Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
androidauthority.com
Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
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Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#2>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums.
Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding it.
Why not go for something that has 5-7 years of SW updates like a Pixel or a S-series? The Zenfone wasn't any cheaper than those either(at least in EU) so you were also getting a poor value for money.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#3It's not clear whether a standard refund is an option for buyers whose phones are still under warranty. Did Timothy try that before going to small claims court?
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#4>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums. Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding…
Tbh I don't share the sentiment that the community appreciates long SW support. Otherwise we'd see Windows being recommended over Linux more often.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#5>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums. Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding…
Tbh I don't share the sentiment that the community appreciates long SW support. Otherwise we'd see Windows being recommended over Linux more often.
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Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#6>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums. Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding…
Tbh I don't share the sentiment that the community appreciates long SW support. Otherwise we'd see Windows being recommended over Linux more often.
This is more about device support for updated OS, which any PC does. Especially with Linux, unlike Windows 11 that can't be installed on older PCs without some hacks.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#7The refund is probably not worth the time spent building the case but it sends a valuable message. Keep your promises.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#8>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums. Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding…
The Zenfones mainly carved out a following because they're the smallest flagship-tier Android phones on the market. Asus has terrible support, but if you want a small-ish device there isn't a great deal of choice nowadays.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#9Long is gone the time where unlocking bootloaders and installing custom ROMs was the best path to follow.
Even if you are able to unlock it (with difficulties such as this one, or others that involve opening the device and soldering a shortcut), you will have a device where apps check for unlocked bootloaders and rooted OS, and forbid you from use the application.
Re: Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools
#10>Given that ASUS has one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world [...] It started removing posts about bootloader unlocking in its ZenTalk forums. Which is why I never understood why Asus Zenfone kept being recommended on HN all the time when people asked for good android phones to buy. I thought this community appreciated long SW support. I think the people recommending it were not dogfooding…
Asus allowed bootloader unlock up until a few months ago, which is why I bought the device, i.e even if the company abandons it I can just unlock the bootloader and slap on LineageOS on it. Seems like a mistake now.
> Why not go for something that has 5-7 years of SW updates like a Pixel or a S-series? The Zenfone wasn't any cheaper than those either(at least in EU) so you were also getting a poor value for money.
SW updates aren't the only criteria when choosing a device, if you're looking for a small phone with a headphone jack and a non-glass/metal back, the number of options are very limited (iirc, Zenfone 9 is literally the only phone which satisfies the constraints).