it's not bad when Universal Android Debloater is used. I've used an Android 13 based samsung device for a year, debloated to hell with UAD and there were no weird network requests happening other than NTP timesync and google connectivitycheck. Do run RethinkDNS in allowlist mode though, just in case.
If you have an unlockable bootloader (specific region and not upgraded to OneUI 8 yet), just install a custom rom.
if you can find one for cheap nearby, an ipod is decent. the full sized models can take large ssds and run foss rockbox fw. the price is insane in my area though so i can't have one, but my friend uses it and it's great.