dbrand Grip Case for Google Pixel 9 assessment: Too good at its job?

The Pixel 9 sequence has a pleasant minimalist design, however if you happen to’re searching for one thing extra ostentatious, the dbrand Grip Case is value a glance. It combines the distinctive, flashy designs of dbrand’s skins with a really good case that’s value shopping for in its personal proper.

It’s a premium case, and as such, it arrives in premium packaging. dbrand undoubtedly went overboard right here, however if you happen to just like the unboxing expertise you received’t be disillusioned. It consists of the case itself plus any skins in a bit pouch on the facet. Observe that the photographs of the skins you see on this assessment are early prints, in order that they don’t embrace the sticker for the digicam module. Personally, I believe it seems higher with out this sticker, however you can also make that call for your self.

Whereas the case slips simply onto the cellphone, I had some bother with the pores and skin placement. The brand new pill-shaped digicam bar on the Pixel 9 sequence means the pores and skin is one massive piece with an enormous cutout within the center. That makes it tough to line up, particularly on the skinny sections subsequent to the digicam. You’ll be able to at all times swap it out for a brand new pores and skin, however it’s an costly mistake to make.

With the pores and skin put in, the case has a pleasant texture on the again, however it’s nonetheless clean sufficient to supply a strong connection for the magnets. These magnets unlock an enormous ecosystem of chargers, stands, wallets, and extra. There aren’t many good magnetic circumstances for the Pixel 9 sequence, however this one is definitely amongst my favorites.

After all, I’ve to say what provides this case its title: the extremely grippy microdot texture all alongside the perimeters. It’s the grippiest case I’ve ever examined, for higher or worse.  There are additionally some shiny grip strips the place your fingers relaxation, however it’s nonetheless pretty abrasive in hand. For those who’re delicate to textures, it could be an excessive amount of.

Personally, I appreciated the acute grip, however what impressed me extra was the small element across the digicam bump. As a substitute of a raised platform, it options barely raised rails on the prime of the perimeters. This eliminates the laborious edges of the digicam bump and prevents any rocking whereas on a desk. General, it’s a really intelligent design.

One other good element is that the lip on the entrance of the case is barely decrease on the perimeters. This makes utilizing swipe gestures very snug whereas defending your Pixel 9’s OLED panel.

And now for the dangerous information—the worth. The dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 9 sequence begins at $50, however that’s only for skins with matte colours. If you would like a extra fascinating pores and skin, you’re $55-60. Extra skins are one other 10-20 bucks. 

That makes it one of the crucial costly circumstances available on the market, however contemplating every part it provides, it’s nonetheless a great worth. With wonderful drop safety, built-in magnets, and a nearly undroppable design, there isn’t far more you may ask for.

If the dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 9 is simply too grippy or too costly for you, listed below are just a few extra choices value contemplating:

• Casetify Impression Case ($59.99 at Casetify): Casetify provides much more customization than dbrand, albiet with printed patterns. The case continues to be very protecting, however it’s thinner with a extra customary TPU really feel in hand. It’s nonetheless fairly expensive, although.
• Caseology Athlex ($15.99 at Amazon): For one thing extra reasonably priced, try the Caseology Athlex. It has the same microdot sample throughout the perimeters, with a extra subdued sample on the again. It’s not as fascinating to take a look at, however it’s a 3rd the worth.
• Cyrill Ultrasheer ($21.99 at Amazon): This one is a transparent case, however the printed patterns provide a extra female choice than something dbrand places out. There’s nonetheless a grippy microdot texture across the sides, however it’s undoubtedly not as premium because the Grip Case.