Confirmed: the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X will work on Verizon
Verizon and Google haven’t always had the best relationship, with the Nexus 6 having problems on Verizon due to Verizon’s stringent requirements in testing before a device is released on its network (I’ve always believed this was a good thing). When it comes to the release of Google’s latest devices, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X however, some may worry because they are unlocked devices (GSM) that they wouldn’t be compatible with a CDMA carrier like Verizon (despite the fact that a number of devices from Big Red are unlocked out of the box).
The folks over at tech site Android Central have gotten their hands on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, and both work with a Verizon SIM card. You’ll need to make sure you already have an account up and running with Verizon, and you’ll need to take the SIM out of your current phone and pop it into the new Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X (whichever you pick is up to you).
The site says it can’t guarantee the typical quality and performance that come from other Verizon-locked smartphones, but it will work. While some may not care, there are a few customers who long for Google’s vanilla Android experience – even with the Big Red carrier, and for whom Google’s own Project Fi doesn’t match Verizon quality. These individuals will enjoy having a new phone to transfer their service to. It seems as though it should be painless and effortless, though whether or not that’s true you’ll find out sooner than later if you pay your local Verizon a visit.