Best Google Pixel Phone (2023): Which Model to Buy, Cases and Accessories, Feature Drops

Any older Pixel shouldn’t be value shopping for anymore. (The Pixel 5’s help window ends in October.) You can nonetheless discover a few of them at varied retailers, however until they’re virtually free, you need to stick to any of the fashions above. 

The revamped case for the Pixel 7 sequence feels extra sturdy than ever earlier than, and you’ll be able to match these together with your Pixel’s colour. The thermoplastic elastomer is sweet to contact, and raised edges on the entrance shield 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. Thee metallic buttons for energy and quantity are one hundred pc recycled aluminum. 

This is hands-down the most effective case for those who ceaselessly connect your Pixel to the handlebar of a motorbike or an electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system allows you to magnetically affix the telephone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After practically a 12 months of testing, I’ve but to have a telephone fall off my journey utilizing this mounting system. It makes use of Apple’s MagSafe system, so it really works with loads of MagSafe equipment, even wi-fi chargers. The firm additionally has a number of different magnetic equipment, like a automobile vent mount. The case itself is sweet; I simply want the sides have been raised a bit extra for higher display safety.

This is among the greatest clear instances you may discover for the Pixel, particularly at this value. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s colour comes via clearly, and the rear does not really feel too sticky, one thing that may be an issue with clear instances. I additionally actually like Totallee’s Clear Cases ($39), although these are barely costlier. They’re obtainable for the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7A.

Pixel telephones do not have an excellent monitor report with display sturdiness—they scratch simply. We first examined this protector for the Pixel 5A, and it held up effectively. Installation is straightforward, and it features a squeegee to eliminate air bubbles. You get two display protectors for the worth (some solely embrace one, verify the product web page), plus a microfiber material, a wipe, and dust-removal stickers.

This is one other easy-to-apply tempered glass display protector. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A model comes with two protectors, however Spigen solely contains one for the Pixel 6A. Boo. You get a complete cleansing package to wipe down your telephone, an alignment device that helps you get the applying proper, and a squeegee to eliminate the air bubbles. 

This display 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 beforehand, a microfiber material, an utility device, and a squeegee. The drawback? It’s not tempered glass, however moderately a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a less expensive materials that is sometimes not as impact-resistant. 

You get just one display protector right here, and it is costly. Zagg claims that the protector is 5 occasions as sturdy as conventional display protectors, and I have not seen many scuffs on the Pixels I’ve utilized it on, however take this with a grain of salt. It’s very easy to apply with the included utility device, however Zagg does not embrace a squeegee, 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 material. For the Pixel Fold, the display protector is just for the exterior show. 

Of the Pixels we suggest on this information, wi-fi charging is on the market solely on the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7A, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro (plus the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro). Google’s very personal Pixel Stand is among the greatest wi-fi chargers round as a result of it is easy. The base does not slide round, the telephone stays put, and it permits some enjoyable options, like the flexibility to flip the display right into a digital photograph body and fast entry to Google Assistant. It’s made from 39 p.c recycled supplies, with largely eco-friendly packaging too. Our Best Wireless Chargers information has extra choices, together with the unique and cheaper Pixel Stand. 

This charging adapter is all you want to recharge your Pixel, whichever mannequin you have 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 fold up, so it is nice for journey too. 

These instances are dear, however they’ve raised lips and provide first rate safety across the edges. The buttons are clicky, and you’ll be able to select from a couple of design choices 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 a couple of MagSafe equipment, like a Belkin wi-fi charger, to recharge the Pixel 7 Pro.

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’s kind of uninteresting, squashing the distinctive design of the Pixel, however I nonetheless assume this case is among the extra engaging in Spigen’s lineup. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so do not count on a lot display safety. 

Want a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has a built-in stand that does the trick, although it sadly solely works in panorama mode—not nice for hands-free TikTok. Its thick bumper affords 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 protector. 

I just like the soft-touch materials on this case, and it suits the Pixel rather well, with correct cutouts and clicky buttons. It’s a bit uninteresting, however it’s slim and the sides are raised an honest quantity to shield the display. It’s just a bit dear for what you get.  

Casetify’s Clear and Impact instances are pretty comparable to one another, however I discovered that the buttons are simpler to press with the Clear case and the fingerprint sensor is barely extra accessible. It is available in two items—one for the entrance display and one for the rear. Make positive you take away all of the plastic wrap from the within earlier than you affix it. It’s costly, however the edges are fairly thick. You will not discover as many design choices to select from wherever else. Seriously, these will make your Pixel Fold stand out much more. 

I’ve used Pixel Fold instances from OtterBox and Speck, however the one I hold coming again to is the official case from Google. The delicate silicone is way nicer than the laborious plastic on the others, and it does not add an excessive amount of bulk. It’s two separate items, and there is a dip on the facet so you’ll be able to entry the buttons and fingerprint sensor. 

The Denali case does not actually stand out in any specific means, however it’s a nice case for those who just like the look. It provides some heft to the telephone, however wi-fi charging nonetheless works, and Zagg says the D30 materials “hardens on impact” for higher drop safety. Make of that declare what you’ll. The digicam bar has raised edges throughout it, and the buttons are clicky, however edge safety is just a little lackluster on the entrance. 

It takes some effort to set up this case on the Pixel, however when you do, it is arguably probably the most safety you may discover. There’s an internal two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and below the Pixel, and then a thick artificial rubber slipcover goes over for excessive sturdiness. The buttons are surprisingly clicky, although the entire telephone might be thicker, wider, and heavier. It’s made 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.) OtterBox does not make a Defender for the Pixel 7A, however there’s the Commuter Case ($40), which is not as sturdy and does not have a holster however packs extra safety than most instances.

This is one other good clear case for the Pixel sequence. I just like the textured energy button, which makes it simple to discover whenever you’re not wanting, and there are spots on the case to connect a lanyard (not included). It’s not as smudge-resistant as Ringke claims, however it’s simple to clear. 

There are some key options on Pixels that you just will not discover on another Android telephone. Some of those are solely obtainable on choose Pixels—these powered by Google’s personal Tensor chips are extra succesful. Here’s a fast breakdown: