Being cornered is a choice, even on smartphones. Having far fewer options it is more of a challenge which is the only reason I didn’t mention Google. It requires giving up the apps. Unfortunately, we live in an age where even with child indoctrination people aren’t going to give up their Candy Crush.(sigh) That’s just the fact of where we are currently standing. The smartphones themselves are super easy to use.
https://www.ubuntupit.com/best-linux-secure-phones-for-privacy-and-security/
The two most complete options that do not require much tech know how look like the Pinephone Pro and the Librem 5. Other products seem obviously geared toward users who want to do more than just “use the phone.”
Child indoctrination, or apps. You know, one hand or the other. It just depends on one’s priorities.
I’ve messed around with rooting Android and installing de-googled OS’s. It’s a major chore for me to use that kind of phone as a daily driver, and I’m a nerd.