Samsung To Sell Developer Edition Verizon Galaxy S III with Unlockable Bootloader
by Brian Klug on July 10, 2012 8:24 PM ESTGalaxy S III Developer Edition
Samsung is pleased to announce the Galaxy S III Developer Edition for Verizon Wireless. The Developer Edition will be sold only through Samsung.com. This special edition device features a user-unlockable bootloader.
Q&A
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
Why is Verizon Wireless’ version locked?
- Depending on the device, an open boot loader 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 your 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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mevans336 - Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - link
This is still not available. Did they give you any sort of hint as to when it will go live?TrackSmart - Monday, July 30, 2012 - link
Brian,Nice job on the previous Galaxy SIII review. I'll be looking forward to your update that includes battery life numbers on the Verizon version.
Hopefully coming soon?
geniekid - Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - link
Also, are we ever going to get battery life numbers for the Galaxy S3 on LTE?SirKronan - Thursday, July 12, 2012 - link
Engadget posted some promising numbers here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/samsung-galaxy-...So far, my experience with my Verizon SGSIII parallels their results, even with 4G LTE just rolling out today in my town. 4G has been quite sketchy, and I doubt it's the fault of the phone, rather of the new rollout. Despite the issues, and the severe lightning storm we had today that actually knocked out LTE and then even 3G for a bit, and despite driving around all day, in and out of range of LTE towers, I still pulled a full day on my SGSIII. Battery was down to 10% when I got home though. Pretty heavy use - phone calls, some gaming, lots of music and web browsing. Some tweaking and uninstalling/installing/updating, etc. going on too.
geniekid - Thursday, July 12, 2012 - link
Now if only I could get you to buy the Incredible 4G LTE and replicate your day ;)But seriously, that's good to hear. Battery life will probably be one of the biggest factors in deciding which phone is going to be my first 4G phone.
hormel - Thursday, July 12, 2012 - link
Will they be giving a rebate for this phone with a two year agreement?DigitalFreak - Thursday, July 12, 2012 - link
No. The only way to get it is to pay full price directly from Samsung.fixxxer0 - Friday, July 13, 2012 - link
honestly, i am very disappointed with my battery life on the verizon gs3. i know i just got it and i'm probably playing with it more than my last phone (droid x). but its just eh... im getting a little less than 10% drain per hour during the day. if i dont charge it, i will be close to dying by the end of my work day.i'm really not even using it THAT much either... i know, not very scientific, but im just saying.
also my call quality, reception, and reported reception by the other party seem to be worse than on my DX.
i dont know, theres a lot of stuff i like about the phone, but i'm just disappointed by these things. i expected more.
i'm patiently waiting on anandtechs batt life numbers to see if they somewhat reflect what i have been experiencing.