I have a quick question about how newer Nexus updates work on Sprint. When I used a Galaxy Nexus on Sprint years ago, updates were always late because Sprint had to approve them first.

In the case of the Nexus 5, (which I don't own) is Sprint the one rolling out the update, or do the updates roll out *directly* from Google since the Nexus 5?

I ask because I'm looking at purchasing the Nexus 6 *from* Sprint on Friday, upon release, to be used on the Sprint Network. However, I am only interested in doing so if I receive updates directly from Google, at *exactly* the same time as GSM users receive theirs. In the same vein, I'd like to be able to factory reset my phone, if needed, using the same factory image that Google posts for Nexus owners. I also like having the choice of using those factory images to update my phone if I don't want to wait for a slow OTA rollout. Will these capabilities apply to my device if I buy the Sprint "variant" you'll be selling? Two years later, if I wanted to use this device with a prepaid SIM on a GSM network, would it be able to do that? Are the radio capabilities in the Sprint version the same as the Play Store version sold by Google/Motorola, or is it permanently locked to CDMA network technology?

So, in summary, can you basically explain to me the differences--if any--between the Google Play purchased edition and the Sprint purchased version, in regards to OTA updates and network transferability?

I'm fine with buying the device from Sprint and using it on the network for the time I'm contractually obligated, and possibly beyond that amount of time, if my device experience is pleasant while using it on the Sprint network; but, I just want to know what options I have beyond that point, should I want to do something with the handset elsewhere. And just as important, I want to make sure that the OTA updating procedures have changed to where I'm receiving them straight from Google, as soon as Google starts rolling them out.

I hope my question is clear. Let me know if I need to clarify anything.

Thank you in advance for your response. I really appreciate your time.