The first Pixel 9 Pro leak has surfaced, and the renders reveal a pretty drastic design change from the current Google phone.
@OnLeaks and MySmartPrice claim that the Pixel 9 Pro has flat edges that very slightly curve into the display and rear panel, in sharp contrast to the Pixel 6-8 Pro’s curved rail.
There is a cutout to the left of the connector, nothing on the left side, and the mmWave antenna cutout is located on top. The power button and volume rocker are still located on the right edge, and Google appears to have moved the SIM card tray to the bottom edge to the right of the USB-C port.
The three cameras are once again positioned side by side and covered by an oblong piece of glass, while the camera bar—which is obviously modeled after the Pixel Fold—is a floating pill that is not attached to the left or right edge like on previous phones. The overall effect is a pill-on-pill design with extremely little bezels on the left side.
The camera system, which features a large circle between the wide and ultrawide lenses, has two circular perforations next to it; one is for flash, and the other appears to be a temperature sensor that Google is keeping from the Pro model from last year.
The Pixel 9 Pro, according to the OnLeaks x MySmartPrice article, would have a 6.5-inch display, which would be significantly smaller than the 6.7-inch panel on the 8 Pro. This is true even if the proportions are about the same as they were last year, which may indicate a screen size error.
Pixel 9 Pro: 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (12.0 mm camera bump)
The phone’s body is.3 mm thinner. Based on the renders, the display appears to be as flat as the 8 Pro’s, if not flatter.
This Pixel 9 Pro leak is happening two months earlier than the 8 Pro render. The design will definitely be compared to the iPhone, but it also has some Essential Phone-like qualities.
As noted by Mishaal Rahman on Twitter/X, Google appears to be working on updating the Linux kernel on all Tensor-powered Pixels. Specifically, the evidence presented suggests an update to version 6.1, which was released in December 2022 and is the second-to-newest version of the kernel, with 6.6 having been released in October 2023.
Release of new software updates on a regular basis is one of the biggest selling points of a Pixel device, and it appears that Tensor-powered Pixels are about to receive a rare software update that updates the kernel used in the background.
While there’s no word on what a kernel upgrade might change, this is notable for a couple of reasons.
One of the comments mentions that “some Pixel devices” will be released with version 5.15 on “Android V,” which is Android 15. That also suggests that the timeline at play here is not in the immediate future but rather sometime after Android 15’s release. The 5.10 kernel version will see its end-of-life date in December 2026, so it most likely will not be too long after. For starters, this update would put all Tensor-powered Pixels on the same kernel. Pixel 6 and forward all ran on version 5.10 until the launch of Pixel 8, with 8 and 8 Pro running version 5.15.
Updates to the kernel typically do not affect the user experience much, but they can have a significant impact on how your device functions. This includes performance and battery life. Custom kernels were a fairly common feature back when Android modding was more common.
Splurging on expensive gadgets does not seem like a very smart idea, especially considering the beating most of us have taken from the rising cost of living. If you have resolved to be more frugal with your money, the year-over-year differences are not great enough to justify spending on newer releases, so if you are looking for a capable phone, Google’s Pixel 7 Pro is available for a great price.
One of the best phones available right now is the Pixel 7 Pro, which is highly regarded in the tech community for good reason. It boasts a stunning 6.7-inch screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz and is slightly curved, making it more comfortable to hold than most other high-end smartphones.
The device is underpinned by the homemade Google Tensor G2 chip and while it’s not at the top of the performance charts, it’s plenty fast for everyday use.
With its triple camera array—a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide snapper, and a 48MP telephoto module with 5x optical zoom—it produces aesthetically more pleasing, stunning, and color-accurate photos than most other phones.
The 128GB Pixel 7 Pro is currently $380 cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro and Galaxy S23 Plus, both of which have starting prices of $999.
Go for the phone if you need a high-end smartphone with stellar cameras, smooth performance, and a clutter-free interface but do not want to spend a fortune.
Google’s phones are also at the front of the queue when it comes to operating system updates and they get better with age thanks to quarterly Feature Drops which bring features introduced with newer phones to older phones.
Now that the price has dropped, the Pixel 7 Pro has an advantage over the Pixel 8 Pro, which starts at $999.
Over the last fifteen years, smartphones display have grown in size exponentially. It is funny how, while six inches was once considered the definition of a phablet, these days we can call a six-inch device compact. Along with larger screens come improvements in color fidelity, resolution, refresh rate, and other technical marvels that enhance the smartphone experience.
Over the last fifteen years, smartphones have grown in size exponentially. It is funny how, while six inches was once considered the definition of a phablet, these days we can call a six-inch device compact. Along with larger screens come improvements in color fidelity, resolution, refresh rate, and other technical marvels that enhance the smartphone experience.
When buying a new smartphone, it is important to consider the display specifications because people are consuming more and more content on their phones, whether it is through watching HDR movies and shows or binge-watching your favorite TikToks. Innovations have made it possible for displays to take on new forms, such as edge-to-edge, curved, and OLED, and competition has made these phones more affordable than ever.
Here are five Android phones with some of the best screens in the market, ranging from incredibly clear 4K panels to the really fluid displays found in foldable smartphones. However, there are always a select handful at the top with the most advanced display technologies.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
With its Ultra-series of phones, Samsung has polished the recipe with its many design advancements, such as folding panels or the overflowing edge displays in its previous flagships. Samsung has been the undisputed ruler in display technologies, and not just in its smartphones.
With its tried-and-true build and design, the Galaxy S23 Ultra certainly plays it safe, but that does not mean it shys away from what may be the best all-around smartphone display: a massive 6.8-inch 2K AMOLED display that refreshes at 120 Hz and boasts great outdoor visibility thanks to its 1,750 nits of peak brightness. The nearly bezel-less, edge-to-edge panel with a centrally aligned hole-punch camera is just one of the many features that combine to create an immersive experience.
With its robust specifications and S Pen, the S23 Ultra is an incredible phone—especially considering how well users have rated its battery life. It also boasts one of the best camera setups, with a 200-megapixel camera that can record 8K video and a dedicated periscope lens that can zoom up to 100 times.
Samsung’s good track record with quick software updates and long-term support further make this phone a solid recommendation. As expected, all of this comes at a hefty price of $1,200, but there really isn’t anything like the Galaxy S23 Ultra in the market.
Sony Xperia 1 V
The Sony Xperia 1 V boasts a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 21:9 refresh rate, making it one of the only smartphones available with such an absurdly crisp resolution of 643 ppi. The display is typically slimmer and taller than most phones, making it perfect for scrolling through vertical videos or watching widescreen HDR content. Yes, Sony is still making smartphones in 2024, even though it is marketed towards a niche audience of display and camera enthusiasts.
With a triple camera setup that uses Zeiss optics and Sony’s proprietary S-Cinetone video look, the Xperia 1 V runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage that can be expanded further using the microSD card slot. All three cameras can record in 4K HDR at 120 frames per second and have the same autofocus technology as Sony’s professional cameras.
The Xperia 1 V, touted as the ideal media powerhouse, boasts front-facing stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack that supports Dolby Atmos and LDAC for wireless earphones, and a sleek yet robust in-hand feel thanks to Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus protection up front. However, the phone’s steep $1,200 price tag must be justified by its impressive display and camera features.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The improved display is one of the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s main selling points this time around, as the device still manages to be a great value for $1,000 even after a price increase from last year’s model. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts one of the brightest smartphone displays ever, peaking at 2,400 nits at maximum output thanks to the adoption of an OLED panel. When you combine that with its flat 6.7-inch 120 Hz display, you have yourself a winner.
The Pixel 8 Pro offers a respectable movie-watching experience even without Dolby Vision thanks to its LTPO technology, which enables the phone to lower its refresh rate to as low as 1 Hz. This helps greatly preserve battery life, especially when using the always-on display. Android 14’s Material You design loves splashing colors throughout the user interface, and they do reflect really well on the HDR10+ certified panel.
Though not the most powerful, the Tensor G3 chipset powering the phone is efficient and offers a seamless user experience because it has been designed specifically for Pixel devices. Pixels have always been known for their cameras and software, and the 8 Pro takes both of these aspects to new heights. Google’s computational photography has seen even more improvements thanks to the addition of software features. Exclusive Pixel-only goodies include AI-generated wallpapers, background noise remover, and a one-tap magic editor.
OnePlus Open
Although OnePlus is primarily recognized for its flagship smartphones that offer a good balance between price and performance, its debut in the foldable smartphone market shows just how high-end the brand can go. The $1,500 OnePlus Open, the company’s most expensive phone to date, is still fairly competitive when measured against other phones in the same market.
Both the 2K displays refresh at 120 Hz and have a ridiculously bright peak brightness of 2,800 nits. The cover display is a 6.31-inch 20:9 panel that can go as low as 10 Hz to save battery. When unfolded, the massive 7.82-inch nearly square display is immersive and surprisingly has the least visible crease in any foldable smartphone. Both panels are Dolby Vision compatible and provide a fantastic HDR viewing experience.
The OnePlus Open’s fluid display, combined with OxygenOS’s smooth and fluid experience, makes for an unparalleled experience. The phone, in typical OnePlus fashion, is powered by flagship-grade internals, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The triple camera setup, optimized in collaboration with Hasselblad, makes the Open an excellent shooter as well. Being foldable unlocks unconventional use cases, such as multitasking with split-screen apps and floating windows.
Asus ROG Phone 7
With its ROG series of phones pushing the limits in terms of raw performance, Asus has been at the forefront of the smartphone gaming space. The ROG Phone 7 is no different, sporting one of the fastest displays on any smartphone along with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and up to 16GB of RAM. The phone’s robust internals are expected considering its gaming-focused design.
You can set specific refresh rates for individual games, bypassing any default capped limits. The 6.78-inch 165 Hz AMOLED panel with support for HDR10+ and an impressive peak brightness of up to 1,500 nits provides an experience like no other handset when gaming. Pairing a touch sampling rate of 720 Hz with Asus’ rather bloat-free and stock Android user interface, this phone has perhaps the most fluid experience.
Unlike most modern slabs of glass and metal, the ROG Phone 7 has a noticeable forehead and chin, preventing mistouches while gaming. This also leaves space for a dual front-facing stereo speaker configuration, allowing for an immersive multimedia experience. The ROG Phone 7’s cooler accessory not only promises better thermal performance but also has a subwoofer, a 3.5mm audio jack, another type-C port, and four tactile remappable buttons.
Asus has always placed a high priority on long battery life, and the ROG Phone 7’s 6,000 mAh battery offers remarkable endurance. Passthrough charging is supported, which allows the battery to power the phone without the need for additional charge.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are still a few weeks away, but if you want to finish your holiday shopping early, there are a ton of great tech discounts readily accessible right now.
In this single guide, we’ve compiled all of the finest early Black Friday discounts on everything from tablets and TVs to smartphones and watches.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is currently $200 off, and several of our favorite smart home devices are currently up to 50% off. Naturally, we anticipate seeing additional deals in the upcoming weeks.
If you didn’t find anything today, stay reading to see what else is currently available, and bookmark this page since we’ll keep adding fresh offers to it up to the start of Black Friday.
PHONES
The following is only a small sample of the many Android phones that retailers are discounting ahead of Black Friday. For a larger list of offers, take a look at our guide to thebest early Black Friday/Cyber Monday phone deals.
Kicking things off is this deal that slashes a whopping $200 off the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This phone is peak Android technology, with a built-in stylus, some outstanding camera tech, and the customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
Similar to the Pixel 7a deal we just mentioned, Amazon will hook you up with a FREE pair of Galaxy Buds Live earbuds when you purchase an unlocked Galaxy A54 5G. That’s a value of $120, but if you don’t need earbuds, you can still save $40 when you buy the phone alone.
Looking for a phone with a built-in stylus? The Moto G Stylus 5G is one of the better options if you don’t want to break the bank, featuring a 5,000mAh battery, great camera, and a vibrant 120Hz display. Right now, Amazon is slashing $100 off the price of the phone, bringing it down to just $299.99.
Buy the 256GB version of the super-balanced Galaxy S23 Plus and you’ll get a straight $200 dropped off your purchase at Best Buy. The retailer will also throw in a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Buy the innovative Galaxy Z Fold 5 directly from Samsung and you’ll be eligible to receive up to $1,000 off with trade-in, plus a free S Pen slim case (a $99.99 value). They’ll also give you $180 off the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro if you want to bundle the phone with a sweet pair of earbuds.
The fitness trackers and smartwatches that are now on sale at retailers in advance of Black Friday are just a few examples. Check out our guide to the greatest Black Friday smartwatch deals for a longer range of offerings (so far).
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic might be a few years old, but with a 30% discount, who’s complaining? More powerful and slightly more traditional-looking than the standard Watch 4, the Classic boasts some stainless steel heft and a real rotating bezel that we absolutely love.
Right now you can snag a Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch for $179, which is an epic price reduction of 40%. This hybrid timepiece boasts an efficient Qualcomm chip, loads of activity-tracking features, and great battery life with super-fast charging.
It’s far from cheap, but the Garmin epix (Gen 2) is a great choice if you can afford it, with a rugged stainless steel construction, unique map features, and outstanding battery life. Right now you can soften the blow of the big purchase with a sweet $250 discount at Amazon.
Although the price might drop lower when Black Friday hits next month, you can buy a Pixel Watch through Amazon today and save an epic 30% on the LTE version of the watch in Silver.
Stylish, versatile, and feature-packed, the Vivoactive 4 reigns as one of the best intro smartwatches for most people, and now you can get your very own at the discounted price of $279.95.
The tablets below are just a few of the many that are now on sale from shops in advance of Black Friday. See our guide to the top early Black Friday tablet bargains for a longer list of offerings.
The top pick in our list of best Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus comes complete with a large 12.4-inch AMOLED display, an ultra-efficient Snapdragon processor, and software support through 2027. Right now, you can snag one of these tablets and save 145 bucks!
Despite being a few years old, the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus still performs with the best of them, thanks to a Snapdragon 865+ processor, vibrant 12.4-inch AMOLED display, and an included S Pen stylus. Now pair those specs with a 41% discount and you’re looking at a truly fantastic deal.
The Galaxy Tab A8 is a mid-range tablet with a few surprising specs, such as a Snapdragon processor and massive 7,040mAh battery. Amazon is currently dropping a nice 24% off the price of the tablet, making now a great time to buy.
The following is only a small sample of the many smart TVs that retailers are discounting ahead of Black Friday. For a larger list of offers, take a look at our guide to the best Black Friday Android TV deals.
Nowadays, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 65-inch smart TV for any less than $500, and yet that’s exactly what’s happening with this awesome pre-Black Friday deal. Head to Best Buy now and you’ll save $160 on the Class C350 Series TV from Toshiba, a versatile entertainment machine with 4K upscaling and immersive DTS Virtual: X audio.
If you’re a Prime member, head to Amazon now and you can save a whopping 45% on this 32-inch 2-Series Fire TV. Sure, it’s not the most feature-packed smart TV in the world, but it gives you access to all of your favorite streaming services in 720p HD with Dolby Digital Plus audio, and most importantly, it only costs $110.
For a limited time, Best Buy is dropping a full $1,000 off the price of the Class S90C Tizen TV from Samsung. This entertainment powerhouse boasts AI-powered 4K upscaling, immersive Object Tracking Sound, and more.
Okay, yes, this isn’t a smart TV, but a 50% discount on a Fire TV streaming stick is no joke. For just $20, this device gives you instant access to all of your favorite streaming services in Full HD, plus you’ll get an Alexa Voice Remote and six months of MGM Plus for 100% free.
Head to Amazon now and you can get a whopping 48% off this 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV. That’s a bigger discount than the TV received during Prime Day! This model delivers vibrant picture in 4K UHD resolution with HDR10 and HLG, plus you get four HDMI and six months of MGM Plus for free.
The day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, is November 24, however many businesses start advertising their sales as early as late October or the first week of November. So that you don’t have to wait to uncover the finest tech discounts, we’re keeping track of all the best deals as soon as they become available.
Should purchase now or to hold out until Black Friday?
If you find something now for a record low price, you might want to take advantage of the offer since it’s unlikely that the price will fall further lower once Black Friday arrives. Of course, we’ll inform you in our bargain guides if we believe you should purchase or not.
We’ve all been sufficiently spoiled for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, so let’s move on to the Pixel Watch 2. Apparently, there have been significant Pixel Watch 2 leaks this morning as well, including a promotion that may allow you to receive a free device in two weeks.
This most recent leak, which comes from @Za Raczke once more, is in the form of a promotional film that gives a Google tour of the Pixel Watch 2 and several of its capabilities. We get a clearer idea of the health and fitness capabilities that will be available on Google’s upcoming watch, even if Google has already published some of this information.
New in Pixel Watch 2
The new sensor in the Pixel Watch 2—likely the same sensor seen in the newest Fitbit smartwatches—is where the health story of the device begins. This sensor can detect more precise heart rate readings, assess your skin temperature, track stress (EDA), and offer heart rate variability (HRV). Moreover, you will receive pace and zone tracking, automatic workout start and stop reminders, and a number of safety features, including the new Safety Check. The Safety Check timer, which was made available for Pixel phones in June, enables you to check in with loved ones during a certain period of time.
In the realm of health and fitness trackers, none of it is really novel or ground-breaking, although Google did initially debut the Pixel Watch with mediocre health features that didn’t really measure up to the competition. This new sensor ought to help it fit in as a watch that is unquestionably expensive.
We may expect a 24-hour battery life with sleep tracking, so there isn’t much of an improvement there. That was sort of expected given that leaks had suggested for some time that Google was maintaining the same form factor without significantly increasing battery capacity. We might be able to use the always-on display so that we can receive the entire 24 hours thanks to the new Qualcomm chip.
Last but not least, the film displays the new watch bands, including the Sport Band with a Hole and the Slim Metal Links Band in New Colors
Oh, and the promotion for the free Pixel Watch 2? If you pre-order the Pixel 8 Pro, it appears that Google will give the Pixel Watch 2 away for free. That’s a good addition, however it’s unclear yet if it will apply to the ordinary Pixel 8 as well or only the Pro. Price-wise, the Pixel Watch 2 should be close to the $350 of the first model.
The Google Pixel Watch from a year ago was a favorite of ours despite its mediocre battery life, large bezels, and outdated internals. Additionally, Google has significantly enhanced the wearable since its debut with frequent upgrades. As the wristwatch approaches its first anniversary of release, more and more information regarding its successor, the Pixel Watch 2, is appearing online. The internals, display, and battery of the watch, as well as other important details, have just leaked.
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor is said to be used in the Pixel Watch 2, according to an Android Authority article. This is Qualcomm’s most advanced wearable SoC, built on Samsung’s 4nm node, and it has four Cortex-A53 cores with a 1.7GHz clock speed. Compared to the 10nm Exynos 9110 chip in the Pixel Watch, which has twin Cortex-A53 cores operating at 1.15GHz, it should result in a significant improvement in speed and economy.
Moreover, Qualcomm provides a W5+ Gen 1 SoC with a specialized QCC5100 coprocessor. However, it appears like Google chose the non-Plus model because it intends to use the same bespoke NXP coprocessor that was used in the first generation Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Watch 2 might have a bigger 306mAh battery in addition to a faster and more effective processor. That represents a modest 4% increase over the 294mAh cell in the first watch. Despite being small, the Snapdragon processor and 306mAh battery together might provide the Pixel Watch 2 a battery life of more than 24 hours.
Another significant improvement that Google promises to make to the Pixel Watch 2 is an ultra-wideband processor. It appears that the wearable will have an NXP SR100T module, but it’s not obvious how the business plans to use the technology. With the addition of UWB, the Pixel Watch 2 might be able to function as a digital car key, allow for seamless media playback between your devices, and more. The Apple Watch already comes with Apple’s U1 ultra-wideband processor, which is utilized for precision locating and other functionality.
However, it doesn’t appear that the Pixel Watch 2 will come with a larger display or more minimal bezels. According to rumors, Google will move to a Samsung Display panel, which might have increased brightness and battery efficiency. Nonetheless, it will still be 1.2 inches and 384 by 384 pixels in size. Moreover, there is no anticipated size reduction for the bezels that encircle the screen.
The Pixel Watch 2 should ship with Wear OS 4, which is based on Android 13, as its operating system. One of the earliest Android smartwatches that offer seamless updates is this one. This will enable the watch to update the system files silently and reboot to access them.
Last but not least, the Pixel Watch 2 may debut in India because BIS certification has been seen on the watch’s regulatory e-labels. There are no specifics yet, but the watch may be introduced to many more markets.
The July Pixel update is now available as one of the final Android 13 updates, following the June release of a big quarterly platform update and Pixel Feature Drop that included new functionality and numerous bug fixes. It is anticipated to be somewhat less significant than last month’s and ought to prepare us well for the next Android 14 release.
Prepare your Pixel 4a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a for an update right away. The initial updates for your Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet should also be available. The fact that new Pixel smartphones are receiving upgrades is huge news, even if it’s just a tiny update. As I type this, a 23.27MB update is downloading to my Pixel Tablet. It is also visible to others who have Pixel phones.
For those in the Android Beta Program, you are not likely to receive an update. When you are in that program, you are on a different software track.
July Google Pixel update builds
Global
Pixel 4a: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 4a (5G): TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 5: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 5a (5G): TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 6: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 6 Pro: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 6a: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 7: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 7 Pro: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel 7a: TQ3A.230705.001
Pixel Fold: TQ3C.230705.001.C1
Pixel Tablet: TQ3A.230705.001.B4
Pixel Watch: RWDC.230705.001
Verizon
Pixel 7: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Pixel 7 Pro: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Pixel 7a: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Pixel Fold: TQ3C.230705.001.B1
T-Mobile
Pixel 6: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Pixel 6 Pro: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Pixel 6a: TQ3A.230705.001.A1
Japan
Pixel Fold: TQ3C.230705.001.C2
July Google Pixel update bug fixes
No major bug fixes to report on any device outside of the Pixel Tablet. For Google’s biggest screen, they list the following:
Battery & Charging: General improvements for charging, battery usage or thermal performance in certain conditions
User Interface: Fix for issue occasionally causing lock screen notification text to display behind unlock UI elements
Again, Google should begin pushing these updates shortly over-the-air (Settings>System>System update), but if you don’t want to wait for Google and prefer to update manually, you will find each factory image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go.
Despite not being the best Android smartphones available, Pixel devices are nonetheless good. Most of the time, hardware limitations of Pixels are overcome by their superior software, which Google delivers together with cutting-edge features that are exclusive to its products. While feature drops and upgrades are regular and often bring exciting improvements, they can occasionally also lead to unanticipated issues. This appears to be the case with the June update, as several customers report that their Pixel devices are depleting their batteries faster than usual.
Many users have commented on Reddit about the June update’s poor battery life, which was picked up by the staff at 9to5Google. Some users report noticing only a slight change, while others report that they now need to charge their cellphones at least twice daily. Others have reported connectivity problems, including short-lived batteries and erratic mobile data signals.
It appears that a variety of Pixel devices are included in the list of affected ones, however upon fast reading through the thread, it is clear that many Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series smartphones are affected. Even while there are reports of the phones heating up much more than before, which is rather frightening, increasing battery consumption is still a major problem.
While those who are impacted by this are in a lot of suffering, there are some remedies. Some people claim that the issue is resolved by deleting the most recent update for Android System Intelligence in the Reddit thread. Some assert that restarting the device also resolves the problem. Even if some of these fixes might be effective, Google will probably need to release an update. We’ve been in touch with Google in an effort to clarify these matters. We anticipate that the business is aware of the issue and will include a fix in the upcoming version.
It has always been difficult to find cases for folding phones, but with the Google Pixel Fold, we can skip the hassles of older cases and get right to reliable, secure protection. Manufacturers have jumped right into production of their Pixel Fold cases after years of continuously improving Samsung Z Fold series cases.
For Google’s most avant-garde phone yet, we’ve got the finest of the best—from clear to crushproof, from heavy-duty to hotly designed.
Poetic Spartan for Pixel FoldBest overallI’m not gonna mince words: this is a chunky case. This absolute unit features a heavy-duty hinge protector, a kickstand built into the back (rather than the hinge), and a claim of 20-foot impact resistance. This kickstand should work whether your Fold is closed or open. Though when it’s open, you’ll want to rotate the Fold from landscape to vertical.$60 at Amazon
Casetify Impact Case for Pixel FoldPremium pickIs this Pixel Fold Case expensive for only having four-foot drop protection and no hinge cover? Yeah. Is it the most stylish Pixel Fold case you can buy right now? Yup. From hundreds of designs to upcoming Co-Lab collections, from custom cases to iconic artwork, Casetify’s gallery ensures everyone can find something they like. If you don’t like the black bumper, Casetify also has a Clear option.$72 at Casetify
Caseology Parallax for Pixel FoldBest valueMost manufacturers charge 30-100% more for a foldable phone’s case — they’re harder to design and use more materials — but Caseology keeps it classy and affordable with the Parallax. It might not have a kickstand or color choices, but it gives this Pixel Fold case exactly what it needs: grip and some basic impact resistance. The sculpting around the buttons also makes it easier to open the Pixel Fold.$25 at Amazon
Case-Mate Tough Plus for Pixel FoldFeels like one solid caseMost folding cases are two completely separate pieces that you have to hope and pray line up perfectly on your Pixel Fold. Case-Mate’s Tough Plus is one of the few Pixel Fold cases that feels like one modulated case rather than two distinctly separate halves. Case-Mate also claims it can withstand up to 16-foot drops, but the polish of this case alone is worth the price of admission.$50 at Amazon
VRS Design Terra Guard Modern Go for Pixel FoldThere’s no sugarcoating the thickness of this cover, being a card slot case on top of a heavy-duty Pixel Fold case. If you’re looking to ditch the billfold and just carry everything all in one, the Terra Guard is one of the few wallet options for this phone. We wish there were a teeny bit more space inside the slot for cash on top of cards, but it’s workable.$50 at Amazon
Spigen Ultra Hybrid for Pixel FoldAs far as clear Pixel Fold cases go, it’s hard to beat the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. Though it lacks a hinged cover, this slim case will put that wonderful, creamy Porcelain on full display while staying slim and manageable while holding. Because there are no moving parts to this case, you can actually lay the Fold flat on a tablet without it turning into a seesaw for fairies.$45 at Amazon
Google Official Case for Pixel FoldThe track record of Google’s first-party cases has been a bit circumspect over the last couple of years, but its official Pixel Fold case breaks from the flimsy translucent cases with simple silicone slipperiness. Although we’ll have to test this one thoroughly, Google touts its stain resistance and texture — two areas previously struggled with. One thing’s for sure: Google nailed the colors.$60 at Google Store
Tudia DualShield for Pixel FoldTudia’s initial images for the DualShield had it completely covering the power button — and thus the fingerprint sensor — but it seems Tudia has remedied this mistake. The cutout for the power button is slim but should be enough to get a decent read while pulling the phone out of your pocket. It also comes in four striking colorways.$43 at Amazon
Otterbox Thin Flex for Pixel Fold$48$60Save $12At this time, OtterBox only offers the Thin Flex series for the Pixel Fold, a welcome compromise between a bold bumper case and a classic clear case. The edges on a clear case often end up looking ugly, especially if adhesives are involved, so covering these harsh realities is a good call. I do wish there were more color options, though.See at Amazon$48 at Otterbox
VRS Design Simpli Fit for Pixel FoldWhile available in solid green and black, the clear VRS Simpli Fit shows the Pixel Fold’s matte glass exterior and thus is vastly superior. Clear cases with hinge covers are usually a bit messy, but VRS Design keeps things sturdy and clean. The cutout around the power button could use a little extra room for scanning fingerprints, but it should be fine most of the time.$40 at Amazon
Spigen Slim Armor Pro for Pixel FoldThe Slim Armor Pro’s normal construction makes it almost feels stale on normal slab phones, but its folding hinge cover adds just enough flair to keep it interesting. The hinge cover here is a bit slimmer than those found on VRS Design and Poetic’s cases, making it a less awkward handhold while using the Fold’s inner screen. For this price, the lack of kickstand stings.$85 at Amazon
dbrand Grip for Pixel Fold$60$80Save $20Dbrand offers some of the best cases on the market, and they are bringing that expertise to the Galaxy Fold. At just 2mm thick and with military-grade drop protection, the case makes you feel confident that your phone will be well protected without any extra bulk. To prevent you from dropping it, this case consists of thousands of tiny ridges for maximum grip. It also comes with a built-in kickstand for enhanced viewing pleasure.$60 at dbrand
Ghostek Covert for Pixel FoldThe Ghostek Covert case for the Pixel Fold offers a lot of protection in some fantastic colorways. While there are nine colors to choose from, six of those colors are available in limited quantities. So if you want to be unique, make sure you don’t hesitate. This case offers eight feet of drop protection, is scratch resistant, and has raised edges to keep the display and camera lenses free of scratches. $40 at Ghostek
Whitestone Dome Escudo for Pixel FoldThe Whitestone Dome Escudo case offers complete device protection for the Pixel Fold. In addition to protecting the Fold’s body, the Escudo case protects the hinge and comes with a built-in screen protector. It is wireless charging compatible, allowing you to use your favorite charging mat or the power share feature. With precise port cutouts and an integrated kickstand, the Escudo case is a fantastic investment for the Pixel Fold.$26 at Amazon
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear for Pixel FoldThe Presidio Perfect-Clear case from Speck has its surface covered in Microban, keeping odor and stain-causing bacteria at bay. This layer maintains top-notch clarity and won’t yellow over time. In addition to showing off the Pixel Fold, it offers 13 feet of drop protection in a thin package. And with raised bezels, the screen and camera are protected from being dragged across a flat space.$60 at Speck
The current selection is strong, despite the fact that we’re still missing a sizable portion of the anticipated Pixel Fold cases—we’re hoping they’re just fashionably late and not just absent. Newer companies like Ghostek and Casetify bring forth more flair and refinement, while more traditional names like OtterBox, Dbrand, and Spigen serve up the familiar and expected series. The Caseology Parallax combines all the best elements. We are familiar with and have confidence in this series since it provides a protective case that is neither too thick nor too thin, with equal parts grip and style.
It’s good that there aren’t many colorful Pixel Fold options you’d want to show off with a clear case. Slim scratch protection is provided by clear cases like the Ultra Hybrid and the Presidio Perfect-Clear. Additionally, more colorful cases, such as the graphic Casetify Impact Series, continue to create distinctive and captivating combinations for your Pixel Fold.
You will have to cope with actual cuts surrounding the button because the Pixel Fold’s fingerprint sensor is positioned on the power button. Hence, cases that eliminate the volume and power buttons, like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, tend to yield better reads. Although cases like the Ultra Hybrid expose more of the frame and the buttons, they also provide a better grip place for opening the Fold with one hand. Some covers, like Tudia’s DualShield, simply expose the power button, making it simpler to feel where your finger has to go. But, some people may find it more difficult to acquire accurate fingerprint reads due to the smaller cutout.
If all else fails, use Smart Lock, also known as Extend Unlock, to keep your digital lifeline unlocked when you’re out and about or sporting your lovely Android smartwatch, as I do. Then purchase a screen protector for your Pixel Fold to shield that dazzling exterior screen from nicks and breaks.
