I spent an inordinate amount of time this week (literally hours watching YouTube reviews and reading reviews) researching phone cases and glass screen protectors for my new Pixel 9 Pro XL.
I really wish more case manufacturers would focus on enhancing the phone's design rather than changing it. IMO, most cases take a $1500 sleekly designed phone and make it look cheap.
Anyway, here were my requirements:
Glass Screen Protector:
- Easy to install with alignment tool
- Drop test protection
- Scratch resistant (9H hardness)
- High optical clarity
- Minimal/no rainbowing effect with polarized lenses
- Precise cutouts
- Full coverage without camera cutout
- Case compatibility
- Front and back camera coverage
- Minimal to no impact on photo/video quality
- Does not affect fingerprint recognition
- Does not affect swipe/gesture functionality
- Oleophobic coating for smudge resistance
- Reasonable cost
Case:
- Minimalist design
- Slim profile with solid drop protection
- Raised corner lips for screen protection
- Raised lip rear camera protection
- Responsive, clicky buttons
- Unimpeded swipe functionality
- Easy port access
- Precise cutouts
- Minimal dust collection points
- Balanced grip (not too slick/rough)
- Fingerprint-resistant
- Lightweight and compact
- MagSafe compatibility (bonus)
- Microfiber interior (preferred)
- Design enhancement, not detraction
- Full NFC and Qi2 charging compatibility
- Heat dissipation
- Reasonable cost
After extensive research, I settled on Spigen for both:
Case: Spigen Tough Armor (Matte Black)
Cost: $15.99 (on sale)
- Pros: Meets most requirements
- Compromises: No MagSafe, lacks microfiber interior
Screen Protection: Spigen Glass Protectors (front and back)
Cost: 18.99 + $14.99
- Spigen Camera Lens Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT Optik]
- Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT]
- Pros: Meets all requirements, includes applicator and spare protector
- Compromises: May not match Zagg's drop protection, might cause some blurring with telephoto lens (will test)
Total cost (before tax): $49.97
While this combination might not be everyone's ideal choice, I feel it is a well-researched balance of protection, functionality, and design. I'll let you know how the real world test goes when they arrive. Hope this helps others in their search for a reasonably solid Pixel 9 Pro XL protection setup at a reasonable price.
#IKITAO #Tech #Pixel #Protection
