I like the Fossify apps. I use the phone, sms, contacts, gallery and file manager. It’s SO nice to not have google nag about cloud backups all the time, when I just wanted to look at some pictures I’ve taken.
Also whenever I can I download apps from F-Droid instead of play store if they’re available both places. For example I use Home Assistant, KeePassDX, Syncthing, Termux, VLC, and more from F-Droid.
Found a couple of new apps to try out in this thread as well :)