[Q] Best Way to Return VZW SGS3 due to locked bootloader? (And Alternatives?)

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So if I want to return the Verizon SGS3, what's the best way to do this? The only reason is the locked bootloader, and I haven't received the box yet (nor obviously opened it.)

Is it best to return it as a defective device? (Without opening it, as I was relying upon the assumption that it would be unlocked like all of Samsung's previous devices, which have been all unlocked, including other carrier's SGS3s, and furthermore that it would be substantially similar to the SGS3 available to other carriers.)

Is there a good way to avoid a restocking fee?

Would it be better to ebay it and pick up a Nexus (though I hear that the camera sucks.)

Would it be better to switch to another carrier? Is there an obvious ETF loophole? Do I avoid ETF if I just return the device before activating it?

Sprint has unlimited and they have an unlocked SGS3. Does it have LTE inside? Will it work with their upcoming LTE network?

This bootloader lock is ridiculous. I want to go as close to AOSP as possible on the best possible hardware, which appears to currently be the SGS3, but I don't intend upon sticking with the carrier's software update strategy over the next 2 years of a contract.

I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.

Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.

The Nexus camera isn't that bad.
Just sell the GS3 online and you'll make a killing from someone who has no upgrade to use.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I second the package refusal. They can't charge you if you never received it. How much is the restocking fee anyway?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Has yours even shipped? If not go to the pre order page hit check status and type your information in then hit cancel and enter the last 4 of your SSN.

No need to return.................

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1756885

I called their Online Sales.. 1-866-338-7390

My order has completed, but hasn't shipped yet, so they will create a ticket to *see* if the warehouse can cancel before it ships, then will send an email to you...

So you can try .. I'd do it ASAP if your looking to do this .. they just opened for the day..

Originally Posted by bbeelzebub

I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.

Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.

I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...

Originally Posted by macdroid01

I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...

Same here, i'm waiting to see what happens, if it is in fact encrypted i'm returning (it would be a long while b4 anything happens w/ an unlock, if it happens at all) if its not encrypted and just locked i'll wait until one of the marvelous devs of the XDA community crack it, hell they already got root.
But if its encrypted i will politely and firmly tell VZW to shove it and refund me or give me a nexus, no way in hell i'm paying restocking fees

Since it appears that we can write to the internal flash, AND boot from an unsigned recovery partition, (and also write a modified system.img!?) I think we're going to be ok here. Booting from an unsigned recovery means that we can basically do anything. It's still a pain, but much less of a PITA than if booting from unsigned partitions at all was restricted. (So it appears this is somewhere between a HTC-esque S-ON and S-OFF.)

Mine has already shipped.