That's a good thing. It's not because Apple has massively increased. It's because more Android manufacturers are competing in the market. I never wanted Samsung to be the dominant brand in the Android market. They're just as anti-consumer as Apple. The only reason they allow as much software freedom as they do is because it's forced upon them by the Android OS. If they had it their way, they'd force users to to the Samsung app store and their browser. Both of which are horrible. Just look at their smart watch, home appliances, or TV segments. They're all locked down. I last owned a Galaxy S20 FE (I think) and the bloat on it is just as bad if not worse than iPhone. And it only allows you to disable the apps rather than uninstalling.

I've been using a 2023 Motorola edge+ for at least 2 years and the experience is pretty close to stock Android. It charges at 68W and the battery lasts all day. I love the Moto gestures like the chop-chop flashlight and twist to open the camera. My biggest gripe is hardware. The curved screen makes it hard to find screen protectors and cases on top of being more fragile. But otherwise I have a phone that runs as well as some Samsung flagships for half the price. I think I paid $700. Competition in the Android market can only be a good thing for consumers.