While that is true, from what I understand from reading up on this topic some more, Nintendo (for example) has always taken a 20% cut, even on physical games and retailers would take ~25% in addition to another ~5% by the manufacturer. With physical sales, the publisher could expect about 50% of the sales while with digital sales you can expect roughly 70%. Of course, this doesn’t even take into account things like licensing fees. I am sure this is all very simplified and subject to change, but it gives us a rough idea of where the money is going - in the pocket of the publisher.

Sources (not the best but there isn’t a lot of public data on this): https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletters/evolution-of-console-business-models https://www.serkantoto.com/2020/12/30/price-video-console-game-digital-physical/ https://www.zeldadungeon.net/forum/threads/game-price-breakdown-digital-vs-physical.62076/ https://globalxetfs.co.jp/en/research/video-games-esports-building-on-2020s-rapid-growth/index.html

And the publisher will state something like “industry standard” or something like that which really means “we charge $80 because other people charge $80.” In reality, they no longer have to worry about printing games (so that cost is gone) and no longer have to compete for shelf space, there is infinite supply (digital games), the cost of technology decreases over time, and the increase acceptance of DLC and digital marketplaces. The increase of prices only benefits overall profits and is anti-consumer. The consumer does not see a decrease in prices when they fire thousands of people or other expenses are cut. Instead they just raise the price. 100% greed.

Nothing OS is a custom OS by Nothing Technology Limited built on Android. It is not privacy focused like you would get with GrapheneOS but has very little bloat. It is proprietary to Nothing phones. There are unofficial versions of /e/OS available on on XDA for the CMF Phone 1. The Fairphone 4 also has the ability to run custom ROMS like /e/OS and LineageOS.

Here is a video talking about putting /e/OS on the CMF Phone 1: https://youtu.be/TkTzmM9izCo

While, I’m not sure if you’re in the US or elsewhere, here is my response from a US perspective. Another consideration is what carrier do you use, especially if you’re in the US. A phone with a user-replaceable battery that is under $300 is going to be hard to find, at least new.

My recommendation for a new phone would be the CMF Phone 1. While the battery isn’t user-replaceable in the “pop out” sense, it is designed with a more accessible battery for easier replacement than most modern smartphones. https://us.nothing.tech/products/cmf-phone-1

For used, this is also challenging. If you can find a Fairphone 3 or 4 in the US that works with your carrier, that would be perfect. The Fairphones have batteries that are removable by popping off the back cover. They are typically around $300 I think.