Unfortunately yes.
HarmonyOS NEXT AFAIK does not run on the Linux kernel.
Technically it does not run android.
It doesn’t seem to be a full system update but a SmartThings Framework update that caused the issue.
The 5 year battery warranty is good to have. Hopefully it forces other OEMs to do the same.
For the case for my poco x3 I only debloated once when I got my phone and it remain bloatware free ever since.
Debloat with adb or shizuku?
Nothing to see here.
It reminds me of Sony QX series. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_ILCE-QX1