S7 Edge Bootloader Unlocked?

[Kempston]

Hi. I have an S7 Edge on order from Vodafone, due for delivery next week. Could someone confirm if the bootloader will or will not be unlocked? I have heard conflicting stories about the S6 coming unlocked twelve months ago, some say it was, some say it wasn't. And if it does come locked, is it easy to unlock unlike, for example, Verizon in the USA where it's basically impossible.

Thanks in advance, I really don't want to have to cancel my order but I refuse to pay £50 a month for a locked down phone.

[Webreaper]

This is one of those things where if you have to ask, it's probably not for you.

[augustinefifi]

If that was the case, no one would ever get anywhere in this world!

I can pick this up if i was pointed to some light reading or some help & info

[Webreaper]

Just Google "unlocked bootloader" - there's about 8 billion sites out there with info about what it means and why you'd want it.

But seriously, if you're not technical enough to independently find the information you need to understand this, then if you attempt it you're at serious risk of bricking your phone, so please be careful.

[Kempston]

Bootloader confirmed unlocked thankfully.

Although in the US on T-Mobile, a provider that has traditionally provided Samsung phones with unlocked bootloaders (unlike Verizon and AT&T for example) the bootloader has been provided locked. Plenty of T-Mobile customers are not amused. It looks like all Snapdragon 820 S7 and S7 Edge devices worldwide are locked down. Ouch.

[kradcliffe2]

Is that a definite?

I noticed the OEM toggle is open.

I want to root to hack the headphone volume, once that is done it will be a perfect device.

[Kempston]

Absolutely 100% definite.

[kradcliffe2]

Cheers. I have now rooted by the Chainfire method and hacked the headphone volume. couldn't be happier.

[kradcliffe2]

Link to headphone volume hack here. works an absolute treat!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/themes/galaxy-s7-s7-edge-easy-headphone-volume-t3337937

[Kempston]

If you're rooted, you're far better going down the Viper4Android route rather than a simple volume increase hack. It both increases the volume and makes the quality 10x better. And there is now a hack out which allows it to run on enforcing kernels so it's S7/S7 Edge ready.

[kradcliffe2]

I tried installing V4A as a first choice but it wouldn't recognise the drivers.

I installed BusyBox then V4A and it installed the drivers but wouldn't activate them.

If you have any suggestions on how to get V4A working it would be appreciated.