If I’m a journalist or someone who could be a target of hack, should I get a Pixel or iPhone in Lockdown mode?
iPhone by far. Not saying that Android isn't secure. But if you're not technical (not average joe technical, but actually working in Cyber Security) you will probably be leaking a lot of data.
On iPhone if you enable Lockdown mode, Advanced Data Protection and buy iCloud to use iCloud Private Relay you're off for a really good start.
Generic Android, I agree. Stock Android shipped by Google in Pixel? It’s that clear!