Just get the fossdroid setup. I’m talking about F-droid plus Lineage OS. You also could go with something privacy focused such as Calyx OS or Graphene but I personally don’t care for those. Lineage OS is simple and combined with F-droid you have all the apps you likely need.
There are also third party device finders but use those at your own risk. Additionally you can also port a new device to Lineage OS if you are knowledgeable and motivated. Most phone manufacturers allow boot loader unlocks but a few don’t so be mindful.
Just get the fossdroid setup. I’m talking about F-droid plus Lineage OS. You also could go with something privacy focused such as Calyx OS or Graphene but I personally don’t care for those. Lineage OS is simple and combined with F-droid you have all the apps you likely need.
If I want to root though and still want a decently high end phone aren’t I just stuck with a pixel?
You don’t want root as that breaks Android completely. It isn’t designed in a way that root is necessarily and it breaks the isolation.
What you probably want is a device supported by Lineage OS.
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/
There are also third party device finders but use those at your own risk. Additionally you can also port a new device to Lineage OS if you are knowledgeable and motivated. Most phone manufacturers allow boot loader unlocks but a few don’t so be mindful.