A new Google Pixel XL phone is displayed at the Google pop-up shop in the SoHo neighborhood on October 20, 2016 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images/Spencer Platt)
It was initially believed that the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones by Google will only work on Verizon network. It was exclusively offered by the carrier but was later found out that the premium phones are actually unlocked, and can work on most major United States-based carriers and other networks.
According to Android Police, all Google Pixel and Pixel XL units purchased from Best Buy, the Google Store and, of course, from Verizon can likewise work with the other three major U.S. carriers, namely Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
If the phone was not purchased from the official resellers, such as from private individuals selling smartphones on eBay, then the buyer should check the device model number. If it says "G-2PW4100" or "G-2PW2100," then it can be used in the U.S. If not, the device could be a global version and may not work on Verizon and Sprint.
Additionally, subscribers using prepaid services from Straight Talk, Ting and Cricket could still pop-in their SIM cards and the Pixel will work just fine. However, not all carriers offer the same services so the smartphone may not maximize all its features, like the VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, which Verizon offers to its subscribers. However, the phone will still receive its OTA (over-the-air) updates no matter what carrier is used. T-Mobile is already advertising that customers can bring in their Google Pixel smartphones into their unlimited plan and "get $325 back via 24 monthly bill credits" when people make a switch.
Google opted to go with Verizon again (the first time was with the Motorola Droid back in 2009) to take advantage of the carrier's marketing reach all across the country. The phone was widely available at all brick and mortar stores of the carrier, as well as online. At the same time, Android fans in the U.S. can also purchase directly from Google's online store.
The two variants of the Pixel smartphone contain almost the same internals. Both devices are powered by a Snapdragon 821, 4 GB of RAM and either 32 or 128 GB internal storage. The screen size is the only major difference - the Pixel offers a 5.0-inch screen while the Pixel XL offers a 5.5-inch one.
The Google Pixel's price starts at $649.
