Protect your Google Pixel 10 with a Pixelsnap case, the pros and cons
The Qi2 standard opens up the world of magnetic accessories to Android users. Google implements this standard in the Pixel 10 series as Pixelsnap. We take a look at the official cases released by Google for this purpose: what are the advantages of this magnetic ecosystem and are there any drawbacks?
We have been testing a Pixel 10 Pro for quite some time and wrote a review about it before. We mentioned the built-in Qi2 magnets as a plus; they allow you to stick the many MagSafe accessories directly onto your phone. Though others will say that could already be done if you bought a MagSafe-compatible case.
The fact is, as a consumer, you don't have to think about whether accessories align correctly with the coils in the Pixel 10 phones. It just works, and that simple fact is worth quite a bit.
Pixelsnap colors
For the Pixel 10 series, Google itself released some Pixelsnap cases in the same colors in which the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL came out. Enumerated are;
| Pixel 10 | Frost, Indigo, Lemongrass and Obsidian |
|---|---|
| Pixel 10 Pro and XL | Jade, Moonstone, Obsidian and Porcelain |
The beauty of the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro is that they are identical in size. It was the same with the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro. So you can just put the Pixelsnap colors for the Pixel 10 on the Pixel 10 Pro and vise versa. Also, why would you necessarily take the same color as your phone? Just switch. Unfortunately, Pixel 9 (Pro) cases do not fit seamlessly on the Pixel 10 (Pro).
Pixel 10 Pro XL owners have fewer choices; for these, only the colors Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain and Jade are available.
Pixelsnap after a few weeks
Thanks to Smartphone Cases, we have been using an official Pixelsnap case for several weeks now. This one is made of soft silicone and that's immediately our first downside. Namely, it feels quite slippery. If you place the device upright against an object, for example on a table, you will notice that the device soon starts to slide due to the lack of roughness.
The case is not susceptible to stains. You simply wipe it clean, with a little water if necessary. The case provides all-round protection and near the camera module there is an edge so that the camera glass is also optimally protected.
The case itself features buttons that are metal and give a nice click-feel. On top is another cutout for the secondary microphone with three openings at the bottom for the speakers and USB port. Also on the front is a kind of edge where dust likes to nestle, although this problem is not unique to this case.
Materials used
The case has a microfiber interior on which a circle is printed. The case itself also contains a ring with magnets. These compensate for the extra distance from the phone, allowing accessories to snap just as securely as on a naked Pixel 10. Given the physical space occupied by the magnets, it is unlikely that there are significantly thinner cases that offer the same magnetic strength.
Placing the Pixel 10 Pro with Pixelsnap case on a MagSafe charger, it snaps securely into place and doesn't give the impression anywhere that it could just come loose. Not accidentally, at least. With a rocking motion, you can remove the device in no time. While this has been standard practice for iPhone users for years, for Android users it opens up a world of convenience and new accessory possibilities.
Biggest plus, then, is the Qi2 support that allows you to buy and use MagSafe-compatible accessories without a second thought. Sturdiness is also worth mentioning. The rubbery-feeling exterior allows the device to bounce quietly whoever puts it down a little too hard, or drops it.
Conclusion Pixelsnap case
With a price tag of €59.95, the official Pixelsnap case is not cheap. The hefty additional price of twenty euros compared to previous years is purely in the magnets, which makes the choice difficult. For half the money, you can already find excellent Google Pixel 10 Pro cases from other brands, often also in other materials and sometimes even with Qi2 support.
- Perfect fit and alignment magnets
- Available in the same color as appliance
- Optimal protection
- Feels very smooth to the touch
- Flint price over competition
The strength of Google's own case, then, lies in the perfect fit and the guarantee that the color will seamlessly match your device. Looking for that ultimate Google-designed experience and price is of secondary importance? Then this is an excellent, albeit slick, choice. For anyone who wants functionality above all else, it's worth checking out the alternatives as well.
