Google has so far allowed installing apps without their explicit permission. So it's much higher on freedom index, imo. And there's no obligation to use Google cloud apps. There's alternative for every Google cloud app.
Also, Pixels have unlocked bootloaders and Android is open source to the point where third parties can and do make alternative OS distributions.
Also, Pixels have unlocked bootloaders and Android is open source to the point where third parties can and do make alternative OS distributions.