Got the Pixel 7a and think its more than okay quality both chassis and under the hood and exceed most budget models in miles and even goes above Apples SE models in maintaining most Pro functions have except few hardware based limitations and having Pixel with pure Google Android is as easy peasy and better as Google AI is build in not third party apps so every tiny thing Google is bullied over not functioning optimal is due to having eigther an iPhone or similar degoogled spamdroid or linux phone within the door
This is the crown jewel of Android phones at the moment. If you want to stick with iOS, go ahead—you know where to go. This is pure, unadulterated Android.