JHBThree
Well-known member
- Feb 15, 2012
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There's no supported way to refuse firmware updates, though it's possible with some work. But that's not a solution, because then you have to refuse security updates too, which are critical for safe use of a smartphone. (Otherwise, you'd be right.)
No, it's not adequate to pay $1000 for a phone and then "wait" weeks or months before it works as advertised. Furthermore, the camera downgrade appears to be deliberate, and there is no indication that Samsung intends to reverse it. But if it was accidental, then it was negligent on Samsung's part, because automated unit tests and regression tests are a standard part of software engineering, and they prevent that sort of thing.
Manufacturers have a legal and ethical obligation to take reasonable steps to provide products that work as advertised. And if they can't, they have an obligation to acknowledge it and offer full refunds for returns.
There is no legal obligation whatsoever. You are at their mercy for software updates if features are removed or altered. You agreed to it when you bought it, and you might as well stop complaining about it.