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A Day in the Life with the Google Pixel 9a: A Toronto Tech Journey

Introduction

Good morning, Toronto! Despite the gloomy weather, I’m excited to share my day using the Google Pixel 9a, a budget-friendly smartphone that punches above its weight. With a plastic back, aluminum side rails, and a 6.3-inch display, this device feels surprisingly premium, offering performance and a screen quality that rivals pro-level phones. Join me as I take you through my day in Toronto, from morning routines to evening events, all while testing the Pixel 9a’s features.

Morning Routine: Notifications and Productivity

My day starts with checking notifications and messaging friends on the Pixel 9a. The integration of RCS with iPhones in 2025 makes switching from iOS to Android seamless, and Google’s polished Android software feels familiar yet refined. The 6.3-inch display, with a peak brightness of 2700 nits, is vibrant and visible even in dim morning light. While sipping coffee, I use the Notion Calendar app, which syncs effortlessly across my devices, to review my schedule. Today’s light, with a couple of exciting events later, including an LG event.

The Pixel 9a’s stereo speakers deliver clear, loud audio, though I wish for a bit more bass. While brushing my teeth, I scroll through social media to stay updated on tech news—crucial for my work as a content creator. I also check my Notion workflow to ensure my video pipeline, including a recently finished iPad Mini video, is on track. The iPad Mini’s screen, while great, doesn’t quite match the Pixel 9a’s display quality.

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Midday Adventures: Work and Exploration

To switch things up, I book a WeWork space using my Revolut account, which offers perks like free WeWork passes, gym access, and an Uber One subscription. The Pixel 9a, paired with a Google silicone case for protection, feels comfortable and durable despite its plastic back. Its boxy design and matte black finish give it a sleek, premium vibe. The redesigned camera layout—a pill-shaped module instead of the full bar—reduces the camera bump, making the phone lie flat without rocking. Google’s decision to thicken the phone and add a larger battery is a win, especially compared to the trend of slim phones with poor battery life.

I also rely on the Ultrahuman Air Ring for fitness tracking, as Android Wear doesn’t match the Apple Watch’s capabilities. The ring tracks my vitals and syncs with the UltraHuman app on Android, making it a great smartwatch alternative. Carrying my new GS28 151 Stealth backpack, which holds my camera gear and laptop, I head to the WeWork space. The leather quality and design are top-notch, perfect for a content creator on the go.

PopSockets

Afternoon in Toronto: Capturing the City

Out on my terrace, I enjoy some fresh air as the weather briefly clears before an expected rain. The Pixel 9a’s main and ultrawide cameras shine, capturing Toronto’s vibe in 4K 30fps video with excellent colors and dynamic range. However, photos come out darker than expected compared to videos. The front-facing camera, while decent, is a weak point due to its fixed focus and compression issues on social media. Still, Google’s computational photography, especially in Night Sight mode, delivers impressive low-light performance, though it’s not quite on par with the Pixel 9 Pro.

Toronto’s streets are buzzing, with movie crews filming “New York” scenes using vintage taxi cabs—a reminder that the city often doubles as NYC or Vancouver in films. I use the YouTube Studio app to monitor analytics and engage with comments, appreciating the Pixel 9a’s smooth performance. Google’s Gemini AI, integrated into apps like Gmail, saves time by drafting email replies, streamlining my workflow.

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Evening Events: LG Event and Networking

After a quick change, I head to an LG event, sporting a Clocks and Colors compass necklace that reflects my love for travel. A mix-up lands me at a black-tie event across the street, but I quickly find the right venue. The LG event is a blast, offering networking opportunities with fellow YouTubers in Toronto’s vibrant creator community. LG gifts me a book on the colors of film, a thoughtful nod to my photography and videography passions.

By 6:00 p.m., the Pixel 9a’s battery is at 45%, impressive after heavy use. By 9:17 p.m., it’s at 27%, outlasting other phones I’ve tested, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The phone stays cool despite Toronto’s humid 26–27°C weather and maxed-out 120 Hz brightness. Cellular coverage is stellar, with fast 5G+ speeds and reliable performance even on the subway.

Wrapping Up: Low-Light Tests and Final Thoughts

Back home, I test the Pixel 9a’s low-light photography. The main camera performs well, though the wide lens picks up some lens flares. The built-in microphone captures decent audio, and the color science is spot-on, though the front-facing camera remains the weakest link. With 6 hours and 12 minutes of screen-on time and 22% battery left after a 12-hour day, the Pixel 9a’s battery life is a standout, especially for a compact phone.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9a is the best A-series phone I’ve used, offering pro-level performance, a stunning display, and exceptional battery life at a budget-friendly price. From managing my day with Notion to capturing Toronto’s cinematic streets and networking at events, the Pixel 9a handled it all with ease.

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