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

Any older Pixel isn’t price shopping for anymore. (The Pixel 5’s support window ends in October.) You’ll be able to nonetheless discover a few of them at varied retailers, however until they’re virtually free, you must follow any of the fashions above. 

The revamped case for the Pixel 7 collection feels extra sturdy than ever earlier than, and you may match these along with your Pixel’s shade. The thermoplastic elastomer is sweet to the touch, and raised edges on the entrance defend the display. The Pixel 7’s case is made with greater than 30 % recycled plastics, and the polycarbonate shell makes use of 77 % recycled plastics. Thee metallic buttons for energy and quantity are one hundred pc recycled aluminum. 

That is hands-down the most effective case if you happen to continuously connect your Pixel to the handlebar of a motorbike or an electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system enables 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 makes use of Apple’s MagSafe system, so it really works with loads of MagSafe equipment, even wi-fi chargers. The corporate additionally has a number of different magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is sweet; I simply want the perimeters had been raised a bit extra for higher display safety.

This is without doubt one of the greatest clear instances you will discover for the Pixel, particularly at this value. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s shade comes via clearly, and the rear would 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 dearer. They’re obtainable for the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7A.

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

That 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 an entire cleansing equipment to wipe down your cellphone, an alignment software that helps you get the appliance proper, and a squeegee to eliminate 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 wash the display beforehand, a microfiber material, an utility software, and a squeegee. The issue? It is not tempered glass, however somewhat 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 never seen many scuffs on the Pixels I’ve utilized it on, however take this with a grain of salt. It is very easy to use with the included utility software, however Zagg would not embody a squeegee, 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 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 out there solely on the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7A, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Professional (plus the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional). Google’s very personal Pixel Stand is without doubt one of the greatest 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 the power to show the display right into a digital photograph body and fast entry to Google Assistant. It is manufactured from 39 % recycled supplies, with largely eco-friendly packaging too. Our Finest Wi-fi Chargers information has extra choices, together with the unique and cheaper Pixel Stand. 

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

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

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? Effectively, it’s kind of boring, squashing the distinctive design of the Pixel, however I nonetheless assume this case is without doubt one of the extra engaging 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 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 provides good safety across the edges, although there’s not a lot of a lip protruding, so you will nonetheless need to pair it with a display protector. 

I just like the soft-touch materials on this case, and it suits the Pixel very well, with correct cutouts and clicky buttons. It is a bit boring, but it surely’s slim and the perimeters are raised a good quantity to guard the display. It is just a bit expensive for what you get.  

Casetify’s Clear and Influence instances are pretty related 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. Be sure you take away all of the plastic wrap from the within earlier than you affix it. It is costly, however the edges are fairly thick. You will not discover as many design choices to select from wherever else. Severely, 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 mushy silicone is way nicer than the arduous plastic on the others, and it would not add an excessive amount of bulk. It is two separate items, and there is a dip on the aspect so you may entry the buttons and fingerprint sensor. 

The Denali case would not actually stand out in any specific method, but it surely’s a advantageous case if you happen to just like the look. It provides some heft to the cellphone, however wi-fi charging nonetheless works, and Zagg says the D30 materials “hardens on affect” for higher drop safety. Make of that declare what you’ll. The digital camera bar has raised edges throughout it, and the buttons are clicky, however edge safety is a little bit lackluster on the entrance. 

It takes some effort to put in this case on the Pixel, however when you do, it is arguably essentially 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 will probably be thicker, wider, and heavier. It is manufactured from greater than 50 % recycled plastic, and there is a holster you may pop it in to hold your Pixel with delight in your belt. (The holster can double as a kickstand.) OtterBox would not make a Defender for the Pixel 7A, however there’s the Commuter Case ($40), which is not as sturdy and would not have a holster however packs extra safety than most instances.

That is one other good clear case for the Pixel collection. I just like the textured energy button, which makes it straightforward to seek out once you’re not trying, and there are spots on the case to connect a lanyard (not included). It is not as smudge-resistant as Ringke claims, but it surely’s straightforward to wash. 

There are some key options on Pixels that you just will not discover on every other Android cellphone. A few of these are solely obtainable on choose Pixels—these powered by Google’s personal Tensor chips are extra succesful. This is a fast breakdown: