There are some minor multitasking improvements—it’s easy to put two apps side by side in split-screen, and you can adjust the slider between them to resize the apps, even pushing one off to the side for quick access. However, you still can’t use three apps at once, which I miss from the OnePlus Open’s implementation. If you’re in the market for a folding phone, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7; it’s thinner, lighter, and more user-friendly. On the other hand, if you’re into Google’s software and camera quality, you might really like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold—if you’re okay with the price tag.
Last Year’s Pixels
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
You don’t always have to go for the latest model! Buying last year’s flagship phone is a great way to save some money. Just make sure it’s significantly cheaper than the MSRP; otherwise, you might as well go for one of the new Pixel 10 phones. The last generation of Pixels from 2024 includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
These phones come equipped with the Tensor G4 chipset, which performs well, the displays are still very bright, and the camera capabilities aren’t massively different. Keep in mind, though, the Pixel 9 doesn’t have the additional 5X optical zoom camera, and none of these models support Qi2, so you won’t get any magnetic charging features. While Google hasn’t confirmed which features from the Pixel 10 series will be available for the Pixel 9 series, it’s pretty likely many of them will roll out in a future Pixel Drop update.
The Pixel 9 frequently goes below $550, the Pixel 9 Pro usually dips to $599, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is around $850, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been found for $1,350. I wouldn’t recommend buying these unless they hit those price points again or go lower.
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
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The Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a will receive seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. The 2023 Pixel 7a is set to get three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its launch date, just like older Pixels. Google has a page where you can check when your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates help reduce malware risks, keep your phone running smoothly, and enhance security, while Android version updates bring new features that enhance the OS overall.
Pixel phones are the first to receive any Android updates. As soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 16, you can download it instantly by going to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can also try beta versions of Android, but you’ll need to enroll your device (be sure to back up your phone first!). Pixels also benefit from feature drops that Google releases every few months, bringing features from newer Pixels to older models along with new capabilities for the latest devices.
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Qi2 is the next-gen wireless charging standard, following the Qi wireless protocol. It uses magnets incorporated into the backs of smartphones to align perfectly with Qi2 chargers, ensuring a quicker and more efficient charge with less heat. This is very similar to Apple’s MagSafe technology (since Apple helped develop the Qi2 standard), and all MagSafe iPhones have supported Qi2 since the iPhone 12. However, not all phones that claim to support Qi2 actually do. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series is notably Qi2 Ready, meaning they don’t have magnets inside; they only achieve Qi2’s charging speeds and efficiency with a magnetic case.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that with the Pixel 10 phones. They are all genuine Qi2 devices with magnets built in. Google calls this “Pixelsnap,” and it’s also the branding for its accessory suite. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the only model that supports the even newer Qi2.2 25W standard, increasing the charging speed from 15 watts to 25. That means it can wirelessly charge the fastest, as long as you use a compatible charger.
If you have an older Qi wireless charger lying around, be aware that it might not work that well with the new phones. While Qi2 is backward compatible, we’ve encountered issues with older chargers not consistently powering newer devices. You may need to upgrade to a Qi2 charger. If you buy a case (check out our guide!), make sure it’s a Pixelsnap or Qi2 case with magnets. Without magnets, a case can weaken the phone’s magnetic strength, making it less effective with Qi2 or other magnetic accessories.
What About Older Pixel Phones?
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If you’re not interested in the latest options, there are a few other Pixel phones worth considering. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are available through official channels and third-party retailers (while supplies last). Just remember not to pay more than $500 or $600 for either; otherwise, it’s better to invest in the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 series.
I don’t recommend buying any older Pixel devices. Some Pixel A-series phones have been put under a battery performance program to prevent issues like overheating or swollen batteries. This has caused battery life on those phones to decline, and Google has offered customers options for battery replacements or credit towards a new Pixel phone. These issues make buying a Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a risky. Additionally, I wouldn’t consider the Pixel 8a worthwhile anymore since its price hasn’t dropped much; you’d be better off with the Pixel 9a.
Pixel A-Series Battery Issues
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In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a owners received mandatory updates aimed at reducing battery performance to prevent overheating. Your phone might have been functioning well before, but Google rolled out these updates as a precaution, which may not have affected every device. Similarly, some Pixel 7a phones may face battery swelling issues.
If your phone has been affected, you have two options. You can get a free battery replacement—Google has a registration page for the affected Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a models. If that doesn’t suit you, you can also receive Google Store credit for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a towards a new Pixel phone.
These battery issues seem to be limited to some A-series models, suggesting they could be a supply-related problem. What about the newer Pixel 9a? A Google spokesperson shared with WIRED: “Google continuously improves Pixel testing based on user feedback and thoroughly investigates reported incidents for all components, including batteries. With Pixel 9a, we delivered the largest and longest-lasting battery of any A-series yet. We’ve been encouraged by its reception so far and are confident in the phone’s longevity and durability.”
We hope this battery issue has been resolved with the latest release, but we’ll keep an eye on it in the upcoming years.
What Does Pixel Care+ Include?
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When you purchase a Pixel from Google, you’ll see an option to add Pixel Care+ for protection. It’s available only in the US through the Google Store and Google Fi. The monthly plan can run up to 60 months, while the fixed price covers two years. Here’s what’s included:
Pixel Care+ starts at $9 per month or $179 and offers unlimited accidental damage protection, $0 repairs for screens and batteries, quick replacements shipped within a day, and priority assistance from Pixel experts. This pricing covers the Pixel 10; it increases for higher-end models. For example, the Pixel 10 Pro is $13 per month or $239 for the two-year term. There’s no Pixel Care+ option for the Pixel 9a.
Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft starts at $10 per month or $199; it includes the same protection as above, plus two claims for loss and theft every 12 months. Oddly enough, Loss and Theft coverage isn’t available in New York state.
You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Phone
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If you love Pixel phones but want to steer clear of Google services, you can actually switch to a different operating system instead of the built-in Android. We’ve tested and really like /e/OS, a privacy-focused OS based on the Android Open Source Project. While you can install it yourself, which needs some tech skills, you can also buy a refurbished Pixel from Murena that comes with /e/OS pre-installed. If you’re curious, we have more information about /e/OS here.
The Best Pixel Cases and Accessories
I’ve put together a broader guide on the Best Pixel 10 Cases and Best Pixel 9 (and 9a) Cases, but here are some picks for your consideration. We’ve highlighted cases for the current Pixel lineup, and you can usually find similar versions for older models in the case maker’s catalogs.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixelsnap Phone Case for Pixel 10 Series
These official Google cases for the Pixel 10 series are Qi2-certified with Pixelsnap magnets built in, allowing you to attach the phone to magnetic accessories without any loss in strength or wireless charging capabilities (if you use a case without magnets, it will weaken this strength and disrupt the feature). The soft silicone feels nice to the touch, and you can color-match it with your Pixel 10 to show off your phone’s color. I also love Google’s official Pixel 9a case ($30); it’s similar, but doesn’t have the magnets since it’s not a Qi2 phone.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Mous Limitless Case (Pixelsnap)
Mous cases are Made for Google certified, which is particularly important for the Pixel 10 series, ensuring optimal compatibility with Pixelsnap. The Limitless case is versatile, featuring raised edges to protect the display, clicky buttons, reliable magnets for Qi2, and a variety of design options, including a walnut back or speckled fabric (shown).
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Dbrand Grip Case (Pixelsnap)
Dbrand’s Grip case lives up to its name. It has responsive buttons and excellent grip around the edges. It feels both robust and relatively slim, plus you can choose a stylish design. Just note that you have to apply this “skin” to the back of the case, so be careful and check out Dbrand’s installation video for guidance. It supports Pixelsnap, letting you use your Pixel with Qi2 and even MagSafe accessories, and it performed well in my tests.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Peak Design Everyday Case for Pixel 10 (Magnetic)
This is undoubtedly the best case if you plan to attach your Pixel to bike handlebars or electric scooters. Peak Design’s mounting system allows you to magnetically secure the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it holds firm. After more than a year of use, I’ve never had a phone pop off using this setup. The company also offers several other magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is good, but I wish the edges were raised more for better screen protection. You can opt to include a loop for added grip or go without it.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Dbrand Ghost Case 2.0 (Pixelsnap)
This is the best clear case for the Pixel 10 series. Dbrand guarantees it won’t yellow over time; if it does, they’ll replace it for free. It’s thin, has stronger magnets than many other Pixelsnap cases, and provides grippy edges to keep your phone secure. Plus, it shows off the color of your Pixel beautifully. While Dbrand doesn’t officially make it for the Pixel 10, it fits perfectly on the Pixel 10 because the dimensions are the same as the Pro models.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixelsnap Ring Stand
Google’s Ring Stand is surprisingly sturdy and works well as a kickstand. The metal ring has good tension, allowing you to adjust your phone at different heights, and you can position it for landscape or portrait viewing. Just remember to remove it before placing the phone on a wireless charger, as it shouldn’t be attached to magnetic chargers.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixelsnap Charger With Stand
You don’t need to spend this much for a decent Qi2 charger, but these are the options Google is officially selling, and they’re solid (though a bit pricey). The stand version is essentially the same Pixelsnap charger, but with a robust stand to hold it upright. The stand is stable and allows you to charge the phone in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Dbrand Prism 2.0 Screen Protector
Dbrand offers two screen protectors in this pack, along with an easy-to-use application tool. Simply clean your phone with the included alcohol wipe, dry it using the microfiber cloth, and place the tool over your phone before pulling the tab. Press down on the line, wait 30 seconds, and then remove the tool. A squeegee is also included to eliminate air bubbles. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Spigen’s GlasTR tempered glass protectors are also easy to apply and cost $20 for a two-pack.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter
The latest Pixel 10 series supports 29W and 39W charging speeds, depending on the model. While this 65W charger is technically overkill, it’s still a great option to keep with you. It’s slim and lightweight, with folding prongs, and features two USB-C ports. When using both ports, one will supply 45W and the other 20W, allowing you to achieve fast charging speeds on any of your Pixel devices.
The Pixel Ecosystem
If you’re picking up a Pixel phone, you’re likely interested in other Pixel hardware as well, and good news: they’re fantastic too! The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are excellent earbuds, and the Pixel Watch 4 sets the standard for Android smartwatches.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Parker Hall
Photograph: Parker Hall
Recognized as the “Best Earbuds for Android” in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are compact and come in a cute, egg-shaped case with a smooth matte finish. They pair seamlessly with Android devices, support wireless charging, and feature outstanding noise-canceling capabilities. You can also tap and hold the buds to interact with the Gemini voice assistant, and a recent software update introduced Loud Noise Protection and Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts the volume in response to unexpected sounds like sirens. You can even nod to answer a call or shake to decline!
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, consider the Pixel Buds 2a ($129); they are smaller and have many similar features, but lack wireless charging in the case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The Pixel Watch 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is compatible with all Android phones and pairs perfectly with a Pixel. This smartwatch relays notifications so you can keep up with your apps right on your wrist and even check your Nest security cameras through the Google Home app. Just raise your wrist to speak with the Gemini assistant—no hot word needed—and it offers extensive health and fitness tracking features that compete with the Apple Watch. Battery life is decent too, lasting about a day and a half with the 45-mm model and recharging quickly.
You can also opt for the cellular version to stay connected even when you’re away from your phone, but be prepared to pay for a separate data plan. Check out our Best Smartwatches guide for more options.
Our Favorite Pixel Software Features
Pixels come packed with useful software features, though some might need activation. It can be easy to forget what all these features do, so here’s a rundown of the most notable ones.
Some key features on Pixels are unique and not available on other Android phones. A few of them are exclusive to specific models—the Tensor chip debuted with the Pixel 6, and now the Tensor G4 is found in the Pixel 9 range. Here’s a summary:
Call Screen: When you receive a call from an unknown number, Google Assistant will check it and flag it if it’s likely spam or a robocall. If it’s just an unfamiliar number, you can have Assistant answer the call. You’ll see a live transcription of the conversation, so you can hang up immediately if it turns out to be a telemarketer or answer if it’s an old friend you haven’t spoken to in ages. If it’s an important call, you can provide Assistant with responses to relay if you can’t pick up. It now even offers contextual replies! Just remember to turn it on in the dialer app by navigating to Settings (three dots in the upper right) > Spam and Call Screen.
