Monday, December 23, 2024

Some of the best accessories to pair with your Pixel 9 [Video]

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Thanks to increased visibility or interest, there are now more high-quality accessories for the Google Pixel 9 series than ever before. We’ve been testing the devices for a while, and here are some of our favorites that we think you might want to try.

From power banks to protection, there are tons of decent accessories to pair with a Pixel 9, 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL. One of the best things this year is that regular Pixel 9 and 9 Pro accessories are fully cross-compatible too.

BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller (Playstation Edition)

The Backbone One for Playstation is a game-changer for those who prefer physical controls. Its familiar button layout and comfortable grip transform your Pixel 9 Pro into a handheld console. One the best aspects is that this has an official PlayStation aesthetic, and the pass-through charging feature is a huge plus.

It’s a perfect companion because there is no need for extra batteries or cables to overburden you. If you’re worried about latency, there practically is none. We’ve been testing for a long time, and it’s perfect for all types of gameplay, whether you’re playing a fast-paced shooter or emulating classic games. While it might feel a bit small for larger hands after an extended period, it’s a massive upgrade from touch controls, especially if you can find it on sale.

Mous Pixel 9 case

Thin, high-quality, protective Pixel 9 accessories and cases are few and far between. Pitaka makes some solid aramid fiber thin protection, but Mous has the best MagSafe-capable slim protection that almost feels like an official offering.

Soft inlay to protect your phone from scuffs and scrapes, super precise cutouts for buttons, the charge port, and a soft lip for the camera bar. The addition of MagSafe means you can add in other accessories usually made for the iPhone series.

Sure, the price is high—almost $60—but you’re getting the best thin protective cover for your Pixel 9 and lots of epic colors to choose from.

JIC AirGuard MagSafe case

This budget-friendly MagSafe case offers excellent value at around $24. Its slim design and vibrant green color beautifully complement the Pixel 9 Pro. The sturdy TPU rubber with a textured finish provides a secure grip, while the clear back showcases the phone’s design.

The surprisingly strong magnets ensure a reliable connection with other MagSafe accessories, making it a great way to expand the types of accessories you can use with your Pixel. One of the biggest reasons that a good MagSafe-compatible case feels like a must this year.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid case with the digital camo pattern is a cool little case that’s both stylish and protective. It’s got a clear back so you can show off your phone’s color, and the camo design is totally unique. It’s pretty thin for a case, but it still keeps your phone safe. If you’re looking for a good case that won’t break the bank, this one’s a winner.

X-level faux leather case

The X-level Faux Leather case offers a sophisticated look for the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro but without breaking the bank. Its minimalist design and raised camera lip provide excellent protection without adding bulk. The precise cutouts ensure easy access to all ports and buttons. While the branding is a bit prominent, it’s overall a great value for a premium leather-like case.

There is only one concern with faux leather and PU leather products – how they will age. If you prefer “real” leather products, you might want to look elsewhere. It does have MagSafe, though, which is another boon.

Anker MagGo USB-C SD card adapter

If you pickup a case with MagSafe connectivity, you owe it to yourself to at least consider the Anker MagGo USB-C SD card adapter. There are a few things to bear in mind with this super cool optional Pixel 9 accessory. It lets you save files to external full-size SD and microSD cards.

Where it’s most useful is for video recording when using third-party apps like the Blackmagic Camera you can shoot video directly to an SD card. This means you don’t need to clog up your precious on-device storage to shoot at high-resolution, but it also makes it easier to edit on your PC or Mac with a super simple transfer method.

You can quickly switch out storage, and it sticks neatly to the back of your phone case, provided it has MagSafe. The USB-C cable tucks away inside of the removable lid, while you can even charge if you want to shoot video and keep hooked up to external power too.

Anker 321 MagGo battery

The Anker 321 MagGo Portable Wireless Charger is one of those perfect accessories because not only is it compact, it offers a convenient and affordable solution for keeping your Pixel 9 series powered up each day.

Magnetic power banks aren’t exactly new, but we love this one because of the 5000mAh capacity and slim design. It’s easy to carry, throw in a pocket or bag, or even leave somewhere convenient. The 7.5W output provides ample power for a full charge in about 1.5 hours. While the white version may be prone to scratches, it’s a great value at $25. When paired with a compatible MagSafe case like the JIC Airguard, it’s a perfect Pixel 9 accessory for on-the-go charging.

ChargeASAP Flash Pro Plus

100W USB-C charging, a wireless charging pad, 3 USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and 25,000mAh capacity in one super-premium package. That is the crux of the ChargeASAP Flash Pro Plus. I have been carrying this as my power bank of choice for the better part of 6 months.

The LED screen gives you full feedback on the charge rates of each port, the temperature of the power bank itself, and its capacity and power draw. You can fully charge a Pixel 9 Pro XL five times, which makes it one of the best companions if you’re going off-grid for a few days. This is not a cheap accessory, and we don’t recommend it as a standalone phone accessory.

However, if you want a long-lasting power bank that can charge your laptop, phone, watch, tablet, and other accessories, few are better.

Ugreen 45W PD charger

pixel 9 accessories

A good charger is worth its weight in gold at times. Especially if you have multiple devices. The official 45W Google charger is fine; it’s just a bit limited. This is why I’ve been using a dual-port Ugreen USB-C charger that is rated at 40W – but there are slightly newer, faster versions available. It’s also worth noting that the Pixel 9 Pro XL only supports wired charging at a real-world 32.7W in our testing, so you have plenty of overhead with a 40W charger for the fastest speeds.

If you have multiple devices the charger limits speeds on each port, but this isn’t that much of a problem if you want to top-up something like the Pixel Watch 3 and your Pixel 9 at the same time. The GaN tech means better power efficiency and less heat generation, while the foldable design means it’ll fit in a pocket if you need to take it with you too.

PopSocket

Adding some extra grip to your phone is often as easy as slapping a case on, but sometimes you want a little added utility. A PopSocket costs under $10 and you can stick it on a case or directly to the back of your phone to add something to clasp hold of.

For people with smaller hands, having something to reach for and dual purpose might come in handy. I’m less convinced when using a PopSocket as a kickstand, but if you place it well at the back of your phone, it can be used as such. The best thing is that you can just remove it if it isn’t for you.

Spigen screen protector

I’ll admit that Spigen screen protectors are a little pricey. However, the installation process is super simple and practically foolproof that it makes the increased cost worth it in my opinion. The Glas.tr protection is super precise once you follow the 30-second fitting process. You should be able to use the in-display fingerprint scanner without re-registering, but doing this means it’ll work more consistently.

The feeling of the screen protector isn’t as smooth as the real glass underneath, but it’s high-quality and your finger shouldn’t snag or feel rough patches like some super cheap screen protectors suffer with. The protection is also excellent due to the edge-to-edge coverage. With a case fitted, there’s little of your phone exposed or at risk when dropping.

What are your favorite Pixel 9 accessories?

There are more Pixel 9 accessories than ever on the market, which means you have more choices to kit out your prized possession. What are your favorite accessories to pair with your phone?

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