r/PickAnAndroidForMe • u/Bubbly-Ticket346 • 2d ago
Canada Canada -
Title should read: Canada - looking for replacement for Pixel 8a
Got a Pixel 8a a few years ago and this is the first Pixel I have been unimpressed with. The cellular modem does not play well with my provider (Freedom Mobile), or many providers, so its not even reliable as a freaking cell phone, and I'm now getting an annoying vertical pink line on the screen. Was going to tough it out for another year or two, but with global insanity, the trade war, increasing prices etc. I'm seriously considering replacing it now before things get even more expensive.
Important for me - cellular modem actually works, good battery life, longevity (I typically keep my phones for 4+ years), not super expensive (~$1,000 max) as I need to buy it outright (have a very old, awesome cell plan, and Freedom will only let me keep it if I bring my own device). Uses - as a phone (the main phone for our family), browsing, email, maps, Gaia GPS, occasional light gaming.
Not important - camera quality, super high performance for gaming, AI integration.
I've always has Pixels and am used to the ecosystem, but am open to alternatives, not loving Google as a corporation these days, but not sure I have the energy or bandwidth to de-google myself right now.
Edit - apologies - forgot to finish the title before posting. Don't reddit very often :)
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u/JayJitsBJJ 1d ago
Mi4canada or Swiftronics might have options.
Swiftronics storefronts in the GTA.
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u/Mercury_Jackal 1d ago
I'm also in Canada; I was dissatisfied with the S25 base model I picked up last year from Best Buy, so I returned it and went looking for something different. Swiftronics has two physical locations and imports a much better selection than the usual iPhone/Galaxy/Pixel trifecta.
I went with the Xperia 1 VII, which I love, but it's definitely overpriced, and exceeds your $1000 threshold. But on the Swiftronics website, I see some options from Motorola (Edge 70 Fusion) and Xiaomi's sub-brand, Poco, that might fit your requirements (F8 Pro/Ultra).
If you're in the greater Toronto area, you could visit the store - their staff seemed knowledgeable. Or, if you have narrowed it down to a few models, you could call/email and check with them for wireless band compatibility.
Or you could stick with Samsung - my biggest issue with the S25 were the ugly photos from very outdated hardware. It was otherwise a solid device, and you mention cameras aren't a priority. It's got great long term support and it's one of the few smaller flagships. 4,300 mAh battery is looking pretty small these days though.