The Google Pixel 4 XL may no longer be the top Pixel flagship in the world, but it’s still an exceptional phone, and you may well still be hanging on to one. There’s no shame in that — the flagship phone was $899 at launch, and its flagship hardware and top-tier camera are still extremely strong and likely to last a long time. But you probably want to make sure it does last a long time, and to do that, you need to make sure it’s safe.
The easiest way to keep a phone safe is to add a simple layer of protection to the outside, and that means a case. Not all cases are created equal though, and some rise above others. Here are some of the best Google Pixel 4 XL cases and covers.
Moment Photography Case
Google’s Pixel range has always possessed excellent cameras, but the Pixel 4 was the first to add an additional camera lens. It would be a sin not to take advantage of that extra power, and the Moment Photography case can take that to a whole new level. It has an attachment point for Moment’s range of high-quality lenses, so you can add an ultra-wide angle or fisheye effect, or go in close for a macro shot. It’s also a pretty protective case, using rubber to cover your phone. While not as rugged as other more specialized cases, it’ll shield against everyday damage and also offers a lanyard attachment point for your adventures. However, there’s a high cost for entry, and that might keep away all but the most eager.
Peel Ultra-Thin Case
The Pixel 4 range signalled it was time for a design change in Google’s Pixel forges, and the Pixel 4 XL was the super-sized representative of Google’s new design ethos. So proclaim that style loud and proud and don’t hide it behind a bulky case. Peel’s super-thin case is one of the slimmest available, with a semi-transparent matte finish, making it the perfect choice for anyone who still wants to show off a certain style. Unfortunately, that slimness is also a negative point as well, as Peel’s Ultra-Thin case isn’t going to be the most protective case around. The thin material will protect against dirt, fingerprints, and minor scratches, but it won’t do much against bumps and drops, so it’s not the case to buy if you’re worried about major falls and knocks.
Otterbox Symmetry Series Gradient Energy Case
Otterbox cases are well known for protection, but less so for style. That should end with the striking Symmetry Series. The Otterbox Symmetry Series Gradient Energy case is slim and fits comfortably in your hand, but the real draw here is clearly the Gradient Energy variant that uses a blending of purple and green with a scattering of glitter. It’s a striking case and one that’s worth considering if you like a flashy look. It has substance as well as style, and the combination of synthetic rubber and hard polycarbonate should provide solid protection against scratches, drops, bumps, and more. If you’re not a fan of the glittery look, there are other, less bold finishes available, too. However, all variants are on the expensive side.
Spigen Slim Armor
Miss the dual-tone look from the older Pixels? Spigen is bringing it back with the Slim Armor’s top panel that matches the Pixel 4 XL’s bold camera module. But it’s not just about looks. The Case-Mate Tough Groove case provides protection worthy of the Spigen name, using a dual-layer construction to guard against a number of dangers. The inner TPU has an absorbent nature and, combined with Spigen’s Air Cushion corners, can protect against impacts and drops, while the hard outer polycarbonate case clips over the back to guard against scratches and more direct threats. As ever, it feels solid in the hand and even has a kickstand. However, it is expensive at $40.
Case-Mate Tough Groove Case
The Pixel 4 XL’s redesign looks good, but it doesn’t match the shimmery good looks of many Huawei and Honor phones. Change that with the Case-Mate Tough Groove case. A series of vertical grooves lends grip to the case, but also creates a changing multi-colored hue up and down the case. It protects well, too, with anti-scratch properties and drop protection up to an impressive 10 feet. It’s super-slim, works perfectly with wireless charging, and offers a soft surface to promote grip. It’s often harder to find more feminine cases that are also protective, but the Case-Mate Tough Groove case absolutely delivers.
Gear4 Battersea Case
If drops really worry you, then the Gear4 Battersea case is a great case to protect against sudden tumbles onto the sidewalk. Gear4 has used a material known as D3O, which it claims is used by the military and professional athletes to lessen energies from impact. As a result, Gear4 claims the case can resist drops from up to an incredible 16 feet (almost 5 meters). Despite that, it’s still pretty slim and is fully compatible with wireless charging. It’s finished with a soft-touch material and a ribbed texture to help keep it in your hand. However, all that protection comes at a pretty high price.
Nomad Rugged Leather Case
There are few materials more luxurious and sumptuous than premium leather, and Nomad’s cases are some of the best examples of this. Each case is made from American Horween leather that will develop its own unique patina over time, making your leather case truly unique. As it’s leather, the Nomad Rugged Leather case is durable and easy to keep clean, but it’s also protective, thanks to a TPE rubber bumper around the edges of the case that offers drop protection of up to six feet. It’s built to last, and this is a case you’re unlikely to need to replace at any time. But, at $50, it’s clear you’re paying a premium for a premium case.
Incipio DualPro Case
Another almost bullet-proof option for drop protection, the Incipio DualPro case offers exactly what the name suggests — professional-level, dual-layer protection. It’s made from a combination of a scratch-proof polycarbonate outer shell laid over a shock-absorbing inner core of flexible TPU. These two layers work together to provide protection against a wide variety of threats, including a claim of military-grade drop protection. While it’s not the slimmest case here by a long shot, it’s still fairly slim, and won’t make your svelte phone hideously thick. Best of all, that protection doesn’t put too much of a dent in your wallet with a $30 price.
Tech21 Evo Check Case
Tech21 excels at providing solid, all-around options, and the Evo Check is a case that’ll satisfy a lot of people. It looks good, combining a smokey black color with a translucent back and a simple check pattern. But it also brings serious protection, offering drop protection of up to 12 feet and even has a built-in formula that Tech21 claims will kill 99.99% of germs. As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also has mix and match buttons, so you can swap out the black button covers for another style. The downside? It’s a versatile package that doesn’t come cheap, and at $40, it could be outside the budget of many. But if you find it cheap, snap it up.
Poetic Guardian Case
Good protection doesn’t have to put a hole in your wallet, and if you’re looking for solid protection on a budget, you should look to Poetic. Made from a combination of shock-absorbing TPU and scratch-resistant polycarbonate, Poetic’s Guardian case protects from all sides with the addition of an extra raised edging around your display, and corner bumpers to give additional protection against bumps. It’s certainly not the most attractive of cases, and those looking for sleek protection won’t find it here. If you want something on the rugged side, but without the high price, look no further than the Poetic Guardian.
UAG Monarch Series Tough Case
If you want the ultimate in smartphone protection, then UAG is a good port of call. The Monarch Series is UAG’s flagship and it comes with an incredible five layers of protection. This includes soft rubber, a hard polycarbonate plate, top grain leather, armor frame, and even an alloy metal frame on the outside. This adds up to a lot of protection, but despite all of that, it doesn’t sacrifice a low weight either. The UAG Monarch comes at a high price, starting from $60, and it’s definitely “unique” in the looks department. But if you can put both of those factors aside, this is a case that will seriously look after your phone.
Olixar Ultra-thin Clear Case
One of the major arguments against cases is style. You’ve spent so much money on your new phone, so why would you hide it away behind a chunky case? Olixar’s Ultra-thin Clear case offers decent protection without obscuring your phone. It’s made from soft but durable TPU, which protects against minor bumps and scratches, and stops dirt and fingerprints from marring your view. It has a non-slip coating to boost your grip, while a raised bezel protects your display and camera from dirt and grit. Slim and thin, it’s a great choice if you don’t want to alter the look of your phone — but you’re sacrificing some protection for that. If you’re happy to make the sacrifice, though, then $7 isn’t a bad price at all.
Ghostek Covert 3 Case
Being made of strong materials, and being equipped with raised bezels and reinforced corners, you have to admit “Covert” is something of a misnomer. But believe it or not, this case is subtle by Ghostek’s usual standards. But it’s no less protective than Ghostek’s bigger cases. The corners are protected by the aforementioned reinforcements, while a scratch-resistant clear back panel protects that area from harm. Despite the large corners, it’s slim and doesn’t add much bulk to your phone — and it has even been treated with a nonslip coating to help keep it in your hand. The Ghostek Covert 3 is also something of a bargain at under $15.
Ringke Fusion-X Rugged Case
Looking for something unique? Then Ringke has your back with the Fusion-X. Like other dual-layer cases, the Ringke Fusion-X uses a shock-absorbing TPU bumper with a hard polycarbonate backplate to safeguard your device, providing protection against drops, scratches, and other potential threats. The soft bumper lends grip for your fingers, while a raised bezel around the edges means your device doesn’t rest directly on surfaces — avoiding dirt and scratches. Best of all, it’s really not very expensive.
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case
If you’re looking for a case that makes a statement, then it’s hard to go wrong with leather. This case from Snakehive uses full-grain European nubuck leather that feels soft in the hand but also protects your phone with its complete coverage. The front cover protects your screen while your phone is in a bag or pocket, or it can be folded behind while in use to keep it out of the way or form a kickstand for easy video watching. Stylish and protective, Snakehive’s wallet case is expensive — but the great looking leather is absolutely worth it.
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