[neogodless]

A few years ago, it seemed like the manufacturers were going haywire with terrible, clunky launchers that slowed down already slow hardware. A clean, stock Android seemed like the only option for reasonable performance, and there was a promise of timely updates.

Well, now hardware is fine and the "updates" are starting to feel less and less valuable. They no longer bring faster, cleaner interfaces. They just bring some new widgets and gizmos.

Now, I think the Pixel line is... OK. My wife and I have a Pixel 2 XL (used, ebay) and a Pixel 3 (spring sale for $400). And the 3a line is close to "everyday" pricing, especially when it goes on sale. But I'm starting to question whether it's worth sticking to Google's stock phones or if it's time to start cross-shopping competitors once again. But for so many of us, being able to snap photos and have them look pretty good is a nice comfort after the ugly early years of phones with cameras that required a lot of patience and persistence to use.

So in my opinion, there's value in putting resources into ensuring good photography, even if that's not the priority for every phone buyer. What are the best alternative phones with "good enough" cameras and "everyday" pricing?