I have a 55" IPS TV with absolutely zero smart functions, and we use it as a dummy monitor, Audio is not even connected, all is hooked up to a Linux computer that serves all the content. Zero bullshit, Zero advertising and we have full control of everything, and it was dirt cheap.
We use a tiny wireless keyboard with a track pad, it's bigger than a remote, and we still have remote for Amplifier and to turn on the TV, but it works very well for us. Some phones have IR, so we could have just the keyboard, but we have went back to using the remotes.