What do you mean ads lol, there are no ads. You probably did something wrong or got it from the wrong source. I’m not sure there’s any credible Vanced source right now, revanced is probably your best bet

It feels like literally any third party app for Reddit AND Lemmy are far smoother than the official Reddit app. What makes it so damn stuttery?

I would definitely suggest either something like a Pixel 7a or an older flagship. I bought a galaxy S20 FE when it was about 1.5 years old and I haven’t regretted it one bit. It doesn’t have the best camera though, which is why I suggested a “Pixel a” series phone. I would still buy a Samsung phone because I love OneUI, but that’s something for you to decide.