I'm in the same boat, the issue is my pixel 6 pro has a big smash on the screen so the Graphene option isn't possible. I used to have a Xiaomi and actually really liked it but I hear they're changing the os/UI? Also I dunno about ads, that sounds crap.
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I'm using a pixel 6 non pro, and found that the pixel 7 and 8 were both a downgrade in terms of performance. Sticking with the 6 for now
Either keep using your current phone and install GrapheneOS or get a newer Pixel and flash Graphene. It's the best mobile operating system you can find. It doesn't come with any ads, trackers, bloatware, or any other annoying shit. It's just pure Android with many privacy and security improvements.
I have already said that I don't want to deal with custom bootloaders/systems.
It's really not hard, it takes 10 minutes and the entire installation process can be completed from nothing more than your web browser. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L1KZWjZVnAw
They will hate me but iPhone has BSD/XNU/openSTEP. Of course it may feel like a prison after Android. Either that or a Linux phone with Waydroid
Dunno. I'm still rocking a OnePlus 7 pro with crdroid 10.2 (Android 14). Nice rom, no nonsense.