It's a bit like the car market, where there are only a few Tesla models, and hundreds of models from other manufacturers. Google is hamstrung in not wanting to compete too fiercely against other Android phone manufacturing partners.
Yes
Google Pixel devices are well made and took 4 out of 10 Editor's Choice picks here: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-android-phone/
I think the iPhones are out in front a little, but in a way that I'm not sure really matters. I loved the iPhone hardware I've owned, but the difference in build quality isn't noticeable unless you look carefully and isn't noticeable in a case. The only way I'd say it's noticeable is if you're a hardware nerd who knows how the things are manufactured, or if you get a repair bill. What Apple have done with iPhone hardware is a huge achievement, but said as someone who likes owning nice things, I'd happily take a Pixel 10.
20% of all phones sold are iPhones, and 80% are Android (or not 80%? Some small percentage is probably neither). Yeah, considering the iPhone has maybe 3-5 models, and across all the Android brands, maybe 500 models?
32% are other brands... interestingly Google belongs in said "other".
It’s been more than long enough that I suspect no one could launch a third phone. If it doesn’t have iOS or Android it probably just won’t fly.
So I’m not sure how much they have to worry about.
Nintendo Switchphone2 - it is a Switch that can make phone calls.
Microsoft could do it if they wanted to, and didn't bungle it like the last three times. (lol)
The key in my mind is to NOT compete for the high-end, but as a feature phone.
If it even has 1 person in it.