[F(x)tec Pro1-X Guides, News, & Discussion] Apprehensive-Jump674:
I honestly don't know where to start... there is so much to unpack.

I guess I'll just try it chronologically...

So, Fxtec sold us a smartphone with SD835 SoC, which would get Android security updates for at least another two years.

When using a community-driven OS like Lineage, security updates would even surpass this.

Shipping was supposed to take place in March.

The shipping cost was a flat fee of $40. This was supposed to include pre-paid customs, which was a key point for me, since custom rates are effing high here.

All of this at a somewhat steep price, considering the hardware's age (e.g. almost 4 year old SoC).

But the idea of having a (more or less) modern smartphone with a proper keyboard was just too tempting.

I opted in.

But I remained concerned about the SD835 and it's upcoming EOL.

I wasn't all too sure the advertised two years of Android updates would cover SoC firmware updates as well. (Android updates =/= firmware updates)

Without firmware updates it doesn't really matter which OS you are running, since you become vulnerable at the lowest software-level. Exploiting firmware vulnerabilities can allow for total control over the device. And no OS update (not even a community-driven one) could ever fix this.

When I asked questions about this in the campaign's comments, nothing happened at first. Although other questions got answered by Fxtec. I was being ignored.

After multiple comments and finally reaching out to them via email, I got an answer.

I was told not to worry, 'since the phone would get Android security updates for at least two years.'

Yeah...that's a wake-up call right there.

Following above explanation, anyone should be able to see why this answer is such borderline ingenious sh*t cake.

Anyway, I had already lost too much time asking questions to get a refund. And since none of the other backers seemed to be interested in a secure phone, I faced the facts and told myself that I'd just sell it (probably at a minor loss, due to the old hardware) once it arrived in March.

Oh! Look at that! It's March.

So I just went to check on the campaign to see, when my phone will arrive.

BAM! Huge campaign update.

The SoC hit EOL even before they could build the phones!! Their supplier can't provide the SD835 anymore!

If I wasn't affected myself, I'd be ROFLing all over the house right about now.

Instead of the SD835 everyone now gets a phone with an SD662.

>But fear not, at least this SoC still gets proper security updates, as 'SO MANY OF YOU' were concerned about that...<

>Oh, by the way, there might be a *slight *drop in performance<

>Oh, and we silently updated our FAQ. Now it mentions that the $40 shipping doesn't include customs anymore. It's because of Brexit. We specifically said Brexit wouldn't be an issue. But now it is.

Well, not our money that's gettin' p*ssed away.

Enjoy spending ~25% more than expected on your already expensive phone.<

...* nice, deep breaths --- in ... ... and out --- in ... ... and out *...

Ok. So. Let me get this straight.

Now I am forced to pay 25% more for an already expensive phone, that was already a little weak on the hardware.

Hardware that just got further downgraded from an old flagship-SoC to a new and ~20% slower mid-low range SoC.

... anything else?! Well, yeah, delivery has been postponed. New estimated shipping date is August.

But at this point: who gives a f*ck?!

What's my endgame/why am I writing all of this?!

To be honest, I simply HAD TO write this. If I hadn't, I would probably have smashed someones car or something.

Yes, I'm insanely furious. And I feel betrayed.

Needless to say I will never deal with Fxtec in any shape or form ever again.

And should the name ever come up again when I'm around -be it online or IRL-,

I will strongly -and with every fiber of my being- advise people against any kind of dealings with Fxtec.

Backing this company has been a huge mistake!

Shame on you, Fxtec. Shame on you!

And shame on XDA for partnering up with such a company!

NEVER.AGAIN.!!