If you calculate all of these individual services with the cost of the Pixel 6 Pro over two years, your total comes to $1,746. So you’re actually paying less ($426 less, to be exact). But that’s only really worth it if you watch a ton of YouTube and use YouTube Music instead of other options like Spotify.
Google says that 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 when your Pixel ships (although you’ll have to manually cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium before subscribing to Pixel Pass).
About the older Pixel phones
The 2020 Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G have disappeared from the Google Store. You can find them on Amazon, but the Pixel 5 isn’t quite worth such a high price, especially since its software support window is ending very soon (October 2023). Amazon is currently selling Pixel 4A 5G for slightly less than Pixel 6, and while it’s a good phone, that price makes no sense. Better to stick with Pixel 6A or Pixel 5A 5G.
The Pixel 3 series 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 too stop getting software updates this year. Buy one of the newer models.
Cases and accessories we like
Photo: Google
The official Google cases feel like they provide more protection than their predecessors. There are several fun colors, a two-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 cover is made with 75 percent recycled plastic, and the other two are made with 30 percent recycled material.
Of all the Pixel covers I’ve tried, this feels the best. It has a wonderful texture that is pleasant to the touch and the case maintains a slim profile. The buttons remain clickable and the ports are well exposed. It is manageable, 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 track record with screen durability – they scratch easily. We originally tested this protector for the Pixel 5A, but it’s no longer available. Caseology do sell it now for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A. Installation is easy and it includes a rubber scraper to get rid of air bubbles. You get two screen protectors for the price, including a microfiber cloth, a tissue, and dust removal stickers.
It’s slim, has a nice texture, retains click buttons, and has accurate cutouts for ports and speakers. What’s not to love? This is undoubtedly Spigen’s most attractive case lineup as well. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so don’t expect much screen protection. Pair it with the Caseology screen protector above to cover all your bases.
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Photo: Moment
Pixels have great cameras, but you can take them further by using third-party lenses like these from Moment. Snap on a fisheye lens for a fun, distorted photo effect. Use a 58mm telephoto to get even closer to your subject. Whichever lens you choose, you need a Moment case for the system to work. It takes about two seconds to attach or remove a lens with a single twist. The Pixel 6 cases have Moments (M)Force magnets embedded inside, so they work with the company’s various MagSafe mounts, such as for tripods, video lights, microphonesor other MagSafe accessories.
This is a solid Pixel wallet case with a stand. You can support it in landscape mode with the foldable leather flap on the back. Underneath this magnetic flap, it can store a credit card or two. It’s all chunky, but the buttons are easy to press. It also has raised edges on the front to protect the screen.
This two-layer case from Otterbox feels really hard, yet it is quite slim. The edges around the camera module and front screen are raised, the buttons are easy to press, and the headphone jack and USB-C port are protected from the elements. This one provides a step up in protection compared to the above choices.
Of the Pixels in this guide, wireless charging is only available on the Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro. Google’s very own Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers out there 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 from 39 percent recycled materials with mostly eco-friendly packaging too. Our guide to the best wireless chargers has several options. It is also available on Best buy.
This charging adapter is all you need to recharge your Pixel, no matter what model you have. The latest 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. Its legs don’t fold, but it’s still really compact.
Installing this case on the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro takes some effort, but once you do, it’s arguably the most protection you’ll find for your Pixel. There’s an inner two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and under the Pixel, and then a thick synthetic rubber cover faces for extreme durability. The buttons are surprisingly clicky and it’s not as thick as I expected (it does make the phone very wide though). It’s made from 50 percent recycled plastic, and there’s a holster you can put it in, so you can wear your Pixel proudly on your belt.
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 the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A series, as they rely on the processing power of the Tensor chip. Here’s a quick overview: