[xenithorb]

You don't need to root a phone to install a new operating system. What you do likely need to do is unlock the bootloader, if at all possible.

If it's supported by LineageOS, use that instead. If not - perhaps consider buying a phone that is. If you're really privacy conscious, perhaps look at the CopperheadOS options - they're specifically known for privacy.

Other than that, this is the sad state of big data and advertising. Unless you fight back agasint it, everything about you is going to be poked, proded, and collected for futher processing and aggregation. Hell, a lot of you probably work in that industry here.

You should not assume that any device manufacturer has your interests in mind, as the trends have overwhelmingly shown that anything proprietary always leads to them finding a way to further line their pockets as interest for their product wanes, or their investors get greedier.

These are facts of life; take action but don't be surprised when you're being misled and taken advantage of when you're putting the trust of something so integral in a proprietary party.

Godspeed.