I find it pretty objectionable that they have to allow it. The correct way to do bootloader unlocking is to enable a setting on the device, run fastboot oem unlock from a connected PC, and confirm on the device. The manufacturer should never know or care that it happened.
Too late for me, been keeping up with and wanting to order a zenfone 10 since it came out but just ordered a nothing phone 2 since my s20 broke a few weeks ago.
Even if Asus doesn't allow a bootloader unlock, the community should find a way. I was able to unlock and relock my bootloader for the ROG Phone II using unofficial tools from the community.
Although now I just picked a phone that has the longest support that is available in my area. As with everything, with more age comes less time to fuck around configuring your PCs and smartphones.
Untrue, the Zenfone 9 is also getting android 14, that may be it's last major update. Zenf10 should be set for android 15 as well.
Zenf8 is on adroid 13 and got a security update in october, so things are looking decent imho.
I was looking for a small phone and the zenfone 10 and s23 base variant were my picks, they ticked almost all the boxes. I ended up getting the s23 because of better software support and the availability issues with the zenfone 10 in my region.
I just wish the s23 had better custom rom support from the community and a sd card slot.
Pretty much everything is getting larger than the s10e. I'd really rather something the size of my original Galaxy S/Nexus One, but besides some boutique phone from Unihertz, etc, there aren't any better options.