Re: Samsung One UI 7 Update

On 2025-04-15, Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

extra extra <extraextra@mailbox.org> wrote:
[...]

It's too bad the bootloaders are locked on US model Samsung devices.

>
  As far as I know, most if not all bootloaders are locked, not just on
Samsung devices and not just only on US models.

Bootloader unlocking is possible on international model Samsung devices
through the "OEM Unlock" option in Developer Options. Other devices
really vary by manufacturer/region/wireless carrier.

  An unlocked bootloader is a gigantic security risk, because it doesn't
only allow *you* to install other system level software, but also
*anyone else* (thief, someone who finds your lost phone), who can then
get access to your personal data.

This is a good point, and I agree with you to quite some extent.
However, I still think the option should be available - and could be
made available - for those who "know what they're doing".

  FYI, there are on-line - paid - services which can unlock the
bootloader of most phones. I used one to unlock the bootloader of my
stone-age Huawei Ascend Y300 phone. That said, I wouldn't do that again
for my current - out of update-support - Samsung Galaxy A51, unless it
became unusable/too_old and I couldn't afford a replacement.

I can't imagine any of these paid services can do much that isn't
already publically available. And all discussions I've read on XDA
Developers and elsewhere are pretty adamant that US model Samsung
devices cannot be rooted/have a custom ROM installed in any way, shape,
or form. I would expect mention of these services if they were able to
do it.

I also certainly would not trust any of these services.

This update has pushed me over the edge - I'd be installing a custom ROM
as we speak, if it were an available option.

>
  You might want to check if there's a custom 'ROM' for your particular
model phone. LineageOS probably has the widest range of supported
models.

Installing a custom ROM requires unlocking the bootloader unfortunately,
otherwise I'd be doing that and not complaining about it on here :)