I made an honest effort to switch from iPhone to Android over a year ago. I ended up back on the iPhone. Using Android without Google Play is just not going to happen with the masses IMO. There needs to be another way. I would leave Apple in a heartbeat if something was available that even came close. Switching to Android w/Google doesn’t solve my trust problem.
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I fully understand this. I ran custom ROMs for a decade. I now run stock Pixel with full Google Experience. It's just easier. I make these concessions because I know Android is open and I can always install any APK from anywhere.