No, it’s still there. Just more customisable. You can also change the Control centre so its similar to stock android instead of IOS/colorOS/HyperOS.
Unfortunately, updates take a long time to arrive. The reviewer has yet to receive an official software update. He has also been dealing with an annoying call bug. Nothing phone 2a in comparison has received multiple updates to fix issues. Get a nothing or pixel if you want Stock android look and feel while getting some semblance of software support.