If you need a folding cellphone and also you need a Pixel, this is kind of the most suitable choice. Nevertheless, for those who simply need the very best booklike folding cellphone, there’s robust competitors from this yr’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. I will be placing these two gadgets head-to-head to search out out which is best, so keep tuned.
Final Yr’s Pixels
You need not purchase the most recent and biggest! Shopping for final yr’s flagship cellphone is a good way to avoid wasting money. Nevertheless, be sure you’re spending far lower than the MSRP—in any other case, chances are you’ll as nicely purchase one of many newest Pixel 10 telephones. The earlier Pixel era from 2024 contains the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL (9/10, WIRED Recommends), and the Pixel 9 Professional Fold (6/10, WIRED Evaluate).
The Tensor G4 chipset in these telephones is completely succesful, the shows nonetheless get very vibrant, and the cameras aren’t vastly completely different. The Pixel 9 lacks the additional 5X optical zoom digicam, and none of those gadgets have Qi2 help, so no magnetic enjoyable. Whereas Google hasn’t confirmed what options from the Pixel 10 collection will arrive on the Pixel 9 collection, there is a good probability lots of them will in a future Pixel Drop function replace.
Earlier than the launch of the Pixel 10, the Pixel 9 recurrently dipped to $599, the Pixel 9 Professional dropped to $749, the Pixel 9 Professional XL was on sale for $899, and the Pixel 9 Professional Fold hit $1,499. I would not purchase these gadgets except they have been at these costs once more or decrease.
How Lengthy Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 10 collection, Pixel 9 collection, Pixel 8 collection, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a will get seven years of Android OS upgrades and safety updates. The 2023 Pixel 7a will obtain three years of Android OS upgrades and 5 years of safety updates from the date of launch, the identical as older Pixels. Google has a web page you possibly can test to see precisely what month your Pixel cellphone will cease receiving updates. Safety updates scale back the chance of malware, hold your cellphone bug-free, and make it safer. Android model updates introduce new options—beauty and useful—that enhance the OS as a complete.
Pixel telephones additionally occur to be the primary to obtain any form of Android replace, in order quickly as Google releases a brand new model, like Android 16, you possibly can obtain it instantly by heading to Settings > System > System Replace > Examine for Replace. You too can take a look at beta variations of Android, however you will have to enroll your system. (Make sure that to again up your cellphone first!) Pixels are additionally aware about the function drops Google points each few months, which embrace options from newer Pixels coming to older fashions and brand-new options for the most recent gadgets.
Qi2 is the next-gen wi-fi charging normal, following the Qi wi-fi protocol. It makes use of magnets baked into the again of smartphones to completely align them with magnets in Qi2 wi-fi chargers, guaranteeing a quicker and extra environment friendly cost with much less warmth. It is virtually the identical as Apple’s MagSafe expertise (Apple helped develop the Qi2 normal), and all MagSafe iPhones now help Qi2, ranging from the iPhone 12. Nevertheless, not all telephones that declare Qi2 performance are literally Qi2 telephones. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 collection is notably Qi2 Prepared, that means they do not have magnets inside, and the one method they will obtain the charging speeds and effectivity of Qi2 is with a magnetic case.
You do not have to fret about that with the Pixel 10 telephones. They’re all correct Qi2 gadgets with magnets inside. Google calls it “Pixelsnap” and that is additionally the title its utilizing for its suite of equipment. The Pixel 10 Professional XL is the one one of many lot that helps the even newer Qi2.2 25W normal, which bumps the charging velocity from 15 watts to 25. Meaning it’s going to wi-fi cost the quickest, offered you utilize a appropriate charger.
You probably have an older Qi wi-fi charger mendacity round, there’s an opportunity it will not work all that nicely with the brand new telephones. Qi2 is backward appropriate, however we have run into points with older chargers simply not recharging gadgets constantly. You may most likely have to improve to a Qi2 charger. If you happen to get a case (learn our information!), be certain it is a Pixelsnap or Qi2 case with magnets inside. With out magnets, a case will weaken the magnets within the cellphone, they usually will not stick nicely to Qi2 or different magnetic equipment.
What About Older Pixel Telephones?
There are a number of different Pixel telephones price contemplating if you don’t need any of the above selections. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional (7/10, WIRED Recommends) can be found by way of official channels and third-party retailers (till provides final). The bottom line is to not pay greater than $500 or $600 for both of them; in any other case, chances are you’ll as nicely put that cash towards the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 collection.
I don’t advocate you purchase any older Pixel gadgets. A number of Pixel A-series telephones have been put underneath a battery efficiency program to mitigate the chance of overheating or swelling batteries. These software program updates have crippled the battery life on these telephones, and Google has offered clients with battery substitute choices or Google Retailer credit score for a brand new Pixel cellphone. These potential points imply it is simply not definitely worth the threat of shopping for a Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a. The Pixel 8a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) would not appear to point out issues but, however I might nonetheless throw warning to the wind.
Pixel A-Collection Battery Points
In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a house owners have obtained obligatory updates that purposefully degrade the efficiency of the battery to forestall overheating. Your cellphone might have been working nice earlier than, however Google issued these updates as a preventative measure, and never each system was affected. Equally, some Pixel 7a gadgets might encounter battery swelling points.
In case your cellphone has been affected, you’ve gotten two choices. You may get a free battery substitute—Google has a registration web page for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. If that is not going to be just right for you, you may get Google Retailer credit score for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a to place towards a brand new Pixel cellphone.
These points appear to have solely affected some batteries within the A-series telephones, suggesting it is probably a provider concern. What in regards to the newer Pixel 9a? Here is an announcement a Google spokesperson offered to WIRED: “Google constantly improves Pixel testing primarily based on consumer suggestions and completely investigates reported incidents for all parts, together with batteries. With Pixel 9a, we delivered the biggest and longest-lasting battery of any A-series but. We’ve been inspired by its reception thus far and are assured within the cellphone’s longevity and sturdiness.”
Ideally, this battery concern has been rectified within the newest mannequin, however we’ll be monitoring it over the subsequent few years.
What Does Pixel Care+ Embrace?
Whenever you buy a Pixel from Google, you will see the choice so as to add Pixel Care+ for cover. It is solely out there within the US by way of the Google Retailer and Google Fi. The month-to-month possibility can run for as much as 60 months, whereas the fastened pricing is for a 2-year time period. Here is what you get.
Pixel Care+ begins at $9 per thirty days or $179 and contains limitless unintended injury safety, $0 display and battery repairs, replacements that ship in a day, and precedence help from Pixel consultants. That pricing is for the Pixel 10, and it goes up for the pricier gadgets. For instance, the Pixel 10 Professional will value $13 per thirty days, or $239 for the 2-year time period. There is not any Pixel Care+ possibility for the Pixel 9a.
Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft begins at $10 per thirty days or $199 and contains the identical protections as talked about above however contains two claims of loss and theft each 12 months. Weirdly, Loss and Theft protection shouldn’t be out there in New York state.
You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Telephone
Love Pixel telephones however need to get away from utilizing Google providers? It is a bit of ironic, however you possibly can really use a unique working system with the Pixel as a substitute of the built-in Android. We have examined and actually like /e/OS, a privacy-first working system that is primarily based on the Android Open Supply Undertaking. Whilst you can set up it your self, it requires a little bit of technical know-how, you should buy a refurbished Pixel from Murena with /e/OS put in already. If you happen to’re , we have now extra particulars about /e/OS right here.
The Greatest Pixel Instances and Equipment
I’ve written a broader information on the Greatest Pixel 10 Instances and Greatest Pixel 9 (and 9a) Instances, however listed below are a number of alternatives on your perusal. We have highlighted instances for the present Pixel lineup, however you possibly can simply discover the identical variations for prior fashions for those who peruse the case maker’s catalog.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Telephone Case for Pixel 10 Collection
These official instances from Google for the Pixel 10 collection are Qi2-certified with Pixelsnap magnets baked in, permitting you to connect the cellphone to magnetic equipment with none loss in power or wi-fi charging capabilities (for those who use a case with out magnets, it should weaken the power and disrupt the function). The mushy silicone is nice to the contact, and you’ll color-match it together with your Pixel 10 cellphone to spotlight the cellphone’s shade. I additionally like Google’s official Pixel 9a case ($30), which has similarities, but it surely would not have the magnets inside, as it is not a Qi2 cellphone.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Mous
Limitless Case (Pixelsnap)
Mous instances are Made for Google licensed, and that is particularly necessary with the Pixel 10 collection, because it ensures the very best compatibility with Pixelsnap. The Limitless is a good all-rounder, with raised edges over the show, clicky buttons, dependable magnets for Qi2, and a number of other design aesthetics you possibly can select from, together with a walnut again or speckled material (pictured).
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Grip Case (Pixelsnap)
Dbrand’s Grip case lives as much as its title. It has clicky buttons and extremely grippy edges. It feels sturdy but pretty slim, and you’ll select a snazzy design. Simply know that it’s important to apply this “pores and skin” to the again of the case. There’s a whole lot of room for error right here, so watch out, and watch Dbrand’s set up video for suggestions. There’s Pixelsnap help so you should utilize your Pixel with Qi2 and even MagSafe equipment, and it labored exceptionally nicely in my testing.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Bellroy
Leather-based Case (Pixelsnap)
Bellroy has been making Pixel instances for a very long time, and it labored in collaboration with Google for the Pixel 10 instances, guaranteeing the right match. It is Pixelsnap-certified (the Pixel 9a case would not have magnets), so it’s going to work with magnetic equipment. The leather-based comes from sustainable sources, and it exudes class.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Peak Design
On a regular basis Case for Pixel 10 (Magnetic)
That is hands-down the very best case for those who incessantly connect your Pixel to the handlebars of a motorbike or an electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system enables you to magnetically affix the cellphone to its Common Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After greater than a yr of testing, I’ve but to have a cellphone fall off my trip utilizing this mounting system. The corporate additionally has a number of different magnetic equipment, like a automotive vent mount. The case itself is good; I simply want the perimeters have been raised extra for higher display safety. You’ll be able to select to have it with the loop, which acts as a grip, or with out it.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Ghost Case 2.0 (Pixelsnap)
That is the very best clear case for the Pixel 10 collection. Dbrand guarantees that the Ghost 2.0 will not yellow over time, a lot in order that if it really does, the corporate will exchange it without cost. It is skinny, has stronger magnets than most different Pixelsnap instances, and has grippy edges. And also you get to see your Pixel’s shade shine by way of. The corporate technically would not make it for the Pixel 10, simply the Professional fashions, however as a result of the size are the identical, the ten Professional case suits completely on the Pixel 10.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Ring Stand
Google’s Ring Stand is a surprisingly sturdy and nice kickstand. There’s good stress within the steel ring, and you’ll alter your cellphone at various heights. You too can twist it to place the cellphone in panorama or portrait orientation. Ensure you take it off earlier than inserting the cellphone on a wi-fi charger; you are not supposed to connect magnetic equipment or chargers to the Ring Stand itself.
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{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
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{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Charger With Stand
You need not spend this a lot for an honest Qi2 charger, however these are what Google is formally promoting, they usually’re nice (if overpriced). The stand model is definitely the identical Pixelsnap charger, simply with a sturdy stand to maintain it propped up. The stand is steady, would not shift round, and you’ll cost the cellphone in panorama or portrait orientation.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Prism 2.0 Display screen Protector
Dbrand offers you two display protectors on this package deal, and it comes with a super-easy utility device. Wipe down your cellphone with the included alcohol wipe, dry it with the microfiber, after which place the device over your cellphone and pull the pull tab. Press down on the road, wait 30 seconds, after which take the device off. There is a squeegee to push out air bubbles. If you happen to do not need to spend this a lot, Spigen’s GlasTR tempered glass protectors are additionally straightforward to use and value $20 for a two-pack.
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{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Nomad
65W Slim Energy Adapter
Google’s newest Pixel 10 collection helps 29W and 39W charging speeds, relying on the mannequin. That makes this 65W a bit of overkill, however I nonetheless assume it is a fantastic all-around charging adapter to hold with you. It is extremely slim and light-weight, has folding prongs, and contains two USB-C ports. When you’ve gotten two gadgets plugged in, one port will dish out 45W and the opposite will ship 20W. The previous will allow you to hit the quickest charging speeds potential on any of your Pixel gadgets.
Our Favourite Pixel Software program Options
Pixels have many nice software program options, however some must be toggled on. It may also be exhausting to do not forget that all these options exist, so listed below are a lot of the high ones.
There are some key options on Pixels that you just will not discover on some other Android cellphone. A few of these can be found solely on choose Pixels—the Tensor chip began with the Pixel 6, and at present, the Tensor G4 is within the Pixel 9 vary. Here is a breakdown:
Name Display screen: Whenever you get a name from an unknown quantity, Google Assistant will scan and flag it if it is suspected spam or a robocall. If it is merely a quantity you do not acknowledge, you possibly can have Assistant take the decision. You may see a real-time transcription of what is taking place, so you possibly can finish the decision straight away if it is a telemarketer or reply if it seems to be a long-lost highschool pal. If it is somebody necessary, you may give Assistant responses to recite for those who’re unable to take the decision—it affords up contextual replies now, too. Bear in mind to show it on by opening up the dialer app and heading to Settings (three dots on the highest proper) > Spam and Name Display screen.
