I give props to people that can get photos like this...I've tried but the long exposure required always results in streaky images due to the Earth's rotation. Those sub-24mm f/1.8 wide angle lenses are hella expensive to do it right. Can't fork out $1500 for one, so I just enjoy everyone else's work
That's definitely a composite/stacked photo, not a single frame.
I haven't mastered it myself either, but the main trick is to take multiple exposures of shorter time-lengths, then stack, blend, adjust exposure, etc. As you stated, after a certain amount of time you get noticeable star trails which can look great if that's the goal, but generally people are looking for the hyper-detailed galaxy image which you are not going to get with long exposures. I think it's gotta be under 10 seconds to keep stars sharp. I don't get out to areas with low light pollution much at all so I haven't had much experience with this tactic in the end.