Will T-Mobile USA Variant Have a Locked Bootloader?

jonshipman

Senior Member
Jun 8, 2010
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It was saying sim unlocked for the Z3 Compact via Sony USA. Bootloader unlocked means loading new kernels by going to developer.sony.com.

Sent from my GT-I9505G
 

jonshipman

Senior Member
Jun 8, 2010
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Why is that a problem

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
If you're a developer, an unlocked bootloader is good as you have more tools too use.

As a consumer, if Sony stops updating after a year you have the potential to install homebrew and extend the life of your hardware.

For me, personally, it isn't a big deal. Last phone I unlocked was the HTC One X. Mainly for bloatwear, backups, and updates (I believe I had to flash GTalk to get a video calling version, but that might have been the Xperia Play). But now I can adb backup and disable apps. Google App updates now happen through the Play store so I think the biggest need for consumer unlocking is almost nil. If you keep a phone 3 years+ you may want to unlock for custom ROMs.

It's not like Sony isn't providing the option, just get the OEM model instead of the carrier model.
 

npaladin2000

Senior Member
Jul 6, 2009
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Wappingers Falls
If you're a developer, an unlocked bootloader is good as you have more tools too use.

As a consumer, if Sony stops updating after a year you have the potential to install homebrew and extend the life of your hardware.

For me, personally, it isn't a big deal. Last phone I unlocked was the HTC One X. Mainly for bloatwear, backups, and updates (I believe I had to flash GTalk to get a video calling version, but that might have been the Xperia Play). But now I can adb backup and disable apps. Google App updates now happen through the Play store so I think the biggest need for consumer unlocking is almost nil. If you keep a phone 3 years+ you may want to unlock for custom ROMs.

It's not like Sony isn't providing the option, just get the OEM model instead of the carrier model.
GIven that it looks like Sony will also be selling an unlocked model, it's highly likely that THAT model will be more "developer oriented" and therefore bootloader-unlocked.

T-Mobile phones generally don't need or want 3rd party ROMs, because T-Mobile users like to hang onto WiFi calling. So it makes sense to lock that bootloader.
 

Vaga Liki

Member
Jun 27, 2013
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GIven that it looks like Sony will also be selling an unlocked model, it's highly likely that THAT model will be more "developer oriented" and therefore bootloader-unlocked.

T-Mobile phones generally don't need or want 3rd party ROMs, because T-Mobile users like to hang onto WiFi calling. So it makes sense to lock that bootloader.
In regards to the unlocked version, will ther ebe a 32 gb version? I have AT&T currently and I am not very interested in switching carriers to T-Mo (even if they provide Wi-Fi calling).
 

Elysian893

Senior Member
Jan 27, 2010
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Truthfully, doesn't matter to me anymore. My Z1s showed me an Android experience I didn't want to modify, if the Z3 is the same then I'm perfectly fine with a locked bootloader. I understand why a lot of people don't like it, but for me, Sony does Android right. The ONLY reason I rooted my Z1s after the 4.4.4 update was when I decided I wanted to screen mirror to my Chromecast (which requires root since it's not enabled on the Z1s by default), and this was at least a month after the 4.4.4 update. I dunno, I just don't want to tinker anymore, and the Z1s works very very well for that. And seeing as the battery life on the Z3 is nothing short of amazing, I'll probably get it regardless of bootloader status. Or maybe I'll get the Z3 compact...
 

TokedUp

Recognized Contributor
Dec 27, 2010
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I got an email yesterday to pre register for the Z3 on TMo, unfortunately I am on VZW so it doesnt help me at all. Just thought I would let u TMo users know that its on its way to being a reality. Check ur emails.
 

aooga

Senior Member
Feb 19, 2011
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California
I got an email yesterday to pre register for the Z3 on TMo, unfortunately I am on VZW so it doesnt help me at all. Just thought I would let u TMo users know that its on its way to being a reality. Check ur emails.
Yeah, they said a few weeks still though. Mid october is my guess.