Fair enough, but Android includes Play Services in all notable cases. Yes a handful of people run it without, which does solve that issue, at the cost of convenience and usability.
That's why I specified "decent smartphone". I wouldn't consider the UX of Android without Play Services to be "decent".
Source?
The distinction still needs to be made between AOSP and whatever ships on your phone or is included in play services. Especially on HN of all places.