The last phone Google offered exclusively on Verizon’s network was the Galaxy Nexus, and things did not go particularly well for the device. Besides the poor battery life, the Galaxy Nexus for Verizon was marred with slower update times. This time around, Google is offering the Pixel and Pixel XL exclusively through the Big Red carrier beside selling it unlocked.
Now, before you head over to buy the Pixel or Pixel XL from Verizon in hopes of enjoying the stock Android experience and then eventually unlocking the bootloader of the device to gain root access on it, think again. Google has confirmed that the Pixel and Pixel XL units sold through Verizon will not come with an unlockable bootloader. Remember that this is only for the Pixel units that are purchased directly through Verizon. You can also pick up the Pixel from the Google Store which will work just fine on Verizon’s network as well. All Pixel units sold through the Google Store feature an unlockable bootloader and will be among the first in the line to receive OTA updates from the company. Google also offers various financing options with no EMI so you don’t necessarily need to pay for the phone outright.
