I've tried the Hisense A5 and the Bigme Hibreak, and software-wise, found the Bigme Hibreak to suck a little less, as I could not access the Google Play store on the Hisense.
I had one with colour, and one without.
The black and white screen is much better.
Both sadly run outdated Android versions, so I don't do anything like banking on my e-ink phone.
But I have found that not having a LCD screen in my pocket, literally gives me hours of my day back. It literally saves a huge portion of my life from being wasted in the evil pit that is ad-funded recommendation algorithm services.
LCD screens, videos, and ad-watch-time-maximising recommendation algorithm services (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, etc) attract our eyes like moths to a flame.
I have not finished multiple books per month since my pre-smartphone childhood days, until getting an e-ink smartphone.
My Bigme Hibreak, that is my daily driver, runs Android 11, and I don't get timely notifications on e.g. messaging apps. It also came without case and screen protector, which is a big minus.
Do you have experience with e-ink smartphones? Which makes and models work for you?