My rating is 3.5 stars. I'll round up.
In general, I am not an early adopter. 2020 has been such an odd year that I have shattered this perception in a few areas.
Late in October, I decided to pre-order a Google Pixel 4a 5G phone. I have been using a Google Pixel 2 XL for well over two years and have frankly been enamoured by all Pixel phones that I've had. I felt that it was time to go with a newer model.
I did something different this time. I bought the phone outright from the Google Store. For years, I have subsidized my phone with my cell phone provider. For the last four years, I have been with Rogers. It's actually $30 cheaper buying the phone outright, which I can put towards getting a decent meal!
I got my new phone on Friday. As usual, it's more difficult to get accessories for a phone that hasn't saturated the market to the same extent as an iPhone or Galaxy. I decided to check out this Rogers store while waiting for a takeout order from Plates and Bowls a few stores down.
Maybe I need to lower my standards. If you can pre-order a Google Pixel 4a 5G off Rogers's Web site, wouldn't you think that there would be some accessories available at their stores? Nope, not at this one.
I parked closer to Plates and Bowls, and walked over to Rogers. There was plenty of parking.
The store is bright and inviting. I normally don't visit a Rogers store.
I looked at the screen protectors and cases. I didn't see any for my phone model. However, I did get to see the Google display of phones.
I approached the counter and spoke to a nice woman. She helped me with finding a case. She pulled out an Otterbox sparkly case. However, it was for the Google Pixel 4a. This phone has a screen size of 5.8". The 4a 5G model is 6.2". I let her know that it wasn't the right one.
She checked her inventory. Nope, this store doesn't have any screen protectors or cases for my new phone. It was simply a reminder that your best bet for a new phone is to find your accessories online. I thanked her for her time and help, and left empty-handed.
The good news is that I had already bought a screen protector earlier in the day from Best Buy, which was reduced in price. I found two cases online last night and expect them to arrive tomorrow.
I liked the PopTops at the store. It's good to know that this place has a nice assortment.
There were three staff members here at 5 pm. They all seemed to enjoy what they do, which was nice to see.
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