I have similar machine, but I run Linux, and don’t have these problems. Not exactly configured just some profiles for different use cases.
It was eye-opening how it got faster and snappier after getting rid of windows. Most apps don’t need tinkering, just installing from repo for me.
If you want it only for SMS and calls buy some dumb brick. But if you need more things from it I can’t help you I am dissatisfied with most phones but now I have second hand FP 3 and it is enough for me.
If you want it only for testing, breaking things… Buy some POS office PC, lot of companies is always getting rid of these.
I am not self hosting, but I will probably buy few of these from my work and try it (at least it’s my plan).
Can confirm, I replaced bunch of useless cloud crap on my mum’s phone with simple tools and she likes it. I use them too.
For anyone interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrGfahzt-4Q
This gets little in depth on this issues.
I have few profiles set up - stock, changed settings, different extensions…
I then use the one for the task I do - need to use Google I use Google profile, work stuff and simple search have different profiles …
I use mint and it is great choice, I am not so techy and it just works on this machine.