Unlocking the bootloader means loosing the DRM keys forever which results in worse camera. Also binaries are the issue for custom ROM support - as usual for Android.
You're preaching to the choir. If I had a better option, I'd go for it, but I really want a phone with a screen smaller than 5" to be the next one I buy. A few years ago, I went from a Galaxy Nexus (4.65") to a Nexus 5 (4.95", and sharp edges), and the thing I wanted most at the time was the internals from the new phone in the chassis of the old one.
These look like my options:
- Go for the comfortable-sized Sony and eventually degrade the phone to keep up with security updates.
- Go for the Sony and eventually take the chance that someone exploits an unpatched security hole.
- Go for something like an S7 or Pixel that are a few mm larger than the Nexus 5, paying more for a device with worse size but (hopefully) better support.
I'm in a tiny minority, interested in an increasingly-niche category of hardware.
Yeah, I really liked the Z3C too as it was the only Android phone that wasn't big and I came from iPhone 5S. Now I bit the bullet, sold the Z3C and ordered a Xiaomi 3S (unlockable, supported monthly with security releases), so 5" phone again it is.
Too bad the SE didn't spark any competition in this area.
These look like my options:
- Go for the comfortable-sized Sony and eventually degrade the phone to keep up with security updates.
- Go for the Sony and eventually take the chance that someone exploits an unpatched security hole.
- Go for something like an S7 or Pixel that are a few mm larger than the Nexus 5, paying more for a device with worse size but (hopefully) better support.
I'm in a tiny minority, interested in an increasingly-niche category of hardware.