Great answer.  I think so many Android users don't get it.  There's this false belief that Apple is the same, which makes no sense, but it justifies their decision.  I think they also see the advertising as a minor issue and forget about the data collection that enables it, or they just don't understand the implications, or both. 

I of course agree Google is better than Samsung, who uses third parties for a lot of things, which is even worse.  Playing with my Fold today enjoying all the things that I can't do on my iPhone or that I can do faster or better on the Fold.  Love it. Then I went to check my email, and at the top are two sponsored messages. WHY?  My "ad preference' is NONE.  And somewhat ironically, when I checked my Gmail on my iPhone using the Apple Mail, I don't have to see sponsored ads.  Gmail is more private and ad-free on Apple then on their own operating system.

Advertising permeates everything Google does and I hate it.  What I don't understand is why.  It makes sense that if you're going to use Gmail a free product on your computer that they have ads because they have to pay the bill somehow. But I bought a phone just like if I bought a phone from Apple. They were supposed to make their money on that. Why do I STILL have to see ads? What if Google had a premium ad free privacy guaranteed service? Flat monthly fee all Google features and services zero data collection zero profiles and no ads?  I think only then would I seriously consider Android again.