If you do have something like a Pixel / Galaxy already, consider installing DuckDuckGo browser. It’s not just a browser… it also runs an onboard vpn, which has the side effect of blocking ad tracking requests. I was kinda horrified and surprised to see what kind of info most of the apps were taking, and how often they were making the requests. GPS (both coarse & fine), IMEI, post code, email address, all kinds of other identifiers.

You’ll have to manually let a few apps through (stuff like the wallet, maybe banking apps) but everything else is blocked on my phone.

If I was going to buy a new smartphone right now, I’d prob get a Fairphone:

Fairphone is a Dutch electronics manufacturer that designs and produces smartphones and headphones. It aims to minimise the ethical and environmental impact of its devices by using recycled, fairtrade and conflict-free materials, maintaining fair labour conditions throughout its workforce and suppliers, and enabling users to easily repair their devices through modular design and by providing replacement parts

Current phone is near FUBAR. Had an incident involving the sidewalk, and, uh… the sidewalk won the fight.

Repair is an option, but shelling out more money for a brand I’ve come to detest is not super appealing.

Fairphone! I forgot about them. In light of recent events, the modular nature of their design is pretty appealing.