You can but it kind of sucks and you would only normally do it on a very temporary hacky basis. Otherwise use OpenVPN or Wireguard or whatever. If you want to do it with ssh, see the VPN instructions on the man page. But I mean it’s janky.

There are significant features being added too. Like satellite messaging in areas with no cell coverage can be pretty worthwhile. You’re right though, most other stuff is meh. I’d like wireless charging for my current phone but can do without it. I have a $250 phone from 2023 and don’t understand why anyone buys a flagship.

Yes the HW isn’t comparable to a modern phone though.

It’s worse. Linux desktop is only possible because of the relative consistency and openness of x86 PC hardware. Phones are nothing like that. At best we will have retro Linux handhelds with phone functionality.

Good luck, phone hardware changes very fast though.