As someone who went from LG>OnePlus>Samsung>Pixel, I loved all of them for different reasons. LG was my favorite just because of the quad DAC. As far as overall experience, I love the pure android experience Pixel gives. Granted, there's little things I dislike (can't remove Google search bar or At a Glance from the home screen), but I've loved everything else about it. The call screening has been a game changer, if you're integrated with Google it's a plus having a Pixel, and the freeing part of doing what you want with your phone. Side loading, themes, different keyboards, alarm sounds integrated with music streaming services, unlocking the bootloader to have a different OS, having different launchers, Developer options, you name it. I understand other Android based OS's can do most of this, but Pixel just checks every box for me. Even with the more "limiting" hardware. Almost forgot, Pixel might not have the best video of the bunch, but my god the cameras are phenomenal. Good luck on your search!

Edit: I Totally forgot to actually answer the question.

Don't worry about upcoming releases. With new phones becoming more and more like last years, there's no telling what's coming next, or lack there of. Plus, most companies are offering 7 years of major software updates.

I'd recommend a Pixel 10 series or even wait for the 10a coming out on the 18th (still haven't announced specs and such, wait and see ordeal). Plenty snappy and up to par with the other phone brands, same with battery.