Best Google Pixel Phone (2022): Which Model to Buy, Cases and Accessories, Feature Drops

The Pixel 5 is not fairly price its excessive worth, particularly since its software program help window ends quickly (October 2023). Amazon at the moment sells the Pixel 4A 5G for a similar worth because the Pixel 6A, and whereas it is a good telephone, it must be cheaper. You’re higher off sticking with the Pixel 6A. As for older Pixels, they don’t seem to be price selecting up. They’re simply too outdated (and the Pixel 4 suffers from poor battery efficiency).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.

The revamped case for the Pixel 7 sequence feels extra sturdy than ever earlier than, and you possibly can match them together with your Pixel’s shade. The thermoplastic elastomer feels good to contact, and there are raised edges on the entrance to shield the display screen. The Pixel 7’s case is made with greater than 30 % recycled plastics, and the polycarbonate shell makes use of 77 % recycled plastics. There are steel 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.  

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 boring, however I nonetheless suppose it is one of many extra enticing circumstances in Spigen’s lineup. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so do not count on a lot display screen safety. 

Of all of the Pixel circumstances I’ve tried, this feels the most effective. It has a beautiful 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 inexpensive, however the entrance edges aren’t raised. There’s a great likelihood the display screen will hit the bottom if you drop it.

Pixel telephones do not have an important monitor document with display screen sturdiness—they scratch simply. We examined this protector initially for the Pixel 5A, but it surely’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 eliminate air bubbles. You get two display screen protectors for the worth, together with a microfiber material, a wipe, and mud removing 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 a complete cleansing equipment to wipe down your telephone, an alignment instrument that helps you get the applying proper, and a squeegee to eliminate the air bubbles. 

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 robust 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 embrace 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 material.

The Pixels have nice cameras, however you possibly can 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 decide, you may want a Moment case with for the system to work. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro circumstances aren’t suitable with the lenses. Still, I like these circumstances as a result of they’ve magnets embedded inside—they will work with Moment’s varied MagSafe mounts, like one for tripods, video lights, and mics.

It’s not the most effective clear case I’ve ever used, but it surely’s fairly darn good for the worth. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s shade comes via clearly, and the rear would not really feel too sticky as some clear circumstances have a tendency to. 

Want a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has one inbuilt and it does the trick, although sadly, you possibly can maintain your gadget 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 the Pixels we suggest on this information, wi-fi charging is on the market 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 greatest wi-fi chargers round as a result of it is easy. The base would not slide round, the telephone stays put, and it permits 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 % recycled supplies, with principally ecofriendly 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 could have. 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 price selecting one up. This one’s prongs do not fold up, but it surely’s nonetheless actually compact. 

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 shielded from the weather. This one presents a step up in safety in contrast to the above picks. 

It takes some effort to set up this case on the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, however when you do, it is arguably essentially the most safety you may discover on your Pixel. There’s an internal 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, and it isn’t as thick as I anticipated it to be (it does make the telephone very broad, although). It’s made of fifty % recycled plastic, and there is a holster you possibly can pop it in to carry your Pixel with delight in your belt.

There are some key options unique to Pixels that you simply will not discover on every other Android telephone. 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: