Best Google Pixel Phone (2022): Which Model to Buy, Cases and Accessories, Feature Drops

If you factor all of these individual services into the cost of the Pixel 6 Pro over two years, your total comes to $1,746. So you’re effectively paying less ($426 less, to be exact). But it’s just really It’s 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 already subscribed to one of these services, your current plans will be canceled and you’ll receive a single bill for Pixel Pass once your Pixel ships (although you’ll need to manually cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium before subscribing to Pixel Pass).

The 2020 Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G have disappeared from the Google Store. You can find them on Amazon, but the Pixel 5 is not worth such a high price, especially since its software support window ends very soon (October 2023). Amazon is currently selling the Pixel 4A 5G for slightly less than the Pixel 6, and while it’s a nice phone, that price doesn’t make any sense. You’re better off sticking with the Pixel 6A or Pixel 5A 5G.

The Pixel 3 range is too old and that includes the Pixel 3A. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL suffer from poor battery performance and aren’t worth picking up. These older phones will also stop receiving software updates this year. Buy one of the newest models.

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

Of all the Pixel cases I’ve tried, this feels like the best. It has a wonderful texture that is pleasant to the touch and the case maintains a slim profile. The buttons keep clicking and the ports are well exposed. It is affordable, but the front edges are not raised. There is a good chance that the screen will hit the ground when you drop it.

Pixel phones don’t have a great record of screen durability – they scratch easily. We originally tested this protector for the Pixel 5A, but it’s no longer available. Caseology does sell it now for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A. Installation is easy and includes a broom to remove air bubbles. You get two screen protectors for the price, which includes a microfiber cloth, a towel, and dust removal stickers.

It’s thin, has a nice texture, retains clicky buttons, and has precise cutouts for ports and speakers. What is not to love? This is definitely Spigen’s most attractive line of cases. The edges don’t rise dramatically, so don’t expect much 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 further by using third-party lenses like these from Moment. Attach a fisheye lens for a fun, distorted photo effect. Use a 58mm telephoto lens to get even closer to your subject. Whichever lens you choose, you’ll need a Moment case to make the system work. It takes about two seconds to insert or remove a lens with a simple twist. Pixel 6 cases have Moment (M)Force magnets embedded inside, so they’ll work with the company’s various MagSafe mounts, like one for tripods, video lights, microphones, or other MagSafe accessories.

This is a solid Pixel wallet case with a kickstand. You can rest it in landscape mode with the folding leather flap on the back. Under this magnetic flap, one or two credit cards can be stored. Everything is thick, 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 It’s heard very hard, but it is quite thin. The edges around the camera module and front display are raised, the buttons are easy to press, and the headphone jack and USB-C port are protected from the elements. This offers a step up in protection compared to the previous options.

Of the Pixels in this guide, wireless charging is only available on the Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro. Google’s Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers out there because it’s simple. The dock doesn’t slide, the phone stays put, and it allows for some fun features like turning the screen into a digital photo frame and quick access to Google Assistant. It is made of 39 percent recycled materials with mainly ecological packaging. Our guide to the best wireless chargers has more options. Also available at Best Buy.

This charging adapter is all you need to recharge your Pixel, whatever model you have. The new high-end Pixel phones don’t come with chargers in the box, so if you don’t have a spare USB-C charger, it’s worth picking one up. The tips of this one don’t fold, but it’s still very compact.

It takes some effort to install this case on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, but once you do, it’s definitely the best protection you’ll find for your Pixel. There’s a two-piece polycarbonate inner shell that snaps over and under the Pixel, then a thick synthetic rubber sleeve for extreme durability. The buttons are surprisingly clicky and it’s not as thick as I expected (although it does make the phone very wide). It’s made from 50 percent recycled plastic, and there’s a holster you can slip on to wear your Pixel proudly on your belt.

There are some key features exclusive to the Pixels that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of them are only available on the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A series, as they rely on the processing power of the Tensor chip. Here’s a quick breakdown: