Ah, so it did come with 14.1. No big deal, 14.2 update was pretty smooth on the XS Max.
What I did think of 1/2 asleep. In the past I'd get the new phone - set it up as completely new...but simply swap old SIM card to new phone...no problem.
Do these new 5G phones have a special 5G sim card? If so..ugh, does this mean I do have to contact Verizon so they can slap me with some goofy "upgrade" fee - to activate special 5G Sim I've been avoiding for years. (Yeah, I know I just dropped $$$ on a new phone, its the needless nickel & diming nonsense from carriers that make me mental!)