Tl;dr - been using a Pixel 2 since 2018, looking for a phone I can buy refurbished under $300 with a comparable camera, battery life that doesn't massively degrade within the first year of purchase, and OS updates for another few years

Hey folks! I've had a Google Pixel 2 since 2018. The only reason I'm replacing it is because the battery has gotten so bad that it shuts off when I get calls at below 40%.

Planned obsolescence be damned, I've always kept my phones until it becomes untenable to continue and I've no plans to change course this year. Thing is, there's too many options, even when I account for my small budget.

My first thought was the Pixel 6, 6a, or 6 Pro. Fits into my price range if I buy secondhand, and having those updates continue for a few more years seems like it'll allow me to keep the device longer. But I've read so many accounts of those phones overheating, or the battery life massively degrading over a short time. My Pixel 2 didn't start having major battery life issues until this past year, so I don't want to end up in the exact same boat a year or two from now.

I'm open to other brands, but I do need a good camera. Doesn't need to be professional quality or have a fancy photo editor. If it's at all similar to the quality I've gotten with the Pixel 2, I'm happy with that.

I don't care at all about the phone's size or thickness, using it for games, aesthetic appeal or any bells and whistles. I just want something that'll work for a while and take a pretty picture.

Been looking at phones for the past 4 hours and I just can't make a decision. Any advice y'all have will be welcomed!