Lenovo Tab Plus (TB351FU): Difference between revisions

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Notice: This article should probably get merged to Lenovo Android ~~tablets in general~~ once such ~~an article~~ exists.{{InfoboxProductLine

==''Notice: This device appears to be a '''scapegoat''' for a broader issue with Lenovo tablets in general. Upon verification, the article should probably get merged into [[Lenovo tablets (Android)]] once such a page exists.''==

{{InfoboxProductLine

| Title = {{PAGENAME}}

| Release Year =2024

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| Official Website =https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tablets/android-tablets/lenovo-tab-series/lenovo-tab-plus/len103l0024

| Logo =Lenovo.png

}}'''Lenovo Tab Plus (TB351FU)''' is an [[Android]] tablet made by [[Lenovo]] (which also acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). it's a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.

The device offers an attractive feature set, years of promised software updates and an attractive price (around €280 at launch in June 2024, currently €200 as of July 2025, [https://geizhals.eu/?phist=3215275&age=9999 see price history in EU]), however the company's anti-consumer practices such as [[EULA rooftile]], preinstalled and partially non-removable [[bloatware]] and "software recommendations" (including recommendations of malware) make this otherwise great device significantly harder to recommend, especially if it is intended to be used by less tech-savvy users.

==Consumer impact summary==

[[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo Tab Plus displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement. ]]

===EULA Rooftile===

===Schrödinger's EULA Rooftile===

Upon first use, the device forces the user to read and agree to a [[EULA rooftile|EULA rooftile]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo Tab Plus User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)

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“Software Product” includes Lenovo computer software programs (whether preinstalled or provided separately) and related licensed materials such as documentation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jan 2016 |title=Lenovo License Agreement (L505-0009-06) |url=https://download.lenovo.com/lenovo/lla/l505-0009-06-r-en.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Lenovo License Agreement (L505-0009-06)}}</ref></blockquote>In spite of the above statement, the option to proceed ("Next") is greyed-out unless the user fully agrees to the [[EULA rooftile|EULA rooftile]]. There is also an explicit statement:<blockquote>"'''You must agree to the terms above to continue using the device'''. We will strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations and privacy policies to protect your personal privacy."</blockquote>Curiously, the version of the Lenovo User agreement bundled on the device appears to be an older version [https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT514029 (L505-0009-06)], said to apply for Lenovo products and software sold on, or after January 15th, 2016. At the time of release of the device (June 2024) there has already existed a newer version [https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht100141 (COE-30002-01)], which is said to apply for Lenovo products and software sold on or after July 22nd, 2022.

[[File:Lenovotabplus-support.jpg|alt=English translation: User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.|thumb|A German-language Lenovo Support chat screenshot asking for support with using the hardware without accepting the software user agreement, as described in the agreement bundled with the device itself. (Thank you for politeness and still trying to be as helpful as possible).]]

[[File:Lenovotabplus-support.jpg|alt=English translation: User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.|thumb|A German-language Lenovo Support chat screenshot asking for support with using the hardware without accepting the software user agreement, as described in the agreement bundled with the device itself. (Thank you for politeness and still trying to be as helpful as possible).English translation:

User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.

]]

When a user from Austria (Europe) contacted Lenovo for support with using the hardware without Lenovo software, they were told that there is no such possibility on Android devices and this part presumably is meant for PCs and Laptops, where the user can change the operating system [original research].

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The device does not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.

A procedure to unlock the bootloader exists, but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.com/unlock in order to obtain a required signed file (further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year).

A procedure to unlock the bootloader [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI exists], but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.com/unlock in order to obtain a required signed file (further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year).

===Bloatware, bloat tax and possibly tricking users into installing malware===

Quote from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V4xoL96HKU&t=501s a review by LinusTechTips]:<blockquote>My biggest issue though is not the processor. It's the bloatware.

Quote from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V4xoL96HKU&t=501s a video review by LinusTechTips]:<blockquote>My biggest issue though is not the processor. It's the bloatware.

Lenovo aggressively tries to trick you into installing unneeded games and apps while you're setting up the device and even IF you cleverly navigate their dark pattern obstacle course, you will STILL find that the device has automatically dumped a bunch of garbage on your home screen.

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I'm talking 17 additional apps, plus an "Apps for you" folder on the home screen where you can download EVEN MORE apps that you never asked for. It's confusing and honestly disrespectful, but with that said the worst offenders can be easily removed (...)</blockquote>List of pre-installed bloatware excluding Google Apps (according to LTT):

~~(removed sue~~ to ~~filters)~~

=====Removable bloatware:=====

#Block Blast!

#Block Puzzle Adventure

#Cat Tile

#Find 5 Differences

#Fish Solitaire

#Water Sort Puzzle

#Wood Block Puzzle

#Daily Weather

#Game Center

#Booking.com

#MangaGo

#WPS Office

=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed <sup>[don't , there's a better way!]</sup> to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====

#MyScript Calculator 2

#Nebo

#[[Spotify]]

#Kraken - Buy crypto and [Buttcoin]

#TikTok

#Rec Room - Play With Friends

=====Permanent bloatware:=====

#Smart Connect

#TIDE

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This is an extreme example of [[bloat tax]].

=====Tips (not a full guide) for avoiding bloatware and malware recommendations:=====

#Perform initial setup offline (no Internet connectivity).

#Read before clicking. Avoid/skip adding any accounts (including Google account!) and opt-out from data mining stuff.

#Once you can access the launcher, long press on an empty space and open "Home settings" then disable "Show recommended apps above all apps". This should disable the "apps for you" folder, possibly even before it gets created. While we're at it, you can also disable the annoying "Swipe to access Entertainment Space".

#Uninstall and/or disable any bloatware you can find. The list of apps varies.

#Connect to the Internet and install system updates (might need to repeat installing new updates and restarting the device 5 or more times).

#Uninstall or disable any new bloatware you can find in the Apps drawer (this might later need ).

#If you get a notification like "Finish setting up your tablet" (the one that's animated and particularly distracting), long-press on it to expand options, press the cog icon to go to app settings and disable the app that's causing it.

#Go to Seettings>Apps>All apps and disable "Lenovo PAI" (Play Auto-Install) as well as any other bloatware that you can recognize that didn't appear in the app drawer.

#Stay weary of anything that tries to get you to click on something or accept an EULA. Long-press on a notification and click the cog icon to see where dubious notifications are coming from.

==See also==

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Lenovo Android ZUI bootloader unlocking [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI (PostmarketOS Wiki)].

[[Bloat tax]]

==References==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Notice: This article should probably get merged to Lenovo Android tablets in general once such an article exists.{{InfoboxProductLine
+==''Notice: This device appears to be a '''scapegoat''' for a broader issue with Lenovo tablets in general. Upon verification, the article should probably get merged into [[Lenovo tablets (Android)]] once such a page exists.''==
+{{InfoboxProductLine
 | Title = {{PAGENAME}}
 | Release Year =2024
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 | Official Website =https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tablets/android-tablets/lenovo-tab-series/lenovo-tab-plus/len103l0024
 | Logo =Lenovo.png
 }}'''Lenovo Tab Plus (TB351FU)''' is an [[Android]] tablet made by [[Lenovo]] (which also acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). it's a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.
+The device offers an attractive feature set, years of promised software updates and an attractive price (around €280 at launch in June 2024, currently €200 as of July 2025, [https://geizhals.eu/?phist=3215275&age=9999 see price history in EU]), however the company's anti-consumer practices such as [[EULA rooftile]], preinstalled and partially non-removable [[bloatware]] and "software recommendations" (including recommendations of malware) make this otherwise great device significantly harder to recommend, especially if it is intended to be used by less tech-savvy users.
 ==Consumer impact summary==
 [[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo Tab Plus displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement. ]]
-===EULA Rooftile===
+===Schrödinger's EULA Rooftile===
 Upon first use, the device forces the user to read and agree to a [[EULA rooftile|EULA rooftile]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo Tab Plus User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)
@@ Line 17: / Line 20: @@
 “Software Product” includes Lenovo computer software programs (whether preinstalled or provided separately) and related licensed materials such as documentation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jan 2016 |title=Lenovo License Agreement (L505-0009-06) |url=https://download.lenovo.com/lenovo/lla/l505-0009-06-r-en.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Lenovo License Agreement (L505-0009-06)}}</ref></blockquote>In spite of the above statement, the option to proceed ("Next") is greyed-out unless the user fully agrees to the [[EULA rooftile|EULA rooftile]]. There is also an explicit statement:<blockquote>"'''You must agree to the terms above to continue using the device'''. We will strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations and privacy policies to protect your personal privacy."</blockquote>Curiously, the version of the Lenovo User agreement bundled on the device appears to be an older version [https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT514029 (L505-0009-06)], said to apply for Lenovo products and software sold on, or after January 15th, 2016. At the time of release of the device (June 2024) there has already existed a newer version [https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht100141 (COE-30002-01)], which is said to apply for Lenovo products and software sold on or after July 22nd, 2022.
-[[File:Lenovotabplus-support.jpg|alt=English translation: User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.|thumb|A German-language Lenovo Support chat screenshot asking for support with using the hardware without accepting the software user agreement, as described in the agreement bundled with the device itself. (Thank you for politeness and still trying to be as helpful as possible).]]
+[[File:Lenovotabplus-support.jpg|alt=English translation: User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.|thumb|A German-language Lenovo Support chat screenshot asking for support with using the hardware without accepting the software user agreement, as described in the agreement bundled with the device itself. (Thank you for politeness and still trying to be as helpful as possible).English translation:
+User: I can't just click on "next" :( Support: I think this is only for PCs and laptops, because there you can change the operating system. On Android it's unfortunately not possible. User: I'm reading this agreement on my new tablet.
+]]
 When a user from Austria (Europe) contacted Lenovo for support with using the hardware without Lenovo software, they were told that there is no such possibility on Android devices and this part presumably is meant for PCs and Laptops, where the user can change the operating system [original research].
@@ Line 23: / Line 30: @@
 The device does not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.
-A procedure to unlock the bootloader exists, but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.com/unlock in order to obtain a required signed file (further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year).
+A procedure to unlock the bootloader [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI exists], but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.com/unlock in order to obtain a required signed file (further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year).
 ===Bloatware, bloat tax and possibly tricking users into installing malware===
-Quote from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V4xoL96HKU&t=501s a review by LinusTechTips]:<blockquote>My biggest issue though is not the processor. It's the bloatware.
+Quote from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V4xoL96HKU&t=501s a video review by LinusTechTips]:<blockquote>My biggest issue though is not the processor. It's the bloatware.
 Lenovo aggressively tries to trick you into installing unneeded games and apps while you're setting up the device and even IF you cleverly navigate their dark pattern obstacle course, you will STILL find that the device has automatically dumped a bunch of garbage on your home screen.
@@ Line 32: / Line 39: @@
 I'm talking 17 additional apps, plus an "Apps for you" folder on the home screen where you can download EVEN MORE apps that you never asked for. It's confusing and honestly disrespectful, but with that said the worst offenders can be easily removed (...)</blockquote>List of pre-installed bloatware excluding Google Apps (according to LTT):
-(removed sue to filters)
+=====Removable bloatware:=====
+#Block Blast!
+#Block Puzzle Adventure
+#Cat Tile
+#Find 5 Differences
+#Fish Solitaire
+#Water Sort Puzzle
+#Wood Block Puzzle
+#Daily Weather
+#Game Center
+#Booking.com
+#MangaGo
+#WPS Office
+=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed <sup>[don't , there's a better way!]</sup> to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====
+#MyScript Calculator 2
+#Nebo
+#[[Spotify]]
+#Kraken - Buy crypto and [Buttcoin]
+#TikTok
+#Rec Room - Play With Friends
+=====Permanent bloatware:=====
+#Smart Connect
+#TIDE
@@ Line 40: / Line 74: @@
 This is an extreme example of [[bloat tax]].
+=====Tips (not a full guide) for avoiding bloatware and malware recommendations:=====
+#Perform initial setup offline (no Internet connectivity).
+#Read before clicking. Avoid/skip adding any accounts (including Google account!) and opt-out from data mining stuff.
+#Once you can access the launcher, long press on an empty space and open "Home settings" then disable "Show recommended apps above all apps". This should disable the "apps for you" folder, possibly even before it gets created. While we're at it, you can also disable the annoying "Swipe to access Entertainment Space".
+#Uninstall and/or disable any bloatware you can find. The list of apps varies.
+#Connect to the Internet and install system updates (might need to repeat installing new updates and restarting the device 5 or more times).
+#Uninstall or disable any new bloatware you can find in the Apps drawer (this might later need ).
+#If you get a notification like "Finish setting up your tablet" (the one that's animated and particularly distracting), long-press on it to expand options, press the cog icon to go to app settings and disable the app that's causing it.
+#Go to Seettings>Apps>All apps and disable "Lenovo PAI" (Play Auto-Install) as well as any other bloatware that you can recognize that didn't appear in the app drawer.
+#Stay weary of anything that tries to get you to click on something or accept an EULA. Long-press on a notification and click the cog icon to see where dubious notifications are coming from.
 ==See also==
@@ Line 46: / Line 92: @@
 Lenovo Android ZUI bootloader unlocking [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI (PostmarketOS Wiki)].
+[[Bloat tax]]
 ==References==