next purchase is an unlocked phone

[karte]

Since Verizon has ended it's contract plan I don't see any reason not to buy an unlocked phone.
I just want to know what are the advantage and disadvantage of getting a pure Google phone, with no additional software from Verizon.

 

[Ollie]

The advantage is that you also don't have to wait for Verizon to approve an OS upgrade. It would come straight from Google.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

no additional software from Verizon.

That's a big selling point in its own right. Other major benefit is you'll USUALLY get updates to the Android operating system faster.

 

[MattE303]

just to be clear, an unlocked phone doesn't mean you'll be getting a "pure google" software experience. You won't get the carrier bloat (Verizon crap), but you will get whatever the OEM puts on top of the base Android OS (eg. Samsung's TouchWiz). The only way to get a "pure Google" experience is to buy a Nexus phone, or "root and ROM".

 

[karte]

just to be clear, an unlocked phone doesn't mean you'll be getting a "pure google" software experience. You won't get the carrier bloat (Verizon crap), but you will get whatever the OEM puts on top of the base Android OS (eg. Samsung's TouchWiz). The only way to get a "pure Google" experience is to buy a Nexus phone, or "root and ROM".

isn't Motorola a pure google phone?

 

[Jonny Kansas]

isn't Motorola a pure google phone?

Mostly. They did add a bit of extra features.

 

[karte]

I was reading a review on Verizon website, the user says "Only thing that is a downside is the preinstalled Verizon software and Verizon disabled the FM chip"
This review was for LG G4, so which version of the phone will have no verizon software and functioning radio?

 

[cr6]

Good luck finding a device with those two options on ANY Verizon branded device. Just won't happen unless Verizon ends up carrying the Nexus. Even then you won't get an FM enabled device. That said, there are plenty of apps that will provide live FM channels. IHeart & TuneIn just to name a couple. I use them both regularly and am happy with both.
Good luck with your search!

 

[karte]

So, an unlocked Nexus 6p purchased from google will not work on Verizon?

 

[cr6]

That's yet to be determined, but I don't think so. Here are the radio specs for the 6P:
2G bands -
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models
CDMA 800 / 1900 - all models
3G bands -
HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Global model
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - American model
4G bands LTE -
band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 9(1800), 17(700), 19(800), 20(800), 28(700), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500) - Global model
LTE band 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 12(700), 13(700), 17(700), 25(1900), 26(850), 29(700), 30(2300), 41(2500) - American model
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes

It doesn't look like it will work on Verizon's 3G network. I'm not sure about 4G/LTE.... hopefully someone with a little more technical knowledge can confirm this for you.

 

[Ollie]

I thought Verizon said the phone will be coming to their network? Or were they specifically talking about their own version versus one purchased from Huawei or Google?

 

[karte]

From what I read, if you have an active Nano sim card, you can just put it in the phone and it will work.

 

[karte]

I'm inclined toward buying a Nexus from google and try it on Verizon. I hate bloatware.

 

[Jeffrey]

Which Nexus are you thinking about?

 

[karte]

Which Nexus are you thinking about?

I think 6p is too big for me, I compared 5x with s5, the size is same.