I am using an OnePlus 8T and can confirm that, even if the bootloader does not come unlocked by default, it is very easy to unlock and flash and can also very easily go back (backup is needed because locking back will wipe the phone).
Done myself.
I have a oneplus 8t also. It was very easy to unlock the bootloader and install lineage on it. There’s also the MSM tool that unbricks the phone as well. There’s also a way to update the firmware without installing OOS, which is nice.
As long as Android remains open-source, someone will always provide an alternative version if Google restricts the “official” OS
What other phones besides pixel, has an open boot loader?
Good question. I believe OnePlus (or at least they used to), but I’m not sure.
I am using an OnePlus 8T and can confirm that, even if the bootloader does not come unlocked by default, it is very easy to unlock and flash and can also very easily go back (backup is needed because locking back will wipe the phone). Done myself.
I have a oneplus 8t also. It was very easy to unlock the bootloader and install lineage on it. There’s also the MSM tool that unbricks the phone as well. There’s also a way to update the firmware without installing OOS, which is nice.
I know at least some Xiaomi phones do. At least both of the ones I’ve had in the past were pretty painless to flash.