A Google Pixel will get you the highest flexibility. I will be switching to GrapheneOS myself once I make some money in the bull market. I will make sure to buy it second hand so that I won't be spending money on Google to avoid Google.
Sadly people have very little idea just how insidious the data harvesting truly is!
When they eventually get a glimpse of the reality, then they become apathetic. That is the worst part of trying to educate people on the atrocities going on.
Yeah these are Pixel phones I believe which is good. I think they are brand new, which can be a pain because it does profit g*^gle but I tend to keep a phone for a really long time. I don't want to say what version I've got now LOL
Yes indeed it is very frustrating and unfortunate people get so beat down they offer virtually no resistance to the insidious crap!
Devices are supported for 5 - 7 years. That is enough for most use cases. I normally switch the phone once the battery stops holding the charge.