I think the otterbox symmetry is a good one for that phone, the plastic on the back makes it easy to slide in and out of the pocket, I’ve dropped mine, sat on it etc brand new still

More standalone apps

I use it like that and it works fine you can use the ring or a case with MagSafe the case usually works better cause it has magnets to help it the ring is dependent of the accessory magnets

I guess the tap is nice instead of having to use our nose like every other person, and yes just get the 9 and you won’t regret it

But that one handed use and that home button

Go to the watch app> accessibility > touch accommodations, turn on the hold duration that will help with accidental touches. Hope that helps

Under accessibility there is a touch delay option, that helped me with that problem