Kroko

You can uninstall YouTube and most other app with ADB https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation

deleted by creator

List of all Linux phones https://linmob.net/resources/#smartphones

rooted device

You can hide root and all other stuff. Only thing you can’t get long term is Google Device and Strong integrity.

Yes, NFC works in custom roms. You can replace Google Pay with Curve Pay and others more local options. Some countries have independent payment systems that work ass contactless payment.

Unlocking phones has more to do with the phone’s manufacturer than the SoC it uses. Developing custom ROMs for MediaTek is more difficult. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t devices with MediaTek SoCs that have custom ROMs.

Unlocking is possible outside of China https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/xiaomi/README.md

Adb command line interface is a major barrier for most users. Even with GUI tools built on top of ADB that still a barrier for many users.

I don’t have experience with linux os on phones. You should ask https://www.reddit.com/user/Mister_Magister/. He is community developer of sailfish os https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/1mzla4h/ive_been_daily_driving_and_developing_mobile/

Waydroid support MicroG

You can install app from Android Debug Bridge (adb). It will bypass all new restriction.

List of all Linux phones https://linmob.net/resources/#smartphones
Next gen Jolla Phone https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/next-gen-jolla-phone/23882

There are phones supporting Linux https://linmob.net/resources/#smartphones

https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/post-90249798

One UI 8 will block oem unlock and relock bootloader in all Samsung.

You should buy SoC only made by TCMS. It even more important whether It is a Snapdragon or a MediaTek.
Right now, the most important specification is battery capacity. Some Smartphones are already available with batteries up to 7000 mAh.

https://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-poco-f7
https://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-realme-gt7-12gb-512gb

https://nanoreview.net/en/soc-compare/qualcomm-snapdragon-888-plus-vs-qualcomm-snapdragon-6-gen-3

It is bad. It looks like less powerful that 888+ :L It even made by Samsung… which means it uses a worse manufacturing process than TSMC

There aren’t many good options for Linux phone… https://linmob.net/resources/#smartphones

I need to wait. Custom roms development for my new phone has only just started. Right now, there are only beta releases of LineageOS (unofficial). It doesn’t look that bad even though it has a MediaTek SoC.

I will move to custom roms. There is no way I will don’t use revanced.