> Verizon pixels also can't be OEM unlocked. That doesn't make them unsuitable for GOS
Everything I'm seeing says that Verizon Pixels can't install Graphene, since Verizon doesn't let you unlock the bootloader. [1]
Galaxy Buds come with 3 Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, and Samsung's proprietary codec. SBC and AAC are low-quality, low bandwidth codecs. Samsung's proprietary codec supports high bit rates, but only Samsung phones support their codec.
Competing non-Samsung & non-Apple earbuds will typically also support other codecs, like aptx-HD, aptx-Adaptive, and LDAC. These are all high-quality codecs, that are supported on every new Android phone except for Samsungs.
The Galaxy Watch situation has improved. I think all that's currently missing is a couple of health features like the ECG when not using a Samsung phone. Last time I checked, there was a modded apk out there that you could install to get the full functionality.
tl;dr galaxy buds will have subpar audio quality when connected to a non-Samsung phone, galaxy watch requires sideloaded apk for certain health features.
Thank you so much for your responses, this is extremely useful (especially the ECG part since my olderly relative is considering getting the latest Galaxy Watch for ECG)
And with your first paragraph, 100% correct. Verizon Pixels cannot be oem unlocked which means they cannot have the bootloader unlocked, which means GOS cannot be installed.
I think there's a typo in my response which you rightly corrected.
The claim I was responding to:
> You can't OEM unlock Snapdragons/North American models
The response was supposed to mean that you can unlock North American Pixels, except for these from Verizon.
Everything I'm seeing says that Verizon Pixels can't install Graphene, since Verizon doesn't let you unlock the bootloader. [1]
Galaxy Buds come with 3 Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, and Samsung's proprietary codec. SBC and AAC are low-quality, low bandwidth codecs. Samsung's proprietary codec supports high bit rates, but only Samsung phones support their codec.
Competing non-Samsung & non-Apple earbuds will typically also support other codecs, like aptx-HD, aptx-Adaptive, and LDAC. These are all high-quality codecs, that are supported on every new Android phone except for Samsungs.
The Galaxy Watch situation has improved. I think all that's currently missing is a couple of health features like the ECG when not using a Samsung phone. Last time I checked, there was a modded apk out there that you could install to get the full functionality.
tl;dr galaxy buds will have subpar audio quality when connected to a non-Samsung phone, galaxy watch requires sideloaded apk for certain health features.
[1] https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/18422-google-pixel-9-is-car...