The best Google Pixel phone (2021): which model to buy, cases, tips, and more

If you calculate all of these individual services at the cost of the Pixel 6 Pro over two years, that totals up to $1,746. So you are effectively paying less. but it’s just really It’s worth it if you watch a large number of videos on YouTube and use YouTube Music, rather than other options like Spotify.

Google says if you’ve already subscribed to one of these services, your existing plans will be canceled and you’ll be billed one Pixel Pass once your Pixel 6 ships (though you’ll need to cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium manually before subscribing to Pixel Pass).

The Pixel 5 (8/10, WIRED recommendations) and Pixel 4A 5G as of 2020 aren’t available in the Google Store, and Google says you shouldn’t expect them to return. You can find it on Amazon, but the Pixel 5 is about $200 more than the Pixel 6, and it’s absolutely not worth the price when Google’s latest phone outperforms it in every way.

Amazon sells the Pixel 4A 5G for $15 more than the newer Pixel 5A, and while it’s a good phone, the 5A adds water resistance and a larger battery. Plus it will get longer software support. However, if you’re not in the US or Japan, which are the only countries where the 5A is sold, it’s worth buying.

The Pixel 3’s range is pretty old, and that includes the Pixel 3A. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL both suffer from poor battery performance and are not worth it. These older phones will also stop getting software updates in 2022. Buy one of the newer models.

Official Google cases feel they offer more protection than their predecessors. There are many fun colors, a dual-layer design that helps absorb shock when dropped, and raised edges on the front to protect the screen. The Pixel 5A’s inner layer is made from 75 percent recycled plastic, and the other two are made from 30 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

Of all the Pixel cases I’ve tried, this is the best. It has a great texture that is easy to touch, and the sleeve maintains a slim look. The buttons remain clickable, and the ports are well exposed. It is affordable, but the front edges are not high. There is a good chance that the screen will hit the ground when you drop it.

Pixel phones don’t have a track record of screen durability – they scratch easily. We originally tested this protector for the Pixel 5A, but it’s not available anymore. Kisology Do Sell ​​it now for Pixel 6. Installation is easy, and includes a squeegee to eliminate air bubbles. You can get two screen protectors for the price, including a microfiber cloth, squeegee, and dust removal stickers.

It’s slim, has a nice texture, retains clicky buttons, and has precise cutouts for ports and speakers. Can’t you love him? This is arguably Spigen’s most attractive case lineup as well. The bezels aren’t raised much, so don’t expect a lot of screen protection. Pair it with the Caseology screen protector above to cover all your bases.

The Pixels have great cameras, but you can take them even further with third-party lenses like these from Moment. Tap the fisheye lens to get a fun distorted photo effect. Use a 58mm telephoto lens to get even closer to your subject. Whatever lens you choose, you’ll need a Moment case for the system to work. It takes about two seconds to install or remove the lens with a simple touch. Pixel 6 cases have Moment (M) Force magnets built inside, so they’ll work with the company’s various MagSafe mounts, such as one for tripods, video lights, microphones, or other MagSafe accessories.

This is a hard case from Pixel with kickstand. You can prop it up in a horizontal position with the foldable leather cover at the back. One or two credit cards can be stored under this magnetic cover. Everything is chunky, but the buttons are easy to press. It also has raised edges on the front to protect the screen.

This dual layer case from Otterbox Feel Really tough, but rather thin. The edges around the front camera unit and screen are raised, buttons are easy to press, and the headphone jack and USB-C port are protected from the elements. This provides a step up in protection compared to the above options.

Installing this case takes some effort on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, but once you do, it’s arguably the greatest protection you’ll find for your Pixel. There is a two-piece polycarbonate inner shell that mounts above and below the pixel, then a thicker elastomer sleeve is used for ultimate durability. The buttons are surprisingly clickable, and they’re not as thick as I expected (they do make the phone quite wide, though). It’s made from 50 percent recycled plastic, and there’s a stand you can place in it to proudly carry your Pixel on your belt.

Among the Pixels in this guide, wireless charging is only available on the Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro phones. Google’s Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers because it’s simple. The base doesn’t slide, the phone stays in place, and it allows for some fun features, like turning the screen into a digital photo frame and quick access to the Google Assistant. Just know that Google will be releasing a second generation Pixel Stand soon, with a built-in fan for faster charging on the Pixel 6 series. Our guide to our best wireless chargers has more options.

There are some key features that are exclusive to Pixels which you will not find in any other Android phone. Some of them are only available in the new Pixel 6 series, especially because they rely on the processing power of the Tensor chip. Here is a quick detail: