Samsung Galaxy S III Developer Edition now available for Verizon users

Back in July, we told you that Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy S III was going to have a locked bootloader. The carrier said it had kept the bootloader locked to make sure that all of its customers with the Samsung Galaxy S III would receive the usual level of Verizon customer service. At the same time, Big Red was worried that unlocking the phone could "negatively affect" the way the phone connects with Verizon's network. To appease the developer community, Verizon and Samsung decided to announce the Samsung Galaxy S III Developer Edition. And sure enough, just a few days later, the phone appeared on Samsung's website.

After months of showing that it was coming soon, on Friday the device became available. The only place you will find the Samsung Galaxy S III Developer Edition is on Samsung's website and the phone will only run on Verizon's network. The bootloader is easier to unlock, which allows the phone to be rooted and lets you install custom ROMs. The 16GB model will cost you $599.99 and if you can cough up an additional $50 to $649.99, you can buy the 32GB unit.

Samsung's website shows both models as being on back order, so keep that in mind before you order. Also remember that even though this phone is made precisely for hackers and modders, unlocking the bootloader will cost you your warranty.

source: Samsung via Phandroid

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