Doesn't all Android smartphone manufactures, discontinue their older flagship when newer ones when they arrive? At least Pixel 4 will receive updates ~ for next 3 years, can't say the same for other manufacturers except maybe for OnePlus.

But should we accept this as a consumer? I don't think so, with current hardware, the 3 year limit is artificial and just part of forced obsolescence. More over, an utter disregard for environment; smartphone recycling is unheard of in several markets where these flagships are going to be sold.

Alternatives?

[1] Smartphone manufacturer who cares for people and planet - https://www.fairphone.com/en/

[2] 10 Year smartphone OS - https://postmarketos.org/.

[3] Smartphone with user replaceable parts - https://www.pine64.org/pinephone/

[4] Privacy focussed Linux phone - https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/

[5] Alternate privacy focused android OS with longer support - https://e.foundation/

[6] If you like Sony devices - https://shop.jolla.com/

P.S. I haven't included LineageOS, GrapheneOS and other aftermarket android firmwares as although what they do is commendable, once the manufacturer stops updating the device, the binary blobs remain outdated with the old kernel, even though Android itself gets updated via these projects unlike the other projects I have mentioned above.