Have a look at OnePlus. I got a 5t back in April 2018 and it's still going strong.

I have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, my missus has the newer, top spec one (300). Mine was maybe 190. I bought them from Xiaomi direct - came next day or thereabouts.
Camera is top spec - without even trying. I hardly use it. Internet is quick. Battery gets more than a day with normal use.
China spies on you but I don't care, as I don't have much to say.
If I could be more bothered, I'd remove the spurious apps. My missus runs into the odd problem but she's one of those people who never deletes anything or updates anything. I've had no problems - been over a year so far. Son broke the screen on his old one - muggins here bought him a new one.
Don't know what else to say. As far as I'm aware they use all the Samsung parts but are cheaper for a higher spec.
If I were to say anything, I don't imagine these phones lasting that long, but none of them do. They're no worse than Samsung's - probably better, from my own personal experience. Nothing about them particularly infuriates me, if that helps!

Good response AS, thanks. I know what you mean about the Chinese spying issue, but like you I can't imagine they're the least bit interested in anything I say or do. Anyway, almost every phone on the market is either Chinese or made there, even iPhones, so difficult to avoid. It seems that the reason Xiaomi are competitive is because they have very low overheads and only sell direct.

Thanks to all of you who've bothered to respond to my post. No urgency on my part and still reviewing the options. It's my birthday next month and Mrs POG may want to buy me a phone then. I'll let you know.

Thanks to all of you who've bothered to respond to my post. No urgency on my part and still reviewing the options. It's my birthday next month and Mrs POG may want to buy me a phone then. I'll let you know.

I'm pretty sure not many (if any) of you are interested, but after saying I'd let you know, I'm letting you know.

After waiting for the UK launch I've recently taken delivery of a shiny new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, and I have to say it's a real step up from my old Samsung which my wife will inherit.

The Redmi not only looks the part, but it has a fast processor, excellent cameras and it charges quickly. All in all a cracking piece of kit for the money (£309).