Best Google Pixel Phones (2021): Which Models to Buy, Cases, Tips and More

If you add all those individual services to the cost of the Pixel 6 Pro over the course of two years, your total comes to $1,746. So you are effectively paying less. But it just really worth it if you watch a lot of YouTube and use YouTube Music, rather than other options like Spotify.

Google says that if you’re signed up for one of these services, your current plans will be canceled and you’ll receive a bill for your Pixel Pass once your Pixel 6 ships (although you’ll need to cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium manually before subscribing to Pixel Pass).

Pixel 5 (8/10, Recommend with WIRED) and Pixel 4A 5G from 2020 out of stock on Google Storeand Google says you shouldn’t expect to see them back. You can find them at Amazon, but Pixel 5 is almost $200 higher than Pixel 6and it’s not worth the price at all when Google’s latest phone struggles in every way.

Amazon for sale Pixel 4A 5G for $15 more compared to 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. That said, if you’re not in the US or Japan, the only two countries that sell 5A, then you should be.

NS Pixel 3 the scope is too old and includes Pixel 3A. NS Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL has poor battery performance and is not worth getting. These older phones will also stop receiving software updates in 2022. Buy one of the newer models.

Official Google cases feel like they offer more protection than their predecessors. Available in several fun colors, a dual-layer design that absorbs shocks when you drop it, and raised bezels on the front to protect the screen. The inner layer of the Pixel 5A case is made of 75% recycled plastic and the other two layers are made of 30% post-consumer recycled material.

Out of all the Pixel cases I’ve tried, this feels the best. It has a great texture, feels nice to the touch, and the case keeps a slim profile. The buttons are still blinking and the ports are well exposed. It is affordable, but the front edges are not raised. Chances are the screen will hit the ground when you drop it.

Pixel phones don’t have a good record for screen durability — they get scratched easily. We tested this protector initially for the Pixel 5A, but it is no longer available. Caseology do selling it now for Pixel 6. Installation is easy and it includes a rubber brush to remove air bubbles. You get two screen protectors for the price, which includes a microfiber cloth, cleaning cloth, and dust-removal patch.

It’s slim, has a nice texture, retains buttons, and has precise cutouts for ports and speakers. What if you don’t love? This is also arguably Spigen’s most compelling case lineup. The edges aren’t strongly raised, so don’t expect much screen protection. Pair it with the Caseology screen protector above to cover all your bases.

Pixels have great cameras, but you can take them further by using third-party lenses like these are from Moment. Tap the fisheye lens for a fun, distorted photo effect. Use the 58mm telephoto lens to get closer to your subject. Whichever lens you choose, you’ll need a Moment carrying case for the system to work. It takes about two seconds to attach or remove the lens with a simple twist. The Pixel 6 cases have Moment’s (M) Force magnets embedded inside, so they’ll work with the company’s various MagSafe mounts, as a for tripod, video light and mic, or other MagSafe accessories.

This is a sturdy Pixel wallet case with a stand. You can lift it up in landscape mode with the foldable leather flap on the back. Beneath this magnetic cover, it can store one or two credit cards. The whole thing is chunky, but the buttons are easy to press. It also has raised bezels on the front to protect the screen.

This double-layer case from Otterbox feel really tough, but it’s pretty thin. The edges around the camera module and front display are raised, and the easy-to-press buttons, headphone jack and USB-C port are protected from the elements. This provides a step of protection over the options above.

It takes a bit of effort to fit this case onto your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, but once you do, it’s arguably the best protection you’ll find for your Pixel. There’s an inner two-piece polycarbonate shell that attaches to and below the Pixel, then a thick neoprene sliding cover is covered for extreme durability. The buttons are impressive, and it’s not as thick as I expected (it does make the phone very wide, though). It’s made from 50% recycled plastic and has a holster that you can tuck into to carry your Pixel with pride on your belt.

Of the pixels in this guide, wireless charging is only available on Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro. Google’s very own Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers because it’s simple. The base doesn’t slide around, the phone stays in place and turns on some cool features, like turning the screen into a digital photo frame and quick access to the Google Assistant. Just know that Google is releasing a Second Generation Pixel Stand Coming Soon, with a built-in fan for faster charging on our Pixel 6 series The best wireless charger The guide has more options.

There are some key Pixels-specific features that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of these are only available on the new Pixel 6 series, especially since they rely on the processing power of Tensor chips. Here’s a quick breakdown: