[bbbhltz]

A Linux phone might not be the best bet, yet. Especially if this is a daily driver. Any "degoogled" phone should be able to access f-droid and get the task app (I use the same app on my degoogled phone).

I think you should start by verifying what phones/bands your operator/network supports. From that list you can check which devices support alternative ROMs.

GrapheneOS is for Pixel phones and is viewed as the "best bet" right now for a variety of reasons. It ships without GSF or alternatives. That may lead to some issues with a handful of apps. I might be wrong here, but I think there are still some tap-to-pay apps that won't work on GrapheneOS and maybe banking apps (??? double-check that claim).

If you don't go for a Pixel and still want to change ROMs, there are options: Lineage, Calyx, /e/, Omni. Bliss, Arrow, iodé, Divest, Replicant, Paranoid, Pixelexperience,...

If that doesn't float your boat, any phone can be partially degoogled without root access. Ok, "degoogled" is a strong word here... But, using ADB you can get rid of lots of Google stuff in terms of apps, the underlying Google services will remain. That is a good starting point though. If you can handle a partially degoogled device without maps, YT, play store, etc., then moving to another device will be easy.

Even after degoogling, many apps will still be available. Signal provides the APK on their site, Anki can be used for Japanese, Aurora store helps out a lot here.

[fsflover]

> A Linux phone might not be the best bet, yet.

Why is that? I'm happy with my Librem 5, and all apps OP needs should work on it, including those from F-Droid.

[bbbhltz]

Sorry, that comment is solely based on "desk-study".

I've heard lots of positive and some negative about Linux Phones---and I do want one so bad. I think many of those comments come from Pinephone users who are happy with the device, but upset with battery life, camera quality, other nitpicks, etc..

The Librem is often reported as "overpriced".

And you are using this as your daily driver? Clearly my information is out-of-date.

UPDATE: I just watched some recent videos and read a couple of recent reviews. The librem 5 looks and works great. I guess I'll start putting some money aside.