Developer Edition of Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon comes with unlocked bootloader

posted by Alan F. / Jul 10, 2012, 10:14 PM

Developer Edition of Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon comes with unlocked bootloader

"Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software. Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader."-Samsung and Verizon

The other day when Verizon customers started to receive their pre-ordered Samsung Galaxy S III, there was a bit of an uproar when it was discovered that the phone had a locked bootloader. But the pair happened to have an ace under their sleeves.On Tuesday, Samsung and Verizon introduced the Developer Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S III with an unlocked bootloader. The device will run over Big Red's LTE pipeline and will soon be available from Samsung's web site at developer.samsung.com for $599 off-contract. In a self-penned Q&A, both Samsung and Verizon say they realize that there are many users of the device who would like to run third party ROMs, although they do warn that only those experienced with such matters should be playing around with the phone.

The Q&A did mention a reason for the locked bootloader on the subsidized Verizon model. The quick and dirty answer is that unlocking the bootloader would prevent Verizon from making sure the users of the phone receive its normal level of customer service and could negatively affect how the phone connects to Big Red's network. Other customers could be impacted by the use of unapproved software and the user's warranty could be voided. Samsung, on the other hand, tried to look the other way by saying that while not all of their previous Android flavored models had an easy to unlock bootloader, the other Samsung Galaxy S III models and all Nexus branded models have one that is easy to unlock.

So there it is, folks. Verizon users can have an unblocked bootloader on their Samsung Galaxy S III although it will require them to dig deeper into their pocket to pay for it.

source: Phandroid

Who is this for?

Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software. Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader.

What about the other carriers?

Other versions of the Galaxy S III are sold with a user-unlockable bootloader as a standard feature. Those models are available directly from the respective carriers.

Where can I buy the Galaxy S III Developer Edition?

The Developer Edition will be sold online directly from Samsung. When the device is available for purchase, it will be sold through the Samsung developer portal at developer.samsung.com for $599.

Why is Verizon Wireless’ version locked?

Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. Unlocking the device also voids the warranty.

Has Samsung always unlocked the bootloader on its phones?

While not all previous Samsung Android devices have had an easily unlockable bootloader, all of our other current Galaxy S III flagship lineup, and all Nexus-branded devices, support the standard bootloader unlocking procedure.

What happens if I load custom software and damage ("brick") my phone?

Problems caused by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will not be covered by the warranty. Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III. Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk. Out of warranty Galaxy S III Developer Edition devices will be serviced directly through Samsung, and service charges will apply.

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22 Comments

1. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

so what does that mean? Verizon won't support the ones with unlocked bootloaders?

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:20 PM 1

2. OptimusOne

Posts: 694; Member since: May 22, 2012

Hmmmm well too bad boot loader already got unlocked

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:22 PM 0

3. Wiki_jaan

Posts: 704; Member since: Jun 24, 2012

developer always lucky ................... :(

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:25 PM 0

4. ph00ny

Posts: 1986; Member since: May 26, 2011

Hahaha Samsung >>>>>>>>>>> Verizon Verizon is the most anti-dev/mod/flasher carrier ever

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:26 PM 1

6. KingKurogiii

that's not really saying a lot now that they have a version with an unlocked bootloader. that's a win for everyone.

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:41 PM 1

16. ph00ny

It is when verizon's official response/stance was no unlocked bootlader

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 7:43 AM 0

8. MikeG77

Posts: 425; Member since: Nov 24, 2008

Well what an exciting last few days! 7/5 new Galaxy Nexus comes on from ebay 7/6 new 32gb white S3 arrives on my doorstep 7/9 just got my CLN Thunderbolt yesterday. Well Verizon your getting your S3 and defective Thunderbolt sent back to by weeks end. The best part that I know the $35 restocking fee and BS upgrade fee will not cover the cost to certify the device. So here's to Verizon... ill be give middle finger and big Forget yUo when I'm buying my developer edition Galaxy S3, keeping my unlimited data and the best part is being month to month : )

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:47 PM 3

14. MikeG77

I meant giving* and I'm smh because I'm get a thumbs down for expressing my opinion. That's why I love phonearena.

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 6:51 AM 0

9. PAPINYC

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

hmmmmmmmm.... I may just get this and pass up that XOOOOOOOM tablet I was planning on buying mañana!! I can't take this DROID dis-CHARGE anymore and I can only use my iPhone 4S as a Music Player.

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 10:50 PM 1

10. sid8911

Posts: 54; Member since: May 29, 2010

one word f u verizon, just f u.

posted on Jul 10, 2012, 11:29 PM 2

21. dmckay12

Posts: 243; Member since: Feb 25, 2012

That is two words (abbreviated).

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 1:43 PM 0

23. sid8911

lol i wasnt thinking at the time

posted on Jul 15, 2012, 8:11 PM 0

11. twinkyz

Posts: 4; Member since: Apr 22, 2011

"negatively affect how the phone connects to Big Red's network. Other customers could be impacted by the use of unapproved software" Yet they offer an unlocked version for use on their network!! Does anyone else see something wrong with this?

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 3:19 AM 3

17. ph00ny

unless i'm mistaken, this is offered directly through samsung

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 7:44 AM 0

12. bonehead189

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 03, 2011

Save your $ because there is a workaround! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuiJYKV2GGU&feature=relmfu

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 3:38 AM 0

13. MikeG77

Unfortunately that only gives us the ability to root the phone and create a custom recovery but no access to the bootloader : (

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 6:45 AM 0

15. medicci37

Posts: 1361; Member since: Nov 19, 2011

For that price, I might as well buy off contract.

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 7:23 AM 0

18. StrumerJohn

Posts: 66; Member since: May 18, 2011

We're already working hard on unlocking the regular one. No one's going to pay for a new one. You won't have to. We're almost there. Be patient people; the device isn't even out yet.

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 8:08 AM 0

19. MikeG77

John i appreciate the work you and other developers and hackers are doing BUT the bootloader should have never been locked down in the first place. For me i had all ready made up my mind that i would buy the phone at full retail but Verizon gave us the option to pre order and keep unlimited data so i took it. Had i known this would happen i would have waitied to see what might be released this fall. If Verizon would release an update that corrected the wifi toggle being removed, the persistent wifi notification and the locked boot loader then i would keep the device but i dont see this happening any time soon.

posted on Jul 11, 2012, 9:31 AM 0

20. Durvid

Posts: 2; Member since: Jun 19, 2011

Fixed:http://imm.io/waL4

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 5:03 AM 0

22. sid8911

can you plz post a story about this?http://www.droiddog.com/android-blog/2012/07/verizon-representatives-say-galaxy-s-iii-bootloader-will-be-unlocked-via-ota-software-update/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

posted on Jul 15, 2012, 6:03 PM 0

24. ricky0702

Posts: 11; Member since: Jul 09, 2012

Should it really come to this? Why does Samsung need to provide a "different" phone for their customers. How would a customer know whether or not he/she is getting a device that has an unlockable bootloader?http://www.careace.net/2012/07/11/samsung-rlease-g alaxy-s/