For many years, the best way to "future proof" a new computer was to get the fastest processor on offer. Then we could "install" more and faster memory (like from OWC) and faster and larger hard drives and eventually SSDs.
Apple "retired" those third party options for their customer base by soldering both memory and storage.
So today, we get to pay Apple way over inflated prices for the maximum memory and SSDs so the new unit might be usable longer.
The monkey wrench of custom "M" series chips clobbered this in 2019. My 2019 16" Intel laptop with all the top options cost over $6,000. The 2020 M1 MacBook Air had more performance (much less ports though) than that laptop and runs with no fans.
I added a new 2021 14" MacBook Pro Max with maximum memory and 4TB SSD. Runs cooler (no fan noise) and much quicker.
Still have the 16" for legacy issues. It did not suddenly stop running because the M1 was out. But the handwriting is on the wall the the operating system probably will drop all Intel support in three years as the Intel mini and MacPro are still being sold in 2022. I think 2022 could be the last year Intel processors are in Apple products.