https://www.androidheadlines.com/2019/05/sony-mobile-strateg...
Not exactly a ringing endorsement of its mobile phone strategy.
And it last a long time not using any services that make Android what it is to most users (ie using Google service) is not a mass market selling point.
Being a few years old does not make my example less valid. (Arguably the opposite, given that it still works well today.) The point is that it meets GP's needs.
Sony's poor marketing strategy was not caused by one phone model, nor is it a requirement for small phones in general.
You could easily adjust the numbers I quoted to estimate battery life with Google services running. Assume half, or a third, if you like. It would still meet GP's needs.
And if a company can’t sell a phone profitable, it’s not a viable product.
And he admits that he hardly ever uses it.
And that phone will probably not work at all soon in the US if it doesn’t support VoLTE.