At least with Android (not Google) I have a choice on what software I install.

Besides that you can still use a desktop PC. Most people do anyway.

> At least with Android (not Google) I have a choice on what software I install.

I'm have very negative outlook on Apple with their vendor lock-in and walled garden, but how long do you think Google will let you make this choice if they gonna have no competition at all?

Google was slowly making Android less and less open with every release. Now "security" features like SafetyNet decide whatever you're allowed to use software or not.

Think on it! Just look at what Google doing with web because of their monopoly on search and browser markets.

F-Droid exists as an alternative app store or you can distribute APKs. Also running Android from a vendor is a horrible experience. I recommend installing LineageOS or any other alternative ROM.

Google might have a monopoly on the web, but at least they have given us tools to work around it, unlike Apple.

> I have a choice on what software I install

No you don't. Much of the software preinstalled on an Android device is permanent. And you can try stripping out Google Play Services, but good luck having a "smart" phone.

Those services are not whats making a smartphone "smart".