Best Google Pixel Phone (2023): Which Model to Buy, Cases and Accessories, Feature Drops
Here’s a guide to all the models—plus case recommendations and hidden software tricks to try….
If you calculate all those individual services with the cost of the Pixel 7 Pro over the course of two years, your total comes out to $1,806. So you are effectively paying less ($486 less, to be exact). But it’s only really worth it if you watch a ton of YouTube and use YouTube Music, instead of other options like Spotify. Google says if you already subscribe to one of these services, your current plans will be canceled and you’ll get a single bill for Pixel Pass once your Pixel ships (though you will need to manually cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium before subscribing to Pixel Pass).
About Those Older Pixel Phones
The Pixel 6 series from 2021 is not available at the Google Store anymore. You can find these phones at retailers like Amazon, though the stock is dwindling. Make sure you’re paying the right price. The Pixel 6 has gone on sale for as low as $399 and the Pixel 6 Pro has dipped to $506. They’re still great phones and pretty good value at those prices.
The Pixel 5 isn’t quite worth it right now, especially since its software support window ends soon (October 2023), and it’s really tough to find a brand-new Pixel 5A for less than $200. Amazon currently sells the Pixel 4A 5G for the same price as the Pixel 6A, and while it’s a good phone, it should be cheaper. You’re better off sticking with the Pixel 6A or waiting for the upcoming Pixel 7A. Older Pixels just aren’t worth it anymore. They’re just too old (and the Pixel 4 suffers from poor battery performance). Many of those devices will stop getting software updates soon if they haven’t already. Buy one of the newer models.
Cases and Accessories We Like
The revamped case for the Pixel 7 series feels more durable than ever before, and you can match them with your Pixel’s color. The thermoplastic elastomer feels nice to touch, and there are raised edges on the front to protect the screen. The Pixel 7’s case is made with more than 30 percent recycled plastics, and the polycarbonate shell uses 77 percent recycled plastics. There are metal buttons for power and volume and they’re 100 percent recycled aluminum.
This is hands-down the best case if you frequently attach your Pixel to the handlebar of a bike or electric scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system lets you magnetically affix the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50) and it stays put—after nearly a year of testing, I’ve yet to have a phone fall off my ride using this mounting system. It doesn’t interrupt the Pixel’s wireless charging either. The company has several other magnetic accessories you can use, like a car vent mount. The case itself is nice; I just wish the edges were raised a bit more for better screen protection.
This is one of the best clear cases you’ll find for the Pixel, especially at this price. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s color comes through clearly, and the rear doesn’t feel too sticky, which can be a problem with some clear cases.
Pixel phones don’t have a great track record with screen durability—they scratch easily. We tested this protector originally for the Pixel 5A, but it’s not available anymore. Caseology does sell it now for the Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6A. Installation is easy, and it includes a squeegee to get rid of air bubbles. You get two screen protectors for the price, including a microfiber cloth, a wipe, and dust removal stickers.
This is another easy-to-apply tempered glass screen protector. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 version comes with two protectors, but Spigen only includes one for the Pixel 6A. Boo. You get a whole cleaning kit to wipe down your phone, an alignment tool that helps you get the application right, and a squeegee to get rid of the air bubbles.
This screen protector was really simple to apply and barely gave me any air bubbles. You only get one protector, but there’s an alcohol wipe to clean the screen before, a microfiber cloth, an application tool, and a squeegee. The problem? It’s not tempered glass, but a mix of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s a cheaper material that’s typically not as impact-resistant.
You get only one screen protector here and it’s very expensive. That’s because Zagg claims that the protector is five times as strong as traditional screen protectors. I haven’t seen too many scuffs on my Pixel 6A yet, but take this with a grain of salt. It’s easy to apply with the included application tool, but Zagg doesn’t include a squeegee at this price so you’ll have to use your fingers to push the air bubbles out. It comes with a dust sticker, a wet wipe, and a microfiber cloth.
Of the Pixels we recommend in this guide, wireless charging is available only on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. Google’s very own Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers around because it’s simple. The base doesn’t slide around, the phone stays put, and it enables some fun features, like turning the screen into a digital photo frame and quick access to Google Assistant. It’s made of 39 percent recycled materials, with mostly eco-friendly packaging too. Our Best Wireless Chargers guide has more options, including the original and cheaper Pixel Stand.
This charging adapter is all you need to recharge your Pixel, whichever model you have. The newest high-end Pixel phones don’t come with chargers in the box, so if you don’t have any spare USB-C chargers, it’s worth picking one up. This one’s prongs fold up, so it’s great for travel too.
These cases are pricey, but they have raised lips and offer decent protection around the edges. The buttons are clicky, and you get a few designs to choose from for the rear, including walnut, leather, bamboo, silver pearl, and aramid fiber. (I love the walnut.) What makes this case special is that it supports MagSafe—yes, Apple’s magnetic system for accessories. I’ve used the Mous Limitless 5.0 successfully with a few MagSafe accessories, like a Belkin wireless charger, to recharge the Pixel 7 Pro.
Photograph: Spigen
It’s slim, has a nice texture, retains clicky buttons, and has accurate cutouts for the ports and speakers. What’s not to love? Well, it’s a bit dull, but I still think this case is one of the more attractive cases in Spigen’s lineup. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so don’t expect much screen protection.
Want a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has one built in and it does the trick, though unfortunately, you can keep your device up only in landscape mode—not great for hands-free TikTok. It has a thick bumper offering nice protection around the edges, though there’s not much of a lip sticking out, so you’ll still want to pair it with a screen protector.
I like the soft-touch material on this case, and it fits the Pixel really well with accurate cutouts and clicky buttons. It’s a bit dull, but it’s slim and the edges are raised a decent amount to protect the screen. It’s just a bit pricey for what you get.
Photograph: Moment
The Pixels have great cameras, but you can take them further by using third-party lenses like these from Moment. Slap on a fish-eye lens for a fun, distorted photo effect. Use a 58-mm telephoto to get even closer to your subject. Whatever lens you pick, you’ll need a Moment case for the system to work. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 6A cases aren’t compatible with the lenses. Still, I like ’em because they have magnets embedded inside—they’ll work with Moment’s various MagSafe mounts, like one for tripods, video lights, and mics.
This is another nice clear case for the Pixel series. I like the textured power button, which makes it easy to find when you’re not looking, and there are spots on the case to attach a lanyard (not included). It’s not as smudge-resistant as Ringke claims, but it’s easy to clean.
Of all the Pixel cases I’ve tried, this feels the best. It has a wonderful texture that’s pleasant to touch, and the case keeps a slim profile. The buttons remain clicky, and the ports are well-exposed. It’s affordable, but the front edges aren’t raised. There’s a good chance the screen will hit the ground when you drop it.
It takes some effort to install this case on the Pixel, but once you do, it’s arguably the most protection you’ll find. There’s an inner two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and under the Pixel, and then a thick synthetic rubber slipcover goes over for extreme durability. The buttons are surprisingly clicky, though the whole phone will be thicker, wider, and heavier. It’s made of more than 50 percent recycled plastic, and there’s a holster you can pop it in to carry your Pixel with pride on your belt. (The holster can double as a kickstand.)
Hidden Tricks to Try If You Get a Pixel
There are some key features exclusive to Pixels that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of these are only available on select Pixels—the ones powered by Google’s Tensor chips are more capable since it’s the company’s own silicon. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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