root access disables the camera
If you want to unlock the bootloader of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you will find that the camera then stops working. It is one of the consequences that Samsung gives to getting root access. It is not clear why Samsung is taking stricter action against rooting.
Z Fold 3 root access
Root access means that you get the full rights of a smartphone and can use special software functions or install another ROM with the Android operating system. Root used to be much more popular, mainly because it could extend the life of smartphones once they stopped getting updates from the manufacturer.
Many manufacturers want to discourage users from unlocking their phone’s bootloader, and Samsung has been doing so for some time now. You can lose the warranty on your phone, but with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, its last foldable smartphone, the brand goes one step further. You will lose access to the camera functionalities. Both when you use the standard app and a third-party camera app, you will see a black screen, PhoneArena reports. Facial recognition will also no longer work.
Strict policy
Users will be presented with a pre-warning message stating that the cameras will be turned off once they unlock the bootloader, but if you don’t read the full text of this lengthy message, you’ve quickly missed that message. Samsung further warns that rooting your phone or certain apps may also malfunction, and you will also lose your warranty.
It is not clear why Samsung has a stricter policy to discourage root access. Some smartphone manufacturers make it impossible to unlock the bootloader of their devices, and they do so for security reasons. If you don’t know what you’re doing, using such custom ROMs and software can damage your phone and compromise your privacy. Samsung may want to prevent users from unknowingly installing malware that activates their smartphone’s camera in the background.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 will be in stores from August 27, but those who have pre-ordered a phone have already received it. Samsung’s new foldables are selling well this year, mainly due to lower prices.
