| Aspect | Locked Bootloader | Unlocked Bootloader | |--------|------------------|----------------------| | Boot image signature check | Enforced | Skipped or ignored | | fastboot flash of unsigned images | Rejected | Allowed | | dm-verity | Enforced | Can be disabled | | Verified Boot (AVB) | Chain of trust validated | Custom keys possible | | Warranty flag | 0 (intact) | 1 (tripped, per OEM) | | Widevine L1 (DRM) | Usually intact | Often degrades to L3 |
Samsung devices with Snapdragon chips (common in the US/Canada) do not use the standard fastboot method. They use a specific "Download Mode." snapdragon bootloader unlock