Google play VS. Carrier branded - Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?

Both are the same. Roms work on all networks.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

So the only difference is that I will have different firmware files to use if I bootloop and such?

Nickchapstick said:
So the only difference is that I will have different firmware files to use if I bootloop and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No difference. All Google nexus 6 factory images can be flashed on any nexus 6. They are all identical.
Only thing with Verizon is that they will not add any other nexus 6 to their system. It will work, but you will see that you are using a non vzw device when you log into your account

Nickchapstick said:
So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from Motorola so that I could get the Motocare policy. The issues with buying a non-Verizon branded N6 are the following:
1) Verizon reps won't be able to activate a Verizon nano SIM in the device - so you would need to use an already activated SIM card to get the device active on your line - this can be done by activating a nano SIM in a Verizon branded phone that uses a nano SIM or by cutting down an existing micro SIM card;
2) If you deal with Verizon instead of Google or Motorola for warranty issues, you are going to get a Verizon branded 32GB Midnight Blue N6 as a replacement regardless of whether or not you have the light grey or the 64GB N6 - so IMO, dealing with Verizon is not an option;
3) Asurion insurance likely won't replace your device with a non-Verizon branded N6 should you need to use insurance coverage so again, you would be getting a 32GB Midnight Blue Verizon N6 as a replacement regardless of what device you actually have on the line if you pay for Asurion insurance;
4) Asurion insurance may not cover your device at all since your line will just show Non-Verizon Device on it - hence another the reason I bought from Motorola directly and bought the MotoCare policy;
5) To get HD Voice/Advance Calling/VoLTE active on your line, you would need to first put a Verizon branded device that is VoLTE eligible on your line to add it as a feature or search the forum for other ideas on how to do it; and
6) People with More Everything plans and the month-to-month or Edge discount on their lines are having trouble getting the discount to stick even after the reps add it to their lines.
I had a Moto X on my line, which uses a nano SIM card so I had no issues with #1. I bought the MotoCare policy so I have eliminated issues #2-#4 for myself. I used an iP6 to get VoLTE added to my line and have a legacy nationwide plan so issues #5 and #6 aren't problems for me.
I haven't yet flashed to 5.1 so I can't test the VoLTE yet but others say it works and I will do that soon and report back my results.

Nickchapstick said:
So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no "carrier" version, there's a nexus 6 made by motorola, endorsed by Google, that's it, your particular carrier may sell said device on their network, but it's not their device or their variant, there are two variants, a US model and an international model and even then, there's literally only a band availability difference. All nexi are the same phone not matter who's providing the service for it
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Awesome I appreciate all the replies and I have the info I needed. Thanks for being educational.

Related

Which Nexus 6 to buy for Verizon?

Quick Q
If I want to activate a Nexus 6 on Verizon, do I buy the Sprint Nexus 6 or can I buy any carrier model. Thanks in advance!
badboyg200 said:
Quick Q
If I want to activate a Nexus 6 on Verizon, do I buy the Sprint Nexus 6 or can I buy any carrier model. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any US nexus 6 is the exact same model, no matter where you buy it. the only thing is that the att version comes sim locked.
So which one is the best to buy if I want to activate it on Verizon (in terms of feasibility of bootloader unlock, rooting, etc)? Which would you recommend?
badboyg200 said:
So which one is the best to buy if I want to activate it on Verizon (in terms of feasibility, etc etc)? Which would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best options are google play or motorola. then the other best option would be tmobile. but if you buy it through google play, they will replace the device one time if you break your screen.
I am thinking about trading my unopened Verizon Note 4 for one. Due to the lack of ROM support and a locked bootloader/non-rootability, the note 4 is virtually worthless to me at this point.
badboyg200 said:
I am thinking about trading my unopened Verizon Note 4 for one. Due to the lack of ROM support and a locked bootloader/non-rootability, the note 4 is virtually worthless to me at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, the note 4 is rootable, the verizon version though might not be. i own a sgs4, verizon version, and i rooted it using towelroot. but 50% of the time, it wont boot. i get a message that its running unofficial verizon software, and to take it into a verizon.
simms22 said:
well, the note 4 is rootable, the verizon version though might not be. i own a sgs4, verizon version, and i rooted it using towelroot. but 50% of the time, it wont boot. i get a message that its running unofficial verizon software, and to take it into a verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a bounty for both root and bootloader on Verizon Note 4. But you are correct in that other carrier models of Note 4 are already rooted, unfortunately I have waited too long for this phone and need to move on.
badboyg200 said:
There is a bounty for both root and bootloader on Verizon Note 4. But you are correct in that other carrier models of Note 4 are already rooted, unfortunately I have waited too long for this phone and need to move on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader isn't getting unlocked on Note 4
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
badboyg200 said:
I am thinking about trading my unopened Verizon Note 4 for one. Due to the lack of ROM support and a locked bootloader/non-rootability, the note 4 is virtually worthless to me at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck, the VZW Note 4 unopened can barely fetch $600 on swappa. You'd have to settle for a used Nexus 6 I would think with current values. You might have better luck on Craigslist but it's going to be hard getting a straight trade.
It's not worth getting a carrier version N6 until you verify it's been fully bought. And I thought the N6 users on Verizon were having data issues?
fraser.dk said:
I
And I thought the N6 users on Verizon were having data issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not, but I am stock other than unlocked and rooted with a few roms.
fraser.dk said:
It's not worth getting a carrier version N6 until you verify it's been fully bought. And I thought the N6 users on Verizon were having data issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, works perfectly fine. Have to jump through a few hoops to get the SIM working (VZW doesn't recognize the Nexus 6 IMEI as compatible) but after that it's great. In the beginning certain ROMs weren't working natively with Verizon, then a simple text edit fixed it, and now I think it's fixed out of the box for all custom ROMs.
I have a google play store N6 running perfectly on Verizon. Had to cut down my micro sim card to nano, popped it in, unlocked bootloader and on custom ROM number 3 so far. No data issues or any operational issues at this point.
darbylonia said:
I have a google play store N6 running perfectly on Verizon. Had to cut down my micro sim card to nano, popped it in, unlocked bootloader and on custom ROM number 3 so far. No data issues or any operational issues at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have to call and get it activated or do you literaly just pop in the Sim and is good to go?
hlaalu said:
Do you have to call and get it activated or do you literaly just pop in the Sim and is good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pop in the sim and go. Might take a few minutes to get the Verizon signal on the initial boot, but afterwards, everything should be good to go.
Diocat said:
Just pop in the sim and go. Might take a few minutes to get the Verizon signal on the initial boot, but afterwards, everything should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it was that easy. I read a ton before I made my decision. I bought the Aerb sim cutter from amazon, unboxed my GPS N6, cut my micro sim and had to sandpaper it a little bit to fit, popped it in, 5-10 minutes later I was up and running with zero issues. Happy customer, love this device!
A problem people have had is the IMEI of a device not purchased from Google, Motorola or Verizon will not be in Verizon's database if you have to activate a new SIM card. An already activated SIM will work.
Which device?
A Sprint employee told me to get the Tmobile Nexus since Sprint customers were having pretty bad issues with the nexus 6 on the sprint network. Does carrier specific Nexus 6's have better or worse service on the VZW network? I thought all the phones were the same more or less with the same hardware.
badboyg200 said:
A Sprint employee told me to get the Tmobile Nexus since Sprint customers were having pretty bad issues with the nexus 6 on the sprint network. Does carrier specific Nexus 6's have better or worse service on the VZW network? I thought all the phones were the same more or less with the same hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all US versions are exactly the same device. google play, tmobile, sprint, etc.. they are the exactly the same device.

Sprint Nexus 6 for Verzion?

Hello I currently have Verizon for a carrier and was wondering if the Nexus 6 for sprint would be able to work on my Verizon carrier? I had a pretty decent deal $520.00 for a Sprint Nexus 6 that I had to pass up today sadly... I went to the Verizon store and it turns out the IMEI # is not showing up in Verizons database for supported devices.. I was wondering if the Nexus 6 work for Verizon? I'm looking to get a phone that has the bootloader unlocked and will work for Verizon and is a pretty new phone this is why I was considering the Nexus 6, I'm open to other devices that can do this as well if anyone has any other suggestions?
If you have a Verizon activated nano sim (or cut a micro down) you could just put it in the sprint nexus 6 and everything would work fine from what I've read. It will still show as an unknown device and no one knows what will happen for sure with volte yet, but it sounds like verizon will get it on the 12th. People speculate that play store and Motorola phones may eventually be recognized by Verizon, but a sprint version probably never will.
mwalt2 said:
If you have a Verizon activated nano sim (or cut a micro down) you could just put it in the sprint nexus 6 and everything would work fine from what I've read. It will still show as an unknown device and no one knows what will happen for sure with volte yet, but it sounds like verizon will get it on the 12th. People speculate that play store and Motorola phones may eventually be recognized by Verizon, but a sprint version probably never will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "sprint" version is the same version from the play store, that's how's it been for quite some time now, that's why it works on any carrier even if you got a contract
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

What to expect when using Nexus 6 from Google on Verizon

I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
J.Guido85 said:
I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are exactly the same device. the ONLY difference is the Verizon logo on the Verizon bought one. and thats all that you should expect.
J.Guido85 said:
I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No difference, I have vzw version. One difference, vzw stamp on back cover $%&$
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
VZ on none VZ phone. Absolutely nothing different except no VZ logo which I don't miss one bit
Well, there's still a bit of difference - how Verizon treats your phone under the account .
I don't know if applying discounts to the account when trying to change plan characteristics are still a problem for non-Verizon Nexus 6 phones.
- wader
ooofest said:
Well, there's still a bit of difference - how Verizon treats your phone under the account .
I don't know if applying discounts to the account when trying to change plan characteristics are still a problem for non-Verizon Nexus 6 phones.
- wader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but the device itself is what he asked about, Verizon support varies. I have a G Pad from VZW and bought a Nexus 7 2013 LTE. Swapped sim cards and went by Verizon store, they added it to my account with no questions. They were quite friendly about it.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Project Fi - Purchase Nexus 6 from Google or AT&T?

Hello,
A week or so ago, I signed up for Project Fi and I plan to switch over to it as soon as I receive notification (which could be months away I'm guessing). In the mean time I have some questions:
- I am currently on AT&T using an unlocked, rooted Note 3 which has been paid off. I thought since Project Fi uses the Nexus 6, I may as well go ahead and purchase a Nexus 6 while I wait for my invitation. I have a couple of choices:
- On the Project Fi web site, it looks like the phone purchase is $500, however, on AT&T, if I sign up for the installment plan of 2 years, based upon my monthly service and data rate, the phone works out to $480. I can either use the AT&T Nexus 6 until I'm approved, OR I can use the Google Nexus 6.
My question is, is there any difference between the Nexus 6 from AT&T and the one offered by Google? Are there any frequency bands not supported on the AT&T version? Can the AT&T version be 'rooted'? I have read on the Google site about their phone having a SIM card to support multiple networks. I have also read that the Google version will use a combination of Sprint, T-Mobile, and WiFi and I'm not sure if the AT&T version would do all of the this even with the special SIM card?
Thanks in advance!
They are all the same and unlockable, SIM card will be the only difference and activate whichever bands needed.... I think they send a new SIM for FI.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
an21281 said:
They are all the same and unlockable, SIM card will be the only difference and activate whichever bands needed.... I think they send a new SIM for FI.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this... What about 'bloatware'? Do you know if one model has less than the other?
The AT&T variant is the only Nexus to be SIM locked. If you do next, you will need to pay the phone off before you can obtain the unlock code. If you don't want to do that, and have the money, get it from Google. Less hassle in the long run.
Source: Made the mistake of buying my Nexus from AT&T, currently getting the runaround getting the SIM unlocked.
@gil_happy, @an21281, @Blackiedamus,
I have a AT&T N6 and am currently on Fi. And AT&T did supply the carrier unlock code.
But, here's the deal. If you purchase an AT&T version (even from a 3rd party), and even if it's paid off, the device has to be activated for 30 days on the account before they will supply the unlock code.
And it the device is not paid off (i.e. under contract), AT&T will not supply the carrier unlock code.
I've had my nexus since new years day. I've bought out my contract but am still having issues getting it unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Blackiedamus said:
I've had my nexus since new years day. I've bought out my contract but am still having issues getting it unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you talk to AT&T tech support, have they explained why?
They told me that because my line was bought under concession for employees, they're having issues finding my IMEI to provide the unlock code.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Blackiedamus said:
They told me that because my line was bought under concession for employees, they're having issues finding my IMEI to provide the unlock code.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Never heard that one before. Good luck.
Thanks everyone for all of this information... So the ROM on ATT N6 and the ROM on the Google version of N6 will be the same? Either way, it seems like the safest and best bet is to go through Google to purchase the N6 even if it is slightly more expensive (because there is no subsidized service).
gil_happy said:
So the ROM on ATT N6 and the ROM on the Google version of N6 will be the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The AT&T version will probably have LMY47Z (or possibly LMY47I). The ROM on the N6 that you purchase with Fi from Google will have LVY48E. Doesn't matter, though. Because you can fastboot flash whichever ROM you want, on either device.
The key point for you should be this: if you buy it subsidized from AT&T, you will not be able to get a carrier unlock code from them. Device has to be paid off first. And hence, you will not be able to use the Project Fi SIM card....
Decided to pay for an unlock code. Found on for $13 online and put it in and now I'm unlocked. Not gonna port my number til I know that fi works for me in my area. ATT and Verizon are the best with T-Mobile and sprint having issues where I am. But I haven't had either in my area in years so gonna be hopeful. You can always get it subsidized and buy an unlock code. ATT will be none the wiser unless you port your number. Good luck.
Sent from my Nexus 6
If possible avoid carrier locked phone. I bought mine from google and running two lines (ATT and fi) for time being. Just testing out the fi service before I transfer my primary number.
-dash

taking a verizon sim to an unlocked nexus 6.

sorry for the noob question but i have not bought a carrier locked phone since nexus 4 days. usually opt for 'bring your own device' and just buy a sim card. nexus 6 was bought from play store. i am now living in a remote location and only verizon has a decent signal. wanted to get verizon prepaid service but their website says nexus 6 is not supported. ended up buying one of their cheap phones 'moto e5 play' and using it for a week.
my question is what will happen if i take the sim card from moto and try to use it in nexus 6? will it work? will verizon recognize the nexus and stop working? will this somehow mess up my service which i can't afford to loose?
thanks.
Have you tried? https://www.verizonwireless.com/prospect/bring-your-own-device/#/
"I'm not with Verizon"
yes before i got the moto i tried 'bring your own device' but the website checked and said nexus 6 not supported.
It will work perfectly. Every model of the nexus 6 has the same cell bands. Verizon just tells you that it is unsupported because Verizon prefers their customers to have all the carrier bloatware on their phones. All unlocked Google phones from the nexus 6 up will work on any major United states carrier.
update:
i tried using the verizon sim in the nexus 6. within 3 minutes after reboot verizon recognized the device is different and downgraded the LTE signal to cdma level 3G. basic text could be sent but voice calls were constantly dropped. tried for like 10 minutes including couple of reboots with disappointing results. put the sim back in moto and everything is back to normal.
conclusion: when verizon detects a different IMEI for the device, you get downgraded to 3G or worse.
nascar48 said:
It will work perfectly. Every model of the nexus 6 has the same cell bands. Verizon just tells you that it is unsupported because Verizon prefers their customers to have all the carrier bloatware on their phones. All unlocked Google phones from the nexus 6 up will work on any major United states carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true and misinformation here. Firstly, the original post doesn't clarify whether it is xt1100 (EU) or xt1103 (US) version of N6. Only the US version will work with all service providers here. The European version doesn't have Bands 2 and 4, ones necessary for Verizon and it's MVNOs, like Total Wireless.
I even patched b2 and b4 on my xt1100 to use it here in the US. Even then, I don't get signal for Verizon. So, safe bet would be to buy or have the US version. Then whatever you originally suggested will hold true.
---------- Post added at 02:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 AM ----------
akmsr said:
sorry for the noob question but i have not bought a carrier locked phone since nexus 4 days. usually opt for 'bring your own device' and just buy a sim card. nexus 6 was bought from play store. i am now living in a remote location and only verizon has a decent signal. wanted to get verizon prepaid service but their website says nexus 6 is not supported. ended up buying one of their cheap phones 'moto e5 play' and using it for a week.
my question is what will happen if i take the sim card from moto and try to use it in nexus 6? will it work? will verizon recognize the nexus and stop working? will this somehow mess up my service which i can't afford to loose?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your model. See my reply below. I am in the same boat as you are, but with Total Wireless (MVNO on Verizon). XT1103 didn't pose any issue for me in the past. But my current XT1100 didn't work.
i have the us version. xt1103

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