For most users it is the update problem that I'm concerned about, particularly from a security point of view. The contract is completely irrelevant to this iss

For most users it is the update problem that I'm concerned about, particularly from a security point of view. The contract is completely irrelevant to this issue isn't it? An iPhone on contract is completely updatable, I don't know if it is relevant with Samsung's phones or not. Even if non-contract Samsung's are updatable that makes advice to friends/family even more complicated. The freedom problem is an issue with all the mainstream phones on the market but isn't a problem for most users. The solutions with the current market products are jailbreaking/rooting or joining developer programmes. In the Apple case developer programme costs $99 and additional agreements (in practice you need a Mac too). Or using a web app to get round the limitations. There real solution will be when there is a real open source open platform on the market. And personally I wouldn't sacrifice much performance/capability to get it although the option would be nice.