Would this be a big jump from the S8?

Time to change.

That's because the official name is including NFC, to distinguish it from any China version that won't have that, as NFC is not popular there.

Frankly, it's not really popular as a payment option here as well, we use QR code more.

Most of the bloatware from Google and Mi apps can be removed, that was what I did.

Anyway, grabbed this to replace my aging S8. Was looking at the Mi10 and F2 Pro, but my usage was pretty basic so this will do just fine.

Have anyone replaced this SP? The pre-installed one not as smooth to the touch as my glass protector in S8.

Thanks! Will give it a try.

AdAway is generally the go-to blocker. You can find it in xda forum.

You need a rooted phone.