>A 2-3 generation old pixel on the second hand marker is not expensive at all though.

Sure but at around 300 bucks is still way over 50 bucks.

And even if you get a used Pixel 8, having separate phone and computer adds a priceless layer of redundancy and flexibility.

If someone steals my phone, I don't want to also loose my work PC with it.

Isn't Pixel 10 the first one with fully supported desktop mode?

I remember I was very confused when buying a Pixel 7 to replace my (then 3 year old) Huawei P30 Pro, and the inferior camera + lack of desktop mode made it feel like a net downgrade.

Note that such capabilities were added to the 8 after it launched. When they launched it they did not even mention that it contains displayport alt mode.