Anything that requires manufacturer permission to unlock is untrustworthy.
This is even worse then requiring a account (but atleast you don’t need to agree to their privacy policy)
It was a big fat hassle already. With a waiting period of 7 days (168 h) enforced by their internet connected tools. Unlocking my Redmi Note 8 Pro was super annoying. I wouldn’t do it anymore. Last time I bought a used Pixel instead. Similarly good value thanks to being used, and no proprietary bullshit.
The new policy […] raises several questions over how developers, enthusiasts, and other users will be affected.
They will be affected with having less incentive to buy Xiaomi devices and a lack of trust regarding the company’s future decisions?
The main reason I even look at their phones. Plus a headphone jack on the redmi series. I think they’re going to lose a lot of business in the India market.
the new policy brought that number down to a single device per year
They make nice looking devices, but I’d never trust a device from them.
Of course, I don’t trust a LOT of devices these days. Sure would be nice if we had a decent 5G capable, open source alternative. I don’t care if it costs $800+. I’d buy it.
Fairphone? At least it is repairable and supported
Not available in North America without importing it, which voids warranty and makes it usually more expensive.
Shame. They make some decent mid-range phones. Guess I’ll have to look at Motorola now.
Xiaomi stuff isn’t worth buying, they don’t really offer anything unique.
One of the few manufacturers that have the 3.5mm jack and SD card. The only other one I can think of now is Motorola.
Sony as well
Motorola only has it for budget devices, same with Samsung, which also have it SD card slot for any device A5x tier or lower, A2x tier or lower has headphone jack too.
For flagships, its just Sony (and maybe a few others brands that nobody really buys). Unless you count the Fairphone 4 as “flagship” (which it isn’t). And Fairphone 5 also removed the headphone jack 🤦♂️
