I suppose I hadn't considered nor know much about slideloaded solutions as my previous phone was an iPhone 5c. It was a handmedown from my parents.

I don't really like the lack of hardware support on the Android side (parts availability). Not exactly like it's much better on the iPhone side either. So I went with the PinePhone. Linux on there is very barebones but at least the parts are available. If I am going to use my phone in a barebones manner then why buy in to an expensive fixed life device?

Not exactly a knowledgeable user. Just another user frustrated by the subscription/throwaway economy. I realize this wasn't really a relevant answer to your question but more how I adapted to the worthless app store.

BTW, one of the few apps I did purchase was 1Password. $60 for the Mac app and $40 for the iOS app. So $100 all in all. Those ass hats switched to subscription only the very next version citing we need funds to further develop the security. That plus a couple other examples is why I gave up on paid proprietary software on both devices. I'm full force trying to find FOSS solutions instead. Not that many exist for mobile or even desktop as you have also discovered.