AT-LP120XBT-USB vs AT-LPW50BT-RW for a complete beginner – only ~$40 difference

Hi everyone,

I’m about to buy my first-ever turntable, so I’m completely new to vinyl. I’ve already started buying records, and after doing quite a bit of research I’ve narrowed it down to:
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW

Where I live, the price difference is only about $40, with the LPW50BT-RW being slightly more expensive, so price isn’t really the deciding factor.

Which one would you choose if you were starting again, and why?

My situation/plans:
For the first 1–2 years, I’ll be using the turntable exclusively through Bluetooth with my Samsung/Harman Kardon soundbar + subwoofer. I know Bluetooth isn’t the ideal way to get the most out of vinyl, but it’s the setup I already have and I don’t want to buy a complete stereo system immediately.

Longer term, however, I can definitely see myself getting more serious about vinyl. My plan would eventually be to:
Buy a proper pair of stereo speakers
Switch from Bluetooth to a wired/RCA connection
Potentially buy a dedicated amplifier/phono stage
Upgrade the stylus, probably from the included VM95E to something like the VMN95ML
Potentially experiment with different cartridges/headshells later

So upgradeability and long-term potential are important to me. I’d rather buy a turntable now that I can grow into than feel like I need to replace the entire turntable in a couple of years.
I also don’t mind fully manual operation at all — actually, I think manually cueing the record is part of the charm.
From what I understand:

The LP120XBT-USB gives me direct drive, better Bluetooth codec support, removable headshell, adjustable tracking force/anti-skate, USB, 78 rpm, quartz lock, etc.

The LPW50BT-RW seems more focused specifically on home Hi-Fi, with the 30 mm MDF plinth, carbon-fiber tonearm, rubber mat and belt-drive system, while still having the removable headshell, VM95E and upgradeable cartridge/stylus.
Since the price difference is only ~$40, which would you choose for sound quality and long-term ownership?
Is the LPW50 actually audibly better with a proper wired stereo setup, or is the LP120 the better overall platform because of its direct drive and extra features?
Thanks!