I was on stock recent pixel A17 for a few hours before flashing GrapheneOS. They took over the power button for Gemini, there's gemini in Messages, there's 50 apps you don't need. Yeah you can disable notifications but it was constantly giving tips and tricks and other bullshit. The OS feels super bloated compared to GrapheneOS.
I hate the power button change myself, but 1. It was turned into the Assistant button by default for many years now. 2. Can be switched back easily in settings.
> there's 50 apps you don't need Where are you getting your pixels? Mine came with all the essentials, I don't remember disabling anything in particular. No game demos, no preloaded meta cancer, just the normal google suite.
> The OS feels super bloated compared to GrapheneOS.
When was that ever not the case? When was a stock OS lighter than a custom flavour on any phone? You can't ship Android in the state that custom OS-es do, you won't pass the certification to get Google's goodies like OTA service and preinstalled play store. Don't quite get the Gemini argument either. You're buying a Gemini phone that touts AI everywhere on its promotional page. What do you expect?