Verizon's Google Pixel phones won't be so terrible after all

Good news Android fans: Verizon's version of the Pixel and Pixel XL won't be second-rate to versions purchased from Google after all.

Last week, Google told 9to5Google it would be in charge of releasing monthly security updates for Verizon's Pixels and Verizon would be in charge of pushing out system updates (read: new versions of Android).

Well, that's no longer the plan. Google will release both system updates and monthly security patches and Verizon's Pixel phones will receive them on the same day as Pixel phones sold through the Google online store according to Ars Technica.

"First and foremost, all operating system and security updates to the Pixel devices will happen in partnership with Google," a Verizon spokesperson told Ars. "In other words, when Google releases an update, Verizon phones will receive the same update at the same time (much like iOS updates). Verizon will not stand in the way of any major updates and users will get all updates at the same time as Google."

That's really great news! The fear with Verizon handling system updates was that it could drag its feet like it has in the past.

And there's more good news: the three pre-installed "bloatware" apps that come on the Verizon Pixels will be removable and the phones will be carrier unlocked, meaning they'll work with any carrier.

We previously recommended buying the Pixels directly from Google, but now that we know the Verizon versions will be identical to Google's (after you uninstall the three apps, of course), the only reason not to buy from Verizon is if you're on a different carrier.

If you're on Verizon, the Pixels are even more attractive now, especially if you trade in your old phone for up to $300.