I know you mean the best, but an iPhone isn't any better privacy-wise than an Android is. Regardless of their public stance, these giant monoliths have proven time and time again there's no respect for an individual's privacy. If they get caught lying/breaking the law, the fine is merely the cost of doing business.
It would be better to focus on universal ways someone could keep themselves safe. Drop WhatsApp/SMS for Signal, drop Chromium based browsers, use uBlock, a VPN, etc. Arguing over phones is just infighting and not worth the energy.
It has been forever, yet brain still reads this in his voice so perfectly.