As an Android user who’s glad that iOS gestures have been “copied” on my Samsung phone, I respectfully disagree. Gestures seem to work relatively reliably and keep navigation muscle memory uniform between my iPad and phone.
Let’s not forget the fantastic bonus of having all that screen real estate not being taken up by software navigation buttons like on older android phones.
Most chargers aren’t plugged into a place where you can conveniently lay your phone down 8" away.
I’m inclined to say your opinion is wrong.
(/s, kinda)