[choudanu4]

To be clear, all this data sharing is on by default, but all the settings to turn this data sharing off do exist, they're just buried in settings (as they should be). Indeed, cutting ties with google is quite possible (just don't sign in with a google account when setting your phone up).

There is another more involved approach that removes the connection altogether, instead of simply closing a valve between your data and Google.

Indeed, what may be alluring would be getting an easy-to-wipe phone (like a Nexus 5) and install a ROM (aftermarket OS) sans Google Play Services (the suite of apps on Android that hooks into Google's Cloud). If you were to do this, you would obtain many of the smartphone's advantages, but still be able to clearly control where your data goes.