Hello everyone,
I hope this post finds you well. I’m reaching out for some advice on purchasing a Google Pixel phone without carrier locks, and I’d appreciate any insights or suggestions you might have.
Threat Model:
My current situation requires that I purchase a new Pixel phone locally from a store, rather than online. This is due to specific security concerns that make buying online less ideal for me. I’ve been eyeing the Pixel 6a and Pixel 8a models, as they seem to fit my needs perfectly.
What I’ve Found So Far is the 6a and 8a locally. The Pixel 6a seems to be tied exclusively to prepaid providers. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, I would prefer a newer model for longer support. I have done this before many times but I only could find Simple Mobile as prepaid provider at stores I looked at and asked.
The Pixel 8a model is available at all major carrier stores in the U.S. However, the idea of committing to a contract plan for 6 months to a year just to get the phone unlocked feels unreasonable to me. I’m looking for a more flexible option that doesn’t involve a long-term commitment just to get the phone unlocked so I can use with GrapheneOS.
So my question to the community is what should I go?
Is there certain prepaid providers that offer newer then 6a models in stores?
The Google store offers them carrier unlocked online but I wonder if they are contracted with Big Box stores like Best Buy for in store pickup?
That could be an option but Ideally I'm trying avoid online purchases as mentioned above.
Planning to visit more stores to find out moore but this looked like the place to ask about this as I'm sure people might have good answers or insight.