The first thing to know is that nice cameras aren't cheap—most of our picks here cost around $1,000—and you usually get what you pay for. The second thing I want to impart is that these cameras require you to pay attention and put in a little effort while shooting. I'd bet that the first few times you use them, you'll be a little let down. The onus is on you to learn how to use your new camera in order to get the most from it. Although all these models have automatic modes that can be activated with a dial twist or a button press, you'll get the most from these devices if you take the time to look over the user manual, watch some instructional YouTube videos, and read some forums or websites on how to get the best results.
None of these cameras have built-in storage, so you'll need to buy an SD card, which thankfully are super cheap now. Grab a 64-GB card from a reputable store and never look back. I'd also recommend looking into other accessories. While some of these cameras are legitimately small, some are a bit bigger than a sling bag can fit, and not all of them include the nicest straps (whether you get a wrist strap or a full neck strap in the box), accessorizing can be a super fun experience. Unlike smartphones, all of these cameras have batteries you can remove yourself, so you can carry a spare for extended shoots or swap in a replacement cell years down the road once the original battery can’t hold a charge anymore. Some of these models let you charge the battery over USB, but not all of them have a USB-C port; they may have an older microUSB slot for in-camera charging from the wall or a battery bank.
Also, before you pick a camera, I'd recommend you think about what you shoot. The lenses on these cameras are not interchangeable, so you're stuck with the one the camera comes with. Most main phone lenses use a relatively wide 28-mm-equivalent focal length. If you shoot a lot of landscapes or architecture, this focal length is pretty nice. But if you want to get closer to your subjects, something like a 35- or 40-mm-equivalent lens may be a better choice. Just know that you won't be able to fit as much stuff in the frame without stepping farther back. Below, I'll use equivalent focal lengths to standardize across cameras and compare the lenses on each.