Lineage will only work on unlocked bootloader The only way too check is too use the app and check or use adb to check and most sellers probably wont do that
I'm currently using a MVNO that supports both Verizon and T-Mobile networks and I'm utilizing both networks on different phones. The Verizon S5 phones are running on it and work fine coverage-wise on the Verizon network - as they always have. I'll get to the following in a moment, but I'm "testing" T-Mobile's network in my region (for the first time) through them with a new-to-me LG V20 (H918) - coverage is fair enough, but I admit it can drop out in certain rural areas where Verizon is (as we know) stronger.
As I said - the preference (or at least what I want to explore/test first) is an S5 running Lineage using the Verizon network. Since my SM-G900V (CID11) phones can't accomplish this (and since, as you said, most sellers don't know/care to identify CID11 vs CID15), I may consider one already converted (clearly a CID15 if already running Lineage). Any concern/caution on that approach?
What I'm interested in is how much more usable/practical Lineage really makes the S5. Is all hardware functionality retained?...I'm fine with Gapps - even perhaps certain Samsung apps/tools relevant to the S5 hardware. I just can't seem to find anyone offering a decent review/evaluation - or maybe I just haven't dug far enough.
The biggest issue is only having 16gb internal storage. For too long I've juggled using the SD to accommodate additional apps, but the apps I CAN move over to SD of course revert to Internal after updating and I have to transfer back again to SD. I don't want to deal with that anymore...I realize certain models/operating-systems (earlier or later?) easily allowed the SD to be "adoptable" storage acting as internal. I'm willing to do this with the S5 if the Lineage (later Android OS) -route accommodates the need for more space in this way. I guess you would know - How is this problem handled (or is it)?
As for alternatives (most would call it an upgrade) - the LG V20 was I believe truly the last popular phone with a swappable battery. I'm not as wild about the larger size or poorly placed power button on this and other LG phones - but, hardware-wise, I guess it's superior and has that 64gb internal. With this H918 I have now, I should be able to pursue Lineage on it, yes?
I tend to assume the S5 might be the better choice, but I'm speculating/assuming because there must have been so many more produced and it would see support lingering further than the LG. Besides the S5 being readily available/easily-replaceable, I give a little credit to it being IP67 (some may laugh, but at least it has SOME protection), and A LOT more accessories were made available.
If I were willing to switch/use the T-Mobile network, I assume the SM-G900T S5 has an unlockable bootloader? If so, those models are plentiful, IF I should settle for that network.
Sorry to ramble - Hope you see my dilemma and can make a good suggestion? Thanks in advance!