I assume the norm, or at least what they want to be the norm, is Huawei, Oppo, or Xiaomi. Regardless of what manufacturer or OS you use, it will not protect you

I assume the norm, or at least what they want to be the norm, is Huawei, Oppo, or Xiaomi. Regardless of what manufacturer or OS you use, it will not protect you from motivated nation states or companies like NSO. If you are truly concerned for your life, especially in authoritarian regimes, don't carry a phone.