Really hope at least HMD/Nokia keeps Android One alive, did they push everyone else out of that market or what? Are phones with bundled crap that much cheaper for comparable specs?
There are very few choices for a cheapish phone that gets security updates and isn't drowning in crapware and "telemetry". It looks like Nokia is the last brand releasing Android One mobiles: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_One#2021
Currently I am using a Nokia 3.4 and it has been great value IMHO.
I realize this doesn't fit the narrative in here. But Xiaomi actually allows you to remove any app without root via USB. You kinda have full control about your apps at least, something that is already luxury these days
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_One