Ribs,
Yes. I know Google developed Android. What you should do is download Firefox Focus from the play store apps and make that your default Search engine. Can you disable the google chrome in the app settings on your phone?
The other thing ya can do is is use a Symbian operating system which you ind in Nokia devices or you could buy a windows 8.1 cell operating system phone.
I just find the Android easy to use and as I do not participate on social media with my phone, it doesn't bother me.
There are options to Chrome for a browser on your smart phone. I like Firefox Focus. I ditched Chrome and the other one which came with my G3 LG phone..
Hope this might help a little bit sire....