I really want Nexus devices, but not because of their price - I want them because the hardware is good, because they come completely unlocked and because I can

I really want Nexus devices, but not because of their price - I want them because the hardware is good, because they come completely unlocked and because I can upgrade the OS as soon as a new version of Android comes out. You "own" a Nexus device in a way that's not possible with other Android devices like Galaxy S or iPhones/iPads. Companies like Samsung are really stupid for not releasing at least one phone model under their own brand with characteristics like this. I guess they are afraid their hardware is becoming a commodity, so they need ways to "differentiate", but the way to differentiate is really not through shitty UI skins that makes upgrading the OS challenging to say the least. The Nexus line is basically Google's way of saying "get your shit together".