It’s true that with iPhones these days Apple is really struggling with iOS updates, each iOS update seems to slow down or fk up something, didn’t used to be as bad as it is now.

How did they know your number?

I’ve never used Android, but I would say that sideloading is a significant advantage. Android has a better file system, more apps, and it is less susceptible to government control due to its more open nature. More reasons here.