My original Nexus 5X died a couple months ago (bootloop issue). Thankfully, I have a free replacement and it doesn't have a bootloop problem yet. Unfortunately, it has an occasional freezing and needing to be restarted problem instead. It also has the same awful battery life as the original. I'm about ready to move on from it, but not sure exactly where to go next.
I love running stock Android. Unfortunately, after 2 generations of poorly constructed Google phones (Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X, both had bootloop issues and the latter just generally underperforms, although I was very happy with the Nexus 5 until it became a part time job to keep it running after 18 months) I'm not really sure I trust Google anymore from a longevity standpoint and the rave reviews on the Pixel won't really mean anything until it makes it through another year without breaking down. That leaves me a little uncertain where to go next.
I want something of a similar size to my current phone in terms of physical dimensions. I could go a little bigger, but being able to comfortably and securely use the phone in one hand is key for subway commuting. That rules out anything plus-sized. It also means the OnePlus 5 is stretching the size level I am comfortable with. After that, I'd like a top-tier camera, since my phone is now my primary camera, and relatively strong battery performance. Waterproofing, actual screen size (e.g., edge-to-edge), and display quality are all secondary concerns. I am not opposed to a super high end screen or a waterproof phone, but I don't feel I need them.
On the current market, the Samsung Galaxy 8 seems like it checks all my boxes, but Samsung's OS still leaves me a bit leery, and I don't want to root for fear it'll create issues with work IT. The OnePlus 5 is generally a good fit for my needs except I'm worried it is a bit too big. The Essential sounds like it has a sub-par camera, which is unfortunate, because it would otherwise be perfect. The Pixel 2 seems like it's likely to be a significantly more expensive version of the Galaxy 8 with marginal benefits for that extra cost. (Anything made by LG falls into my basic longevity concerns issue since they made both my short-lived Nexus phones.)
This really long post boils down to a question as to whether SoSH has opinions as to whether any (or which) of these devices fit my wishes, or if there is some alternative on the horizon I don't know about. Alternatively, is it time for me to give up on Android and jump ship to an iPhone when the iPhone 8 is released? 5 years ago, I finally did this in regard to my laptop after being a stalwart PC person and have never once regretted that decision.