Joke's on them, my phone only cost $300

(non-Android) Linux phones aren't really ready for daily driving even for relatively advanced users - but it looks like we're gonna have to deal with it anyhow

Something kind of concerning I just found - there's an option for "limited distribution" which is "Intended for 'students, hobbyists, and other personal use.'" One of the differences is the following:

Has "capped number of apps and installs"(specific limits not disclosed)

Doesn't this imply there's going to be global tracking of what apps people are installing even through sideloading or APKs? I can't think of any other way to enforce this. They would have to know how many times people installed an app even when its not through any kind of app store or even from the internet at all.

does this control happen with a specific android version release? what number? Can I get a new phone with that version and sideload an alternative OS/ROM?

Christ. Some cheap phone for calls, SMS and banking. Some other device for literally everything else, perhaps I can get it with a headphone jack again.

$1000 USD for a mobile phone...no thanks.

My problem with this is when I now don't have freedom from surveillance in my country because I mainly use F-Droid to install my privacy conscious apps.