The only interesting aspect of the design of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL is the glass visor at the rear. While the Nexus 6P also had a similar glass visor at its rear, the one on the Pixel and Pixel XL cover almost half the rear of the handsets. The rear glass and the unibody aluminum design almost make it a necessity to use a case with the handsets to prevent them from scuffs and scratches.
Worse, if you are not careful with your Pixel, it is likely that sooner or later you will end up cracking the rear glass panel. Since the Pixels have just been released by Google, there is a shortage of some quality cases for them. So, to help you make a sound decision when it comes to selecting a case for your Pixel, we have rounded up some of the best cases for it in the market right now.
Spigen Neo Hybrid
Spigen is among my favorite third-party case makers. Their cases ooze of quality that hardly other case makers in the market can match. While Spigen offers a variety of cases for the Pixel and Pixel XL, my pick of the lot will be its Neo Hybrid case.
The case features a dual structure that consists of a flexible back and a hard bumper. This helps adds rigidity to the case and improves its shock absorbing capabilities. It also features openings for all the ports and microphone holes, with the area surrounding the fingerprint scanner cut-out slightly beveled so that you can easily distinguish it.
Spigen also boasts that the Neo Hybrid has certified Mil-Grade protection i.e. it will protect your phone against drops from 48-inches height without any issues.
At $24.99, Spigen’s Neo Hybrid is slightly on the pricier end, but it can be usually found on Amazon at discounted rates. It is available in three colors: Gunmetal, Satin Silver, and Blue.
RhinoShield CrashGuard Bumper
If you don’t want to use a case on your Pixel or Pixel XL, have a look at RhinoShield’s CrashGuard bumper for the handsets. The bumper features a very slim profile and despite being a bumper, it offers ample protection against drops. The matte texture of the bumper also ensures optimum grip.
Besides being available in black and white colors, the RhinoShield CrashGuard bumper is available in an eye-catching red color.
Rearth Ringke Fusion
If you are looking for a clear case for your Pixel to show off its boring yet unique design, check out Rearth’s Ringke Fusion case.Made from polycarbonate and rubber, the case will provide enough protection to your Pixel or Pixel XL against drops, bumps, and scrapes. It also comes with appropriate cut-outs for the various ports and microphones on the Pixels to ensure their usability is not affected in any way. Rearth also claims in its marketing material that the inside of the Ringke Fusion has a special coating to ensure that the glass back on the Pixel does not get scratched easily.
Dbrand skin
If you are not a fan of cases, have a look at 3M vinyl skins from Dbrand for your Pixel. The skins are available in a multitude of colors and finish and while they offer the bare minimum in terms of protection, they will help in making your Pixel stand out from a sea of other smartphones out there. And whatever limited protection the skins provide, it is more than enough to protect the rear glass visor of the phone from scratches and scuffs.
Dbrand offers its skins for the Pixel with various customization options as well. You can get a skin with an X or G logo at its rear or simply get a skin to only cover the rear glass visor of the phone. You can also mix and match skins of different colors and finish to customize your Pixel as per your liking.
Olixar Ultra-thin Gel Case
If you are looking for a relatively cheap clear case for your Pixel that offers adequate protection, check out the ultra-thin gel case from Olixar. Made from gel material, the case is flexible yet offers plenty of protection to protect your Pixel from dents and scratches. It also comes with an anti-slippery coating to improve the one-handed use of the device.
At $$6.49, the Olixar clear gel case is cheap enough to not burn a hole in your pocket as well.
What are your favorite cases (or skins) for the Google Pixel or Pixel XL? Or do you like rocking your phone naked? Drop a comment and let us know!
