Android prides itself in being a relatively open ecosystem, especially compared to iOS. There are disadvantages to that, with malware and security always an issue. But there are advantages – the nature of Android means that it can be heavily personalized in looks and features, provided you get the right access. The first one is usually root access, and the next gateway is an unlocked bootloader. Unfortunately, manufacturers like ZTE usually lock the bootloader of their devices out-of-the-box. So this is good news when ZTE announces that it will be unlocking bootloaders specifically for the Axon 7 flagship device and the Axon Pro.
The Axon 7 is an elegant device. ZTE followed up its launch of flagship devices in the US last year with the Axon 7, a metal-clad smartphone with a 5.5-inch QHD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, and 6GB RAM. For USD$400 or less, you get a flagship level phone that doesn’t compromise too much on the specs, so we understand that the Axon 7 actually has a good following. But the users have been clamoring for an unlocked bootloader for some time now, and ZTE has finally relented.
Peter Shih, head for community at ZTE USA, just announced that they will be unlocking the bootloader of any Axon 7 or Axon Pro smartphone bought in the US. Shih said that this was a response to the heavy clamoring from the Axon 7 user community. In the announcement, Shih repeated a few times that the warranty of devices with unlocked bootloaders will be voided, so that’s something those people have to live with.
If you want to have the bootloader of your Axon 7 or Axon Pro phone unlocked, head on to the Developers Lounge part of the ZTE forums, as they will be accepting requests there.
SOURCE: ZTE USA
I think it’s great that device makers open their devices up by allowing end-users to tweak the firmware and the devices’ OS. I don’t think it’s great however, that this makes the device less secure. There needs to be a way that us as end users, should be able to accomplish the goal of modding our devices, without compromising our security. But, that’s why I buy a BlackBerry and am happy that I get an Android device that’s more locked, and I don’t go buy a device with an unlocked bootloader that a rooting virus could just hold my data and my device hostage.
zte maven i need to unlocked boot;oader pls