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.
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
Upon first use, the device forces the user to read and agree to a EULA rooftile including a Lenovo User Agreement which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:
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).
Lenovo Tab Plus User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).
(...)
• If You acquired the Software Product(s) preinstalled on or provided with a Lenovo hardware product, You may continue to use the hardware product, but not the Software Product(s) covered under this Agreement.
“Software Product” includes Lenovo computer software programs (whether preinstalled or provided separately) and related licensed materials such as documentation.[1]
In spite of the above statement, the option to proceed ("Next") is greyed-out unless the user fully agrees to the EULA rooftile. There is also an explicit statement:
"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."
Curiously, the version of the Lenovo User agreement bundled on the device appears to be an older version (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 (COE-30002-01), which is said to apply for Lenovo products and software sold on or after July 22nd, 2022.
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).
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].
Locked bootloader
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).
Bloatware, bloat tax and possibly tricking users into installing malware
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.
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 (...)
List of pre-installed bloatware excluding Google Apps (according to LTT):
(removed sue to filters)
There are several reports of allegedly either the "Apps for you" feature or OTA system updates later installing additional bloatware and even known malware/spyware on Lenovo Tablets.
Cloud Folder (i.e. “Apps for You”) is a custom-made feature of launcher that recommends apps. These recommendations display only application icons, which are not stored or downloaded, and may be updated anytime. Cloud Folder collects Google Advertising ID (GID), impression and click of icons, and non-personal data such as the software version. You can turn off recommendations in Settings.
In light of the above statement and the wording in LTT's review, it appears that it might be a common practice for Lenovo Android tablet users to actually install malicious apps from the "Apps for You" folder, solely to be able to remove their icons from their home screen. It seems that some of the "recommended" [and (just?) appearing as if they were installed] apps contain malware.
