Idk what OP is doing but I have one because I live abroad. One US number with roaming disabled still receives my US texts for verification codes, but my other number is my real daily use one.

100% non-cloud. There are sync options but they are completely optional. No log-in required unless you use the cloud features.

You understand these aren’t random chemicals right? It’s cells. Same as meat you buy now. Like everything these cells are made of chemicals. Same chemicals you buy now when you buy meat. And for sure there will be slight differences. But those differences will most likely be in the realm of “more X and less Y” and not “now it contains Z”.