Stefan Mileschin

One of the large complaints about the Galaxy S7 is that it is a carrier-locked device even when purchased without any sort of contract or payment plan. There are some exceptions, such as Samsung Experience Stores here in Canada that sell the phone with an unlock code included, but this doesn't prevent the phone from loading bloatware that corresponds to the carrier that you use with it once you put in your SIM. Given that contracts seem to actually be falling out of favor, it makes sense to offer an unlocked version of a smartphone for buyers who are willing to pay for the device outright, and who want to avoid preinstalled apps and customizations from their carriers.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10451/...y-s7-in-the-us