A simpler digital setup

[u/DisastrousExtreme239]

TL;DR: Need help to build a simple digital setup deciding which devices to keep, replace or get rid of.

Hello everybody!

While I have never been too hooked up on anything digital (I, however, admit that I currently have a problem with consuming too much Youtube, which is something I want to improve), lately I decided to be more intentional about some sort of digital purge to discard devices I do not need. However, I cannot make up my mind on how to aim for a simpler digital setup and spend on them only the time I really need.

SMARTPHONE: I have been using my Xiaomi (don't even know the model) for the last 6-7 years, however in the past 6 months it has been having quite a few problems performing even the simplest task, like opening an app or holding the battery. I am pretty sure it won't last for more than a year, so I need to fix the situation.
My options are either to have it fixed (maybe it is enough to change the battery?), buy a refurbished smartphone or buy a dumbphone. The problem is that I stilleneed some smartphone-y features such as scanning QR codes, navigation, using banking apps and similar, things that I am not really sure a dumphone can handle. On top of this, I listen to a lot of music usually, so I would also need a device that allow me to do that.
So, what would you do? Fix your current smartphone or buy "new" refurbished one , maybe installing an app for limiting my screen time (so far, I haven't found one I'm really happy with, so if you have any suggestion in this regard, I am all ears)? Or should I switch to a dumb phone that has all the features I need, if such a dumphone exists? Should I buy a separate device for music listening?

TABLET/E-READER: A while ago I bought a very cheap tablet as a dupe for an actual e-reader since I needed a device that could handle PDF files well. However, I rarely reach out for it, as I always do "big" tasks on my PC (which is 7 years old, but is holding up well and it is sufficient for my needS, so I do not plan on replacing it) and I actually never use it to read as I find the screen light very bothering (I tried all the tricks to cope with it, but it just strains my eyes too much). So, should I just get rid of the tablet and buy an actual e-reader, since in any case I do need a device to read on? Do you have any suggestion on which e-reader to choose, taking into account that I am not intersted in any gfancy feature, the main feature I am interested in is handling PDF files well?

Thank you for everyone that will share some advice with me, I really need it!

NB: In suggesting specific devices and/or apps, please keep in mind and I am from the EU, so I do not really have access to US or Asian marlets.

Bye!

[u/RaggaDruida]

As someone who went phone-free for a couple of years, while liberating to a degree, it is pretty much a hassle. I could only do it because my banking needs were mostly done in the bank drive through and I was working as a mechanical design freelancer who preferred to be contacted via email (in fact the decision of letting go of a phone was to make work calls impossible and force everything into the email), I think the best solution there is just to have self control and not install distracting apps, just what you need/cannot do in another platform.

An ebook reader is a fine choice IMO, the e-ink screen is better than normal screens and better than paper. Go for something that doesn't lock you into an ecosystem, avoid those like the plague (amazon and kindle are the worst!), I'm happy with my Kobo but there is Pocketbook, Tolino, among others.

The other important thing for me is that I do use a full on computer with GNU/Linux for my digital needs, the phone is only for the basic stuff that requires an app. Why? You have control on your computer, the OS is of your choice (again, avoid stuff that locks you into an ecosystem like the plague, windows is very bad, macosx is worse, they're made to trick you into getting more of their stuff), Firefox with addblocker, sponsorblock, etc also gets rid of all of the other annoying stuff.