Oh I am totally going to check that out. I appreciate that tip. Definitely getting one for half the cost of Essential. I also considered the Moto phones but not all of them have USB C charging.
Edit: Sadly it will not work with Sprint so I can't get it.
I think the OP meant SIM unlocked. Sadly Nokia android phones bootloader locked. Nokia's CTO statement: they would not be offering an official bootloader unlock method “due to security.” The only OEM consistently provides open code and unlocking easily is Motorola - Still some Google's DNA.
But at least not shoved with uninstallable and pre-installed apps. Yes I know I can "disable" some apps but I find it ridiculous that phones come with Facebook, Instagram etc preinstalled. Just no thanks.
Edit: Sadly it will not work with Sprint so I can't get it.