The Pixel 5 is not fairly worth its high price, particularly since its software program assist window ends quickly (October 2023). Amazon at present sells the Pixel 4A 5G for the same price as the Pixel 6A, and whereas it is a good cellphone, it needs to be cheaper. You are higher off sticking with the Pixel 6A. As for older Pixels, they are not value selecting up. They’re simply too previous (and the Pixel 4 suffers from poor battery efficiency). A lot of these gadgets will cease getting software updates quickly in the event that they have not already. Purchase one of many newer fashions.
Instances and Equipment We Like
The revamped case for the Pixel 7 sequence feels extra sturdy than ever earlier than, and you’ll match them together with your Pixel’s colour. The thermoplastic elastomer feels good to the touch, and there are raised edges on the entrance to guard the display. The Pixel 7’s case is made with greater than 30 p.c recycled plastics, and the polycarbonate shell makes use of 77 p.c recycled plastics. There are steel buttons for energy and quantity they usually’re one hundred pc recycled aluminum. The circumstances for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A are comparable however barely totally different.
That is hands-down one of the best case if you happen to regularly connect your Pixel to the handlebar of a motorbike or electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system helps you to magnetically affix the cellphone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50) and it stays put—after practically a yr of testing, I’ve but to have a cellphone fall off my trip utilizing this mounting system. It would not interrupt the Pixel’s wi-fi charging both. The corporate has a number of different magnetic accessories you should utilize, like a car mount. The case itself is sweet; I simply want the sides had been raised a bit extra for higher display safety.
This is among the finest clear circumstances you will discover, particularly at this value, for the Pixel. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s colour comes via clearly, and the rear would not really feel too sticky, which generally is a downside with some clear circumstances.
Pixel telephones haven’t got an amazing monitor document with display sturdiness—they scratch simply. We examined this protector initially for the Pixel 5A, however it’s not out there anymore. Caseology does promote it now for the Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6A. Set up is simple, and it features a squeegee to do away with air bubbles. You get two display protectors for the value, together with a microfiber fabric, a wipe, and mud elimination stickers.
That is one other easy-to-apply tempered glass display protector. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 model comes with two protectors, however Spigen solely consists of one for the Pixel 6A. Boo. You get an entire cleansing package to wipe down your cellphone, an alignment software that helps you get the appliance proper, and a squeegee to do away with the air bubbles.
This display protector was actually easy to use and barely gave me any air bubbles. You solely get one protector, however there’s an alcohol wipe to scrub the display earlier than, a microfiber fabric, an utility software, and a squeegee. The issue? It is not tempered glass, however a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is a cheaper materials that is usually not as impact-resistant.
You get just one display protector right here and it is very costly. That is as a result of Zagg claims that the protector is 5 occasions as sturdy as conventional display protectors. I have not seen too many scuffs on my Pixel 6A but, however take this with a grain of salt. It is easy to use with the included utility software, however Zagg would not embrace a squeegee at this value so you will have to make use of your fingers to push the air bubbles out. It comes with a mud sticker, a moist wipe, and a microfiber fabric.
Of the Pixels we suggest on this information, wi-fi charging is accessible solely on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Professional, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Professional. Google’s very personal Pixel Stand is among the finest wi-fi chargers round as a result of it is easy. The bottom would not slide round, the cellphone stays put, and it permits some enjoyable options, like turning the display right into a digital photograph body and fast entry to Google Assistant. It is fabricated from 39 p.c recycled supplies, with largely eco-friendly packaging too. Our Best Wireless Chargers information has extra choices. It is also out there at Best Buy.
This charging adapter is all you’ll want to recharge your Pixel, whichever mannequin you’ve got. The latest high-end Pixel telephones do not include chargers within the field, so if you haven’t any spare USB-C chargers, it is value selecting one up. This one’s prongs do not fold up, however it’s nonetheless actually compact.
These circumstances are dear, however they’ve raised lips and supply first rate safety across the edges. The buttons are clicky, and also you get just a few designs to select from for the rear, together with walnut, leather-based, bamboo, silver pearl, and aramid fiber. (I really like the walnut.) What makes this case particular is that it helps MagSafe—sure, Apple’s magnetic system for equipment. I’ve used the Mous Limitless 5.0 efficiently with just a few MagSafe accessories, like a Belkin wi-fi charger, to recharge the Pixel 7 Professional. You may also go together with Mous’ IntraLock case to make use of the corporate’s personal magnetic accent system to hook your cellphone as much as its bike or car mount with extra safety.
{Photograph}: Spigen
It is slim, has a pleasant texture, retains clicky buttons, and has correct cutouts for the ports and audio system. What’s to not love? Properly, it is a bit uninteresting, however I nonetheless assume this case is among the extra enticing circumstances in Spigen’s lineup. The perimeters aren’t raised drastically, so do not anticipate a lot display safety.
Need a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has one in-built and it does the trick, although sadly, you may preserve your system up solely in panorama mode—not nice for hands-free TikTok. It has a thick bumper providing good safety across the edges, although there’s not a lot of a lip protruding, so you will nonetheless wish to pair it with a display protector.
Of all of the Pixel circumstances I’ve tried, this feels one of the best. It has an exquisite texture that is nice to the touch, and the case retains a slim profile. The buttons stay clicky, and the ports are well-exposed. It is reasonably priced, however the entrance edges aren’t raised. There is a good likelihood the display will hit the bottom whenever you drop it.
{Photograph}: Second
The Pixels have nice cameras, however you may take them additional through the use of third-party lenses like these from Moment. Slap on a fish-eye lens for a enjoyable, distorted photograph impact. Use a 58-mm telephoto to get even nearer to your topic. No matter lens you decide, you will want a Second case for the system to work. Sadly, the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional, and Pixel 6A circumstances aren’t suitable with the lenses. Nonetheless, I like ’em as a result of they’ve magnets embedded inside—they’re going to work with Second’s varied MagSafe mounts, like one for tripods, video lights, and mics.
This dual-layer case from Otterbox feels actually powerful, but it is pretty slim. The perimeters across the digital camera module and entrance display are raised, the buttons are straightforward to press, and the headphone jack and USB-C port are shielded from the weather. This one gives a step up in safety in comparison with the above picks.
It takes some effort to put in this case on the Pixel, however when you do, it is arguably probably the most safety you will discover. There’s an internal two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and underneath the Pixel, after which a thick artificial rubber slipcover goes over for excessive sturdiness. The buttons are surprisingly clicky, although the entire cellphone might be thicker, wider, and heavier. It is fabricated from greater than 50 p.c recycled plastic, and there is a holster you may pop it in to hold your Pixel with pleasure in your belt. (The holster can double as a kickstand.)
Hidden Methods to Strive If You Get a Pixel
There are some key options unique to Pixels that you just will not discover on some other Android cellphone. A few of these are solely out there on choose Pixels—those powered by Google’s Tensor chips are extra succesful because it’s the corporate’s personal silicon. This is a fast breakdown:
