This is not a real issue on Android, where this has been the status quo forever. Are there any reasons it would be different here or is it just FUD after all?
What!? Yes it is. I've seen it first hand on numerous kids phones, that "have a bad battery" or "stopped working".
Turns out downloading unlimited arbitrary binaries from in-app/in-youtube advertisements leads to a functionally bricked phone. I assume adults are too embarrassed, don't want to hand their phone over to someone and just buy a new one.
f-droid works fine.