o2 vs. vodafone

[khryptonite]

Hello,
I'm new to the uk. I am planning on getting the x1 on contract. I had a couple of questions. Do the providers remove any fuctionality from the phones when they brand them? In terms of network coverage, 3g and quality of support, who would be the provider to go with, o2 or vodafone? Also is there anything i should be aware of when going for a branded phone in terms of difference from the unbranded version. Thanks for your help guys.

[theprince1991]

I think there is a good chance Vodafone will HEAVILY brand their phone (If you buy on contract, not Sim-Free obviously)

o2 tend to brand their phones less but there will still be branding in the firmware.

That being said I don't think it would be impossible to re-flash to the original firmware (These terms might be outdated, last S.E phone I debranded was the K800i.)