The Pixel 5 is not fairly price its excessive worth, particularly since its software program assist window ends quickly (October 2023). Amazon at present sells the Pixel 4A 5G for a similar worth because the Pixel 6A, and whereas it is a good cellphone, it must be cheaper. You’re higher off sticking with the Pixel 6A. As for older Pixels, they don’t seem to be price choosing up. They’re simply too previous (and the Pixel 4 suffers from poor battery efficiency). Many of these gadgets will cease getting software program updates quickly in the event that they have not already. Buy one of many newer fashions.
Cases and Accessories We Like
The revamped case for the Pixel 7 sequence feels extra sturdy than ever earlier than, and you’ll be able to match them along with your Pixel’s coloration. The thermoplastic elastomer feels good to contact, and there are raised edges on the entrance to defend the display screen. 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 metallic buttons for energy and quantity and they’re one hundred pc recycled aluminum. The circumstances for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A are comparable however barely completely different.
This is hands-down the perfect case should you steadily connect your Pixel to the handlebar of a motorcycle or electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system allows you to magnetically affix the cellphone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50) and it stays put—after almost a yr of testing, I’ve but to have a cellphone fall off my experience utilizing this mounting system. It would not interrupt the Pixel’s wi-fi charging both. The firm has a number of different magnetic equipment you should use, like a automobile mount. The case itself is good; I simply want the sides had been raised a bit extra for higher display screen safety.
This is likely one of the finest clear circumstances you may discover, particularly at this worth, for the Pixel. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s coloration comes by way of clearly, and the rear would not really feel too sticky, which is usually a drawback with some clear circumstances.
Pixel telephones haven’t got an incredible observe report with display screen sturdiness—they scratch simply. We examined this protector initially for the Pixel 5A, nevertheless it’s not out there anymore. Caseology does promote it now for the Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6A. Installation is simple, and it features a squeegee to do away with air bubbles. You get two display screen protectors for the value, together with a microfiber fabric, a wipe, and mud elimination stickers.
This is one other easy-to-apply tempered glass display screen 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 instrument that helps you get the applying proper, and a squeegee to do away with the air bubbles.
This display screen protector was actually easy to apply and barely gave me any air bubbles. You solely get one protector, however there’s an alcohol wipe to clear the display screen earlier than, a microfiber fabric, an software instrument, and a squeegee. The drawback? It’s not tempered glass, however a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s a less expensive materials that is sometimes not as impact-resistant.
You get just one display screen protector right here and it is very costly. That’s as a result of Zagg claims that the protector is 5 occasions as sturdy as conventional display screen protectors. I have never seen too many scuffs on my Pixel 6A but, however take this with a grain of salt. It’s straightforward to apply with the included software instrument, however Zagg would not embody a squeegee at this worth so you may have to use 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 obtainable solely on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. Google’s very personal Pixel Stand is likely one of the finest wi-fi chargers round as a result of it is easy. The base would not slide round, the cellphone stays put, and it allows some enjoyable options, like turning the display screen right into a digital photograph body and fast entry to Google Assistant. It’s manufactured from 39 p.c recycled supplies, with principally eco-friendly packaging too. Our Best Wireless Chargers information has extra choices. It’s additionally out there at Best Buy.
This charging adapter is all you want to recharge your Pixel, whichever mannequin you might have. The latest high-end Pixel telephones do not include chargers within the field, so if you have no spare USB-C chargers, it is price choosing one up. This one’s prongs do not fold up, nevertheless it’s nonetheless actually compact.
These circumstances are expensive, however they’ve raised lips and provide respectable safety across the edges. The buttons are clicky, and you get just a few designs to select from for the rear, together with walnut, leather-based, bamboo, silver pearl, and aramid fiber. (I 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 equipment, like a Belkin wi-fi charger, to recharge the Pixel 7 Pro. You may also go along with Mous’ IntraLock case to use the corporate’s personal magnetic accent system to hook your cellphone up to its bike or automobile mount with extra safety.
Photograph: Spigen
It’s slim, has a pleasant texture, retains clicky buttons, and has correct cutouts for the ports and audio system. What’s not to love? Well, it is a bit boring, however I nonetheless suppose this case is likely one of the extra enticing circumstances in Spigen’s lineup. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so do not anticipate a lot display screen safety.
Want a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has one inbuilt and it does the trick, although sadly, you’ll be able to maintain 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 may nonetheless need to pair it with a display screen protector.
Of all of the Pixel circumstances I’ve tried, this feels the perfect. It has an exquisite texture that is nice to contact, and the case retains a slim profile. The buttons stay clicky, and the ports are well-exposed. It’s reasonably priced, however the entrance edges aren’t raised. There’s an excellent likelihood the display screen will hit the bottom once you drop it.
Photograph: Moment
The Pixels have nice cameras, however you’ll be able to 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. Whatever lens you choose, you may want a Moment case for the system to work. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 6A circumstances aren’t suitable with the lenses. Still, I like ’em as a result of they’ve magnets embedded inside—they’re going to work with Moment’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 edges across the digicam module and entrance display screen are raised, the buttons are straightforward to press, and the headphone jack and USB-C port are protected against the weather. This one gives a step up in safety in contrast to the above picks.
It takes some effort to set up this case on the Pixel, however when you do, it is arguably essentially the most safety you may discover. There’s an inside two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and underneath the Pixel, and then a thick artificial rubber slipcover goes over for excessive sturdiness. The buttons are surprisingly clicky, although the entire cellphone shall be thicker, wider, and heavier. It’s manufactured from greater than 50 p.c recycled plastic, and there is a holster you’ll be able to pop it in to carry your Pixel with satisfaction in your belt. (The holster can double as a kickstand.)
Hidden Tricks to Try If You Get a Pixel
There are some key options unique to Pixels that you just will not discover on some other Android cellphone. Some of those 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. Here’s a fast breakdown:
