Asus refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools

Why people bought Zenfones despite bad support

• Several commenters say they never understood HN’s enthusiasm for Zenfones given Asus’ weak Android update record and recent deletion of bootloader‑unlock posts.
• Others explain Zenfones’ appeal: one of the few small-ish, flagship‑tier Android phones, often with a headphone jack and non‑glass backs.
• Some argue that in size and price they’re comparable to Galaxy S-series, which now offer longer software support, so value is disputed.

Bootloader unlock, “promise” and refund

• Asus previously offered bootloader unlock tools and even had related options in system settings, which were later removed.
• Commenters say some Zenfone models listed unlock as a feature and Asus repeatedly promised the tool would return, then quietly backed off and scrubbed old statements (archive-only now).
• Many see the small-claims refund as a way to enforce “keep your promises,” even if the money isn’t worth the time.

Legal / precedent discussion

• In the UK small-claims track, companies often settle because sending a lawyer costs more than paying out.
• UK small claims do not create binding legal precedent; in this case there wasn’t even a ruling, just a settlement.
• Some speculate forced arbitration clauses might block similar actions in the US (unclear from thread).

State of custom ROMs and rooting

• One camp claims “the time of custom ROMs is over” due to apps blocking rooted/unlocked devices.
• Others strongly disagree: GrapheneOS, LineageOS, crDroid, etc. are described as excellent, with root + Magisk/Play Integrity workarounds making most apps (even many banking apps) usable.
• There are conflicting reports: some have no issues; others lose NFC payments or specific bank/DRM apps and consider that unacceptable.

Security, banking, and mobile payments

• Debate over whether using a rooted/unlocked phone is less secure than sticking with stock OS and Google/Apple Pay.
• Some argue custom ROMs without vendor bloat and with per‑app network controls (e.g., GrapheneOS) are more secure overall.
• Others emphasize that integrity checks exist for a reason and that a rooted device breaks formal security guarantees; banks often respond by blocking apps.
• Mobile payments are seen by some as a privacy or “opsec” nightmare, by others as safer than card use due to tokenization.

Which phones remain unlock‑friendly

• Pixels are widely recommended: easy unlock, factory images published, good for GrapheneOS/CalyxOS, and can be re‑locked with certain custom OSes.
• Mentioned alternatives: some Moto, Xiaomi, and Fairphone models, though experiences with Motorola’s unlock process are described as painful.
• Small, modern, unlockable phones with headphone jacks are said to be nearly extinct; Pixel 4a is cited as the last good example.

Regulation and broader concerns

• Some hope the EU will not only mandate 5 years of security updates (already discussed policy) but also require unlockable bootloaders.
• Motivations for locking down devices are debated: shorter upgrade cycles, data‑harvesting business models, and possibly surveillance interests are all suggested, with profit seen as the most plausible driver.