Mark C.
There's better and cheaper options out there
Update 5/30/26: I was able to "break" the camera lens cover off of the Pixel 10 Pro case, but in the meantime many of the pictures taken with the Pixel 9 came out just as I suspected with this case, which is lens/sun flare on the images because of the camera cover. Also, despite the manufacturer's response to my initial review, my follow up email that they requested was sent on May 7 and has gone unanswered (though I'm still getting their marketing emails), so for the camera lens cover AND the poor customer service I'm knocking another star off the rating and recommending a hard pass on these covers. Initial review: Overall these cases are just "ok." First, the positives: - they're very lightweight. They seem to add almost no weight to the phone. - the colors are nice and are nearly an exact match for Pixel phones. The blue is very close to my Moonstone Pixel 10 Pro, and the green is nearly the same as my wife's Pixel 9. This is the main reason I purchased these. Otherwise, I already have two cases with this style kickstand/grip. - it's a nice looking case overall that at a glance looks like a phone with no case on it, due to the shiny "chrome" look edges. Now for the negatives: - the case does not fit snug. The long edges bow outward slightly instead of staying flush against the phone sides. This is the same for both phones/cases. - it's very lightweight (yes, that was a positive a minute ago), but that's apparently because the case is somewhat flimsy. See the negative bullet point above. - the jury is still out on the camera lens cover. I generally don't like camera lens protectors, and I never use them willingly. Two things to note... First, the glass over the camera is significantly more durable and scratch/crack resistant than the glass on the front screen of the phone. Second, any time you add a layer of glass to a camera lens, it's just another layer that can affect the light captured by the camera and it will most certainly affect your photos, even if so slight that you don't even notice. But you also risk getting lens flare in certain conditions. The camera lens cover on these cases are built in, and it doesn't really look like you can remove it without destroying the case. Now, regarding the Pixel 9, all of the above applies to that case as well, but also the fact that it is nearly impossible to charge the phone wirelessly without removing the case. The Pixel 9 does not have Magsafe/PixelSnap/Qi2 capability, yet this company makes a magnetic case specifically for the Pixel 9. Since it's called a "Pixel" case, the presumption is that the company is well aware of the limitations of the Pixel 9. Where this case fails is the placement of the magnetic ring. You see, a Pixel 9 CAN be charged on a magnetic Qi charger, but the placement of the charge coils in the phone are not in the same position as Qi2/PixelSnap/Magsafe phones. So while technically you might be able to charge a Pixel 9 with this case on, you really have to play around with it trying to get the best positioning to get it to charge (without the charge indicator going on/off/on/off/on/off, etc). Most times it's not worth the hassle and we just end up plugging it in. They really shouldn't have even bothered with making cases for Pixels prior to the 10 series. My Pixel 10 Pro charges just fine on a Belkin magnetic Qi2 charger with this case on. But not the Pixel 9. I only bought it because I was excited at the prospect of being able to use this type of case on a Pixel 9 and still charge wirelessly. Overall, I wouldn't recommend these cases. You can find nearly identical styles of cases on Amazon that are better quality for the same or less money, and you don't have to wait weeks for it to come from China. By the way, there is no indication that these might come from China until it's been shipped. I'm not sure why companies like this and OhSnap! don't sell their product on Amazon. It's one thing if it's a mom and pop operation, but any company that keeps an inventory in a warehouse in China can certainly sell on Amazon. One other thing, I noticed when I submitted this review for posting that it said it was an "unprompted review." It is not. This review is here because I clicked a link in an email from the seller asking me to review the Pixel Case. I never go to Trust Pilot on my own, I generally just use Google reviews.
Response from ThepixelcaseApr 9, 2026
Hi Mark, This is one of the most useful reviews we’ve received — you actually broke down the product like a real user, not just a quick reaction. We appreciate that. We’ll address this directly: Fit & structure (bowing edges / flimsy feel) That shouldn’t happen. A case can be lightweight without losing structural integrity. If both units show the same behavior, that points to a design or batch tolerance issue — and that’s something we’re already reviewing internally. Lightweight vs durability trade-off You’re right — we pushed hard on reducing weight to keep the “bare phone” feel. But if that compromises rigidity or long-term hold, then the balance is wrong. That’s a product decision we’re actively refining. Camera lens cover Also fair. Built-in lens covers are always a trade-off: convenience vs optical purity. We include them for protection, but we know some users (like you) would prefer a version without it. That’s something we’re considering offering as separate variants. Pixel 9 + magnetic charging issue (important point) You’re 100% correct here — and this is where most brands get it wrong. Pixel 9 is not natively aligned for Qi2/MagSafe, so even if you add a magnetic ring, alignment becomes inconsistent. It can work, but it’s not reliable — exactly what you described (on/off charging, repositioning, etc). Your conclusion is fair: Magnetic cases make much more sense on Pixel 10 series and newer, where alignment is actually optimized. We’re already adjusting how we present this, because “technically compatible” is not the same as “works smoothly in real life.” Shipping origin & transparency We operate with both US and China warehouses, and orders are shipped based on stock + color availability. But you’re right — this should be clearer before purchase, not discovered after shipping. “Better options on Amazon” Fair comparison. The difference we’re aiming for is Pixel-specific design + niche focus, but if the execution doesn’t clearly beat generic alternatives, then we’re not doing enough yet. Review request note Also noted — yes, the review was triggered by our email. That label on Trustpilot is their system, not something we control, but your point is valid. Now, instead of just debating points — let’s fix what we can for you: Email us at [email protected] with your order number and we’ll: Look at your units specifically (fit issue especially) Offer a replacement or alternative model that performs better Or a solution that makes sense given your experience Big picture: You’re not wrong. This is exactly the type of feedback that forces us to improve — especially around fit precision, realistic compatibility (Pixel 9 vs 10), and product positioning. If we address this properly, we’d appreciate you updating your experience based on how it’s handled. — Madison The Pixel Case Team