Re: Price may be part of the story...
I agree. I'd still be on my Google Nexus except the [goddamn non-replaceable] battery started dying. I might replace my Pixel 2 when I can get true 5g (I.e. chip, antenna, AND coverage) but I don't see that happening for awhile. Most "new" features are of limited utility to me.
Besides $1000 will pay for a whole lot of pints which I appreciate much more.