The only time I ever "upgrade" is when I break a phone beyond reasonable repair. If batteries were easier / more cost effective to replace, I would keep this Pixel 4a a few more years. The battery is starting to lose capacity now, I'll have to check on the cost of battery replacement before too long.
Considering a Fairphone next time I do upgrade.
You've made some good points. I hope that a fair number of people read through the whole post, but I fear that not enough will. Most seem to have about a three sentence threshold.