIs now so they can activate for you. Shouldn't have a problem. I cut down my micro sim to fit before they would activate them.
---------- Post added at 12:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------
Forgot to address your first question. There are 2 unlocks. Carrier and bootloader. Previous poster was referring to bootloader unlock. They are all carrier unlocked except for ATT. ATT requires to pay for the device in full and be active on their service for 30 days before can use another sim. Bootloader unlock is for modding. We unlock the bootloader and if need to send for warranty we put back to stock and locked.
prdog1 said:
Best Buy will match Internet price. So as long as Amazon and others have that price can just tell them and they will look it up on their PC. If you have a Verizon nano sim can just pop it in. They have the IEMIs now so they can activate for you. Shouldn't have a problem. I cut down my micro sim to fit before they would activate them.
---------- Post added at 12:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------
Forgot to address your first question. There are 2 unlocks. Carrier and bootloader. Previous poster was referring to bootloader unlock. They are all carrier unlocked except for ATT. ATT requires to pay for the device in full and be active on their service for 30 days before can use another sim. Bootloader unlock is for modding. We unlock the bootloader and if need to send for warranty we put back to stock and locked.
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Click to collapse
This answers similar question I've had since I have Verizon as my carrier. I found some good deals on swappa, and wondered if I got one from there, if I'd be able use it on Verizon.
Sent from my SCH-I545 with stang5litre Edition 5.0 on stock OC1
Beej1970 said:
This answers similar question I've had since I have Verizon as my carrier. I found some good deals on swappa, and wondered if I got one from there, if I'd be able use it on Verizon.
Sent from my SCH-I545 with stang5litre Edition 5.0 on stock OC1
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Click to collapse
You can use any on any carrier unless it is the ATT carrier locked. Also has to be NA version. Not International. I got Google version on Verizon. Everything works including tether on my Unlimited Data Plan.
prdog1 said:
You can use any on any carrier unless it is the ATT carrier locked. Also has to be NA version. Not International. I got Google version on Verizon. Everything works including tether on my Unlimited Data Plan.
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Click to collapse
I'm sorry but what is "NA version"?
Sent from my SCH-I545 with stang5litre Edition 5.0 on stock OC1
Beej1970 said:
I'm sorry but what is "NA version"?
Sent from my SCH-I545 with stang5litre Edition 5.0 on stock OC1
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Click to collapse
North American. US and Canada. I looked on Swappa. They need to adjust their prices as the Market price decreases. They too high if can get new in box with full warranty for $350.
prdog1 said:
You can use any on any carrier unless it is the ATT carrier locked. Also has to be NA version. Not International. I got Google version on Verizon. Everything works including tether on my Unlimited Data Plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so the International one's won't work with Verizon? The one Best Buy is selling on clearance is the GSM International model. So even though its an amazing deal, It won't work with Verizon because its the International model ?
Iandrew124 said:
Wait, so the International one's won't work with Verizon? The one Best Buy is selling on clearance is the GSM International model. So even though its an amazing deal, It won't work with Verizon because its the International model ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US model is XT1103, which is what Best Buy should stock, and it will work on any US carrier. The XT1100 is the International model and would only work on AT&T/T-Mobile in the US (or any carrier that uses their network) as it doesn't have all the necessary bands for other carriers. Most places don't even carry the International model for sale in the US.
imnuts said:
The US model is XT1103, which is what Best Buy should stock, and it will work on any US carrier. The XT1100 is the International model and would only work on AT&T/T-Mobile in the US (or any carrier that uses their network) as it doesn't have all the necessary bands for other carriers. Most places don't even carry the International model for sale in the US.
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Click to collapse
Okay, that helped clear up some questions I was having. Thank you. I guess its time to go buy that sweet Nexus 6 once I get my check. Ugh, i can't wait.
If you had to recommend a phone for a beginner who wants to root, put roms on his device and experiment with it, what would you recommend to them ?

T-Mobile will reportedly sell the OnePlus 6T

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...06/oneplus-6t-tmobile-us-android-phone-report
Well this is interesting news and great for us T-Mobile customers.
The big question that remains is... will the T-Mobile version have a bootloader that can't be unlocked? If so, the deal is off. However, if the bootloader on the T-Mobile version is unlockable, this may be a great option for those of us on T-Mobile. It will allow me to sell the OP6 and pickup the 6T through my carrier, with no up-front cost, using my active 'JUMP! On Demand' program.
Pretty excited to see how this pans out. But I'll remain perfectly happy with my OP6, in the mean time.
What would be the difference between carrier and international unlock phone?
The bootloader would most likely stay unlocked. Due to the open betas it does and os previews. T-Mobile doesn't lock the devices it's the phone maker. And it's also the warrenty. Us has rule that if the bootloader is unlocked the warrenty is void. But OnePlus give you the tools to fix your device and doesn't void your warrenty if you unlock.
netgar said:
What would be the difference between carrier and international unlock phone?
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Click to collapse
That's still up in the air. It will come down to whether or not the bootloader is unlockable on the T-Mobile version. But, as joemossjr mentioned, it's unlikely that the T-Mobile variant of the 6T would prevent you from unlocking the bootloader, considering it goes against everything we know and love with previous/current OnePlus phones. But, time will tell.
It would be nice to be able to get the phone on my JoD. Of course I might have to wait as I just got the red OP6
Read about this today... definitely has my attention! The 6T spec's sound awesome...
It will definitely be network locked.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
I'm excited about this, but also curious about what changes will be made for the 6t. We may see an even bigger bump than from the 5 to the 5t, as this will be huge opportunity for OnePlus. What do you guys think?
I want to know what optimized for the carriers network means. Does that mean the unlocked version you get from OP won't be the same you pick up from T-mobile?
They both would have band 71 (the 6 does) so what are they optimizing?
I definitely want to take advantage of band 71 since my 5T isn't capable. Just curious to see the differences in the 2.
If the carrier version truly is better somehow, as long as it stayed the same price & didn't include bloat ware, I'd be tempted.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
This is horrible news. This is going to ruin op devices. They are going to get ready more expensive they are going to require you to buy a plan that your locked into for years. This will make it harder to get op devices in the future as well since they will do credit checks and all that to see if your even eligible. I hope this doesn't happen. The whole point of these phones is being unlocked already.
se7ensde said:
This is horrible news. This is going to ruin op devices. They are going to get ready more expensive they are going to require you to buy a plan that your locked into for years. This will make it harder to get op devices in the future as well since they will do credit checks and all that to see if your even eligible. I hope this doesn't happen. The whole point of these phones is being unlocked already.
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LOL don't panic! Geez.
#1 there are no contracts for T-mobile and hasn't been for about 4 years or so.
#2 It will require a credit check if you do a payment plan over 24 months instead of buying it outright.
#3 You can STILL just buy the phone FROM OnePlus. They aren't only selling it through OnePlus. Buying through T-mobile will just allow you to make payments if you can't or don't want to pay in full upfront.
People actually use Tmobile???
dgunn said:
People actually use Tmobile???
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Are you trying to be sarcastic?
Lol
dgunn said:
People actually use Tmobile???
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People still use AT&T?
People still use Smartphones?! [emoji50]
Sent from my pigeon running leather carrier
sn0warmy said:
People still use AT&T?
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Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
People actually use Tmobile???
Liking our tmobile $30. 5 gig plan's for the last 5 years.
Am I the only one who doesn't trust an American Cellular Provider to NOT completely destroy the software before they offer the phone and then delay standard updates for six months to a year? I think OnePlus would have been better off negotiating with Best Buy and making Amazon an official retailer (hell Walmart is an option too here).
tabletalker7 said:
Am I the only one who doesn't trust an American Cellular Provider to NOT completely destroy the software before they offer the phone and then delay standard updates for six months to a year? I think OnePlus would have been better off negotiating with Best Buy and making Amazon an official retailer (hell Walmart is an option too here).
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Click to collapse
Out off all the carriers. T-Mobile is the best one not to add a bunch of crap to it. Historically they don't do much to the overall software.
Everyone needs to relax, geez....[emoji849][emoji41]
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
6T ~ T-Mobile :laugh:
Did a speed test in Henderson, nv today. T-Mobile

Only real question I have: Will T-Mobile sell it?

With the 3's and 3a's on T-Mobile, I am almost certain they will; but I have not heard/seen anything official. Hoping someone with some inside knowledge can confirm or deny.
Really hoping they don't go back to "exclusive", or wait until the 4a comes out to sell it on other carriers.
Their contract ended with Verizon so it would be very unwise of Google to limit the carriers it sells its devices on.
I highly doubt they'd renew a partnership given how successful the Pixel has been lately, and their move to sell the Pixel 3a at other carriers highly suggests that their premium devices will follow the same trend
If that isn't enough confirmation then I don't know what is. Their exclusivity with Verizon was initially a great thing to get things rolling, but with each iteration of the Pixel following that, it's really done more harm than good.
And with them supposedly talking to D ish about establishing their own full fledged carrier it seems even less likely that they wouldn't embrace other carriers too given that their new carrier would literally use TMobile and Sprint towers to comply with the 4 carrier requirement needed for a Sprint and TMobile merger.
So no, I don't have any direct information to state otherwise, but on a financial level it would be awful of Google to not endorse other carriers.
Honestly, what I'm more interested in is knowing how they plan to support Verizon's standard for 5g while complying with the others as it vastly differs... Or better yet, if it will support 5g at all
Doubts and hopes are what I started with, mate. I am well aware of the history behind the deals and partnerships.
Looking for confirmation from an inside source.
PhoenixPath said:
Doubts and hopes are what I started with, mate. I am well aware of the history behind the deals and partnerships.
Looking for confirmation from an inside source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spoke to my friend at T-MOBILE and she confirmed that they will in fact be selling the 4.
It's not like it really matters since Google sells it direct anyways. Even if it was available from my carrier (AT&T in my case) I'd still buy it from Google so the carrier can't get its hands on it.
I would never buy it from a carrier. They will lock the bootloader and no root for you! Just look at the forums for the recent pixel 3a/3axl. Even if you don't plan on rooting now, it's nice to know you at least have the option should you choose to. You can also finance through Google.
The OnePlus devices may be instructive: These had bootloaders which could be unlocked after they were sim unlocked. The timing for sim unlock depended on how good a customer you were in some cases but primarily was based on having the device paid off. The smarter money if no deals were involved was simply buying from OnePlus direct because the updates are significantly faster. I would expect something similar here if it is indeed sold by Tmo.
jimv1983 said:
It's not like it really matters since Google sells it direct anyways. Even if it was available from my carrier (AT&T in my case) I'd still buy it from Google so the carrier can't get its hands on it.
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Click to collapse
Eudeferrer said:
I would never buy it from a carrier. They will lock the bootloader and no root for you! Just look at the forums for the recent pixel 3a/3axl. Even if you don't plan on rooting now, it's nice to know you at least have the option should you choose to. You can also finance through Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen!! Haven't used a carrier phone since the Nexus 6P was released!
tj_f said:
Amen!! Haven't used a carrier phone since the Nexus 6P was released!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is true !
The page is live, but if they really lock the bootloader, you can count me out! I'm still pissed about the fingerprint reader anyway!
https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/google-phone-deals
JeepFreak said:
The page is live, but if they really lock the bootloader, you can count me out! I'm still pissed about the fingerprint reader anyway!
https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/google-phone-deals
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if it's fully paid for, I don't see why they won't let you unlock it. Unless you're going for a plan, which is completely understandable. Not everyone has a grand to drop at one time. But at the same time, you can't really gripe if they don't let you unlock a device you haven't fully paid for.

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