Privacy

I don't think you are going to get much information here. I'm not trying to be condescending, but I read this post as "I have done zero research on this topic myself, please do it for me".

You will get a much better response if you first do some basic research yourself, and then come with more specific questions. I'd suggest you start with the device list from the OS you are looking at, and go from there.

Again, I'm not trying to be demeaning. I think it is great that you are looking to de-google your life, and I wish you all the success in this endeavour.

consider LineageOS, if you don't want a Google Pixel phone. They have a larger list of supported devices ☞ https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/

Graphene runs on Google hardware... So deapite getting rid of google, you will unfortunately still have to hand them a load of money.

As far as what device to pick... https://grapheneos.org/faq#device-support

I used to use a pixel 7, recently upgraded to a 9. In the EU on vodafone no issues with anything. Also not when travelling outside of europe.

Well the bad news is that GOS only runs on Pixels. The good news is it will be an easy choice. Just choose the latest one that fits your budget. Pixel 8+ will give you desktop mode, if that's important to you. The other good news is that Pixels get 7 years of updates so you can choose a cheap used one and use it for a long time.

check out swappa, ebay or your local for sale sites for used pixel phone. don’t pay google for a new one.

Get a Pixel that still has a good amount of time left for security updates. So don't buy a Pixel 6 for example as it's almost end of life. Make sure it's a carrier unlocked model. I don't know too much about Verizon issues, maybe it's sim card related but grapheneOS supports eSims if that's an option with Verizon.

I would go for an older Pixel Pro before a newer budget version that ends with a in the model name.
https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices