If you would like a folding cellphone and also you need a Pixel, this is kind of the best choice. Nevertheless, in the event you simply need the most effective 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 newest and biggest! Shopping for final yr’s flagship cellphone is an effective way to avoid wasting money. Nevertheless, be sure to’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 technology 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 Evaluation).
The Tensor G4 chipset in these telephones is completely succesful, the shows nonetheless get very vivid, and the cameras aren’t vastly totally different. The Pixel 9 lacks the additional 5X optical zoom digital camera, 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 likelihood a lot of them will in a future Pixel Drop characteristic 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 may examine to see precisely what month your Pixel cellphone will cease receiving updates. Safety updates scale back the danger of malware, hold your cellphone bug-free, and make it safer. Android model updates introduce new options—beauty and purposeful—that enhance the OS as an entire.
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 may obtain it instantly by heading to Settings > System > System Replace > Verify for Replace. You may also check beta variations of Android, however you will have to enroll your system. (Be sure that to again up your cellphone first!) Pixels are additionally aware about the characteristic drops Google points each few months, which embody options from newer Pixels coming to older fashions and brand-new options for the newest gadgets.
Qi2 is the next-gen wi-fi charging customary, 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, making certain a sooner and extra environment friendly cost with much less warmth. It is virtually the identical as Apple’s MagSafe expertise (Apple helped develop the Qi2 customary), 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, which means they do not have magnets inside, and the one method they’ll 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 identify 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 customary, which bumps the charging pace from 15 watts to 25. Meaning it will wi-fi cost the quickest, offered you utilize a suitable 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 suitable, however we have run into points with older chargers simply not recharging gadgets persistently. You may in all probability have to improve to a Qi2 charger. When you get a case (learn our information!), make 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 just a few different Pixel telephones price contemplating if you do not need any of the above decisions. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional (7/10, WIRED Recommends) can be found via official channels and third-party retailers (till provides final). The secret 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 suggest you purchase any older Pixel gadgets. A number of Pixel A-series telephones have been put underneath a battery efficiency program to mitigate the danger of overheating or swelling batteries. These software program updates have crippled the battery life on these telephones, and Google has offered prospects with battery alternative 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 indicate issues but, however I would nonetheless throw warning to the wind.
Pixel A-Sequence Battery Points
In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a house owners have acquired obligatory updates that purposefully degrade the efficiency of the battery to stop overheating. Your cellphone could have been working effective earlier than, however Google issued these updates as a preventative measure, and never each system was affected. Equally, some Pixel 7a gadgets could encounter battery swelling points.
In case your cellphone has been affected, you could have two choices. You will get a free battery alternative—Google has a registration web page for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. If that is not going to give you the results you want, 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 possible a provider situation. What in regards to the newer Pixel 9a? This is a press release a Google spokesperson offered to WIRED: “Google repeatedly improves Pixel testing based mostly on person suggestions and totally investigates reported incidents for all parts, together with batteries. With Pixel 9a, we delivered the most important and longest-lasting battery of any A-series but. We’ve been inspired by its reception up to now and are assured within the cellphone’s longevity and sturdiness.”
Ideally, this battery situation has been rectified within the newest mannequin, however we’ll be monitoring it over the following few years.
What Does Pixel Care+ Embrace?
If 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 via 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. This is what you get.
Pixel Care+ begins at $9 per 30 days or $179 and contains limitless unintentional harm safety, $0 display screen 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 30 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 30 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 is just not out there in New York state.
You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Telephone
Love Pixel telephones however need to get away from utilizing Google companies? It is a bit ironic, however you may truly use a distinct working system with the Pixel as an alternative of the built-in Android. We have examined and actually like /e/OS, a privacy-first working system that is based mostly on the Android Open Supply Undertaking. When you can set up it your self, it requires a little bit of technical know-how, you may purchase a refurbished Pixel from Murena with /e/OS put in already. When you’re , we have now extra particulars about /e/OS right here.
The Finest Pixel Circumstances and Equipment
I’ve written a broader information on the Finest Pixel 10 Circumstances and Finest Pixel 9 (and 9a) Circumstances, however listed here are just a few choices in your perusal. We have highlighted circumstances for the present Pixel lineup, however you may simply discover the identical variations for prior fashions in the event you peruse the case maker’s catalog.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Telephone Case for Pixel 10 Sequence
These official circumstances 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 energy or wi-fi charging capabilities (in the event you use a case with out magnets, it is going to weaken the energy and disrupt the characteristic). The smooth silicone is nice to the contact, and you may color-match it together with your Pixel 10 cellphone to focus on the cellphone’s shade. I additionally like Google’s official Pixel 9a case ($30), which has similarities, nevertheless it would not have the magnets inside as it is not a Qi2 cellphone.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Mous
Limitless Case (Pixelsnap)
Mous circumstances are Made for Google licensed, and that is particularly essential with the Pixel 10 collection, because it ensures the most effective compatibility with Pixelsnap. The Limitless is a superb all-rounder, with raised edges over the show, clicky buttons, dependable magnets for Qi2, and a number of other design aesthetics you may select from, together with a walnut again or speckled cloth (pictured).
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Grip Case (Pixelsnap)
Dbrand’s Grip case lives as much as its identify. It has clicky buttons and extremely grippy edges. It feels sturdy but pretty slim, and you may select a snazzy design. Simply know that it’s a must to apply this “pores and skin” to the again of the case. There’s loads 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 in my testing.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Bellroy
Leather-based Case (Pixelsnap)
Bellroy has been making Pixel circumstances for a very long time, and it labored in collaboration with Google for the Pixel 10 circumstances, making certain the proper match. It is Pixelsnap-certified (the Pixel 9a case would not have magnets), so it will 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 most effective case in the event you continuously connect your Pixel to the handlebars of a motorbike or an electrical scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system allows 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 experience utilizing this mounting system. The corporate additionally has a number of different magnetic equipment, like a automobile vent mount. The case itself is good; I simply want the perimeters have been raised extra for higher display screen 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 most effective 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 truly does, the corporate will substitute it totally free. It is skinny, has stronger magnets than most different Pixelsnap circumstances, and has grippy edges. And also you get to see your Pixel’s shade shine via. The corporate technically would not make it for the Pixel 10, simply the Professional fashions, however as a result of the scale 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 pressure within the metallic ring, and you may regulate your cellphone at various heights. You may also 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 strong stand to maintain it propped up. The stand is steady, would not shift round, and you may cost the cellphone in panorama or portrait orientation.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Prism 2.0 Display screen Protector
Dbrand offers you two display screen protectors on this package deal, and it comes with a super-easy software software. Wipe down your cellphone with the included alcohol wipe, dry it with the microfiber, after which place the software over your cellphone and pull the pull tab. Press down on the road, wait 30 seconds, after which take the software off. There is a squeegee to push out air bubbles. When you do not need to spend this a lot, Spigen’s GlasTR tempered glass protectors are additionally straightforward to use and price $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 overkill, however I nonetheless assume it is an awesome 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 could have 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 attainable on any of your Pixel gadgets.
Our Favourite Pixel Software program Options
Pixels have many nice software program options, however some have to be toggled on. It can be arduous to do not forget that all these options exist, so listed here are many of the prime ones.
There are some key options on Pixels that you simply will not discover on another Android cellphone. A few of these can be found solely on choose Pixels—the Tensor chip began with the Pixel 6, and at the moment, the Tensor G4 is within the Pixel 9 vary. This is a breakdown:
Name Display screen: If 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 may have Assistant take the decision. You may see a real-time transcription of what is occurring, so you may finish the decision straight away if it is a telemarketer or reply if it seems to be a long-lost highschool good friend. If it is somebody essential, you may give Assistant responses to recite in the event you’re unable to take the decision—it gives up contextual replies now, too. Keep 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.
