[smoldesu]

For my money, less is more. Minimalist ROMs like LineageOS are a must-have, and when it's not available I use Android Debloater[0]. Usually I bounce all the unnecessary Google/OEM services and install better alternatives like Newpipe for YouTube and Firefox instead of Chrome. Media apps will be a matter of opinion, but I'm perfectly content with VLC. I do syncing with Syncthing, which is perfect if you spend most of your time on the same network.

Besides that though, I don't do a whole lot. The Android 12 UI colors are nice to play with, but I don't think there are any game-changing tips that will blow your mind. Maybe set up Termux so you can do programming on the side?

[0] https://github.com/0x192/universal-android-debloater

[theandrewbailey]

I second LineageOS. I put it on my Kindle Fire 7, and it became fast enough to be usable for the first time. Flashed it again without Google Play services, and it got a bit faster. I use it to read email (Fastmail), listen to music (VLC), and occasionally watch youtube (NewPipe). I can recommend FDroid and Aptoide to replace Google Play.

[smoldesu]

I ran LineageOS on my Nintendo Switch for a few months, and it was uncannily stable. I had accelerated video playback, ran Obsidian and got all my other apps working mostly fine. A good LineageOS build can really change an older device for the better (but my Switch runs OEM firmware today because I despise fun).

[devicelimit]

I use the Newpipe x Sponserblock app from the Izzy on Droid FDroid repo. https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/org.polymorphicshad...

[KetoManx64]

Another vote for LineageOS from me, i'm running it on my Galaxy Tab S6. Smooth as butter, better battery life than Touchwiz and no bloatware. I run without Google apps and use Aurora Store and Fdroid for applications.