Why not just buy an older pixel a model ...? Like a 7a ... It is cheaper and runs GOS.
I personally can't buy phones without physical dual sim.
Dual eSIMs when travelling have failed me too many times.
Everything is moving to esim.
Enshittification at its finest to save a $.
Yet another attempt by carriers and phone manufacturers to take away control from users.
When I was looking, the older models were around $500. Looks like they came down in price. I also looked at used, but my company stipend/discount would only apply to new.