True. I'm really happy that they are working with an OEM to bring an alternative in 2027. Until then:

- A refurbished Pixel works (except some weird Verizon locking that I heard about the other day).

- Pixels get really heavily discounted near the end of the cycle (e.g. 9a currently). Google probably doesn't make much on it if you are opting out of your ecosystem.

When I do this for family I buy a used pixel. Then no dollar goes directly back to Google.

They say they will announce a partnership with a major OEM manufacturer in March 2026!