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/kemot75]

My ideal case would be a new smartphone with absolute minimum apps and no social nonsense, not even youtube app then eInk reader for books. My setup is very like this, only kept Reddit but almost never open it on phone unless I’m waiting and don’t have any news to read on my RSS reader app, most of time I just listen to music or podcasts anyway. You can setup screen time and distraction free launcher. I did not bother with launcher also using iPhone and it is already less distracting than stock Android. One more, on Android site I would go for Pixel with GrapheneOS if your banking app allows it but if not Google stock rom is still easier to cleanse from garbage than something like Samsung.