That may be a great option for you. For me, I'm an ultralight traveler. For a month-long vacation I took in Europe last summer, I packed everything into a single 19-liter backpack. I'm already bringing my phone, and when I'm debating whether I really need 5 pairs of underwear or if I can get by with just 4, a separate camera and lens is completely out of the question.

I chose a Pixel 2 because of its integrated camera (and really amazing image processing software) and because of the cost and convenience of Project Fi when abroad. The pictures were all fantastic, and every time I review my photo album I have absolutely no regrets with my decision. There were days when I was in London when I left my wallet in the hotel room, because I could use Google Pay (NFC) for all the public transportation and for (almost) all restaurants and vendors. So, I had navigation, communication, camera, ability to pay for food, and audio tour guides all in one device. And I didn't have to stress about whether I'd lose my bank cards and ID from a pickpocket. If the phone gets stolen, it's locked and encrypted.

I hear you on the price though. A used Pixel 2 in excellent condition is selling for about $400 right now. After looking at my co-worker's Pixel 3 and comparing the cameras, I wouldn't pay the premium for a brand new Pixel 3.

I'd rather use a string between two cans and spend the difference on a Mercedes.

That's a $2000 camera, almost three times as expensive as the Pixel 3, not counting the cost of the cheaper phone.

Don't underestimate the convenience of having a decent small camera. Since it also is your all-purpose pocket computer and communication device it is super convenient. Having to grab an interchangeable lens camera out of your bag for every shot gets annoying.

Sometimes you just want a quick snapshot, sometimes you don't want to carry several pounds of camera gear at all times.

Ive had cheap phones. They're miserable. You're waiting for 30 seconds for google maps to open up while you're in traffic and need the directions...no thank you.

Depends on how cheap you go. "Disposable" phones aren't going to be comfortable to use, but you can get much better value for your money with a Chinese phone that failed on the international market and is massively discounted one year after launch.

My current phone cost 1/6 of the new Pixel but has more than 1/6 of the hardware. My only hard requirement was support for LineageOS 15.1, which is already somewhat of a quality filter because no volunteer is going to support a phone that's too shitty to use.

I've had the original ZTE Blade when it was a new thing and Orange was selling it for 100 GBP.

Best phone purchase I ever did.

You need to look again. I use Nubia M2, it's fast, the battery is great, the screen is OLED, 64GB space, and it's crazy cheap. The downsides are - the camera is garbage, and Android is 6.

Google maps opens and is ready to use in 2-3 seconds.

As much as I appreciate the software efforts put in this but hardware wise a Chinese phone offers the same stuff for half the price.