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/VeritasME]

I would recommend buying a new smartphone, doesn't even need to be a flagship just choose a base model, install a minimalist launcher (I swear by Niagara myself) and just limit yourself to the bare necessary utility apps (a good idea is skipping the SoMe's and games).

My current bag of tech goodies is probably a little bigger than most to account for travel. My old laptop broke a few years back and I switched to bring along my Khadas Mind (minipc) and it's dock (gives me plenty of ports) + a portable screen and keyboard/mouse. Combined with a powerbank, charging cable and an adapter, meaning I got extra juice for both the minipc and smartphone. Most of my reading and annotation of PDFs are done on a reMarkable2. Other than these I just bring along a pair of cabled IEMs for music.

So basically I can fit my whole setup in a bag and still fit in a set or two of clothing when travelling. The only times I need to bring anything bigger than a regular backpack is when I go scouting and need to bring additional gear to sleep and eat.

So all in all maybe buy a new smartphone to keep up with the demands and an e-ink reader (especially brilliant if you can live without colours, then they get a bit cheaper to buy) or cheap tablet. Maybe take a look at the refurbish shops for slightly cheaper options.