Recommendation for Android Test Device - API 26

Creating my first android app using Android Studio on my Mac (Tahoe) computer. For the app itself I'm currently planning on targeting API 26 (Android 8.0 Oreo).

I'm currently debugging using the emulator (Pixel 9 and medium tablets) but want a physical device so I can get a better feel for it plus I heard you need one to upload to the Google Play Store.

I already have a primary phone so this would be mainly debugging and wifi access so not sure if I need to target phone or tablet.

Any recommendations? And why?