Joxnir

EOS does indeed have google services removed, and replaced with microG, which is an open source replacement that allows dependent apps to still work. You can check it out here:
https://e.foundation/e-os/

I really like the balance they go for between practicality and privacy. Never tried their own online services so I can’t comment on that part.

As for VPN with hotspot, no idea. :D For what it’s worth, regular hotspotting worked fine in my experience.

If you’re concerned about the lifespan of the device, maybe the FP4 or FP5 would better. Lacking headphone jack aside, they seem like good upgrades and should last waaay longer.

Sorry for the late reply. I think they promised “5+ years” of support for the FP3, so that could theoretically already end in August this year.
However, like with the FP2, they have a great track record for long support and only ever seem to want to push that support even farther. Also I’m using the EOS ROM on this phone which is based on LineageOS. The combination of a very open phone and an open source OS leads me to expect I’ll still be using this phone for another 5 years easily.

I just updated my FP3 to Android 13 yesterday. I love it. It’s still running like new. Software aside, I’d say it’s physically as durable as most phones, but I can easily replace any part that might break, since it’s made in such a modular design. Heck it even came with a screwdriver to make it easier.