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(If its easier for the question, we can assume a non-ancient version of Android - say Android 12 or newer)

I am aware that running an unlocked boot loader can allow hacked firmware to be run on the phone, but understand that Android - or at least some versions of android/some distributions - offer at least some warning/protections (i.e. a warning if the firmware is unsigned).

For various reasons (warranty related) I would like to purchase a phone with a boot loader that is unlocked. Assuming that either I flash known good firmware or that the installed firmware is signed is there any risk of the phone being compromised over and above the risks if I unlocked the boot loader myself?

End Anti-Semitic Hate
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davidgo
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  • If the bootloader is unlocked it doesn't matter if the firmware is signed, this is one of the features you disable by unlocking a bootloader. So in the end it is a question of trust - who is offering a phone with warranty and unlocked bootloader? – Robert Dec 26 '23 at 20:40
  • @robert that is not correct - at least not on a Samsung A24. If the bootloader is unlocked it does not throw any warnings, but if the firmware is unsigned it does. – davidgo Dec 27 '23 at 00:34

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