The release of Google’s new Pixels always heralds new innovations for Android phones, and this year’s launch of the Pixel 3 range has been no different. The Pixel 3 XL — the larger of the two phones announced — is a great example of the biggest modern trends in smartphones with a notched screen, incredibly powerful hardware, and a luxurious glass back.
While the Pixel 3 XL’s traditional two-tone style and bezel-less design are beautiful, it’s still made from glass — and glass is easy to shatter, which could ruin your phone’s good looks. If you’re worried about the longevity of your phone, protection is a great idea. Here are the best Pixel 3 XL cases to keep your phone safe from drops, bumps, and scratches.
Our top five picks
Google Fabric Case ($40)
No-one knows the Pixel 3 XL better than Google itself, so a case from Google is always going to be high on the list. This case is a little bit special, as you can see. It’s made from fabric laid over a protective polycarbonate shell. Fabric isn’t a common material for cases, but it’s certainly unique, and it lends your Pixel 3 XL a special flair. It won’t be as protective as a larger case, but the inner PC shell should do a good job protecting your phone, while the outer layer of close-knit fabric should protect against scratches and other damage. It’s fully compatible with the Pixel 3 XL’s Active Edge feature, and it doesn’t interfere with wireless charging.
Case-Mate Waterfall ($40)
Protection doesn’t have to be unfashionable, and if you’re looking for a case that will show off your glitzy style, check out Case-Mate. The Waterfall case is tough and durable, with drop protection of up to 10 feet, but it also looks great, with a snow globe-style effect with cascading glitter. The oil on the inside of the case has been certified to be safe, and it’s fully compatible with the convenience of wireless charging. Flexible sides add grip, and it even comes with metallic button covers. It’s expensive, but can you put a price on style?
Bellroy Leather Wallet ($75)
The Pixel 3 XL is an expensive phone with some serious style, and it deserves a case that can match it blow for blow. Bellroy’s leather wallet is gorgeous and luxurious, and adds some serious utility to your phone too. It’s made from genuine premium leather, mixed with a polymer inner core. An inner lining of microfiber protects against scratches, and there’s an area in the cover to store an extra SIM card and SIM tray tool, perfect for the world traveler on the go. It can fit up to four cards in the inner pocket, and the magnetically held front cover also doubles up as a horizontal stand. Its very expensive, but if all these features sound great and you love the style, it’s an incredible case choice.
Air Jacket Clear ($40)
TPU is tough but it’s soft, and if you want hard protection that’s light in weight, then you’ll want a polycarbonate case. The Air Jacket case is completely made from polycarbonate, which means it’s tough and hard, while also being crystal clear and very light. Coated with a self-healing layer, it’ll reform minor scratches over time, leaving your case blemish-free. It clips onto your Pixel 3 XL, holding close to the phone, and gives all-around protection for the back and all four sides of the phone. But it’s not perfect; it’s expensive, and polycarbonate won’t protect as well against drops and falls as a softer, impact-absorbing TPU case. But as a hard and clear case, it’s very good.
Nomad Rugged Leather Case ($45)
Leather is a wonderful material for style and protection. Nomad’s rugged leather case is made from U.S. Horween leather molded onto a combination of TPU and hard PC, which means it should be able to cope with a wide variety of hazards and still look great. The leather will continue to mature as the case ages, and the unique grain means you’ll always end up with an accessory like no other. Nomad claims the multiple layers protect against drops of up to 6 feet, and despite all that protection, it still comes in a fairly thin package. The $45 price tag isn’t too much for genuine leather either.