It seems that LineageOS has GApps installed and /e/ does not (presumably since they use MicroG?), so it is looking like for LineageOS, it's really Google Play leaking this data.
It doesn't come with GApps installed, you need to flash those packages manually. That said, LOS also comes without an app store whereas /e/ has a custom F-Droid-compatible store pre-installed.
Combining LineageOS and MicroG is kind of hard (relatively), because LineageOS enforces signature validation, which MicroG needs disabled to properly fake the proper Google APIs. There are non-enforcing builds and build instructions available, but that's not the default. /e/ seems to have the necessary patches enabled by default, which makes using popular apps without flashing GApps a lot easier.
I know of two other Android flavors that have microG integrated. /e/ is one of them and CalyxOS is the other.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bx6RvTCEGn5zA06lW_uZ...
If you want a more specific recommendation, could you provide your budget and your requirements?
If you're fine with a used phone, the OnePlus 8 has a high-end Snapdragon 865 processor and 8 GB RAM.[1] The carrier models have IP68, and unlocked models are manufactured similarly but don't have an official IP rating.[2] If you're getting the T-Mobile carrier model (which may be carrier unlocked at sale), you'll need to request a code and wait a week to unlock the bootloader before you can flash LineageOS.[3] Used models go for $200-300 on eBay depending on condition, and a new factory unlocked model is $399.
If you're looking for a new phone, you may want to consider the Pixel 5a which manages to have both IP67 and a headphone jack for $449 new, but uses a mid-level Snapdragon 765G processor paired with 6 GB RAM.[4] The OnePlus 9 Pro is also available with a high-end Snapdragon 888 processor, 12 GB RAM, and IP68 for $969 new or about $600-800 used.[5]
[2] https://9to5google.com/2020/04/14/oneplus-8-ip68-water-resis...
[3] https://www.oneplus.com/support/answer/detail/op588
To check, do you know whether the bootloader can be unlocked without a SIM card with these phones?
I am thinking that the oneplus 8 has plenty of horsepower.
(Not all manufacturers require a bootloader unlock code, but having this option is still better than not being able to unlock the bootloader at all.)
And yes, the OnePlus 8 is faster than any Pixel phone released so far. It's only a year old after all.
* https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-unlock-a-phone-o...