The Google Pixel phone I recommend to most people is not a flagship (and it's on sale)
Briefly

The Pixel 8 is not only difficult to ignore but perhaps the only phone you should consider if you're shopping on a budget. At under $500, its combination of specs, features, and premium design is unparalleled compared to similarly priced competition.
The real standout of the Pixel 8 is the Tensor G3 chip, which enhances the phone's AI and machine learning capabilities, making it not just a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative, but a substantial improvement in functionality for users.
Read at ZDNET
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