Buying a used phone does save resources and stops potential e-waste though.

Plus with an older phone there’s more likelihood that an alternative OS is available.

67% of phones are made in China.* Many for Western companies. Using parts and materials sourced from around the world.

• https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/global-handset-production-2021/

I guess it depends on what operating system you decide to use…

(There’s also Shift who make a similar product : https://www.shiftphones.com/en/)