If you want a folding phone and you want a Pixel, this is more or less the best option. However, if you just want the best booklike folding phone, there’s strong competition from this year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. I’ll be putting these two devices head-to-head to find out which is better, so stay tuned.
Last Year’s Pixels
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Pixel 9 Series
You don’t need to buy the latest and greatest! Buying last year’s flagship phone is a great way to save some cash. However, make sure you’re spending far less than the MSRP—otherwise, you may as well buy one of the latest Pixel 10 phones. The previous Pixel generation from 2024 includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL (9/10, WIRED Recommends), and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (6/10, WIRED Review).
The Tensor G4 chipset in these phones is perfectly capable, the displays still get very bright, and the cameras aren’t vastly different. The Pixel 9 lacks the extra 5X optical zoom camera, and none of these devices have Qi2 support, so no magnetic fun. While Google hasn’t confirmed what features from the Pixel 10 series will arrive on the Pixel 9 series, there’s a good chance many of them will in a future Pixel Drop feature update.
Before the launch of the Pixel 10, the Pixel 9 regularly dipped to $599, the Pixel 9 Pro dropped to $749, the Pixel 9 Pro XL was on sale for $899, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hit $1,499. I wouldn’t buy these devices unless they were at those prices again or lower.
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a will get seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. The 2023 Pixel 7a will receive three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from the date of launch, the same as older Pixels. Google has a page you can check to see exactly what month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates reduce the risk of malware, keep your phone bug-free, and make it more secure. Android version updates introduce new features—cosmetic and functional—that improve the OS as a whole.
Pixel phones also happen to be the first to receive any kind of Android update, so as soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 16, you can download it immediately by heading to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can also test beta versions of Android, but you’ll need to enroll your device. (Make sure to back up your phone first!) Pixels are also privy to the feature drops Google issues every few months, which include features from newer Pixels coming to older models and brand-new features for the latest devices.
What Is Qi2?
Qi2 is the next-gen wireless charging standard, following the Qi wireless protocol. It uses magnets baked into the back of smartphones to perfectly align them with magnets in Qi2 wireless chargers, ensuring a faster and more efficient charge with less heat. It’s practically the same as Apple’s MagSafe technology (Apple helped develop the Qi2 standard), and all MagSafe iPhones now support Qi2, starting from the iPhone 12. However, not all phones that claim Qi2 functionality are actually Qi2 phones. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series is notably Qi2 Ready, meaning they don’t have magnets inside, and the only way they can achieve the charging speeds and efficiency of Qi2 is with a magnetic case.
You don’t have to worry about that with the Pixel 10 phones. They’re all proper Qi2 devices with magnets inside. Google calls it “Pixelsnap” and that’s also the name its using for its suite of accessories. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the only one of the lot that supports the even newer Qi2.2 25W standard, which bumps the charging speed from 15 watts to 25. That means it’ll wireless charge the fastest, provided you use a compatible charger.
If you have an older Qi wireless charger lying around, there’s a chance it won’t work all that well with the new phones. Qi2 is backward compatible, but we’ve run into issues with older chargers just not recharging devices consistently. You’ll probably need to upgrade to a Qi2 charger. If you get a case (read our guide!), make sure it’s a Pixelsnap or Qi2 case with magnets inside. Without magnets, a case will weaken the magnets in the phone, and they won’t stick well to Qi2 or other magnetic accessories.
What About Older Pixel Phones?
There are a few other Pixel phones worth considering if you don’t want any of the above choices. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are available through official channels and third-party retailers (until supplies last). The key is to not pay more than $500 or $600 for either of them; otherwise, you may as well put that money toward the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 series.
I do not recommend you buy any older Pixel devices. Several Pixel A-series phones have been put under a battery performance program to mitigate the risk of overheating or swelling batteries. These software updates have crippled the battery life on those phones, and Google has provided customers with battery replacement options or Google Store credit for a new Pixel phone. These potential issues mean it’s just not worth the risk of buying a Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a. The Pixel 8a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) doesn’t seem to show problems yet, but I’d still throw caution to the wind.
Pixel A-Series Battery Issues
In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a owners have received mandatory updates that purposefully degrade the performance of the battery to prevent overheating. Your phone may have been working fine before, but Google issued these updates as a preventative measure, and not every device was affected. Similarly, some Pixel 7a devices may encounter 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 Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. If that isn’t going to work for you, you can get Google Store credit for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a to put toward a new Pixel phone.
These issues seem to have only affected some batteries in the A-series phones, suggesting it’s likely a supplier issue. What about the newer Pixel 9a? Here’s a statement a Google spokesperson provided to 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.”
Ideally, this battery issue has been rectified in the latest model, but we’ll be monitoring it over the next few years.
What Does Pixel Care+ Include?
When you purchase a Pixel from Google, you’ll see the option to add Pixel Care+ for protection. It’s only available in the US through the Google Store and Google Fi. The monthly option can run for up to 60 months, whereas the fixed pricing is for a 2-year term. Here’s what you get.
Pixel Care+ starts at $9 per month or $179 and includes unlimited accidental damage protection, $0 screen and battery repairs, replacements that ship in a day, and priority support from Pixel experts. That pricing is for the Pixel 10, and it goes up for the pricier devices. For example, the Pixel 10 Pro will cost $13 per month, or $239 for the 2-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 and includes the same protections as mentioned above but includes two claims of loss and theft every 12 months. Weirdly, Loss and Theft coverage is not available in New York state.
You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Phone
Love Pixel phones but want to get away from using Google services? It’s a little ironic, but you can actually use a different operating system with the Pixel instead of the built-in Android. We’ve tested and really like /e/OS, a privacy-first operating system that’s based on the Android Open Source Project. While you can install it yourself, it requires a bit of technical know-how, you can buy a refurbished Pixel from Murena with /e/OS installed already. If you’re interested, we have more details about /e/OS here.
The Best Pixel Cases and Accessories
I’ve written a broader guide on the Best Pixel 10 Cases and Best Pixel 9 (and 9a) Cases, but here are a few selections for your perusal. We’ve highlighted cases for the current Pixel lineup, but you can easily find the same versions for prior models if you peruse the case maker’s catalog.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Phone Case for Pixel 10 Series
These official cases from Google for the Pixel 10 series are Qi2-certified with Pixelsnap magnets baked 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 the strength and disrupt the feature). The soft silicone is pleasant to the touch, and you can color-match it with your Pixel 10 phone to highlight the phone’s color. I also like Google’s official Pixel 9a case ($30), which is similar, but it doesn’t have the magnets inside as it’s not a Qi2 phone.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Mous
Limitless Case (Pixelsnap)
Mous cases are Made for Google certified, and that’s especially important with the Pixel 10 series, as it ensures the best compatibility with Pixelsnap. The Limitless is a great all-rounder, with raised edges over the display, clicky buttons, reliable magnets for Qi2, and several design aesthetics you can choose from, including a walnut back or speckled fabric (pictured).
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Grip Case (Pixelsnap)
Dbrand’s Grip case lives up to its name. It has clicky buttons and incredibly grippy edges. It feels robust yet fairly slim, and you can choose a snazzy design. Just know that you have to apply this “skin” to the back of the case. There’s a lot of room for error here, so be careful, and watch Dbrand’s installation video for tips. There’s Pixelsnap support so you can use your Pixel with Qi2 and even MagSafe accessories, and it worked exceptionally in my testing.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Bellroy
Leather Case (Pixelsnap)
Bellroy has been making Pixel cases for a long time, and it worked in collaboration with Google for the Pixel 10 cases, ensuring the perfect fit. It’s Pixelsnap-certified (the Pixel 9a case doesn’t have magnets), so it’ll work with magnetic accessories. The leather comes from sustainable sources, and it exudes class.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Peak Design
Everyday Case for Pixel 10 (Magnetic)
This is hands-down the best case if you frequently attach your Pixel to the handlebars of a bike or an electric scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system lets you magnetically affix the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After more than a year of testing, I’ve yet to have a phone fall off my ride using this mounting system. The company also has several other magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is nice; I just wish the edges were raised more for better screen protection. You can choose to have it with the loop, which acts as a grip, or without it.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Ghost Case 2.0 (Pixelsnap)
This is the best clear case for the Pixel 10 series. Dbrand promises that the Ghost 2.0 won’t yellow over time, so much so that if it actually does, the company will replace it for free. It’s thin, has stronger magnets than most other Pixelsnap cases, and has grippy edges. And you get to see your Pixel’s color shine through. The company technically doesn’t make it for the Pixel 10, just the Pro models, but because the dimensions are the same, the 10 Pro case fits perfectly on the Pixel 10.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Ring Stand
Google’s Ring Stand is a surprisingly sturdy and great kickstand. There’s good tension in the metal ring, and you can adjust your phone at varying heights. You can also twist it to put the phone in landscape or portrait orientation. Make sure you take it off before placing the phone on a wireless charger; you’re not supposed to attach magnetic accessories or chargers to the Ring Stand itself.
-
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
-
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Pixelsnap Charger With Stand
You don’t need to spend this much for a decent Qi2 charger, but these are what Google is officially selling, and they’re great (if overpriced). The stand version is actually the same Pixelsnap charger, just with a robust stand to keep it propped up. The stand is stable, doesn’t shift around, and you can charge the phone in landscape or portrait orientation.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Prism 2.0 Screen Protector
Dbrand gives you two screen protectors in this package, and it comes with a super-easy application tool. Wipe down your phone with the included alcohol wipe, dry it with the microfiber, and then place the tool over your phone and pull the pull tab. Press down on the line, wait 30 seconds, and then take the tool off. There’s a squeegee to push out air bubbles. If you don’t want to spend this much, 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
Google’s latest Pixel 10 series supports 29W and 39W charging speeds, depending on the model. That makes this 65W a little overkill, but I still think it’s a great all-around charging adapter to carry with you. It’s incredibly slim and lightweight, has folding prongs, and includes two USB-C ports. When you have two devices plugged in, one port will dish out 45W and the other will deliver 20W. The former will let you hit the fastest charging speeds possible on any of your Pixel devices.
Our Favorite Pixel Software Features
Pixels have many great software features, but some need to be toggled on. It can also be hard to remember that all these features exist, so here are most of the top ones.
Jump to a Category
Call Features
There are some key features on Pixels that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of these are available only on select Pixels—the Tensor chip started with the Pixel 6, and currently, the Tensor G4 is in the Pixel 9 range. Here’s a breakdown:
Call Screen: When you get a call from an unknown number, Google Assistant will scan and flag it if it’s suspected spam or a robocall. If it’s simply a number you don’t recognize, you can have Assistant take the call. You’ll see a real-time transcription of what’s happening, so you can end the call right away if it’s a telemarketer or answer if it turns out to be a long-lost high school friend. If it’s someone important, you can give Assistant responses to recite if you’re unable to take the call—it offers up contextual replies now, too. Remember to turn it on by opening up the dialer app and heading to Settings (three dots on the top right) > Spam and Call Screen.
