I'd recommend buying a new in box bootloader unlocked Pixel 6 or newer. If you're not buying directly from Google it can be a crap shoot as to if it's truly bootloader unlocked or just carrier unlocked. Load the OS yourself, it's pretty easy to do now with Graphene's WebUSB installer.
Discussion
Can I purchase this online? I’m abroad
Also, I’m on the Google site but not sure how to make sure it’s a bootloader.
Hey Jameson, what about a pixel 7a refurbished from a site like backmarket.com?
Is there any security difference between new and refurbished? Assuming both are unlocked and will be wiped and flashed with GOS?
Could work, just make sure there's a good return policy in case it turns out the bootloader is locked.
Can never really be sure whether or not hardware has been tampered with.
I’m thinking that’s better to buy at Best Buy new unlocked. And not risk the hardware being tampered with.
Is Best Buy a good place to get a new one unlocked? Cash?
What do you recommend when it comes to sim/esims? Specifically for a pixel running gos
Cloaked wireless works quite well
What do you think of some people recommending not having the eSIM inside the actual phone due to IMEI sharing and potential honeypot risk?
Specially with esims like silentlink
What’s your favorite private browser?